The district of Charsadda is located in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. It operates as both the district’s headquarters and its primary town. Charsadda lies 29km from Peshawar, the provincial capital. Geographically, the district can be broadly divided into two regions: Do Aaba and Hashtnagar. Rich in history, Charsadda boasts archaeological remnants of the ancient Lotus City, once the Gandharan capital.
However, beyond its historical significance, Charsadda is renowned for its exquisite handicrafts. The district is particularly celebrated for its winter shawls, hats for both genders and a type of thick fabric known as Khaddar, produced in the Matta Mughal Khel area. In this blog, Graana.com brings you a comprehensive guide to Charsadda.
Location
The Charsadda district is in the western region of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Pakistan. Based on geographic coordinates it is positioned between 34° 03′ and 34° 28′ north latitude and 71° 28′ and 71° 53′ east longitude.
It occupies a place in proximity to the western border of the province. Neighbouring districts are Malakand in the north, Mohmand in the west, the district of Mardan in the east, and Peshawar and Nowshera districts towards the south. From the provincial capital, Charsadda is located at a distance of 29 kilometres. Also, it is located at an elevation of 276 meters.
Charsadda district itself comprises an area of approximately 996 sq. km and is administratively divided into two primary regions: Do Aaba and Hashtngar. Currently, Charsadda, Tangi, and Shabqadar are the three primary tehsils that make up the Charsadda district.
Famous people of Charsadda
Here is the list of famous people born in Charsadda district.
- Ayub Khan (Former President and COAS)
- Abdul Wali Khan (Politician of ANP)
- Iftikhar M Chaudhry (Former Chief Justice of Pakistan)
- Bilawal Bhatti (Former Test Cricketer)
- Abdus Salam (Nobel Prize Winner)
- Najam Sethi (Journalist)
- Asfandyar Wali Khan (Leader of ANP)
Demographical Details
The district of Charsadda covers an area of about 996 square kilometres. More than 1.6 million people are living in the area, and women make up roughly 51% of the total population. It’s interesting to note that in the last 20 years, Charsadda’s population has increased by almost 78%, almost doubling. The demographics and other details of the area are mentioned in the table below.
| Name of District | Charsadda District |
| District Headquarter | Charsadda City |
| Population | 1,616,198 persons |
| Area | 996 km2 |
| Population Density | 1,630 persons/km2 |
| Population Growth Rate | 2.4% |
| Male Population | 50.8% |
| Female Population | 49.2% |
| Urban Population | 16.7% |
| Tehsils/Talukas | 03 Tehsils: Charsadda, Tangi, Shabqadar |
| Main Towns | Charsadda, Tangi, Shabqadar, Prang, Rajjar, Qazi Khel, Utmanzai, Umarzai, Sherpao, Turangzai, Bala Hisar, Takht Bhai, and Sardheri |
| Literacy Rate | 50% |
| Male Literacy Rate | 71% |
| Female Literacy Rate | 30% |
Tourist Attractions in Charsadda
Due to its distinct topography and rich cultural and historic significance, the district of Charsadda comes with various tourist attractions. Some of those attractions are as follows.
Takht-i-Bahi
Discover a masterpiece of Buddhist architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site by travelling back in time to Takht-i-Bahi. The historic monastery complex, which dates to the first century BCE, is home to stupas that have been impressively maintained and were formerly used to house relics.
Wander into the immaculate monastery cells and discover the fine intricacies of these dome-shaped buildings. The central assembly hall provides insight into historical religious rituals while standing as a monument to the magnificence of Gandhara civilisation.
Bala Hisar Fort
Immerse yourself in history at the imposing Bala Hisar Fort, a central landmark in Charsadda. Originally built by the Persians, this fort has witnessed centuries of rule by various dynasties.
Ascend to the top and be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The fort’s sturdy structure serves as a silent reminder of Charsadda’s strategic significance throughout history.
Rajgaarh Fort
Embark on a journey to the Kushan era at Rajgaarh Fort, a prominent historical landmark. This ancient fort, perched atop a hill, offers a captivating vantage point of the picturesque surroundings.
Explore its remnants and imagine the lives of those who once occupied this strategic location. Rajgaarh Fort stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the empire’s past.
Gor Gathri
Unearth the secrets of the Gandhara period at Gor Gathri, a revered archaeological site near Shin Gathri village. Here, you’ll find an ancient stupa, a dome-shaped structure traditionally associated with Buddhist relics.
Delve deeper into the area’s rich past by examining the Buddhist artefacts unearthed at the site. Gor Gathri provides a window into the religious and cultural heritage that once flourished in this region.
Sheikh Baba Fort
Experience Charsadda’s strategic importance at Sheikh Baba Fort, also referred to as Umar Baba Fort. Located on the outskirts of the town, this mediaeval fortification was constructed by the formidable Emperor Sher Shah Suri.
Examine its massive construction and consider how it might protect the area. Sheikh Baba Fort provides an enlightening look into the military past of the region.
Bagh Wazir
Find solitude within the lush embrace of Wazir Bagh, a charming garden hideaway near Charsadda. Relax in this peaceful sanctuary and forget about the busy streets outside.
