List of notable Lahoris facts for kids

Lahore is a very old and important city in Punjab (Pakistan). Many famous people have lived here throughout history, first in India and then in Pakistan after 1947. These people, often called 'Lahoris', have helped make Lahore a special place with a rich culture and history. This list shares some of these amazing individuals.

Famous People from Lahore

Early Historical Figures

• Lav: He is a legendary figure, believed to be the son of Rama. Many believe he was the founder of Lahore.
• Hazrat Ali al-Hajvery: Also known as Data Ganj Bakhsh, he was a very respected Sufi saint. He is considered the spiritual protector of Lahore.
• Sultan Qutb-ud-din Aibak: He was a ruler of the Delhi Sultanate. He helped make Lahore more beautiful with many buildings and improvements.

Mughal Era Personalities

• Akbar the Great: A powerful Mughal Emperor who ruled a large empire. Lahore was an important city during his time.
• Jahangir: Another Mughal Emperor, son of Akbar. He also contributed to the city's development.
• Anarkali: A famous dancing-girl from the Mughal period. Her story is a well-known legend in Lahore.
• Nur Jahan: A very influential Mughal Empress. She was known for her intelligence and played a big role in society and culture.
• Mian Mir Sahib: A highly respected Sufi saint. He was known for his wisdom and spiritual teachings.
• Madho Lal Hussain: A Punjabi Sufi poet from the 16th century. His poetry is still loved today.

British Era Influencers

• Maharaja Ranjit Singh: He was a powerful Sikh ruler who established a large empire in Punjab. Lahore was his capital.
• The Fakir Family: This family lived in the old walled city of Lahore and owned the famous Fakir Khana museum.
• The Mian Family of Baghbanpura: This family produced many notable people who contributed to Lahore's life.
• Sir Henry Lawrence: An early British administrator in British India. He helped set up the British rule in Punjab.
• Sir John Lawrence: He became the first Lieutenant-Governor of the Punjab. He played a key role in the region's administration.
• Sir Charles Umpherston Aitchison: Another Lieutenant-Governor who served in Punjab.
• John Lockwood Kipling: An artist and art curator. He was also the father of the famous author Rudyard Kipling.
• Prof. Dr Gottlieb Wilhelm Leitner: A well-known educationalist. He founded the University of the Punjab.
• Sir Ganga Ram: A famous engineer and philanthropist. He built many important buildings and helped many people in Lahore.
• Rudyard Kipling: A world-famous author. He spent part of his childhood in Lahore, and the city inspired some of his stories.

Modern Pakistani Icons

• Hakim Ahmad Shuja: A scholar, poet, writer, and lyricist. He contributed much to Urdu literature.
• Syed Imtiaz Ali Taj: A famous playwright. He wrote a very popular play about the love story of Anarkali.
• Allama Muhammad Iqbal: The national poet of Pakistan. His poetry and philosophy inspired the creation of Pakistan.
• Sir Sikandar Hayat Khan: A prominent politician who served as the Premier of the Punjab. He also helped renovate the Badshahi Mosque.
• Sir Shahnawaz Khan Mamdot: A significant landowner and supporter of the Muslim League, a political party.
• Amrita Sher-Gil: A talented artist known for her unique painting style.
• Malik Barkat Ali: A respected lawyer, journalist, and political figure.
• Ustad Allah Bux: A renowned artist known for his beautiful paintings.
• A.R. Chughtai: A celebrated artist famous for his unique style of painting.
• Shakir Ali: A well-known artist and art teacher.
• Anwar Kamal Pasha: A famous early film director and producer in Pakistan.
• Faiz Ahmad Faiz: A great poet and journalist known for his progressive and socialist ideas.
• Dr Abdus Salam: A Nobel Prize-winning physicist. He made significant contributions to science.
• Anna Molka Ahmed: An artist, poet, and art teacher at the University of the Punjab. She was a pioneer in art education.
• Madam Noor Jehan: A legendary singer and early movie-star. She is known as the "Queen of Melody."
• Sadequain: A very famous artist, known for his calligraphy and paintings.
• Riaz Shahid: A talented film-maker and writer.
• Neelo: A popular film actress.
• Taufiq Rafat: A poet and translator of Punjabi literature.
• Asma Jahangir: An eminent lawyer and human rights activist. She worked tirelessly for justice and human rights.
• Yawar Hayat Khan: An early director and producer for Pakistan Television.
• Altaf Hussain: A Pakistani film director.
• Bapsi Sidhwa: A well-known novelist who was born in Lahore. Her books often explore themes related to Pakistan.
• Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif: A Lahori politician and industrialist who served as the Prime Minister of Pakistan multiple times.
• Mian Shahbaz Sharif: A prominent politician who served as the Chief Minister of the Punjab.
• Reema: A famous film actress, producer, and director.
• Imran Khan: A former sportsman (cricketer) who became a political reformer and served as the Prime Minister of Pakistan.
• Mohsin Hamid: A celebrated novelist.
• Hammad Khan: A humanitarian who was a Past District Interact Representative at Rotary International District 3272.

Further Reading

• Griffin and Massey, Chiefs and Families of Note in the Punjab, revided edition 1910-11.
• WG Osborne, The Court and Camp of Runjeet Singh, London, 1846.
• Lady Emily Eden, Up the Country, new edition, London, 1983.
• Hakim Ahmad Shuja, Lahore ka Chelsea (Urdu), Lahore, 1969.
• Ian Talbot, Divided Cities: Lahore and Amritsar:1947-1957, Karachi, 2005 edition.
• FS Aijazuddin, Lahore: Illustrated Views of the 19th Century, Lahore, n.d.
• WJ Glover, Making Lahore Modern: Constructing and Imagining a Colonial City, Karachi, 2011.
• B. Gascoine, The Great Mughals, London, 1971.
• M. Athar Tahir, Punjab Portraits, Lahore, 1992.
• Isobel Shaw, Pakistan Handbook 1988.