Back to HistoryPeshawar
Gateway to the Khyber Pass — Ancient City at the Crossroads of Empires
Ancient capital of the Gandhara civilization
Gateway to the Khyber Pass and Central Asia
One of Asia's oldest living cities
History Through the Ages
Ancient Puruṣapura (Gandhara)
Peshawar was the ancient capital of the Gandhara civilization, known as Puruṣapura. Under the Kushan Emperor Kanishka (1st–2nd century CE), it was one of the greatest cities of the ancient world and a major Buddhist centre. The Kanishka stupa was reportedly one of the tallest structures ever built.
Islamic & Mughal Period
Peshawar came under Islamic rule gradually and was a major city under the Mughals, serving as the gateway to Central Asia. Akbar visited the city in 1581 CE. The Mughal-era Mahabat Khan Mosque remains a landmark.
Sikh & British Period
The Sikh Empire captured Peshawar in 1834. The city fell to the British in 1849 and became one of the most strategically important frontier cities in the British Empire, the gateway to Afghanistan and the Khyber Pass, and a key position in the Great Game.
Modern Peshawar
Today Peshawar is a vibrant city of around 4 million people, known for its Peshawari food, traditional bazaars, and rich Pashtun culture. It has faced significant security challenges due to its proximity to the Afghan border but has largely stabilized in recent years.