Lahore has a rich and vibrant history dating back over a millennium. Originally founded by Loh, the son of the Hindu god Rama, it has been a cultural, political, and economic center for centuries. Lahore was successively ruled by various dynasties including the Ghaznavids, Ghurids, Mughals, Sikhs, and British. It served as the capital of the Mughal Empire during the reign of Emperor Akbar and later became the heart of Sikh Empire under Maharaja Ranjit Singh. After the partition of British India in 1947, Lahore became part of Pakistan and is now the capital of Punjab province. Today, it's known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and architectural marvels such as the Lahore Fort, Badshahi Mosque, and Shalimar Gardens.