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Kotla Mohsin Khan, Kotla Mohsin Khan Peshawar

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Kotla Mohsin Khan, Kotla Mohsin Khan Peshawar,PK

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Kotla Mohsin Khan, Kotla Mohsin Khan Peshawar,PK

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Dhana Abdullahzai - 1 rock shelter - 1st time with wild boar, Zhob, PK

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Dhana Abdullahzai - 1 rock shelter - 1st time with wild boar, Zhob, PK

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Saidu Sharif Stupa, Officers Colony Road, Saidu Sharif

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Saidu Sharif Stupa, Officers Colony Road, Saidu Sharif,PK

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Saidu Sharif Stupa, Officers Colony Road, Saidu Sharif,PK

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The Saidu Sharif Stupa, excavated under the name Saidu Sharif I, is a Buddhist stupa located near the city of Saidu Sharif, at the foot of the mountains that separate the river valley Saidu from that of the river Jambil, in the Swat District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The sacred area consists of two terraces built on the slope of the hill, through a cut in the rock on the north side. Artificial terracing includes one stūpa, surrounded by smaller monuments, and a monastery.

The excavations were initiated by the Italian Archaeological Mission in 1963 and ended in 1982, with a pause between 1966 and 1977. The first excavation campaign investigated the lower terrace with the main stūpa, while the upper terrace with the monastery it was brought to light during the second campaign.

The lower terrace (called "Terrace of the Stupas") has a larger stūpa (Main Stupa) surrounded by other minor monuments: stūpas, viharas and columns. Of the Main Stupa is preserved the structure with a square plan up to the first cylindrical body, with a stairway on the north side; of the harmikā and of the umbrellas are preserved some remains found near the stūpa. One of the two cylindrical bodies of the monument was adorned with a frieze figured in green schist while at the four corners of the top of the rectangular body were four columns on a pedestal with a lion figure crouched on top.

The life phase of the sanctuary of Saidu Sharif I was divided by archaeologists in three periods, during which time we pass from a symmetrical arrangement of the monuments (first period, between 25 BCE and the end of the 1st century) to a progressive crowding of the Terrace of the Stupa, followed by an extension of the terrace itself (second and third periods, respectively II-III century CE and IV-V century CE). The three construction periods were also highlighted on the upper terrace; the monastery underwent an extension followed by a reduction to the original dimensions in the third period, which testifies to the decline of the entire sacred area.

General view of the votive stupas and main stupa of Saidu Sharif

A model resembling the Saidu Sharif stupa, with square base and four columns.[1]

Another such model, with flight of stairs.

Saidu Sharif stupa location, seen from the city of Mingora.

Pierfrancesco Callieri (edited by), Italian Archaeological Mission (IsMEO), Pakistan, Swat, 1956-1981. Documentary Exhibition , Rome, IsMEO, 1982.

Pierfrancesco Callieri, "The monastery of the sacred Buddhist area of Saidu Sharif I (Swat)", Excavations and archaeological research of the years 1976-1979 (Quaderni de "Scientific research", CNR, 112) , 1985, pp. 327-39.

Pierfrancesco Callieri, Saidu Sharif I (Swat, Pakistan). 1. The Buddhist Sacred Area. The Monastery , vol. XXIII, Report and Memoirs 1, Rome, IsMEO, 1989.

Pierfrancesco Callieri and Anna Filigenzi (edited by), The master of Saidu Sharif. At the origins of Gandhara art (Catalog of the exhibition, Rome 2002), Rome, 2002.

Domenico Faccenna, Saidu Sharif I (Swat, Pakistan). 2. The Buddhist Sacred Area. The Stūpa Terrace , vol. XXIII, Report and Memoirs 2, Rome, IsMEO, 1995.

Domenico Faccenna, The figurative frieze of the Main Stupa in the sacred Buddhist area of Saidu Sharif I (Swat, Pakistan) , vol. XXVIII, Report and Memoirs, Rome, IsMEO, 2001.

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The Saidu Sharif Stupa, excavated under the name Saidu Sharif I, is a Buddhist stupa located near the city of Saidu Sharif, at the foot of the mountains that separate the river valley Saidu from that of the river Jambil, in the Swat District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

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Sultan Mahmud Ghaznavi Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in northern Pakistan, discovered by the Italian Archaeological Mission in Pakistan in 1985. The mosque represents a splendid design of old Muslim architecture.

Mehmood Ghaznavi Masjid

In 1984 an inscription in Arabic engraved on a black marble was found by chance on the slopes of the hill below the castle of Raja Gira. The inscription attests to the foundation of a mosque in HE 440 (1048-49 CE) ordered by Amir Nustagin, a Ghaznavid General (known to the history only through this inscription).

Excavation of the site (1985-1999)

The excavation carried out in the area between 1985 and 1999 brought to light a hypostyle mosque with supports originally in wood. The mosque occupies an early artificial terrace with remains of Gandharan masonry.

After uncovering the ruins, the most striking aspects were traces of 30-foot-high walls, a graveyard, common rooms, student rooms and a water mill. The walls also show traces of a Buddhist stupa that was constructed before the mosque was made.

The mosque follows the same basic pattern of mosque construction and is rectangular in plan, measuring 28m by 21m. It has high walls of schist stone laid in rough diaper masonry all around it. The roof is no longer in evidence but the stone bases of wooden pillars remain, numbering 5 running north to south and 8 running east to west. The mehrab is in the center of the west wall with an off center entrance to the east wall opposite this. The prayer chamber (of which the mehrab is a part) is a step higher and composed of a beaten earth floor. The remaining area is paved in schist stone slabs and corresponds to the courtyard area, having an ablution tank in the middle. To the north of the building is a series of three rooms or hujras called the "ziyada" which are all oblong in shape. The exterior of this side also contains three bastions or towers which both give the image of a Hindu Shahi style and also that of a Ribat. The mehrab is square, which marks it as a pre-Seljuk element.

Unearthed on the slopes of Odigram mountain by the Italian Archaeological Mission, the mosque was originally called Raja Gira Mosque as it was situated in the vicinity of the Raja Gira Castle. It is not to be confused with Raja Griha in India.

The Mosque of Odigram date back to the period of Mahmud or his grandson Maudud (1041-50 A.D.) and is therefore to be considered to be the earliest of Northern Pakistan. The people settled there around the tomb of a saint upon which a small and simple mausoleum was erected. In fact, it is the tomb of the General of Sultan Mahmud Ghaznavi named- Pir Khushal, who defeated Raja Gira and embraced martyrdom there. The tomb is popular in the people with the name of Ghazi Baba tomb. This historical mosque is a place for visitor attractions when people visit Swat in summer.

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Mahmud Ghaznavi Mosque (Odigram) - Wikipedia

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Sultan Mahmud Ghaznavi Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in northern Pakistan, discovered by the Italian Archaeological Mission in Pakistan in 1985. The mosque represents a splendid design of old Muslim architecture. In 1984 an inscription in Arabic engraved on a black marble was found by chance on the slopes of the hill below the castle of Raja Gira.

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abasin arts council, Sunehri Masjid Road, PTCL Colony, Peshawar

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abasin arts council, Sunehri Masjid Road, PTCL Colony, Peshawar,PK

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abasin arts council, Sunehri Masjid Road, PTCL Colony, Peshawar,PK

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For the love of art: Abasin Arts Council no longer a bastion of culture | The Express Tribune

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Rapidly losing its past glory due to lack of government funding, ongoing property dispute.

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Dangram stupa, PCX2+3J Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,PK

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Dangram stupa, PCX2+3J Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,PK

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Introduction/Geographical Details; Swat District

Swat district is located at 34° 09Ꞌ to 35° 56Ꞌ north latitudes and 72° 07Ꞌ to 73° 0Ꞌ east longitudes. The district is bounded by Chitral and Ghizer (Northern Areas) districts in the north, Kohistan and Shangla districts in the east, Buner and Malakand districts in the south, and the districts of Upper and Lower Dir in the west.

Figure 1.3 Gabral Valley, Swat

Swat District at a Glance

5,337 km 2

430.4 persons/ km 2

Tehsils/Talukas

02 Tehsils:

1. Matta Tehsil

2. Swat Tehsil

Agriculture with its Allied Livestock Breeding & Fishing

50.1%

Community, Social & Personal Services

13.8%

Wholesale/Retail, Hotel/Restaurant

11.9%

Construction

10.8%

Transport, Storage & Communication

6.2%

Manufacturing

5.0%

Others

2.3%

138,282 HA[13]

2 Small Industry Estates/ Training Centers: the Patti Training Center, and Woolen Spinning Center, Batkhela. The Woolen Spinning Center is now closed.

There are 157 registered and running industrial units in the district.

Marble & Chips

22 Units

Cosmetics

15 Units

Plastic & Rubber

Silk

26 Units

41 Units

Table 1.1 Swat District at a Glance

[1] 2017 Census

[2] 1998 Census; 2017 Census uses spatial data

[3] 2017 Census

[4] 2017 Census

[5] 2017 Census

[6] 2017 Census

[7] 2017 Census

[8] Pakistan Social & Living Measurement Survey 2014-15 (PSLM); latest available

[9] PSLM

[10] PSLM

[11] 1998 Census; 2017 Census data has not been made public yet.

[12] KP Development Statistics 2018-19

[13] Forestry Statistics reports 165,755.6 HA

[14] KP Development Statistics 2018-19

[15] KP Development Statistics 2018-19

[16] KP Development Statistics 2018-19

[17] KP Development Statistics 2018-19

[18] KP Development Statistics 2018-19; for a detailed list of industrial units, please refer to the section on Industry and Manufacturing

[19] 1998 Census; 2017 census data has not been made public yet.

[20] 1998 Census; 2017 census data has not been made public yet.

[21] 1998 Census; 2017 census data has not been made public yet.

Brief History - Governmental Structure - Administrative Divisions - Historical/Heritage Sites and Tourist Attractions

Brief History of Swat District

Swat was one of the Princely States of India that acceded to Pakistan in 1947. The location of the district is such that it was a stopping and resting place for almost all invaders coming into India, including Alexander the Great in 326 BC. These invaders left their mark on Swat's history and socio-economic profile.

During the Buddhist period, Swat was called Udeyan or Ujiana which means garden or park. Some historians are of the opinion that from the very beginning the valley was known as Sawad which means black; this might be because of the dark soil of the area, which is extremely fertile. Over time, this name became Swat. The most plausible theory is that the area was named after tribes who went by the name of Swati.[1] This tribe came to the Swat area with Sultan Shahab-ud-din Ghori from Shalman in Afghanistan, and defeated the Hindus to establish their rule in that valley.

According to the Imperial Gazetteer of India:

The first historical mention of these countries [Dir, Swat, Bajaur and Utman Khel] is made by Arrain[2] who records that in 326 BC Alexander the Great led his army through Kunar, Bajaur, Swat and Buner; but his successor, Seleucus, twenty years later made over these territories to Chandragupta Maurya. The inhabitants in those days were of Indian origin, Buddhism being the prevailing religion; and they remained thus almost undisturbed under their own kings until the fifteenth century. They were the ancestors of non-Pathan tribes e.g. Gujars, Torwals, Garhwis etc. (v.23, p. 183)

Swat Valley was part[3] of the Gandhara civilization. During the Mauryan rule, hundreds of monasteries and stupas were erected in the region. The last Buddhist ruler of Swat was Raja Gira, whose reign lasted till 1100 AD when he was defeated by Mahmud of Ghazni.

During the rule of Emperor Ashoka Maurya, Buddhism was the State religion. Ashoka promoted Buddism to the extent of sending missionaries to China. As a result, a number of Chinese travelers visited Swat, among whom were Fahien (403 AD), Sung Yun in 519 AD and Hiuen Tsang in 360 AD. Hiuen Tsang found that Buddhism was declining in this part. The impact of the Chinese over the culture of Swat is quite clear. For example, most of the villages in Swat, Shangla, and Buner are named in Chinese style: Shing, Patan, Martung, Chinkoi, and Chinkali.

Swat was annexed to the Turki Shahi of Kabul, in 745 AD; the Hindu Shahis established their rule after the downfall of the Turki Shahi. Evidence of Swat being part of Hindu Shahi has been discovered through the inscriptions found on a hill to the north of Bari Kot.

Islam started spreading in the area after the defeat of the last Buddist king, Raja Gira, by Mahmud Ghaznavi. There were 2 tribes-Swatis and Dalazaks-in the army of Sultan Mahmud. After the occupation of Swat, these tribes settled in Swat. The Dalazaks later moved from Swat, and settled in the Mardan and Peshawar areas.

After the occupation of the valley by Muslims, various Pashtun/Afghan tribes started settling in the region, and came to be known as Swati Pukhtuns. They established their rule, and remained practically independent, and out of the sphere of the rulers of India and Afghanistan.

The Yousafzai Pathans took over the valley of Swat from Sultan Owais who was the Swati Pakhtun ruler of Swat, in the 16th century. The Yousafzais extended their occupation to Ghwarband, Puran, Chakesar, and Kanra. Swat remained independent of the Mughal Rule in India, and also during the reign of the Durranis and the Sikhs. The Yousafzais lived a nomadic life and hence did not have any form of organized government. Without a formalized governmental structure, religious leaders (pirs or moulvis) were invested with powers usually given to rulers or kings. The most prominent of these religious leaders was Abdul Ghaffur alias Saidu Baba, who earned the epithet of Akhund of Swat because of his piety. He was born in 1794. Later, he started taking part in the war/battles with the British and Sikhs. In 1835, he fought against the Sikhs at the request of the Amir of Kabul, Dost Mohammad Khan. He took part against the British in their Ambela expedition of 1863[4] as well. The British defeated the Yousafzais, and the Akhund had to flee to Buner. Later, his preaching and general reforms led to the establishment of the first government in Swat which in itself was a landmark event. In 1849 he convened a Jirga (tribal council) of the representatives of Swat, Buner, Dir, and Bajaur at Saidu Sharif in which he urged the participants to choose their own Amir in order to be able to oppose the British, who had already occupied the Peshawar Valley. Akhund Baba nominated Syed Akber Shah of Sithana as their Chief. Syed Akber Shah was, thus, the first Amir of Swat with Ghaligai as the capital of the newly-formed State. After the death of Syed Akber Shah in 1857 the State of Swat also ended. Syed Akber Shah was known as a brave leader, and even Sir Hubert Edward (Major General of the British army) is known to have said that if the ruler of the militant Swatis (referring to Akber Shah) had been alive, the ultimate result of the 1857 War of Independence would have been of a more permanent nature.

