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The city was founded in 1748 by Nawab Muhammad Bahawal Khan Abbasi - I, whose descendants ruled the area until it joined Pakistan in 1947.The State of Bahawalpur was one of the largest states of British India, more than 450 kilometers long, and was ruled by a Muslim ruler who decided to join Pakistan at the time of independence in 1947, but the state maintained its sovereignty until 1 unit. Bahawalpur has the only railroad bridge over the Sutlej River, making it an important rail centre. The famous fort of Derawar is located near the city, being the private fort of the former royal family who continue to be major political players in Pakistan. The Lal Sohanra National Park is also located close to the city. Architectural monuments include the former royal family's palaces namely Darbar Mahal and Noor Mahal. Bahawalpur district covers 24,830 km² and comprises six tehsils - Ahmadpur East, Bahawalpur City, Bahawalpur Saddar,  Hasilpur, Khairpur Tamewali and Yazman with a total population of about 2.5 million. Approximately two-thirds of the district (16,000 km²) is covered by the Cholistan Desert, which extends into the Thar Desert of India. The district is a major producer of cotton.