Tulamba
Tulamba (Urdu: تلمبہ) {or Tulambah} is a small city in Pakistani Punjab. A native of Tulamba is referred to as a Tulmabvi. It's situated on the eastern edge of the river Ravi, between the cities of Abdul Hakeem and Mian Channu. Earlier it belonged to the district of Multan, but in 1985 Tulamba was included in the newly made district of Khanewal. Tulamba's population is nearly 100,000. Spoken language is Rachnavi Punjabi (also called Jangli).
History
Tulamba is more than 2500 years old. People say that Tulamba was here even in the era of Noah. Tulamba faced many armies as it was in the way to famous Multan. The forces coming from North and West had to pass from Tulamba to go to Multan.
On digging, five eras are known. The first era belongs to Moi tribe. The remaining four belong to Greek, Sasani, Budh, Hindu and Muslim civilizations. From Aplodots Sir Megas to Muhammad Ghauri, the coins of several governments were found here.
When Alexander (the Great) invaded Indian Sub-Continent, he also came to Tulamba. In that time, Tulamba was ruled by Moi people. They were very brave and courageous, that's why Alexandar faced big difficulties here but at last succeeded.
The ancestor of Mughals, Taimur-e-Lang also invaded Tulamba. At that time Tulamba was called Tulma.
The history of Muslims begins with Muhammad bin Qasim when he came to Tulamba in his way to Multan. The place from where he passed is now called Qasim Bazar.
Sher Shah Suri built a Fort right in the center of the city, whose boundary wall and some building is still there. The Girls High School and the offices of Town Committie are present in the Fort.
The ruins of older city are on a distance of one kilometer from the city. Though they are in miserable condition due to rains and negligence, but their bricks are still visible. When Dr. Sayyed Zahid Ali Wasti visited Tulamba in 1967, he saw the ruins spread in the area of several miles. He saw a Fort with walls and a very high Tower. He saw a three thousand years old trench around the fort which was dig for the protection of the fort. He describes that walls were beautifully plastered with mud and floors were not solid. Yet most of his description is now unpredictable, because ruins are very much destroyed now.
Geography and Climate
Tulamba is situated on the eastern edge of river Ravi at the distance of 100Km from Multan. It's coordinates are following.
Longitude: 72°13'E
Latitude: 30°33'N
The climate of Tulamba is good. The summer season is very hot followed by a big series of rains. The winter season is very cool and often foggy. Overall the climate is good for living.
Culture, Lifestyle and Economy
Tulamba is a formal punjabi city. Usual dress is Shalwar Qameez, Dhoti (Tehband) is also popular. Old people keep Pagri or Safa on their head. All the houses are built with solid bricks and concrete. Lifestyle is modern, the use of electric and electronic equipments is common.
Major works are Farming and Trading. Many people are serving in Government in Private sector.
Popular sports are Kabaddi, Kushti (wrestling), Gulli Danda, Cricket.
Educational Institutions
There is a Government Girls Higher Secondary School for girls and a Government High School for boys in Tulamba. One Primary School and a Middle School (called bohar wala school) is also there. Two public schools are also working.
Sites of Interest
The Ruins are present on the edge of the city. The Sidhnai Canal and a point on the edge of river Ravi (called T) are also good for picnic.
Transportation
Tulamba is linked with Multan and Lahore through N-5 National Highway which is on a 15 minutes drive from Tulamba. There are two more ways to go to Multan, one is through Abdul Hakeem and other is through Makhdoom Poor and KabirWala.
Facilities and Problems
Tulamba is rapidly becoming a developed city. The facilities of Fresh Water, Electricity, Telephone and Internet are easily available. The only problem is that Tulamba is still avoided the Natural Gas. The Gas pipeline passes quite nearly but Tulamba is not given Gas. This is the only problem here.
Crops, Fruits and Land ownership
The land of Tulamba is suitable for every crop. Crops include Wheat, Cotton, Sugar-Cane and vegetables. Fruits include Mango, Orange, etc.
There is no feudal system in Tulamba. People are free to have as much land as they want. Some people work themselves on their lands, others have workers employed to work on their lands.