After the death of Syed Akber Shah in 1857, an organized government could not be established and Swat Valley remained a center of intrigues and factional feuds mainly because of the ambitions of the Khan of Dir, Miangul Abdul Hanan (eldest son of Akhund Baba), Sher Dil Khan of Alladand, and Umara Khan of Jandol.

In 1897 Miangul Wadood, the grandson of the Akhund of Swat, won over some of the influential political leaders, and the Chief Commissioner of the North West Frontier Province (NWFP) and was declared the Bacha or the Wali/ ruler of Swat in 1917. The Swat State was declared a Princely State by the British in 1926.

During his rule (1917-1949), Miangul Abdul Wadood initiated developmental works like the construction of roads, schools, and hospitals. He ensured peace and order, provision of justice to a greater number of people, and initiated policies that aimed at bringing drastic changes in the social organization of the Swat State area. He, however, retained the feudal structure of society, in which the land-owning class was held in high esteem, and in which the Khans, Malaks, and the influential Stanadars- meaning the traditional leadership, both temporal and religious-were the dominant political force and privileged group.

In 1947, at the time of the Partition of India, the Wali of Swat, Miangul Abdul Wadood, acceded to Pakistan. He had formally proclaimed his eldest son Miangul Jahanzeb as heir apparent ( waliahad) earlier, in May 1923, and had consequently involved him in governmental affairs of the State. Miangul Jehanzeb became the Wali of Swat on 12th December 1949. He tried to breakaway from the feudal system, which was opposed by the feudal lords who, in turn, tried to depose him from the throne but failed. The Wali then initiated reforms in the education system which resulted in the formation of an educated middle class. In recognition of his services for the development of Swat and his people, the Wali of Swat was decorated with medals by the Government of Pakistan. He was awarded the Hilal-i-Quaid-i-Azam in 1959 and Hilal-i-Pakistan in 1961. In 1962, the government of Italy gave him the "Grand Official of the Order of Merit" Medal.

On July 28, 1969, the President and Chief Martial Law Administrator of Pakistan, General Agha Mohammad Yahya Khan declared the merger of all the Frontier states, including Swat, into Pakistan. The Wali of Swat, Jehanzeb, was dethroned, and Swat was given the status of an administrative district and added to Malakand Division.

The merger of Swat State into Pakistan in 1969 created serious constitutional and judicial crises that further widened gaps between the land-holding and land-less classes (the two main social groups formalized by the Swat State in 1917). This played the role of catalyst in shifting authority from the traditional leadership to the religious class, which ultimately led to the Talibanization of the district in 2007. The Taliban are religiously intolerant; they bombed and demolished schools in the district, especially the girls' schools.

Malala Yousafzai, born in Mingora, Swat, on 12 July 1997, began to write a personal blog under a pseudonym for the BBC in 2009, detailing her life under Taliban rule, their attempts to take control of the valley, and her views on promoting education for girls. On 9 October 2012, Malala was shot in the head and neck in an assassination attempt by Taliban gunmen while returning home on a school bus. She was taken to Birmingham for treatment, and recovered. She received Pakistan's first National Youth Peace Prize, and was nominated for the 2013 Nobel Peace Prize, which she won, becoming the youngest person to ever receive the award.

During the War on Terror (launched by the USA after terrorists attacked New Yprk's World Trade Center in Sept 2001), the Pakistan Military fought two battles for the control of Swat district. The first battle was called "Operation Rah-e-Haq"; this began in October 25, 2007 and was fought between the Pakistani Army and Taliban-led forces. From October 25, 2007, to November 7, 2007, the militants/Talibans seized control of Swat region. On November 15, 2007, a Pakistani offensive commenced, and the Pakistan Army wrested control of nearly all of Swat district. Despite the victory by the Pakistani army, Taliban militants slowly re-entered Swat and fought battles that lasted throughout 2008. By early February 2009, the Taliban had managed to regain 80% of Swat district. On February 16, 2009 the Pakistani government announced that it would allow Sharia law (one of the demands of the Taliban) in Swat, but under the Government of Pakistan's supervision, in return for which concession, the Taliban offered peace. However, by end April 2009, Pakistani troops and the Taliban engaged in clashes again, and in May 2009, another operation, this time called "Operation Rah-e-Raast" was launched by the Pakistan Army. This operation ended with the takeover of entirety of Swat district and other areas under attack by the Taliban, by the Pakistan Army/Government. Over 2.2 million people (a UN estimate) were displaced during the two operations. These refugees later returned home, and since then, peace has been established in the district.

Figure 1.4 Miangul Jehanzeb, The last Wali of Swat

Figure 1.5 Malala Yousafzai

Governmental Structure; Swat District

At the Federal level, Swat district is allocated a set number of representatives in both the National Assembly and the Provincial Assembly:

Number of seats in the National Assembly 2

Number of seats in the Provincial Assembly 10

Under the Local Government Act District Swat has 1 District Council constituted by general seats, seats reserved for women, peasants/workers, youth, and non-Muslims as prescribed under the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Local Government Act 2013. Swat District Council is composed of 67 general members, 22 women members, 4 peasants/worker members, 4 minority members, and 4 youth members.

Administrative Divisions; Swat District

Swat district has a total area of 5,337 km 2 and is divided into 2 tehsils as follows:

Matta Tehsil

13 Union Councils

Swat Tehsil

52 Union Councils

Table 1.2 Swat Administrative Divisions

[1] Swat State During 1849-1969: A Historical Perspective by Fakhr-ul-Islam.

[2] Arrain of Nicomedia was a Roman (ethnic Greek) historian, public servant, military commander and philosopher of the 2nd century Roman period. He is the author of the complete history of the campaigns of Alexander the Great.

[3] The following historical account of Swat has been extracted from Swat State; During 1849-1969: A Historical Perspective by Fakhr-ul-Islam and Forestry in the Princely State of Swat and Kalam (North-West Pakistan): A Historical Perspective on Norms and Practices by Sultan-i-Rome, Ph.D. 2005

[4] See Chapter on Malakand for further details

Historical/Heritage Sites/Tourist Attractions; Swat District

The following historical sites are being protected and preserved under Government of Pakistan Rules/ Laws:[1]

Barama Site, Mingora; Swat district

Udegram Castle, Udegram; Swat district

Butkara I, Mingora, Swat district

Panr Site, Panr Swat district

Leobnr Stupa, Leobnr, Swat district

Saidu Stupa, Saidu Sharif, Swat district

Dangram Stupa, Dangram, Swat district

Gogdara Rock Carvings, Gogdara, Swat district

Manglawar Stupa, Manglawar, Swat district

Shinashah Stupa, Batura, Swat district

Gullaki Dheri, Kukarai, Swat district

Aligrama Site, Aligrama, Swat district

Najigram Site, Najigram, Swat district

Nawagai (Gumbatuna), Nawagai, Swat

Amlukdera Stupa, Amlukdera Serai, Swat

Shingardara Stupa, Amlukdera Serai, Swat

Nimogram Site, Village Numkot, Swat

Barikot Ghundai, Ancient Bazira, Barikot, Swat

Ghalegay Cave, Barikot, Swat

Butkara III, Gulkada, Babozai, Swat

The Swat Valley holds many places of interest for tourists. There is a museum housing Buddhist period relics as well as other relics. The district has been nicknamed the Switzerland of Pakistan. Some of the more frequented tourist spots of the district are:

Bahrain and Madyan; Swat district: both towns are famous for their scenic beauty, and the surrounding areas are ideal for hiking. The mosque at Bahrain is worth seeing. Other nearby places include Bashigram Lake, Daral Valley, Mankiyal, and Utror Valley. The bazaars of these towns are full of stalls selling Swati handicrafts and antiques

Murghazar; Swat district: famous for the Sufed Mahal or White Palace of the Wali-e-Swat

Miandum; Swat district: a small summer resort, it is a good place for hikers. Paths follow the streams, past houses with beehives set into the walls and good-luck charms whitewashed around the doors. In the graveyards are carved wooden grave posts with floral designs, like those used by Buddhists 1,000 years ago

Kalam; Swat district: located about 2,000 m above mean sea level. It is one of the most scenic and beautiful places in Swat

Malam Jabba; Swat district: home to the largest ski resort in Pakistan

Matelton; Swat district: a lush green plain with Mahodand Lake located 5 km from Matelton

Udegram; Swat district: an historic town also known as Ora. It is believed that Alexander the Great fought a battle here in 327 BC. Mahmud Ghaznavi also fought a battle against the Hindu Shahi rulers, and built a mosque. The shrine of Pir Khushal Baba is also located here

Lakes worth visiting in Swat district include Pari or Khapiro Lake, Kundol Lake, Bashigram Lake, Spin Khwar (white stream) Lake, and Daral Lake

Figure 1.14 Shinshah Stupa, Swat

Figure 1.15 Statue of Buddha at Swat Museum

Figure 1.16 Mahodand Lake

Figure 1.17 Snow Capped Mountains of Swat Valley

Figure 1.18 Sufed Mahal, Murghazar

Figure 1.19 Stone Art, Swat Valley

Figure 1.20 A Rock Carving, Swat

Figure 1.21 Kalam, Swat

Figure 1.22 Mountain Inn, Malam Jabba

[1] Guidelines for Critical and Sensitive Areas Pakistan, Government of Pakistan 1997

Topography of swat District

Topographically, Swat is a mountainous area, and can be divided into 2 tracts: Swat Kohistan and Swat Proper.

Swat Kohistan; Swat district

Swat Kohistan is the mountainous country on the upper reaches of Swat River as far as Ain (a village just beyond Madyan) in the south.

The mountains of Swat district are an off-shoot of Hindu Kush, the crests of which are hidden by everlasting snow. These gigantic ranges run irregularly; some run to the west while others to the east, but the general direction is north to south. These ranges enclose small but very enchanting valleys.

The chief eastern range of Swat Kohistan is the Mankial Range. This range is a spur of the Hindu Kush range of mountains and rises to a height of 5,726 m. It separates Swat Kohistan from the plain of Swat Proper. The eastern ranges form a barrier between Gilgit and Swat, as well as between Chitral and Swat. The southern extension of Mankial Range reaches Swat Proper, where they join the Shangla Ranges. The Shangla Range separates Swat Proper from Shangla district.

Other eastern ranges in the district include Karora Range, Dwasaray Range, and Elum Range (which forms a wall between Swat and Buner), and joins Malakand Range.

The western ranges of the district start from the mountains and hills of Gabral, Swat Kohistan. These ranges join the hills of Kundal (Utror Valley). In Utror Valley, these ranges meet Daral Ranges which form a border with Dir district. They run westward and are named according to the locality, for example, Lalko Range, Manrai, and Chaprai. They join the hills of Adenzee and Shamozee. Manrai Ranges include some off-shoots that extend southward.

In the north of Mankial Ranges, Falak Sar is located, which is well-known, with its highest peak at a height of 5,917 m above sea level in Swat district. Chokail (6,456 m) is another high peak in the same range, and lies to the south of Falak Sar.

Swat Proper; Swat district

Swat Proper or the Swat Plains are further subdivided into 2 parts: the Bar (upper) and Kuz (lower) Swat. The Bar Swat extends from Ain to Landakay (or Landakai, located just on the border with Buner). The Kuz Swat extends from Landakay to Kalangai (which is the end point of Swat Valley).

Mountain Passes and Valleys; Swat district

Shangla Pass connects Malakand district with Swat district.

The Malakand Pass connects Swat Valley with Mardan district.

The many valleys of the district include the Utror Valley, Usho Valley, and Gabral Valley.

Rivers, Streams, and Lakes; Swat district

The River Swat rises in the Shandur or Mashabar Range, making a border between Swat and Chitral districts in the north, and then flows south and southwest, dividing the district approximately into 2 parts. A large number of rivers, streams and nullahs originate from the mountains, and after draining the valley, join River Swat. Some important rivers, streams, and nullahs are the Harnoi River, Deolai Khwar, Bashigram, Gabral, Utror River, Ushu River, Anakar River, Ladu River, and Daral Khwar. Some intermittent streams of the district are Lakhar Khwar, Bargin Khwar, and Shinr Khwar.

There are important and beautiful lakes or dhands in the mountains of the district. The important one is Mahodand Lake in the Usho Valley. The Bashigram Dhand is the source of Bashigram River. The Kundal Dhand, Khaperai Dhand (Fairy Dhand), Speen Khwar Dhand, Daral Dhand, Kandol Dhand, and Izmis lake (Utror Valley) are other important lakes of the district.

Figure 1.6 River Swat, Bahrain Valley Swat

Figure 1.7 Bashigram Lake, Madyan Swat

Figure 1.8 Spin Khwar Lake, Swat

Forests of Swat district

The following table shows the area and type of forests in Swat district (KP Development Statistics 2018-19):

Table 1.3 Swat Forests

Most of the trees in the forests are Sub Tropical Scrub Forests. The flora of the forests beyond the height of 4,500 ft (1,371.6 m) consist of pines ( Pinus spp.), deodar ( Cedrus deodara), dewdar (variety of deodar), and byar or ber or jujube ( Zizyphus spp.). Most of the lowland of Swat Mountains consists of broad leaved trees such as poplar ( Populu spp.), bakain or banyan ( Ficus benghalensis), and willow ( Salix spp.).

The protected forests of the district include Gurnai Reserved Forest, Torwali Reserved Forest, Mushkun Reserved Forest, Chodgram Reserved Forest, and Mankial Reserved Forest. Sewagalai Game Reserve is a government-owned and protected forest. The community‑owned and protected game reserves of the district include Tang Banr, Dab Manpithai, Alam Ganj, Amluk Banr, Sigram, and Deran Pattay.

Climate of Swat district

Swat falls in the Temperate Zone in the northern mountainous ranges; the weather here is affected by all the climatic factors including latitude, altitude, and rain bearing winds (cyclones and Monsoon winds). In the summer, Swat comes under the influence of the Monsoon, while in the winter, it is affected by the Cyclonic Current from the Mediterranean Sea.

The height of Swat varies from 2,500 ft to 7,500 ft (762 m to 2,286 m); the summer and winter temperatures vary according to the altitudes of the regions. The lower Swat Valley is warm in summers, while the northern parts are cool. The hottest month is June, and the coldest month is January. The winter season starts in November, and continues until March. The summer season is from April to October. During June-the hottest month-the temperatures rise to more than 32 °C in the plains (Swat Proper), but are much lower in the Swat Kohistan region. January is the coldest month of the year. The temperature, generally, remains between 2 °C and ‑2 °C.

