HISTORY OF CHINIOT PUNJAB PAKISTAN

Chiniot is the famous city of Punjab that has recently been given the state of a district. The word Chiniot is the combination of “CHAN (moon)”, “OT (behind)” that collectively means “Behind the Moon”. At first this Chiniot city was the part of Jhang city but recently it has been separated. This ancient city was initially a Chinese village, in another tale it has been believed that this beautiful city was named after an emperor’s daughter who was very found of hunting. For more about the history and geography of Chiniot, see the following Urdu article

Craftsman In Chiniot Pakistan

Chiniot's traditional furniture is known for its intricate craftsmanship. It is easy to fall in love with the furniture here, but not so easy to witness the ugliness that surrounds those who create such beauty. Deplorable working conditions and abysmally low wages thrust one right into the center of the cycle of exploitation that continues to surround most skilled labor in the country.

Chiniot Library and Museum,

The palace originally had six stories including a basement. Two of the upper stories decayed and had to be demolished in 1978. Remains of the building are in the care and custody of Auqaf. Presently it is in public use and houses a library section and a small museum. Chiniot, a market town in the expanses of Punjab bears a prosperous look. Chiniot has every thing necessary for development – hard working and talented people, fertile land, water, communication infrastructure and clean healthy environment. The furniture industry can be converted into important source of earning though efficient ‘marketing mix’. Given chance Chiniot can be a nice and rich little city of the future.

Furniture of Chiniot City

What this internationally acclaimed craft of the town needs is an institutional patronization and extensive efforts for international marketing? Made in Chiniot furniture is already being shipped to different countries but so far there are very little marketing efforts being made for this purpose. It can be a potent source of earning foreign exchange if attention is paid to and earnest efforts are made. Sadly, the trained incompetents responsible for export promotion do not see this and the unique potentials are not being taped yet. The first exhibition of Chinioti furniture in Islamabad last year was attended by large number of people from all walks of life. Particularly foreigners appreciated the furniture for its style, solidity and the cost.

Apart from furniture, there are more attractions for any visitor to this off the beaten track tranquil town. A towering architectural masterpieceShahi Mosque, which was built during rule of Mughal King Shah Jehan by Nawab Saad Ullah Khan in 1655, is still functional. It resembles theShahi Mosque Delhi that was also built under the supervision ofNawab Saad Ullah Khan. After the invasions of British, the city lost its old glory and importance. However, the historical buildings and their ruins are scattered in and around the city, reflect its wonderful past.