The recorded history of the rulers of Lahore (Punjabi:, Urdu:), covers thousands of years. Originally the capital and largest city of the Punjab region, it has since its creation changed hands from Hindu, Buddhist, Greek, Muslim, Mughal, Afghan, Sikh and the British, thereby becoming the cultural capital and the heart of modern-day Pakistan. Lahore's history reaches antiquity as it has been controlled by vast empires throughout history including the Kabul Shahis, Ghaznavids, Delhi Sultanate, Mughals, etc. The rulers and governors have also been repeatedly changed as the empires seized the city from other hands.
See main article: Taank Kingdom. The Taanks (Takkas) were people from a variety of clans forming a kingdom. The rulers of the kingdom are only known from sources of chronicles and minted coins.[1] During this rule (630 AD), Lahore was said to have been visited by the Chinese pilgrim Hieun Tsang. He described it as a great Brahmin city.
Note: Not listed chronologically.
See main article: Hindu Shahis. The first documentation of Lahore is recorded as early as 982 CE (in the book Hudud al-'Alam) taking place during the rule of the Hindu Shahis. Lahore was made the capital of the Hindu Shahi Kingdom in the year 1001.[2] From 800–900 AD it was under Brahman rule.[3]
See main article: Ghaznavids. In 975 AD, Sabuktigin invades Lahore and defeats Raja Jayapala. His son forms the Ghaznavid Empire after capturing the city in 1021 CE, marking the start of predominant Muslim rule in Lahore.
See main article: Delhi Sultanate.