Rainfall is received throughout the year; winter rains start in December, and last till the end of February. At higher altitudes, precipitation takes the form of snow. Spring rains are from March to May, and the summer rains start from July and end in September. These rains are sometimes accompanied by hail storms. In absence of a meteorological station in Swat, rainfall data of Dir station has been used, where the mean maximum rainfall is 1,450 mm.

Seismic Activity/Seismicity; Swat district

The district belongs to Zone 3 of the Seismic Zone Map of Pakistan, which means moderate to high damage due to earthquakes.

[1] Un-classed Forests are owned by the Government

Population of Swat District

The following table shows the population of the district as per 2017 census:

District
Area km2
Population Male%Female%
Urban%
Growth Rate %

Swat District 5,337 2,309,570 50.8 49.2 30.1 3.2

Matta Tehsil

683

465,599

Swat Tehsil

4,654

1,843,025

Table 1.4 Swat Population Statistics

Religions; Swat district[1]

Muslims

99.7%

Christians

Negligible %

Hindus

Negligible %

Ahmadis

0.3%

Schedule Castes

Negligible %

Others

Negligible %

Table 1.5 Swat Religions

Languages; Swat district[2]

Urdu

0.2%

Punjabi

0.1%

Sindhi

Negligible %

Pushto

93%

Balochi

Negligible %

Seraiki

0.1%

Others

6.6%

Table 1.6 Swat Languages

The other languages spoken in the district include Kohistani languages like Torwali, Gojri, and Kalami.

[1] 1998 Census; 2017 census data has not been made public yet.

[2] 1998 Census; 2017 census data has not been made public yet.

Economic Activity; Swat District

The mainstay of Swat's economy is tourism, followed by agriculture with its allied livestock breeding, fishing, and hunting. Following are the industrial occupations of the district (1998 census; 2017 census data has not been made public yet):

Agriculture with its allied livestock breeding & fishing (48.6%)

Elementary Occupations (17.0%)

Service Workers/ Shop & Market Sales Workers (11.9%)

Craft-Related Trade Workers (6.3%)

Professionals (5.1%)

Others (11.5%)

Land Use; Swat district

The total geographical area of Swat district is 533,700 HA. The following table shows the land use statistics of the district (KP Development Statistics 2018-19):

Table 1.7 Swat Land Use Statistics

Irrigation Network; Swat district

The district mostly depends on rainfall for its agriculture. The main source of irrigation in the district is River Swat and its numerous tributaries. Canals have been dug to carry water from the river to the agricultural fields. The main canals are the Nikpikhel Irrigation Canal and the Fatehpur Irrigation Canal. Other smaller canals include Doaba Minor, and Samkana Branch. Private land-owners have dug small water courses to carry water to their land holdings.

The following table shows the mode and area irrigated by each mode in Swat district (KP Development Statistics 2018-19):

Table 1.11 Swat Irrigation Statistics

Agriculture; Swat district

The district belongs to the Northern Dry Mountains Agro-Ecological Zone of Pakistan. Agriculture is entirely dependent upon glacier-fed streams and rivers.

The crops of the district include wheat, barley, rapeseed & mustard, maize, rice, maash, masoor, moong, sugarcane, tobacco, sugarbeet, walnuts, soya bean, and sunflower. Fruits grown in the district include melons, watermelons, citrus, ber, fig, apples, grapes, pears, loquat, apricots, prunes, mulberry, almonds, and pistachios. The vegetable produce of the district include peas, tomatoes, potatoes, turnip, okra, pumpkin, radish, carrots, chilies, spinach, cauliflower, cabbage, garlic, onion, coriander, mint, various types of green beans, common mallow (Samchal), and bracken (Kwanjai).

Livestock Breeding; Swat district

The following table shows the statistics of livestock for Swat district as per KP Development Statistics 2018-19:

Cattle

253,790 Heads

Buffalo

117,101 Heads

Sheep

80,048 Heads

Goats

236,229 Heads

Camels

256 Heads

Horses

4,833 Heads

Mules

3,020 Heads

Asses

17,577 Heads

Table 1.8 Swat Livestock Statistics

Hashtnagri sheep is the indigenous breed of livestock of the district.

Poultry Farms; Swat district

There are 51 poultry farms in the district.[1]

Bee Keeping/Api Culture; Swat district

Honey is an important non-wood forest production of KP The province offers ample opportunities for the promotion of bee keeping, and the provincial government provides training to its rural population in the art of apiculture and honey processing.

There are many types of honey being produced in KP, but Sedar (ber) and acacia modesta (Phulai) honey are produced in the highest quantities. The total number of bee keeper entrepreneurs (farm) in KP is about 3,800 and the direct employment in these farms is of 17,500 people.[2]

Swat district is one of the leading producers of honey in Pakistan.

Fishing; Swat district

Fishing is carried out in the Swat River. Its tributaries serve as a fishing spot during spring and summer only. The fishing activities contribute to the economy of the district. Lake Mahodand, meaning "lake of the fishes," is a fisherman's pride. Trout is found abundantly in River Swat and its tributaries. The government of KP has a trout fishery in Madyan. There are other smaller privately-owned fisheries in Kohistan-e-Swat.

Figure 1.9 Trout Fishing Point Bahrain, Swat

Mining; Swat district

At present, china clay, dolomite, feldspar, granite, limestone, and marble are being mined in the district. Good quality emeralds are also mined in the district. Oil and gas are not being explored.

Industry and Manufacturing; Swat district

There is 1 Patti Training, and 1 Woolen Spinning center in the district.

According to KP Development Statistics 2018-19, there are 157 registered and running industrial units in the district. The following table shows the number and type of running industrial units in the district:

Table 1.9 Swat Industries

Trade (Import/ Export); Swat district

Honey, handicrafts, industrial products, and agricultural produce (especially fruits), are the major export items of the district. Saidu Sharif and Mingora city are the chief trading centers of the district.

Handicrafts of Swat district

Handicrafts include woolen blankets, shawls, rugs, silk thread embroidery, cotton thread embroidery, golden lace work on women's, men's, and children's clothes, shoes (especially "panrae" or "panhay" which are old fashioned shoes made with leather for both men and women), handmade furniture, and other household items made of wood and marble.

Figure 1.10 Swati Embroidery

Figure 1.11 A Woolen Rug called "Lamsey", Swat

[1] Table 17, Number of Commercial poultry farms and number of birds by size of Flock

Economic Infrastructure; Swat District

The district has a network of black topped roads linking its headquarters with its tehsil headquarters and also other parts of Pakistan. Swat Motorway/Expressway has recently been completed (2018). This Expressway is a four lane highway with six interchanges at Chakdara, Palai, Katlang, Bakhshalay, Ismaila, and Dobian.

There is no rail connection between the district and other parts of Pakistan, but there is an airport providing an air link to the district.

Road Statistics; Swat district

According to KP Development Statistics 2018-19, the road statistics of the district are as follows:

Total Roads

974.4 km

High Type Roads

576.2 km

Low Type Roads

398.2 km

Table 1.10 Swat Road Statistics

National Highway N-95, which joins Chakdara (Lower Dir) to Kalam, passes through the district, and connects nearly all major towns of the district. Other important roads of the district are:

Matta-Rahatkot-Darmai Road

Wazirabad-Miandam Road

Mattah-Khwazakhela-Chamtlai-Topsin-Bar Kotakai Road

Mingora-Manglaur-Shangla Road

Barikot-Buner Road

Malakand-Barikot Road

Road connecting Lower Dir with Parrai-Chindakhora-Ningolai Ghowand-Matta

Rail and Airways; Swat district

Pakistan Railways does not have train connections with Swat district. There is 1 commercially operated airport in Saidu Sharif, but there is no military airbase in the district.

Radio and Television; Swat district

Pakistan Broadcasting Corporation (PBC) has an AM frequency broadcasting station in the district. There is 1 privately-owned FM radio station in Swat district. The district has modern cable TV network.

Telecommunications; Swat district

There are 35 telephone exchanges with 23,591 connections,[1] in Swat. Cellular phone services, with considerable coverage in all major towns, are also available.

Post Offices; Swat district

There are 74 Post Offices with 1 Head Office, 16 Sub Post Offices, and 57 Branch Offices in the district.[2]

Electricity and Gas; Swat district

Electricity is supplied by Peshawar Electric Supply Company (PESCO).

[1] KP Development Statistics 2018-19

[2] KP Development Statistics 2018-19

[2] Small Medium Enterprise Development Authority, Honey Processing & Packaging Common Facility Center - Mingora Swat

Banking/ Financial Services; Swat district

According to KP Development Statistics 2018-19, there are 114 bank branches in Swat district. Following banks have their branches in the district:

Allied Bank Ltd.

Al Baraka Bank Ltd.

Alfalah Bank Ltd.

Askari Bank Ltd.

Bank Al Habib.

Bank Al Islami

Dubai Islamic Bank

The Bank of Punjab Ltd.

Habib Bank Ltd.

Faisal Bank Ltd.

Habib Metropolitan Bank Ltd.

JS Bank Ltd.

Khyber Bank Ltd.

Meezan Bank Ltd.

Muslim Commercial Bank Ltd.

National Bank of Pakistan Ltd.

Sindh Bank Ltd.

Soneri Bank Ltd.

United Bank Ltd.

Zarai Taraqiati Bank Ltd.

According to the List of Reporting Bank Branches 2019, by State bank of Pakistan there are 86 branches of different conventional banks and 28 branches of various Islamic banks in Swat District.

Educational Institutions; Swat district

Swat district has a literacy rate of 48%. The following table shows the number of Government Educational Institutions in the district as per KP Development Statistics 2018-19:

Table 1.12 Swat Educational Institutes

Figure 1.23 Saidu Medical College

Healthcare Facilities; Swat district

The following table shows the Government Health Care Institutions in Swat district as per KP Development Statistics 2018-19:

Table 1.13 Swat Health Institutes

Policing; Swat district

The police department is headed by District Police Officer (DPO) Swat who supervises and controls the police force in maintaining law and order in the district. The DPO also controls and supervises the investigation in criminal cases. The DPO is assisted by Sub-Divisional Police Officers (SDPO) on the sub division level. In all, there are 20 police stations[3] in the district.

Figure 1.24 Pakistani Soldiers atop Baine Baba Mountain

[1] Saidu Medical College, Swat

[2] University of Swat, Saidu Sharif (Public)

[3] KP Development Statistics 2018-19

Environment and Biodiversity; Swat District

Deforestation is one of the main environmental issues of the district, as well as dust from marble and chips industrial units, which contributes to environmental pollution. The government of KP is raising awareness about the need for the conservation of forests, and control of pollution in River Swat, which provides drinking and irrigation waters for the district.

Flora and Fauna; Swat district

Flora; Swat district

Swat district has a multitude of flora including medicinal plants/herbs. The higher altitudes (higher than, or equal to, 12,000 ft or 3,658 m) are home to permanent snow fields and cold deserts. Below these cold deserts are alpine meadows, where, due to severe climatic conditions, the dominant vegetation consists of grasses and dwarf shrubs of various species. Sub Alpine Scrub Forests are found between the heights of 9,500 ft and 12,000 ft (2,896 m to 3,658 m). Fir and birch are the dominant floral species. Low rhododendrons are also found beside the birch forests. These forests are open with occasional grasslands in between.

Between 7,000 ft to 9,000 ft (2,134 m to 2,743 m) are the Dry Temperate Conifer Forests, where deodar ( Cedrus deodara), is the dominant species. Below these forests (altitude 6,000 ft to 9,000 ft or 1,829 m to 2,743 m) are the Moist Temperate Forests, which are home to 2 different types of forests. The first is the Evergreen Broad Leaved Forests, where the tree types are dominated by oaks, consisting of brown oak ( Quercus semecarpifolia), moru oak or tor bunj ( Quercus dilatata), bull oak or bujrat ( Quercus lamellosa), and silver white oak or spin banj ( Quercus incana). Various aromatic tree of Lauraceae species are found in this forest, including kaula ( Machilus odoratissima), nutmeg ( Litsea umbrosa), hawk tea ( Litsea lanuginosa), and poinsettia ( Phoebe pulcherrima). The understory features a rich assemblage of ferns, mosses, and epiphytes. On northern slopes, drier areas, and higher elevations, holm oak ( Quercus ilex) is found, along with conifers representing fir ( Abies), spruce ( Picea), species of deodar ( Cedrus), and pine ( Pinus).

The other forest type is the Deciduous Forest, where the flora includes Indian horse chestnut ( Aesculus indica), walnuts ( Juglans regia), Asian hornbeam ( Carpinus viminea), Indian alder ( Alnus nepalensis), and several maple ( Acer) species.

Between the altitudes of 4,500 and 6,000 ft (1,372 m and 1,829 m) are the Sub Tropical Pine Forests where chir pine and kail are the dominant tree species.

There are a large variety of medicinal plants, shrubs, and herbs found in the district; some of these are exported to other parts of the world as well. Some of these include pistachio ( Pistacia integrrima), walnut ( Juglans regia), bhoj pattar or birch ( Betula utili), kasar bootay or smoke tree ( Viburnum cotinifolium), hill toon or neem ( Cedrela serrate), fig or injeer ( Ficus carica), shahtoot or mulberry ( Morus alba), olive or zaitoon ( Olea ferruginea), and Himalayan spruce or kachal ( Picea smithiana).

Fauna; Swat district

Fauna of higher altitudes with permanent snow-covered mountains includes the snow leopard, Himalayan ibex, snow cock, and snow partridges. Mammalian fauna of lower altitudes include brown and black bear, musk deer, golden marmot, markhor, yellow-throated martin, grey langur, leopard, rhesus monkeys, Himalayan grey goral, markhor, pangolins, panther, fox, jungle cat, barking deer, wolves, hare, porcupines, wild boar, and hyenas.

Avifauna of the lower altitudes include golden eagle, Monal pheasants, khalij pheasants, black and grey partridges, chakor partridges, Himalayan quails, western tragopan, various types of warblers, chir pheasants, hawks, falcons, hoopoes, larks, coots, cranes, egrets, geese, herons, pigeons, sparrows, quails, doves, swallows, starlings, nightingales, crows, kites, vultures, owls, and bats. A large variety of migratory birds like pintails, mallards, pochards, rudy shelduck, shoveler, and terns visit various lakes and marshes of the district.

Various types of lizards, agamas like the Himalayan agama, Swat stone gecko, ground skink, oriental rat snake, tree snake and leopard snake, cobras and crates, and vipers are found frequently.