Take a stroll on the immaculate lawns, take in the crisp air, and relax. Wazir Bagh is the ideal location for a contemplative moment or a leisurely picnic.
How to reach Charsadda?
There are multiple ways to reach Charsadda:
By Rail
Charsadda is served by the Peshawar railway station, which is the main railway station in the region. From Peshawar, you can take a train heading towards Charsadda. The journey by rail offers scenic views of the surrounding landscapes and is a comfortable way to travel.
By Road
Charsadda is well-connected to major cities and towns in Pakistan by road networks. You can reach Charsadda via the Grand Trunk Road if coming from Islamabad or Lahore. From Peshawar, the journey to Charsadda is relatively short and can be easily made by road. There are also regular bus and minivan services operating between Peshawar and Charsadda, offering an affordable and convenient mode of transportation.
Agriculture
Charsadda thrives on its fertile land, making agriculture a major source of income for the district.
- Crops: Wheat, Sugarbeet, maize, tobacco, sugarcane, and are the district’s agricultural staples.
- Fruits: Citrus fruits, grapes, mangoes, and bananas bring a touch of sweetness to the region.
- Vegetables: Cabbage, onion, tomato, potato, and onion round out the district’s diverse agricultural offerings.
Life-Giving Waters
Three rivers Jindi, Kabul, and Swat nourish the land and contribute significantly to Charsadda’s agricultural success. These rivers eventually merge with the mighty Indus River, one of Asia’s largest, before flowing into the Arabian Sea.
The Indus itself starts in Ladakh and travels through Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Punjab before reaching the Arabian Sea near Thatta in Sindh province.
Economy Industry
Charsadda is home to a diverse financial terrain with the potential for development across multiple sectors. Manufacturing, dairy, agriculture, and livestock farming all represent key areas for development.
Manufacturing Powerhouse
- Leather and Footwear: Charsadda has the potential to become a regional hub for leather and footwear production. The existing skilled workforce and established industry provide a strong foundation for further development. The possibility of expanding into sporting goods manufacturing offers additional opportunities.
- Agro-Based Industry: Charsadda’s agricultural output, encompassing both cereals and cash crops, presents a compelling case for establishing a dedicated agro-based industry within the district.
Dairy Power
With an impressive annual milk production exceeding 940 million litres, Charsadda presents a lucrative opportunity for local or multinational dairy companies to set up processing plants. This investment would significantly contribute to the district’s economic growth.
Beyond the Mainstays
Mining, fishery, and handicraft sectors also hold promise for Charsadda’s long-term economic development. Investing in and fostering the growth of these industries can further diversify and strengthen the district’s economic base.
Climate
The area experiences rainfall in nearly every month of the year, indicating an oceanic climate. The region’s lowest recorded temperature is 3 degrees Celsius, with summer temperatures ranging from 29 to 36 degrees Celsius.
Historical Significance of Charsadda
Charsadda, known anciently as Pushkalavati, comes with a rich history shaped by its strategic location. Located where the Kabul and Swat rivers conjoin, the region became a critical connection between eastern and western trade lanes.
This strategic significance might have been the reason why Alexander the Great, with his extensive empire-building goals, desired to overthrow Charsadda and build a Macedonian presence there. Evidence points to settlements in the region dating back as far as the 14th century BCE. Around this time, the locals developed iron-working crafts and used ceramics tones typical of the area.
Another interesting fact is that the prominent Sanskrit grammarian, named Pāṇini, is believed to have hailed from this region. However, Charsadda’s true rise to excellence came in the 6th century BCE when it became the capital of the Gandhara empire. From its prominent position, Charsadda functioned as the administrative hub of the kingdom.
Throughout the history, Charsadda saw the rise and fall of multiple empires. Persians, Maurya, Greeks under Alexander the Great, and many more all left their imprint on the area. The town of Prang, found near Charsadda, is even considered to be part of the ancient Pushkalavati that Alexander sought to conquer. Historical records mention a local leader named Astes who fiercely defended his stronghold against Alexander’s forces.
By the 7th century CE, Pushkalavati had transitioned from a political capital to a pilgrimage site for Buddhists. A renowned stupa, built where the Buddha was said to have offered his eyes, attracted devout visitors. However, by this time, the political centre of power had shifted to nearby Purushapura.
Archaeological Explorations
Charsadda’s rich past has caught the attention of archaeologists for more than a century. In 1836, the first prominent archaeological venture started when the General Court set its sights on the historic mound known as Qila Bala Hisar sometimes referred to as Bala Hisar.
This initial exploration was the start of a staunch archaeological exploration within the region. General Alexander Cunningham later concluded that Bala Hisar was the site of Pushkalavati, the ancient capital of Gandhara during Alexander the Great’s invasion.
After these initial breakthroughs, multiple archaeologists have participated in the continuous process of unveiling Charsadda’s history. From figures like John Marshall and Garrick to Dani and Wheeler, together with innumerable local and international crews, their careful excavations and extensive surveys have slowly revealed the layers of history covered underneath the surface.
Through their relentless efforts, the fascinating story of archaic Charsadda is being brought to light, offering a more in-depth knowledge of Charsadda’s historical essence. This was all about Charsadda. For more information, visit Graana.com.
