In the development of any nation, its cultural heritage and its glorious past plays a vital role and serves as a source of inspiration and pride for its people. Our country Pakistan is accordingly proud of its cultural heritage.

Culture may be defined as behaviour peculiar to human beings, together with material objects use d. Culture consists of language, ideas, beliefs, customs, codes, institution, tools, techniques, works of arts, ceremonies and so on. According to Allama Iqbal:

Pakistan is an ideological Islamic State. Its very existence is due to Islam, so the Pakistani culture is primarily based on the Islamic way of life. All other ingredients of culture are inspired by Islam. Pakistani culture is highlighted by its grandeur, simplicity, firm convictions and noble deeds and ideas.

Pakistan has been the cradle of civilization that dates back more than five millenium. Over the centuries, through successive waves of migrations from the North – West, as well as by internal migrations across the Sub Continent, Aryans, Persians, Greeks, Arabs and Mughals came and settled in the region and have left behind the archaeological sites in Pakistan which is now being preserved. A brief review of the different civilizations which flourished and then perished with the passage of time is as under:

Moen-jo-Daro is situated at a distance of some kilometers from Larkana. A civilization fourished there some 4000 years ago. It was discovered by Sir John Marshall in 1922. Moen-jo-Daro stands as most spectacular of all the excavate cities of the Indus valley civilization. It is strange that at its glory, it was a beautiful city with brick walled houses, pillared halls, markets, baths, lanes, streets and public places. Every house had walls, drains and bathrooms inside it.

Harappa is situated in the city of Sahiwal. Scientists and archaeologists believe that Harappa also belongs to the Indus valley civilization. Remains of this city were excavated in the 1920.

It is comparatively a new civilization, the regions comprising Northern Punjab, Peshawar valley and Eastern Afghanistan was known as Gandhara. For a long time it remained the meeting place of various ancient cultures, as it was rule by many rulers. A distinctive art which is known as Gandhara Art took place from here and flourished during the 2^nd and 3^rd century of Christian era. Thousand monasteries and stupas were widely built here Buddha’s figures, shapes and monasteries all made prominent features of Gandhara Arts.

The Buddhist era ushered in some 500 years B.C. The Buddhist monastery Takht-I-Bahi is in N.W.F.P, it dates 2-5 century old. Some mounds were also found near Peshawar which represent Kanishka’s mighty Pakistan. An impressive complex of Chapels, Stupas, quadrangles and monk’s cells are also found. The great Buddhist civilization now forming the heritage of the present Pakistan Culture.

It was excavated in recent times near Rawalpindi. Taxila is the most popular name in history. It came into prominence during the Persian occupation. At its zenith, the city was the nucleus of religious and cultural activities.

The main town of Thatta is famous for specimens of Indo-Muslim architecture in the Sub Continent. Notable among them is the great mosque built by Shah-Jahan. The principle monuments of Thatta are locate d on the Makli Hill.

It is also known as the Shahi Qila. It was built by Akbar. The main structures inside the fort are the Moti Masjid, Diwan-e-Aam, Maktab Khana, the Shish Mahal and Nawlakha. The Hathi and Alamgir gates are also remarkable constructions.

It was built by Aurengzeb. Its architecture is similar to the Jamia Masjid Delhi. The mosque has been built with red stones while the domes are in marble.

This tomb was built by Shah Jahan. It is known as a fine building of Lahore.

It is situated on the Grand Trunk Road and is a magnificent remnant of Mughal Grandeur. The garden constitutes of three terraces, one above the other. Besides there is an elaborate and beautiful reservoir, water channels and fountains.

It is situated in Kashmir Bazaar inside the walls of the old city. It was built by Nawab Wazir Khan who was a viceroy of Punjab under Shah Jahan.

It is situated near Masjid Wazir Khan. It was built during the rule of Mohammad Shah and it is also a very beautiful piece of architecture.

This mosque was built by a Governor of Peshawar, Mahabat Khan, during Shah Jahan’s reign. It has a fine massive structure with lofty minarets.

This fort was built on raised platform 92 feet from the ground level. There are two gardens near the fort.

The Art of painting has developed slowly in the Muslim of South Asia. In the beginning decorative paintings and embroidery were made on the walls and ceilings of buildings. The Mughal rulers were very fond of paintings. The traditional art of painting occupies a prominent place in the hearts of the people of Pakistan. Abdul Rehman Ghugtai, Haji Mohammad Sharif, Jamil Nagshare are the most distinguished painters.

The Muslim took a keen interest in the promotion of calligrapy. Its main reason is their deep love for Holy Quran. During this period many kinds of calligraphy progressed. The mosques constructed during early and medieval periods of Islam were decorated with masterpieces of calligraphy.

The Mughal contributed a great deal to the promotion of music and Pakistan has inherited musical traditions that go far back in history. Amir khusro and Tansain are famous musicians of the historical era.

The Muslim art of architecture was unique in every aspect. The architecture and all the miniature arts including carving, sculpture, mosaic works, tile works and paintings were called upon to build new mosques and palaces.

In the development of Pakistani society, its cultural heritage has played a vital role. Pakistani nation is justly proud of the historical period which brings with nearly 4^th century B.C and continued with the advent of Islam in the Sub Continent in 8^th century A.D.