Figure 1.12 Pangolin, Swat District

Figure 1.13 Himalayan Grey Goral

Protected Wildlife Areas and Endangered Fauna; Swat District

The government of KP has established a peasantry called Fizaghat Peasantry in Mingora; Swat distric

This peasantry houses 11 species of pheasants and partridge.

Following are game reserves of Swat district:

Sewagalai Game Reserve; Swat district. Government-owned and protected

Dab Manpithai; Swat district. Community-owned

Alam Ganj; Swat district. Community-owned

Amluk Banr; Swat district. Community-owned

Sigram; Swat district; Community-owned

Deran Pattay; Swat district. Community-owned

Tang Banr; Swat district. Community-owned

Mankial; Swat district; Community-owned

Bhan; Swat district; Community-owned

These game reserves provide protection to grey partridge, black partridge, chakor partridge, markhor, brown and black bear, panther, and musk deer.

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Aligrama site, Swat District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan.

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Aligrama site, Swat District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan.

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Najigram Barikot, Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

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Najigram site, Najigram Barikot, Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,PK

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Najigram site, Najigram Barikot, Swat, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,PK

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Barikot is a town located in the middle course of the Swat River in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Barikot has an elevation of 802 metres.

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Shrine of Pir Abdur Rehman Qureshi, Jhang, PK

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Shrine of Pir Abdur Rehman Qureshi, Jhang, PK

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Shrine of Tawakal Shah Rehman, Gujrat, PK

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Shrine of Tawakal Shah Rehman, Gujrat, PK

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Shingardar Stupa, Vayna Rd, Shingardar Village

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Shingardar Stupa, Vayna Rd, Shingardar Village,PK

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Shingardar Stupa, Vayna Rd, Shingardar Village,PK

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Shingardar: town in a part of the Swat valley that is known for several important Buddhist monuments.

Stupa of king Uttarasena

When you travel along the river Swat from Barikot to Odigram, you will see several Buddhist monuments. The most remarkable of them is the stupa at Shingardar (also spelled as Shankardâr), which is connected, in local legend, to a king named Uttarasena. This man is said to have collected, on his master's own command, the relics of Buddha, and have stored them in this huge stupa.

Unfortunately, the stupa of king Uttarasena was not built in the late fifth century BCE after the Buddha's ascent to Nirvana, but in the sixth century CE. Many elements in this building, such as the "Greek" pilasters, betray Greek influences, which forces us to date this monument rather late.

Damaged foundations

It is a very big monument. In the foreground of the second photo, you can clearly see a road that is actually cut through the foundation of the stupa. Of course, this was a needless act of vandalism, but on the other hand, now we can get a better impression of the monument's size. (The actual monument measures eighteen meters, and the foundations are eight meters deep.)

In the basement of the stupa of king Uttarasena, there's a hole, used by treasure hunters who tried to obtain relics of Buddha.

This stupa is bigger, better preserved, and younger than the one at Zurmala.

This page was created in 2004; last modified on 12 August 2020.

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Shingardar: town in a part of the Swat valley that is known for several important Buddhist monuments. When you travel along the river Swat from Barikot to Odigram, you will see several Buddhist monuments. The most remarkable of them is the stupa at Shingardar (also spelled as Shankardâr), which is connected, in local legend, to a king named Uttarasena.

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Shrine of Bahawal Haleem, Bahawalpur, PK

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Shrine of Bahawal Haleem, Bahawalpur, PK

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Butkara III Archaeological Remains, Butkara III, Mingora

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Butkara III Archaeological Remains, Butkara III, Mingora,PK

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Butkara III Archaeological Remains, Butkara III, Mingora,PK

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The Butkara Stupa ( Pashto: بت کړه سټوپا) is an important Buddhist stupa near Mingora, in the area of Swat, Pakistan. It may have been built by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka, but it is generally dated slightly later to the 2nd century BCE.

The stupa was enlarged on five occasions during the following centuries, every time by building over, and encapsulating, the previous structure.

Evolution of the Butkara stupa

The stupa was excavated by an Italian mission (IsIOAO: Istituto Italiano per l'Africa e l'Oriente), led by archaeologist Domenico Faccenna from 1956, to clarify the various steps of the construction and enlargements. The mission established that the stupa was "monumentalized" by the addition of Hellenistic architectural decorations during the 2nd century BCE, suggesting a direct involvement of the Indo-Greeks, rulers of northwestern India during that period, in the development of Greco-Buddhist architecture.

An Indo-Corinthian capital representing a Buddhist devotee within foliage has been found which had a reliquary and a coin of Azes II buried at its base, securely dating the sculpture to earlier than 20 BCE.

The nearby Hellenistic fortifications of Barikot are also thought to be contemporary.

A large quantity of the artifacts are preserved in the National Museum of Oriental Art and the City Museum of Ancient Oriental Art in Turin (M.A.O.).

The oldest core strata (GSt 1) revealed a coin of Chandragupta Maurya and is therefore dated to the Ashokan period. A coin of Menander I was found in the second oldest stratum (GSt 2). A coin of Azes II was found under a plinth of the third stratum (GSt 3), which is therefore dated to the end of the 1st century BCE or the beginning of the 1st century CE. The 4th stratum (GSt 4) contained late coins of Azes II and coins of the Kushan Kujula Kadphises.

Butkara I stupa, in-situ seated Buddha, 1st-2nd century CE.[4]

The in-situ seated Buddha (or Bodhisattva) statue at Butkara is considered one of the earliest, if not the earliest, known iconographical statues of the Buddha in northwestern India. Van Lohuizen-de Leeuw considers that the statue dates to the late 1st century BCE to the early 1st century, as it was discovered in the GSt 3 stratum that contained a coins of Azes II. More conservative estimates date it to the 1st-2nd century CE, roughly at the same time the first known statues of the Buddha were made in the art of Mathura. Probably the earliest known statue of the Buddha in the art of Mathura is the " Isapur Buddha", dated to circa 15 CE. This would make the creation of the Buddha image an approximately simultaneous phenomenon between the two geographical areas.

^ "De l'Indus a l'Oxus: archaeologie de l'Asie Centrale", Pierfrancesco Callieri, p212: "The diffusion, from the second century BCE, of Hellenistic influences in the architecture of Swat is also attested by the archaeological searches at the sanctuary of Butkara I, which saw its stupa "monumentalized" at that exact time by basal elements and decorative alcoves derived from Hellenistic architecture".

The Turin City Museum of Ancient Art ^ Text and photographic reference: Terre Lontane > O2 Archived 12 December 2006 at the Wayback Machine

^ Handbuch der Orientalistik, Kurt A. Behrendt, BRILL, 2004, p.49 sig

^ Rhi, Ju-Hyung (1994). "From Bodhisattva to Buddha: The Beginning of Iconic Representation in Buddhist Art". Artibus Asiae. 54 (3/4): 220, Fig.12. doi:10.2307/3250056. JSTOR 3250056.

^ Quintanilla, Sonya Rhie (2007). History of Early Stone Sculpture at Mathura: Ca. 150 BCE - 100 CE. BRILL. pp. 199-206, 204 for the exact date. ISBN 9789004155374.

^ de la Vaissiere, Etienne (2007). "A Note on the Schøyen Copper Scroll: Bactrian or Indian?" (PDF). Bulletin of the Asia Institute. 21: 127. JSTOR i24047314.

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The Butkara Stupa ( Pashto: بت کړه سټوپا) is an important Buddhist stupa near Mingora, in the area of Swat, Pakistan. It may have been built by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka, but it is generally dated slightly later to the 2nd century BCE.

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Fort Alexander, North Waziristan Agency, PK

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Fort Alexander, North Waziristan Agency, PK

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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Fort as seen from a distance

Alexander Fort is a fort in Razmak, North Waziristan Agency of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas in Pakistan. The British forces established the fort to control warrior tribes on both sides of the Shora Alqad.

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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Alexander Fort is a fort in Razmak, North Waziristan Agency of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas in Pakistan. The British forces established the fort to control warrior tribes on both sides of the Shora Alqad.

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Shrine of Syed Rajan Qattal Bukhari, Bahawalpur, PK

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Shrine of Syed Rajan Qattal Bukhari, Bahawalpur, PK

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Category:Shrines of Hazrat Makhdoom Syed Rajan Qattal Bukhari, Uch Sharif - Wikimedia Commons

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From Wikimedia Commons, the free media repository

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Maro Waro Dhoro mound situated on sand hill,PK

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Maro Waro Dhoro mound situated on sand hill,PK

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The track through this 7.5-hectare reserve takes you through open grass land around spectacular limestone formations. The track follows the route of a historic horse tramline, built in about 1900.

The reserve is one of the most outstanding examples of a limestone landscape in Northland. Interpretation signs explain the geology of the karst landscape and aspects of the human history.

You can walk around the lake by continuing on a Council track to the Council car park making the entire walk about 2.2 km.

Since this special geological feature is so close to the highway, it is well worth a visit.

Waro Limestone Scenic Reserve is located on SH1, north of Hikurangi, which lies about 20 minutes drive north of Whangārei. Just keep a look out for the outstanding rock formation on your right heading north.

This area is grazed, livestock may be present.

Sinkholes are a common feature of karst landscapes. Take extreme care and closely supervise small children.

To minimise disturbance to the area, and out of respect to local iwi and their ancestors, keep to the marked track.

The term "karst" refers to a type of topography that is formed over limestone, dolomite or gypsum by solution of the rock and is characterized by closed depressions or sinkholes, caves and underground drainage.

The natural heritage values of karst areas are high as karst surface landforms provide a variety of habitats for plant species that are restricted to or favour growing on calcareous soils. They also provide refuges for species that were once more widely spread throughout the landscape.

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Walk around spectacular limestone formations - this is a good option for kids with open grassland for exploring as well.

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Sindh Archives, near Park Tower Road, Block 5 Clifton, Karachi

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Sindh Archives, near Park Tower Road, Block 5 Clifton, Karachi,PK

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Sindh Archives, near Park Tower Road, Block 5 Clifton, Karachi,PK

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The Park Tower mall was Good at time, but now its all finished. There is no retail outlet or shop except 4 to 5.
Now there is only offices in all park tower

Grand old shopping mall of karachi.
But now it is ignored by its owners as well as karachities.
Mostly shops are empty, others are just non branded ladies and gents garments.
Oxford university press still maintain a shop there. Parking is small but due to low visitors thats enough.
Some MNC also holds there offices there.

OMG.how the mighty have fallen.
So sad to see this, once vibrant/hip/Inn place looking like the ruins of moen jo daro and harappa.
I suggest take the immediate "Exit" when approaching this place. (if you have had visited this place a decade back)

A sorry state in which is now, a far cry from what it was once, the most Immpecable place for shopping in town! It was a M
la Dubai in early 2000s, I used to take my youngest daughter since she was a child & well to do families would come especially on Friday's.

Add review

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Reviews about Park Towers, سنڌ, phone numbers, addresses, hours. Leave your feedback.

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Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

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Graveryard including four tombs at Lal Mohra Sharif, Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

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Graveryard including four tombs at Lal Mohra Sharif, Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

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HomeTombs at Lal Mara Sharif

Name of Monuments: Unknown tombs of Lala Mara Sharif

Location. Lal Mara Sharif near Dera Ismail Khan

Date of Construction: c13- early 14th Century

Material of Construction and finishes: bricks, glazed tiles
Brief Description
A group of four tombs in Lal Mahra Tomb Complex is located 24 miles from the villages of Puroa and Muhra near Dera Ismail Khan. The tombs were built around 14 th century. The local site known, as Andira is a vast graveyard filled with both historic and contemporary tombs. The tombs are unique in their design and execution. These tombs A, B, C and D are of great historic and architectural value. These tombs are most significant and present a special but distinctive construction technique. Square in plan these tombs were constructed sometimes around early half of the fourteenth century. Tomb No 1and 2 has inward sloping circular towers at each corner which increase stability and grandeur to the building. Each tomb has arch entrances on three sides while the west side has mihrab set within the thickness of the wall. In case of tomb 1 and 2 these mihrabs project out from the western wall. The arched entrances are set within rectangular frames. The eastern entrance in each case, is regarded as main entrance, are more ornate than the other sides. The construction of walls was carried out in brick masonry. However, plain X shaped and glazed square terracotta plugs has also been used. In case of tomb-1 wooden wall plates have been used except the qibla side to avoid settlement of structure. In addition, four beams one at each corner above the squinch arches further strengthen the corner. The squinch arches as a zone of transition also have tetrahedron form of brick arrangement formed by overlapping of brick courses. In the tombs a wide variety of decorative designs have been used in the friezes and horizontal bands.

General view of Lal Mara Sharif complex.

General view of a Lal Mara tomb.

Tomb of Lal Mara

Interior view of tomb

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Name of Monuments: Unknown tombs of Lala Mara Sharif Location. Lal Mara Sharif near Dera Ismail Khan Date of Construction: c13- early 14th Century Material of Construction and finishes: bricks, glazed tiles Brief Description A group of four tombs in Lal Mahra Tomb Complex is located 24 miles from the villages of Puroa and Muhra ...

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Kafir Kot, Chashma Road, near Kundol Morh, Kundal, Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

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Kafir Kot, Chashma Road, near Kundol Morh, Kundal, Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

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Kafir Kot, Chashma Road, near Kundol Morh, Kundal, Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Kafir Kot or Kafirkot ( Urdu: ; Pashto: کافر کوټ) is an ancient Hindu temple complex in the Dera Ismail Khan district of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. It consists of the ruins of five temples and a large fort. It was an ancient Hindu fort with a famous temple inside its walls. The Kafir Kot complex in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is often referred to as the "northern Kafir Kot" to distinguish it from the "southern Kafir Kot" that is located in the town of Bilot Sharif, approximately 35 kilometres (22 mi) to the south.

The remains of Sindhu temple (and the nearby ruins of Mari) are "indications of the existence of a Hindu civilization of considerable importance and antiquity" according to a 1915 issue of the District Gazetteer of Mianwali.

The ruin consists of two forts in the northwest of the district on small hills attached to the lower spurs of the Khasor range and overlooking the Indus river near the Chashma barrage. One lies a few miles south of Kundal and the other near Bilot.

According to the District Gazetteer of Mianwali:

These forts are of great antiquity and interest. Their main features are an outer defensive wall, consisting of rough blocks of stone, some of great size, and various groups of buildings resembling small Hindu temples and more or less carved. These are built of a curiously honey-combed drab-coloured stone not to be found in the adjacent hills, which is said to have been brought by river all the way from Khushalgarh. The area of the forts is considerable and they could have held a fairly large garrison. The only legends attached to them relate that they were occupied by the last of the Hindu Rajas, Til and Bil; but all traces of rulers and ruled are now lost.

