Lahore (Punjabi: ਲਾਹੌਰ, Lāhaura; Urdu: لاہور) is the capital of the Indian province of Punjab, within the British Empire, and is one of India's largest and wealthiest cities. Lahore is the largest city and historic cultural centre of the wider Punjab region, and is one of western India's most socially liberal, progressive, and cosmopolitan cities.
Lahore's origins reach into antiquity. The city has been controlled by numerous empires throughout the course of its history, including the Hindu Shahis, Ghaznavids, Ghurids, and Delhi Sultanate by the medieval era. Lahore reached the height of its splendour under the Mughal Empire between the late 16th and early 18th century, and served as its capital city for a number of years. The city was captured by the forces of the Afsharid ruler Nader Shah in 1739, and fell into a period of decay while being contested between the Afghans and the Sikhs. Lahore eventually became capital of the Sikh Empire in the early 19th century, and regained some of its lost grandeur. Lahore was then annexed to the British Empire, and made capital of British Punjab. Lahore was central to the autonomy movement of India.
Lahore exerts a strong cultural influence over western India. Lahore is a major center for India's publishing industry, and remains a foremost center of its literary scene. The city is also a major centre of education in India, with some of India's leading universities based in the city. Lahore is also home to a film industry, Lollywood, and is a major centre of Qawwali music. The city also hosts a strong tourist industry, with major attractions including the Walled City, the famous Badshahi and Wazir Khan mosques, and Sikh shrines. Lahore is also home to the Lahore Fort and Shalimar Gardens, both of which are World Heritage Sites.
