The Land of the Five Rivers

-2017 marks the 70th year of Partition -This book crosses one of the greatest cultural and religious divides in history, through the medium of architecture The division of India and Pakistan left a scar on history. This book acknowledges the countries' turbulent pasts, respectful of the cultural and religious clashes that have shaped them into their present-day forms. However, it also seeks to search beyond this rift. It finds a shared heritage in the marvelous city of Punjab, whose legacy branches out in all directions. Focusing specifically on Punjab's architecture, from its ancient pre-Islamic buildings to constructions inspired by the Mughal and Sur empires, this book treats old and new as parts of a cohesive chronology. Sikh as well as Sufi shrines are featured, and the religious and cultural traditions that birthed Punjab's resplendent temples are explored in depth. This book examines the history as well as urban planning of Punjab, looking at cities that best represent its urban morphology and cultural legacy: Lahore and Amritsar. It presents an insight into the architectural legacy of Punjab on both sides of the border, India and Pakistan.