The fort was destroyed by the Ghaznavids in the 11th century.[citation needed ]

Bilot fort is the second fort situated next to the town of Bilot Sharif and about 55 km north of Dera Ismail Khan.

Sculptures and architectural components from the site have been dispersed to museums across Pakistan and the rest of the world. One of the largest collections from Kafir Kot outside Pakistan is in the British Museum.

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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Kafir Kot or Kafirkot ( Urdu: ; Pashto: کافر کوټ) is an ancient Hindu temple complex in the Dera Ismail Khan district of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan. It consists of the ruins of five temples and a large fort.

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D I Khan Road, Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

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Rehman Dheri, D I Khan Road, Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, PK

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Rehman Dheri, D I Khan Road, Bannu, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, PK

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Ranigat, Buner Khyber Pakhtunkhwa pakistan

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Ranigat, Buner Khyber Pakhtunkhwa pakistan

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Ranigat was built on a mountaintop overlooking the Valley of Peshawar

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Hinglaj Mata (Rani ki Mandir),Lasbela, Balochistan, Pakistan

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Hinglaj Mata (Rani ki Mandir),Lasbela, Balochistan, Pakistan

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Hinglaj Mata ( Hindi: हिंगलाज माता, Balochi: هنگلاج ماتا, Urdu: ہنگلاج ماتا , Sindhi: هنگلاج ماتا), also known as Hinglaj Devi, Hingula Devi and Nani Mandir, is a Hindu temple in Hinglaj, a town on the Makran coast in the Lasbela district of Balochistan, and is the middle of the Hingol National Park. It is one of the 51 Shakti Peethas in Shaktism denomination of Hinduism. It is one of the three Shakti Peethas in Pakistan, other two being Shivaharkaray and Sharada Peeth. It is a form of Durga or Devi in a mountain cavern on the banks of the Hingol River. Over the last three decades the place has gained increasing popularity and became a unifying point of reference for Pakistan's many Hindu communities. Hinglaj Yatra is the largest Hindu pilgrimage in Pakistan. More than 250,000 people take part in the Hinglaj Yathra during the spring.

The shrine is in a small natural cave. There is a low mud altar. There is no man-made image of the goddess. A small divine form of Hinglaj Mata is worshipped. The stone is smeared with sindoor (vermilion), which possibly gives the location its Sanskrit name Hingula, which is the root of the present-day name Hinglaj.

The cave temple of Hinglaj Mata is in a narrow gorge in the remote, hilly area of Lyari Tehsil in Balochistan. It is 250 kilometres (160 mi) to the northwest, 12 miles (19 km) inland from the Arabian Sea and 80 miles (130 km) to the west of the mouth of the Indus. It is at the end of a range of Kirthar Mountains, in the Makran desert stretch, on the west bank of Hingol River. The area is under the Hingol National Park.

Other places of worship in and around Hinglaj are Ganesh Deva, Mata Kali, Gurugorakh Nath Dooni, Braham Kudh, Tir Kundh, Gurunanak Kharao, Ramjarokha Bethak, Aneel Kundh On Chorasi Mountain, Chandra Goop, Khaririver and Aghore Pooja.

The temple's annual yatra pilgrimage

Hinglaj Mata is said to be very powerful deity who bestows good to all her devotees. While Hinglaj is her main temple, temples dedicated to her exist in neighbouring Indian states Gujarat and Rajasthan. The shrine is known as Hingula, Hingalaja, Hinglaja, and Hingulata in Hindu scriptures, particularly in Sanskrit. The goddess is known as Hinglaj Mata (the Mother Hinglaj), Hinglaj Devi (the Goddess Hinglaj), Hingula Devi (the red goddess or the Goddess of Hingula) and Kottari or Kotavi.

The chief legend of Hinglaj Mata relates to the creation of the Shakti Peethas. Sati, daughter of Daksha, was married to the god Shiva against his wishes. Daksha organized a great yajna but did not invite Sati and Shiva. Uninvited, Sati reached the yajna-site, where Daksha ignored Sati and vilified Shiva. Unable to withstand this insult, Sati immolated herself activating her chakras, (energy generated through her anger).

Sati died, but her corpse did not burn. Shiva (as Virabhadra) slew Daksha for being responsible for Sati's death and forgave him, resurrecting him. The wild, grief-stricken Shiva wandered the universe with Sati's corpse. Finally, the god Vishnu dismembered the body of Sati into 108 parts, from which 52 fell on earth and others on other planets in the universe which became Shakti Peethas, temple to a form of the Goddess.

Shiva is also worshiped at each Shakti Pitha in the form of Bhairava, the male counterpart or guardian of the presiding goddess of the Pitha. The head of Sati is believed to have fallen at Hinglaj.

The Kularnava Tantra mentions 18 Pithas and mentions Hingula as the third one. In the Kubjika Tantra, Hingula is listed among the 42 Shakta or Siddha Pithas in which Hinglaj is at the fifth place. The Pithanirnaya or Mahapithanirupana section from the Tantrachudamani originally listed 43 names, but names were added over time making it 51 Pithas. It details the Pitha-devata or Devi (name of goddess at the Pitha), the Kshastradishas (Bhairava) and the anga-pratyanga (limbs including ornaments of Sati). Hingula or Hingulata is the first in list, with the anga-pratyanga being Brahmarandhra (a suture in the crown of the head). The Devi is known by several names such as Kottari, Kottavi, Kottarisha, and the Bhairava is Bhimalochana. In the Shivasharitha, Hingula is again the first in a list of 55 Pithas. Brahmarandhra is the anga-pratyanga, the goddess is called Kottari and the Bhairava is Bhimalochana (located in Koteshwar).

In the non-scripture 16th century Bengali work Chandimangal, Mukundaram lists nine Pithas in the Daksha-yajna-bhanga section. Hinglaja is the last Pitha described to be the place where Sati's forehead fell.

Another legend is that Devi killed Hingol as he tormented the people. She followed Hingol to the cave, which is currently the Hinglaj Mata shrine. Before he was killed, Hingol requested the goddess to name the place after him, which she granted.

Picture of Hinglaj Mata protecting Brahmakshatriyas from Parashurama

The Brahmakshatriya community and Charan community also known as Gadhvi venerate Hinglaj Mata as their family deity. They believe that when the god Parashurama was persecuting kshatriyas (the warrior caste), some Brahmins (priest caste) provided protection to 12 kshatriyas and disguised them as Brahmins, and they were protected by Hinglaj Mata. Another variation of the tale is that the sage Dadhichi provided protection to Ratnasena, a king ruling in Sind, in his ashram (hermitage). However, Parashurama killed him when he ventured out. His sons remained in the ashram. When Parashurama visited the ashram, they were disguised as Brahmins. One of them, Jayasena, returned to Sind to rule the kingdom, armed with a protective mantra of Hinglaj Mata, given by Dadhici. Hinglaj Mata protected Jayasena and ordered Parshurama to end his killing spree.

As per the popular folklore of Treta Yuga, a virtuous Haihaya king of Mahishmati of Malwa region, Sahasrabahu Arjuna or Sahasrarjun, more widely known as Kartavirya Arjuna drunk with power and sense of invincibility ends up killing the great Brahman sage Jamadagni over a sacred cow Kamadhenu. Furious at this heinous crime, son of Jamadagni, Lord Parashurama vows to vanquish the power-drunk Kshatriya clan from Earth. Wielding his divine axe, he eliminates Sahasrarjun and later on he rages on earth 21 times, each time decimating unvirtuous and unworthy kings wherever he went.

Terrified with the prospect of death at Lord Parashuram, the progeny of Sahasrarjun seek Janaka Maharaj, one of the most learned king of Videha who advises them to seek Hinglaji Mata's blessing. The clan devotedly pray to Devi at Higloj who is overcome with compassion and assures shelter in her place. Over time, when Lord Parasuraman visits this place, he was pleasantly surprised to see Kshatriya clan involved in many Brahminical activities having shed their arms. Hinglaj Mata intervenes on their behalf, and since then the clan disowned arms. Lord Parasuraman not only taught them scriptures and Vedas, but also weaving for a living. The clan with a sense of relief then branches out and spread across Sindh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka. And where ever they went they continued worshiping Hinglaj Devi. Charan also known as Gadhvi , Khatris, Bhavasars, Barot (caste), and Shimpis of Somavaunsha Sahasrarjun Kshatriya trace their origin to this clan. Some of those who remained in Sindh province later on converted to Islam. Of note, even today they are one of the oldest non-Brahmin clans who had knowledge of Vedas. To this day many work as weavers and tailors.

The local Muslims, particularly the Zikri Muslims also hold Hinglaj Mata in reverence and provide security to the shrine. They call the temple the "Nani Mandir" (lit. "maternal grandmother's temple"). Local Muslim tribes along with Hindus make pilgrimage to the Hinglaj Mata shrine and some call the pilgrimage as the "Nani Ki Haj".

Sufi Muslims also revere Hinglaj Mata. The Sufi saint Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai had visited the Hinglaj Mata temple and it is mentioned in his poetry. The Sur Ramkali was composed by Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai in reverence to the Hinglaj Mata and the visiting jogis. There is a legend that the Shah Abdul Latin Bhittai took on the arduous journey to visit the Hinglaj Mata Mandir to pay tribute to the Hinglaj Mata and offered milk to the Hinglaj Mata. It is also believed that after he offered the milk, the Hinglaj Mata appeared in front of him.

Annual pilgrimage (Hinglaj Yatra or Theerth Yatra)

Hinglaj Mata Mandir Cave entrance

Once pilgrims arrive in Hinglaj they complete a series of rituals, like climbing the Chandragup and Khandewari mud volcanoes. Devotees throw coconuts into the craters in the Chandragup mud volcano to make wishes and thank the gods for answering their prayers. Some scatter rose petals, others paint their bodies and faces with clay. Pilgrims then take a ritual bath in the sacred Hingol River before finally approaching the shrine marking the goddess's resting place. The annual four-day pilgrimage to the Hinglaj Mata Temple is in April. The major ceremony in the pilgrimage occurs on the third day, when the priests of the shrine recite mantras to invoke the gods to accept the offerings brought by the pilgrims, and bless them. Offerings made by the pilgrims to the deity primarily consist of three coconuts. While some remain in Hinglaj for all four days, others make a short day trip.

Pilgrimage to the site is traditionally begun from the Nanad Panthi Akhada in Karachi. The pilgrim groups are headed by a holy staff bearer called the chaadiar, authorized by the Akhada (a Hindu organization of sadhus). The sadhus (holy-men) belonging to this group are a very cohesive group of Hata yogis with ancestral genealogy of their own; and they also observe secret rites.Historically few could make the taxing journey to Hinglaj-a grueling trek across more than 160 miles of isolated desert to the temple. But in recent years, new infrastructure has allowed an unprecedented number of pilgrims to enter the site, altering centuries-old rituals.

Pilgrims from all over Pakistan and even India visit the temple, holding traditional red banners and wearing red-gold decorative head-scarves, which are associated with sanctuaries of Hindu goddesses, in this case Hinglaj Mata. What was once a journey of more than 150 kilometres (93 mi) by foot through the desert from the nearest road, is now made easy by the Makran Coastal Highway connecting Karachi with Gwadar. Hinglaj is 328 km and nearly 4 hours drive from Karachi on the Makran Coastal Highway. Consequently, the number of pilgrims visiting the shrine has substantially increased over the years; the last reported figure[when? ] was 25,000 to 30,000. While most pilgrims come by buses or private cars, a few cycle their way to the shrine, as it is believed that more the austerities, the more is the grace of the deity.

Before the independence of India and Pakistan in 1947, the region constituting present-day Pakistan had 14% Hindu and Sikh population, which fell to 1.6% or about 3 million due to migration of 6 million Hindus and Sikhs to India. Of these, nearly 2.3 million Hindus, the largest concentration is in a single district: Tharparkar District (Thar) district of Sindh Province. They form the largest contingent of pilgrims to Hinglaj Mata Temple. They include merchants, government servants, but the majority are the lower-class Hindus, serving as bonded labourers and farm workers. The costumes of these folks from rural Pakistan are most colourful. Their women dress in heavily embroidered clothes with bangles adorning their wrists. For Thari children employed as bonded labour, this is a one-time fun time. The pilgrims include middle-class Hindus, especially from nearby Karachi, which is a stop on the pilgrimage route to Hinglaj.

The pilgrimage serves as meeting point for places and doing community activity like gathering funds for construction of a Hindu temple. Hundreds of volunteers help in the organization. Diesel generators are installed. Vast community kitchens are set up to cook food prepared with tonnes of food stuff such as wheat floor, rice, lentils, and vegetables supplied by local people to feed the pilgrims. Three meals are prepared. Temporary bathroom facilities and camps are installed.

Historically few could make the taxing journey to Hinglaj-a grueling trek across more than 160 miles of isolated desert to the site of Sati's fallen head. But in recent years, new infrastructure has allowed an unprecedented number of pilgrims to enter the site, altering centuries-old rituals.

Devotees at Baba Chandragup volcano

The mud volcano Chandragup is considered holy by Hindus and is an important stop for pilgrims on their way to the shrine of Hinglaj Mata. Devotees throw coconuts into the craters to make wishes and thank the gods for answering their prayers.

The Chandragup mud volcano is worshipped as an embodiment of Lord Shiva and hence called Baba Chandragup. Many pilgrims believe that Hinglaj's temple may only be entered only after paying homage to Baba Chandrakup. Traditionally, the pilgrims stays awake all the night fasting and meditating on the sins they will confess at the rim of the crater next day and bake roti made out of ingredients contributed by all the yātrīs. On the next day they ascend the slope of Chandrakup. The roṭi is then served as an offering to Baba Chandrakup. Nowadays, coconuts, betel nut and dal are also offered. At the top of the Volcano, the pilgrims first have to introduce themselves with their full name and place of origin and then call out their sins in front of the group. According to the bubbling of the mud and the reaction of the wind, the chaṛīdār is able to tell if the pilgrim's sins are forgiven.

Canyons in Hinglaj

The Valley of Hinglaj is considered as Hinglaj Mata herself and hence is considered Sacred. This is the Swayambhu concept in Hinduism which implies a divine presence in natural manifestations such as particular landscapes or, on a smaller scale. Here the concept of svayaṃbhū not only relates fto the major shrine but also can be linked to whole areas of the Hinglaj Valley, the area surrounding Chandragup volcano, or even the whole desert is considered the home of the Devi.

The point at which the Hinglaj Valley begins is clearly marked by a wall built by the Hinglaj Sheva Mandali in 1996. However, traditional travelogues and of pilgrims coming to the shrine generally demonstrate that the Goddess's sacred geography more extended than this, the disappearance of the old pilgrimage paths led to the elimination of many stops en route. Due to the divinity of the Goddess's sacred geography commercial activities including shops and teastalls are not allowed to be set up in the valley.

Lord Ram's pilgrimage to Hinglaj

Hinglaj Mata Mandir Cave entrance

After killing Ravana, Rama returned from exile to ascend to the throne of Ayodhya. A sage Kumbodhar explained that to cleanse himself of this sin, Rama would have to make a pilgrimage to Hinglaj Mata, the only place that could purify him. Rama followed the advice and immediately left with his army for Hinglaj. Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman also accompanied him.

At the mountain pass, the goddess's army, which guarded the entry to her empire (Sacred Valley of Hinglaj) stopped them and a war broke out in which the goddess's army defeated Rama's army and told him that his army must retreat. When Rama sent a messenger to the goddess to inquire why she fought him, she responds that he must return to his first stop, which is now called Ram Bagh, and make the journey again as a simple pilgrim.

Therefore, Rama left his entourage, his army, and vehicles behind and set out to walk to the shrine accompanied only by his closest friends. Rama's men were devastated at not being allowed to accompany their lord to the goddess's abode. The Devi thus promised them that their descendants will, at some point in time, all come back to do the pilgrimage. For guidance through the harsh desert, Rama called on the pious Lalu Jasraj, a hermit who resided nearby at some hot springs, to be their charidar for the yatra. Only now did the goddess allow the group to cross the pass.

After only a few kilometers, Sita became thirsty in the burning desert heat and requested that Hanuman and Lakshmana bring her water. Hanuman tried to extract water from the soil by stomping his foot violently on the ground, but this produces only a dry riverbed. With the same aim, Lakshmana shot an arrow into the mountain range, but only succeeded in detaching one of the hills. In agony, Sita placed her palm down on the soil and thereby made five wells appear, from which the group drank. These five wells are known as Seeta Koowas. The river followed by a series of five wells reportedly produced either by the power of Sita or by Hinglaj herself. But these landmarks are not seen today.

After a physically challenging journey, Rama reached the shrine of the goddess, and the Devi granted him purification of his sin. To mark his completed yātrā, he carved the symbols of the Sun and Moon on the mountain opposite the temple which can be seen even today.

Hinglaj pilgrims before going to Hinglaj go to Khari Nadi, where people take a bath in the ocean and worship Rama.

The Hinglaj Sheva Mandali is the temple committee established to promote an annual pilgrimage to the shrine. It was created on January 5, 1986, and continues to be the main organization serving the Hinglaj Mata temple and its pilgrims.

The chairman of the temple committee was kidnapped two days before the annual Hinglaj Yatra in 2012 by suspected Islamists. He was kept in captivity for 73 days and later released. The Pakistan Hindu Council strongly criticised that his kidnapping was to warn the Hindus residing in Pakistan.

In 2008, Water and Power Development Authority of Pakistan proposed a plan to build a dam on the Hingol River close to the shrine. The dam would have flooded the access roads to the temple and endangered the locality and its associated festivals. Following protest from the Hindu community, the dam proposal was abandoned by the Balochistan Assembly.

After this, the WAPDA initially suggested relocating three holy places to a higher elevation and guaranteed the construction of a new access road. This proposition was rejected by the Hinglaj Sheva Mandali, which argued that these sites were not like common temples and could not simply be relocated. In 2008, the lawmakers on the Balochistan Assembly reacted to the concerns and protests of the Hindu community and asked the federal government to stop the project. In 2009, after a year of suspension, WAPDA chose to continue with the controversial Hingol Dam construction plans but decided to shift the site of the dam a few kilometers north in order to protect the temple. This resolution was in keeping with a consensus between WAPDA, the Balochistan Assembly, and the Hindu community.

Hinglaj Devi worshipped as Kuldevi of Parajiya Soni (Parajiya soni, Pattni Soni, Girnara Soni, Kutchi Soni), Bhawsar (Bhavsar), Gosavi, Goswami (Dashnami), Bhanushali samaj (caste), Brhamkshatriya samaj (Hindu Khatri), Sepau Rajpurohit, Charan- Gadhv i(caste), Bavaliya (mer) (Samaj of Saurastra Gujarat), Barot (caste) in south India Especially Banjaras or Lambadi's Community Worship Hingalaj Devi as one of the Sathi Bhavani. Hingalaj Devi late Incarnation Jagadamba or Merama Yadi is famous in South India Banjara community. Sevalal, devotee of Jagadamba is also worshiped in most of the south Indian states by Banjaras.

Hinglaj Devi is given center of sphere in Bengali language film named Morutirth Hinglaj in which group of people mostly devotees were shown to go by walking in the desert of about 150 miles. Leading role in film was played by Indian artist Uttam Kumar who acted in many Bengali and Hindi films. The film was notable and critics made good reviews. The songs in this film are enchanting and sung by singer Hemant Kumar. , Indian Telugu action movie starring Gopichand and Tapsee Pannu directed by Chandra Sekhar Yeleti.

'Hinglaj Shaktipeeth', a book by Onkar Singh Lakhawat who took the journey in 2006 along with Jaswant Singh, narrates his experiences & provides extensive details of the Hinglaj shrine. Lakhawat started writing after returning to India and the book was published in 2011.

Also there is a book in Bengali named Marutirtha Hinglaj, written by Kalikananda Abadhut.

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Hinglaj Mata ( Hindi: हिंगलाज माता, Balochi: هنگلاج ماتا, Urdu: ہنگلاج ماتا , Sindhi: هنگلاج ماتا), also known as Hinglaj Devi, Hingula Devi and Nani Mandir, is a Hindu temple in Hinglaj, a town on the Makran coast in the Lasbela district of Balochistan, and is the middle of the Hingol National Park.

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Mughal Ghundai, Zhob, Balochistan, Pakistan

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Mughal Ghundai, Zhob, Balochistan, Pakistan

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Zhob (; Pashto: ژوب, romanized: Zhōb, 'oozing water'), formerly known as Appozai, is a city and district headquarters of the Zhob District in the Balochistan province of Pakistan. Zhob is located on the banks of the Zhob river. It is 337 kilometres away from Quetta, the capital of Balochistan.

The city was originally named Appozai after a nearby village. During the British colonial era, it was named Fort Sandeman after the British Indian Army officer Robert Groves Sandeman. It obtained its current name in 1976 when the then Prime Minister of Pakistan Zulfikar Ali Bhutto changed its name.

Salyaza: One of the most visited picnic spots of the Zhob district, Pakistan. The stream is surrounded by the orchards of apples, grapes, almonds and apricots and extensive fields of maize and wheat. The Pashtoon tribes living here are Mandokhail and village named Takai.

Paryan-o-Ghundi: Visiting places in this area are Oboo Shakh, Tarjana Narai, Shaly Narai, Uzgii Ghbarga, Sur Ghundai. Rhis area is also rich with Zaitoon (Olive) forests.

Tor Ghar Ali Khan zai تورغر علی خان زئی is situated 16 km away in the south of Zhob district. Tor Ghar is also called K2 of Zhob District.

A Chinese pilgrim, Xuanzang, who visited the region in 629 AD mentioned Pashtuns living in Zhob. The prime historical importance of Zhob is having been a cradle of the Pashtuns. Early in the 13th century the country came within the sphere of the Mongol raids organised by Genghis Khan. In 1398 AD, an expedition against the Pashtuns of the area was led by Pir Muhammad, the grandson of Amir Timur. Although no authentic information exists about any foreign occupation, many forts, mounds and karizes are attributed to the Mughals. Both Nadir Shah (1736-47 AD) and Ahmed Shah Abdali (1747-73 AD) extended their power through Balochistan and thenceforth Zhob remained under the more or less nominal suzerainty of the Durranis and the Barakzais until it came under British protection.

In the middle of the 18th century, Ahmed Shah granted a sanad (certificate) to Bekar Nika, fourth in descent from Jogi and the head of the Jogizai family, conferring upon him the title and position of "Badshah or Ruler of Zhob". This family continued to exercise authority over the Kakars until the British were first brought into contact with them.

View of Zhob

Until the Zhob Valley Expedition of 1884, the area was practically unknown to Europeans. In 1889, the Zhob Valley and Gomal Pass were taken under the control of the British Government. In December 1889, the town of Zhob, then known as Apozai, was occupied by the British and named Fort Sandeman after Sir Robert Sandeman.

The district of Zhob was formed in 1890 with Fort Sandeman as the capital. The population was 3552 according to the 1901 census of India. The military garrison included a native cavalry and a native infantry regiment. It was also the headquarters of the Zhob Levy Corps. In 1894, a supply of water from the Saliaza valley was established, allowing irrigation and planting of fruits and trees and providing drinking water. It cost a little over a lakh of rupees.

During the colonial era, the political agent resided in a building known as "the Castle" that lay to the north of the town and 150 feet (46 m) above the surface of the plain. The military lines, bazaar, dispensaries, and schools lay below. During this time, the railway system was built. The nearest railway station in Baluchistan is Harnai, 168 miles (270 km) distant. Bhakkar, the railway station for Dera Ismail Khan, is 122 miles (196 km) distant. The population numbered 3,552 in 1901.

A local fund was created in 1890. The income during 1903-4 was 18,000 rupees and the expenditure 17,000 rupees. One-third of the net receipts from octroi were paid over to the military authorities. There is a small sanitarium, about 8,500 feet (2,600 m) above sea-level, about 30 miles (48 km) away at Shinghar on the Sulaiman range, to which resort is made in the summer months.

There is a Pakistan Army cantonment in Zhob too. Semi-nomadic people from various provinces or Afghanistan migrate to Zhob amid the weather of the city. Tribes known for migration include Yusafzai, Tarakai, Mehsud, Wazir etc.

Zhob's population is predominately Pashtun. According to the census of 2017, the total population of Zhob city was 46,164, while the population of Zhob district was 310,544. The average annual growth rate was 2.52% from 1998 to 2017.

Zhob has a semi-arid climate ( Köppen BSh). Its rainfall is high enough to avoid the arid climate category found at lower elevations. Unlike most of Balochistan, Zhob does receive rainfall on occasions from the monsoon, though this occurs very erratically.

Zhob is 365 kilometres (227 mi) far from Quetta and 225 kilometres (140 mi) far from Dera Ismail Khan. However, the road linking with Dera Ismail Khan is mostly a track passing through water streams and almost all of the road is metalloid. The Quetta to Zhob National Highway has been completed recently on the expenditure of 7 billion rupees by NHA in five years in two shifts (Quetta-Killasaifulah and Killasaifulah-Zhob). Zhob has an important link with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa because it connects Balochistan with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and then with Punjab; originally it took 12 hours or more to reach Dera Ismail Khan, but now it is distance of almost 4 hours. On this route there is a heavy traffic of cargo and goods carrying vehicles to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab. The route is very convenient for transportation between Punjab and Balochistan. This road is very important for carrying goods from province Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to the sea port of Karachi.

Zhob is linked by rail with the Pakistan Railways network. In 2006, the Pakistan Railways converted the narrow gauge railway track into a broad gauge. The Zhob line splits off the Chaman line north of Quetta at Bostan. A more direct route to the capital via Dera Ismail Khan and Darya Khan is also proposed. The new project will link Quetta with Peshawar via Bostan, Zhob, Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu and Kohat.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Pakistan constructed an airport at Zhob with a 6,390 feet (1,950 m) runway that links Zhob by air with the major cities of Pakistan.

^ a "Final Results (Census-2017)".b c

^ Tehsils & Unions in the District of Zhob - Government of Pakistan

^ Zhob Background - Balochistan Police Website Archived 4 March 2010 at the Wayback Machine

^ One or more of the preceding sentences incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). "Zhob". Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. 28 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. p. 979.

^ Fort Sandeman - Imperial Gazetteer of India, v. 12, p. 103.

^ "BHC :: Zhob > History of District".

^ "Balochistān (Pakistan): Province, Major Cities, Municipalites [sic] & Towns - Population Statistics, Maps, Charts, Weather and Web Information".

^ a "CENSUS OF INDIA, 1941 VOLUME XIV BALUCHISTAN".b

^ "District Wise Results / Tables (Census - 2017) TABLE 9 - POPULATION BY SEX, RELIGION AND RURAL/URBAN" (PDF).

^ "Zhob(Pho) Climate Normals 1961-1990". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

^ "PR to establish rail link Quetta to DI Khan via Zhob". PakTribune.

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Zhob (; Pashto: ژوب, romanized: Zhōb, 'oozing water'), formerly known as Appozai, is a city and district headquarters of the Zhob District in the Balochistan province of Pakistan. Zhob is located on the banks of the Zhob river. It is 337 kilometres away from Quetta, the capital of Balochistan.

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Dhana Abdullahzai, Zhob, Balochistan, PK

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Dhana Abdullahzai, Zhob, Balochistan, PK

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Dhana Sar is a town which is located in province Balochistan, Pakistan. It lies about 35 km from Zhob and 130 km from Dera Ismail Khan. To the west of Dhana Sar stands Nar Ghar (9100 feet) and towards South is Mizri Ghar (10207 feet). Karher River passes close to Dhana Sar. Its coordinates are 31°25'22" N and 69°59'31" E in DMS (Degrees Minutes Seconds) or 31.4228 and 69.9919 (in decimal degrees). Its UTM position is WV97 and its Joint Operation Graphics reference is NH42-03. The standard time zone for Dhana Sar Post is UTC/GMT+5.

The people living in this town are Pakhtoons and called Sherani Pakhtoons.

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Dhana Sar, Balochistan, Pakistan-Travel my Pakistan

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Dhana Sar is a town located in Balochistan, Pakistan

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Frontier Corps Headquarters, Quetta, Balochistan, Pakistan

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Frontier Corps Headquarters, Quetta, Balochistan, Pakistan

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Frontier Corps
فرنٹیئر کور

Abbreviation

FC

Formed

1878; 145 years ago

Employees

70,000 personnel as of 2017[1]

Annual budget

Rs. 3.77 billion (2020)

Federal agency
Pakistan

Operations jurisdiction
Pakistan

Governing body
Ministry of Interior

Constituting instrument

Frontier Corps Ordinance, 1959[2]

General nature

Specialist jurisdictions

Paramilitary law enforcement, counter insurgency, and riot control.

National border patrol, security, and integrity.

Overviewed by
Pakistan Army

Headquarters

Elected officer responsible

Agency executives

Major General Noor Wali Khan, Inspector General, KPK (North)

Major General Chaudhry Amir Ajmal, Inspector General, Balochistan (North)

Major General Haroon Hameed Chaudhr, Inspector General, KPK (South)

Major General Kamal Anwar Chaudhry, Inspector General, Balochistan (South)

Parent agency
Civil Armed Forces

www.interior.gov.pk/index.php/hq-frontier-corps-kpk-peshawar
www.interior.gov.pk/index.php/hq-frontier-corps-balochistan-quetta

The Frontier Corps ( Urdu: فرنٹیئر کور , reporting name: FC), are a group of paramilitary forces of Pakistan, operating in the provinces of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, to maintain law and order while overseeing the country's borders with Afghanistan and Iran. There are four Frontier Corps: FC KPK (North) and FC KPK (South) stationed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province (formed from the previously named North-West Frontier Province and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas), and FC Balochistan (North) and FC Balochistan (South) stationed in Balochistan province.

Each Corps is headed by a seconded inspector general, who is a Pakistan Army officer of at least major-general rank, although the force itself is officially under the jurisdiction of the Interior Ministry.

With a total manpower of approximately 70,000, and a budget of Rs. 3.77 billion, the task of the Frontier Corps is to help local law enforcement, and to carry out border patrol, counter-insurgency, counter-terrorism and anti-smuggling operations.

Each Corps consists of several regiments, themselves composed of one or more battalion-sized wings. Some of the regiments were raised during the colonial era. These include the Chitral Scouts, the Khyber Rifles, the Kurram Militia, the Tochi Scouts, the South Waziristan Scouts, and the Zhob Militia. The Khyber Rifles was in fact regularised during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965 and fought with distinction in Kashmir.

Tochi Scouts in operations against Faqir Ipi in the 1930s

The Frontier Corps was created in 1907 by Lord Curzon, the viceroy of British India, in order to organize seven militia and scout units in the tribal areas along the border with Afghanistan: the Khyber Rifles, the Zhob Militia, the Kurram Militia, the Tochi Scouts, the Chagai Militia, the South Waziristan Scouts and the Chitral Scouts.

The Frontier Corps was led by an "inspecting officer" who was a British officer of the rank of lieutenant colonel. In 1943 the inspecting officer was upgraded to an inspector general (an officer with the rank of brigadier), and the corps was expanded with the addition of new units-the Second Mahsud Scouts (raised in 1944) and the Pishin Scouts (in 1946).

A member of the Khyber Rifles circa 1948

After Pakistan and India split in 1947, Pakistan expanded the corps further by creating a number of new units, including the Thal Scouts, the Northern Scouts, the Bajaur Scouts, the Karakoram Scouts, the Kalat Scouts, the Dir Scouts and the Kohistan Scouts. British officers continued to serve in the Frontier Corps up to the early 1950s. The corps was split into two major subdivisions with FC Balochistan incorporating the Zhob Militia, the Sibi Scouts, the Kalat Scouts, the Makran Militia, the Kharan Rifles, the Pishin Scouts, the Chaghai Militia and the First Mahsud Scouts. In 1975 three units, the Gilgit Scouts, the Karakoram Scouts and the Northern Scouts, were merged to form a new paramilitary force called the Northern Light Infantry, which is now a full infantry regiment of the Pakistan Army.

In the mid-1970s, the Pakistani government used FC Balochistan to counter the terrorists in Balochistan, and the force is unpopular among some of the local population who associate them with human rights violations and heavy-handed operations. To improve the image of the corps, it has been involved in the construction of schools and hospitals, although as of late 2004, corps installations in the province were being routinely attacked by terrorists.

In the late 1990s, the Frontier Corps played an important role in eliminating opium poppy cultivation from Dir District in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

In 2007, after the collapse of truce agreements between the Pakistani government and local militants, the Frontier Corps, teamed with regular Pakistani military units, conducted incursions into tribal areas controlled by the militants. The effort produced a series of bloody and clumsy confrontations. On August 30, about 250 Pakistani troops, mostly from the Frontier Corps, surrendered to militants without a fight. In early November, most were released in exchange for 25 militants held by the Pakistan Army.

There is a widespread consensus among United States government military and intelligence experts that the Frontier Corps are the best potential military units against the Islamist militants because its troops are locally recruited, know local languages and understand local cultures. The United States provided more than US$7 billion in military aid to Pakistan from 2002 to 2007, most of which was used to equip the Frontier Corps because it is in the front line of the fight against the Islamist insurgents. From late 2007, the Pakistani government intended to expand the corps to 100,000 and use it more in fighting Islamist militants, particularly Al-Qaeda, after extensive consultations with the U.S. government, with a multi-year plan to bolster the effort, including the establishment of a counterinsurgency training centre. The US Obama policy for Pakistan was seen as a clear victory for the Pakistan Army lobby in the US. The $1.5 billion a year unrestricted aid recently[when? ] announced will go a long way in seeing that the Frontier Corps stay at the height of their professional abilities due to new equipment and training.

The Corps has also fired occasionally on the U.S.-assisted Afghan Army.

Border security duties.

Assist Army/FCNA in the defense of the country as and when required.

Protect important communication centers and routes.

Undertake counter militancy/criminal/terrorism operations on orders.

Assist law enforcement agencies in maintenance of law and order.

Safeguard important sites and assets

During times of difficulties, the government occasionally gives the FC the power to arrest and detain suspects such as in late 2012 and early 2013 when the Prime Minister of Pakistan granted the FC policing powers. These temporary powers can also be extended on the orders or consent of the provincial government or federal government or both.

US DEA Administrator Karen P. Tandy with senior Frontier Corps Balochistan officials and Pakistani Government officials right in front of the Afghan-Pakistani border.

The senior command posts are filled by officers seconded from the Pakistan Army for two to three years. The four Corps are divided into forty two regiments, most of which are composed of a number of battalion-sized "wings" together with a number of training and support units. See the daughter articles for listings of regiments.

Personnel from FC KPK marching on Pakistan Day

There were a total of 70,000 active personnel as of 2017 and additional wings have been raised to meet the security challenges. Frontier Corps units are locally recruited and are officered by Pakistani Army officers.

In January 2022 during a press briefing Pakistan military spokesperson General Babar Iftikhar said, as a part of Pakistan's Western border management, 67 new wings have been established for the FC Balochistan and FC Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to strengthen border security and formation of the six more wings is in process.

After independence in 1947, the Inspectors-General were as follows:

Brig. Ahmad Jan, MBE (1950-51)

Brig. K A Rahim Khan (1951-53)

Brig. Bakhtiar Rana, MC (1953-55)

Brig. Sadiq Ullah Khan, M.C (1955-58)

Brig. Rakhman Gul, SQA, S, K, MC (1958-63)

Brig. Sadiq Ullah Khan, MC (1963-64)

Brig. Bahadur Sher, MC (1964-66)

Brig. Mahboob Khan, TQA (1966-69)

Brig. Mahmud Jan, SQA (1969-71)

Maj. Gen. Shireen Dil Khan Niazi (1971-72)

Brig. Iftikhar e Bashir (1972)

Maj. Gen. Naseerullah Babar, SJ & Bar (1972-74)

For subsequent inspectors general, see the daughter articles.

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Frontier Corpsفرنٹیئر کور Abbreviation FC Formed 1878; 145 years ago Employees 70,000 personnel as of 2017[1] Annual budget Rs. 3.77 billion (2020) Federal agency Pakistan Operations jurisdiction Pakistan Governing body Ministry of Interior Constituting instrument Frontier Corps Ordinance, 1959[2] General nature Specialist jurisdictions Paramilitary law enforcement, counter insurgency, and riot control.

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Pir Moosiani's shrine, Lasbela, Balochistan, Pakistan

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Pir Moosiani's shrine, Lasbela, Balochistan, Pakistan

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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Pakistan has a number of shrines that have become places of pilgrimage. They include mausolea and shrines of political leaders (of both pre-independence and post-independence Pakistan), shrines of religious leaders and pirs (saints) and shrines of leaders of various Islamic empires and dynasties.

| Peer SyedSaeedulHassan, Sarkar Mararvi|| Silsala Naqashbandi Qadri Mujadadi||1997-till date|| walton cantt lahore|| lahore|| Punjab |- | Syed Shah Sadaruddin Lakyari/ Laki Shah Saddar|| Descendant of Imam Musa Kazim|| Jamshoro|| Jamshoro|| Sindh

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List of mausolea and shrines in Pakistan - Wikipedia

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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Pakistan has a number of shrines that have become places of pilgrimage. They include mausolea and shrines of political leaders (of both pre-independence and post-independence Pakistan), shrines of religious leaders and pirs (saints) and shrines of leaders of various Islamic empires and dynasties.

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Sassi and Punnu (shrine), Lasbela, Balochistan, Pakistan

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Sassi and Punnu (shrine), Lasbela, Balochistan, Pakistan

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Kumb Shrine, Lasbela, Balochistan, Pakistan

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Kumb Shrine, Lasbela, Balochistan, Pakistan

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Introduction/Geographical Details Lasbela District

Lasbela district is located between 24° 53Ꞌ 02" to 26° 39Ꞌ 20" north latitudes and 65° 12Ꞌ 11" to 67° 25Ꞌ 39" east longitudes. It shares its borders with district Khuzdar in the north and the Arabian Sea in the south. Dadu, Malir, and Karachi West districts of Sindh province are located along the district's eastern border, while the western border is shared with Gwadar and Awaran districts of Balochistan.

The name Lasbela is derived from two words: 'Las' which signifies a plain (the greater part of the area is a flat plain), and 'Bela' which means jungle. Bela is also one of the principal towns of the district.

Lasbela District at a Glance

Table 1.1 Lasbela District at a Glance

[1] 2017 Census

[2] 1998 Census

[3] 2017 Census

[4] 2017 Census

[5] 2017 Census

[6] 2017 Census

[7] 2017 Census

[8] Pakistan Social & Living Measurement Survey 2014-15 (PSLM); Latest available.

[9] PSLM

[10] PSLM

[11] 1998 Census; 2017 Census data has not been released yet.

[12] Balochistan Development Statistics 2018-19

[13] Land Utilization Statistics report 166,797 HA under forests.

[14] Balochistan Development Statistics 2018-19

[15] Balochistan Development Statistics 2018-19

[16] Balochistan Development Statistics 2018-19

[17] Balochistan Development Statistics 2018-19

[18] Lasbela District Development Profile 2011, P&D, GoB, with UNICEF; Latest available.

[19] Lasbela District Development Profile 2011, P&D, GoB, with UNICEF; for a detailed list, please see the section on Industry.

[20] 1998 Census; 2017 Census data has not been released yet.

[21] 1998 Census; 2017 Census data has not been released yet.

[22] 1998 Census; 2017 Census data has not been released yet.

Brief History - Governmental Structure - Administrative Divisions - Historical/Heritage Sites and Picnic Areas

Brief History Lasbela District

Lasbela was a Princely State in subsidiary alliance with the British Government; it became a Princely State in subsidiary alliance with Pakistan at the time of Partition, and remained as such until 1955, when it was made a part of West Pakistan under the One Unit Scheme.

It is known that Alexander the Great passed through Lasbela on his way back from conquering India; according to the accounts of his march given by Sir Thomas Holdich,[1] he left Patala (now Thatta) in Sindh in the beginning of September, 326 BC,[2] retreating from India through Makran and Lasbela. After Alexander's death, one of his generals, Seleucus Nicator, became the ruler of central and western Asia including Balochistan (which included Lasbela). In 305 BC Seleucus Nicator was defeated by Chandragupta Maurya and was forced to cede Lasbela, Makran, and several other areas to him. For many centuries after this, nothing can be traced about the history of Lasbela.

It is known that in the 7th century AD the ruler of Armanbel (which is believed to be the present town of Bela) was a Buddhist ruler, called Somani, who was a descendant of the governors of Rai Sahiras, the King of Hind (India). The Rai had elevated[3] Somani to this position for his loyalty and devotion. Raja Chach, the father of Raja Dahir, usurped the throne of the Rai dynasty of Sindh and marched to Bela in 636 AD with a view to demarcate the boundary of Kirman (Iran) and also to gain the allegiance of the outlying province. From Bela, Chach marched west toward Makran.

Lasbela district was also located on the route taken by the Arab General, Muhammad Bin Qasim, to conquer India. Qasim entered Makran in 712 AD; at that time, Makran and Bela were governed by Muhammad Ibn Haroon. When Muhammad Bin Qasim arrived in Makran to proceed toward Sindh, Muhammad Ibn Haroon accompanied him. Muhammad Haroon died in Bela, and his tomb is still there. The power of the Arabs in the area lasted till the end of the 10th century.

The district appears to have come under the influence of the Soomras and Sammas, who asserted their independence when the power of the Abbasid caliphs (Arabs) declined in the 10th century; the Soomras gained a position of supremacy in the middle of the 11th century. They were eventually overthrown by the Sammas led by Jam Umar in 1333. The Sammas reigned till 1523, when they were defeated, and their power completely broken by Shah Hussein Arghun. The succeeding period is again obscure. The chiefs of the Gujar, Ranjha, Gunga, and Burfat tribes, who still inhabit Lasbela, are said to have exercised a semi-independent power preceding the rise of the Aliani family of the Jamoot tribe, who are the founders of the Lasbela State.

There is little record of any these chiefs, but it is known that the last two of the Gunga Chiefs were Jam Dinar and Jam Ibrahim. Owing to a quarrel over the division of certain plundered property, the head of his own tribe murdered Jam Ibrahim. To avenge the death of Jam Ibrahim, his uncle, Pahar Khan, the Chief of the Burfat tribe, attacked and subdued the Gungas in the vicinity of Uthal. According to the Baluchistan District Gazetteer Lasbela,

Pahar Khan then ruled Bela and after him the chieftainship descended to Mir Izzat Khan and to his son. As the latter was a minor, the authority was vested in Bibi Chaguli, his mother. But Jam Ali, Sardar of the Jamot tribe, applied to Muhabbat Khan, Khan of Kalat, to assist him in taking Bela. (p. 25)

Muhabbat Khan dispatched a force comprised mainly of Brahuis, led by Mulla Muhammad Hayat (an Akhund) to Bela. With his assistance, Jam Ali succeeded in taking over Bela and establishing his authority in 1742. The Khan of Kalat took a half share of all revenues of Bela, but handed over the chieftainship and the other half share of revenues to Jam Ali. The chieftainship of Lasbela has since remained in this family. The Jamoot tribe claims descent from Abdul Manaf of the Qureshi tribe of the Arabs.[4]

Jam Ali Khan I (with surname Kathuria) ruled until his death in 1766. His eldest son, Jam Ghulam Shah, succeeded him, but died of small pox in 1776 in Kalat. His remains were brought to Bela, where he was buried. The remains of his tomb still exist in Sanjarwala Garden near Gondrani.

The Aliani family of the Jamoot tribe continued to rule Lasbela till 1955. The Jamoot rulers of Lasbela were:

Jam Ali Khan I (surname Kathura; 1742-1765)

Jam Ghulam Shah (1765-1776)

Jam Mir Khan I (1776-1818)

Jam Ali Khan II (1818-1830)

Jam Mir Khan II (1830-1869)

Jam Ali Khan III (1869-1896)

Jam Mir Kamal Khan (1896-1921)

The most prominent of these Jams was Jam Mir Khan II; he allied himself with the Jams of the Jhalawan Country in three rebellions against Mir Khudadad Khan, the Khan of Kalat. In 1869, when the Jam was marching toward Kalat with a large force, a clash was averted by the intervention of the British Political Officer. The negotiations were, however, abortive; Jam Mir Khan refused to pay allegiance to the Khan of Kalat and was banished to British India. In 1877, he was restored to the masnad (throne) after signing a treaty to acknowledge the sovereignty of the Khan of Kalat. He died in 1888, and the British appointed a wazir (minister) to assist his successor Jam Ali Khan III.

Jam Mir Khan III was, at first, inclined to let his son Jam Ali Khan carry on the government, but ultimately took the administration of the region in his own hands. Jam Mir Khan III died in January 1888, leaving three sons. His eldest son, Haji Jam Ali Khan was installed at Bela in January 1889 by Sir Robert Sandeman, the British Agent to the Governor General in Balochistan. Sir Robert died on January 29, 1892 in Bela; his tomb is in Bela Gardens.

Haji Jam Ali Khan died in 1894 and was succeeded by his son, Jam Mir Kamal Khan, who subsequently ruled over the state for 50 years. His successors, first his son, Jam Mir Ghulam Muhammad Khan, and later his grandson, Jam Ghulam Qadir Khan continued to hold the masnad under the same conditions, and without any significant events until Pakistan was founded on 14 August, 1947. At this time, Lasbela, along with Kharan and Kalat States, acceded to Pakistan, and later became part of the Balochistan province.

The statement of Ghulam Qadir Khan, the last Jam of Lasbela, on signing the treaty of accession was:

We hold historical ties with Sindh and share strongest cultural bond with the Province. Our People have accepted Jinnah Sahab as the leader of new Muslim homeland and we vote to merge in Pakistan.

In October 1952, Balochistan States Union was formed by the States of Kalat, Lasbela, and Makran, with the capital at the town of Kalat. The area covered by this Union was roughly the western half of the modern province of Balochistan. The Union was separate from the Chief Commissioners Province of Balochistan, which comprised areas to the northeast of the Union, and consisted of the present-day districts of Quetta, Pishin, Jaffarabad, Zhob, Chagai, Dera Bugti, and Kohlu.

In October 1955, the unification of the provinces of Punjab, NWFP, Sindh, and Balochistan took place under the One Unit Policy, and West Pakistan was formed. The Balochistan States Union was re-formulated as the Kalat Division. In December 1960, Lasbela became a separate district, and was placed as a part of the Karachi Division. It was transferred to the Kalat Division of Balochistan province in the 1970s.

Governmental Structure Lasbela District

At the Federal level, Lasbela district is allocated a set number of representatives in both the National Assembly and the Provincial Assembly:

Number of seats in the National Assembly 1

Number of seats in the Provincial Assembly 2

Under the Local Government Act 2010, Amended in 2011, Lasbela district has 1 District Council with 22 Union Councils. It has 6 Municipal Committees as follows:

Uthal

Bela

Hub

Windar

Dureji

Gadani

Each Union Council is represented by 1 member in the District Council. In addition, there is special representation of women (33%), and of workers and peasants (5% each).

Administrative Divisions Lasbela District

Lasbela district covers a total area of 15,153 km 2 and is divided into the following tehsils named after their headquarters:

Table 1.2 Lasbela Administrative Divisions

[1] Imperial Gazetteer of India v. 6, p. 275

[2] Balochistan District Gazetteer Series Lasbela, p.19

[3] District Gazetteer Lasbela 1907

[4] 1998 Lasbela District Profile by GoPakistan..

Historical/Heritage Sites and Picnic Areas Lasbela District

The following historical buildings are protected under the Government of Pakistan Laws:

Ancestral graveyard of Jam of Lasbela in Babrs Lasbela: This necropolis is located 8 km from Lasbela at Bara Bagh. It includes tombs of the former rulers of Lasbela. This necropolis contains more than 100 tombs, of which 40 belong to the royal family of the Koreja Jams

Tomb of General Muhammad Ibn-e-Haroon, Bela town, Lasbela: General Haroon was the governor of Makran, who accompanied Muhammad Bin Qasim in 712 on his way to Sindh. General Haroon died in Bela and his tomb is still extant

Tombs at Hanidan, Pir Mubarakm,[1] Lasbela: This graveyard is located near Dureji, and contains tombs similar in design to those at Choukhandi

Choukhandi (Rumi) Graves, Bhawani Sarai, Lasbela: The tombs are located 8 km from Hub Chowki, and are attributed to theJokhio (also spelt Jokhiya) tribe. This graveyard is believed to be the family graveyard of the Jokhio tribe, although other, mainly Baloch, tribes have also been buried here. The tombs were mainly built during Mughal rule, during the 15th and 18th centuries

Following are important heritage buildings in the district which also need to be protected by Pakistani Laws:

Shah Jamia Mosque: Constructed in 1836, the mosque is located in Bela town. It was built by Jam Mir Khan II, and its architecture is based on the Central Asian style of the 14th century

Tomb of Colonel Robert Sandeman: Made of granite and white marble, the tomb is surrounded by gardens

Tombs/ ruins of Karia Pir near Bela Town: These ruins contain Arab pottery, seals, and other medieval relics

Sassi Waro-Chodo (Sassi's Spring): This is located near Paboni Naka, about 68 km from Karachi

Bakkar Buthi: This is a small Harappan site located in the remote mountainous area to the east of the Lasbela plain. It comprises of a fortified southern part as well as some houses and working spaces for the processing of chert (a sedimentary rock) to the north. Two trenches dug in 1998 revealed several phases of houses on a thick deposit of alluvial sediments. While the lower mud brick and stone walls are well-built, the uppermost occupation is less sophisticated. Occupation is dated to between 2400 and 2000 BC by radiocarbon dates. Apart from typical Harappan objects, some Kulli[2] elements are also present

Mai Pir or Gondrani: This location is also called Sheher-e-Roghan or the town of Mai Gondrani, located 20 km from the town of Bela. This is a man-made cave city, and is one of the largest cave cities in the world. There are about 200 man-made chambers, each with a verandah and one room carved into a relatively vertical cliff in conglomerate formation. Recent studies of materials found around the cliff, like chert blades and coarse handmade pottery, indicate that these caves were built in the Neolithic period, about 6000 BC[3]

Shrine of Shah Bilawal Noorani, and Lahut-i-lamakan: Both shrines are situated in Shah Bilawal village, west of the Tira Hub stream

Kumb Shireen and tombs of Shireen and Farhad: The Kumb Shireen spring is located on the western slope of the Haro or Hala Hills on the route between Awaran and Karachi, which passes through Lasbela over the Jau-Lak. The tomb of Shireen and Farhad is also located in the area; they are buried in a single grave. Shireen and Farhad are the main protagonists of a folk love story. A fair is held here every year

Shrine of Pir Fida Hussain, Uthal: An Urs is held annually

Shrines of Pir Moosiani and Pir Mohiuddin

Hinglaj: This is aHindu temple in Hinglaj, a town on the Makran coast in the Lasbela district, and is located in the middle of the Hingol National Park. The shrine is located in a small natural cave. There is a low mud altar. There are no man-made images of the goddess, and instead, a small shapeless stone is worshipped as Hinglaj Mata. The stone is smeared with Sindoor (vermilion), which possibly gives the location its Sanskrit name Hingula, which is the root of the present-day name (Hinglaj)

Shrines of Pir Koonana, Pir Shah Bukhari, Pir Meeran, Pir Bukur, and Darga Baba Juman Shah Uthal

These sites are also tourist attractions, especially if developed and restored properly. These also provide avenues for a recreational picnic. Hub Dam Reservoir and Miani Hor, Gadani Beach, and Sonmiani beach also provide great places for picnics and recreational outings.

Figure 1.10 A Hinglaj Mata Mandir (Temple) Hingol National Park, Lasbela

Figure 1.11 Hanidan Graveyard

Figure 1.12 A view of Mai Pir or the Cave City

Figure 1.13 A view of Gadani Beach

Figure 1.14 Balochistan Sphinx, a natural rock formation, Lasbela

Figure 1.15 A Roadside Café, Windar, Lasbela

Figure 1.16 Sonmiani Beach

[1] Guidelines for Sensitive and Critical Areas 1997, Government of Pakistan

[2] The Kulli civilization arrived after the Harrapa civilization, and is peculiar to Balochistan

[3] Balochistan Conservation Strategy by IUCN

Topography Lasbela District

Lasbela is situated at the coastline of Balochistan province of Pakistan and has a slope of 0‑1,494 m[1] above mean sea level. The district forms a part of the Lower Highland region of Balochistan. Geographically, the district is divided into 3 distinct geographical zones:

Central level plain with its base on the sea, called the Porali Trough

Mountainous/hilly areas to the east and west of this plain

Sea coast or coastal area

Central Plain Area (Porali Trough) Lasbela district

The central west area of the district consists of a triangular alluvial plain with its base on the sea, surrounding Bela town. This plain extends southwards up to the Bay of Sonmiani with the hilly regions situated in the east and west of this plain. The plain itself consists of alluvium deposits of Porali, Kud, and other rivers. The central plain area is drained by the rivers and streams flowing from the hills of the Moro and Pab ranges in the north and east of the plain, and the Haro and Hala Ranges lying close to the district's western boundary. The alluvial plain surrounding Bela town is flanked by the mud flats of Damb, and raised sea-beaches, situated some 15 to 25 m above sea level. In the south of the plain, a large marshy area is situated, which is inundated by the sea through the Miani Hor, an inlet of the sea.

Mountains Lasbela district

The hilly region is situated on both the east and west of the alluvial plain of the Porali river, and extends along the Makran coast. More than half of the area of the district is occupied by these northeastern mountains and hills; these hills are also the western slopes of the Kirthar Mountains, which extend along the extreme northeastern boundary of the district. Westwards from Kirthar are other important ranges like the Bhedu, the Hameling, the Lakhan, the Pab, and the Moro. The important valleys of these ranges are the Windar Valley, the Wirahab Valley, and the Hub Valley.

The hills located in the extreme southwest, in a narrow belt along the Arabian Sea, are the southern slopes of the Makran Coastal Range which runs in an east-west direction. These hills are locally known as the Taloiband and the Gurangatti.

Coastal Area Lasbela district

The coastline on the west stretches past Ormara for about 200 km, comprising about 22% of the coastline of the province. The coastal area has characteristic deep bays, creeks with frequently occurring sandy and rocky beaches along slopes of coarse limestone. The coast experiences high siltation, mostly in areas along the Hangol River delta; it has a good growth of patchy Mangrove forests and their associated ecosystem. The coastal belt is characterized by many bays and creeks with shallow water.

The Chandra Gups[2] or Chanra kups (mud volcanoes) are located along the Lasbela coast. In Persian, they are called "Daria cham" meaning "eye of the sea". These mud volcanoes are situated north of Miani Hor.

Figure 1.3 One of the Chandra Kups or Mud Volano in Hingol

Rivers, Streams, and Lakes Lasbela district

The main river is the Porali with its tributaries: Windar and Wirhab Rivers. Other rivers are the Phor and Hingol, which rise in Awaran district before flowing through Lasbela on their way to the Arabian Sea.

The Saman branch of the Gaj River flanks the Mor and Khude Range of Hills on the south (Gaj or the Kolachi River flows from a gorge in the Kirthar Range). The Hub River flows near the eastern border of the district and Gidar Dhor River is in the west. The Hub River tributaries are Saruna, Samotri, and Wira Hub.

At the head of the valley above Bela, there are numerous streams and watercourses. Some of the smaller streams/ hill torrents include Kharari or Kanrach, Mithri, Mohbar, Chebechi, Kud River, and Arenji Jhal.

The Siranda lake is a brackish water lagoon near Uthal, Lasbela. The Saruna River makes a lake in the Hub-Saruna Valley, before joining Hub River.

Forests Lasbela district

The district has considerable area under forest cover, which is conserved as State Forest or Wildlife Protected Areas. However, the remaining area of the district, excluding agriculture lands, is community-owned, and termed as rangelands. These rangelands are contributing substantially to the local economy of the district as forage source of livestock. There are 2 representative forest types in the district: Dry Tropical Forests and Tropical Mangrove Forests. In Dry Tropical Forests, the climax formation has been reduced to scrub condition due to grazing and use of trees for fuel wood. Presently, the area is covered with a fair amount of bushes, grasses and major tree species such as pilu ( Salvadora oleoides), kandi ( Prosopis cineraria), ber ( Zizyphus nummularia), and kikar ( Acacia jacquemontii). In Tropical Mangrove Forests, the major species are Avicenia marina, Rhizophora mucronata, and Ceriopstagal; however, the frequency of occurrence is dominated by Avicenia marina.

The following table shows the type of forests found in the district (Balochistan Development Statistics 2018-19):

Table 1.3 Lasbela Forests

The total area of notified forests and protected wildlife sanctuaries is 412,442 acres. According to the Lasbela District Development Profile 2011, by P&D Department, GoB in collaboration with UNICEF, as well as the GoB Official Website,[4] following are the notified forest areas and protected wildlife sanctuaries in the district:

Pir Sawai (62,630 A; Notified Forest Area)

Khurkhera Wildlife Sanctuary (45,312 A; Notified Wildlife Protected Area)

Porali (2,000 A; Notified Forest Area)

Dumbi (47,550 A; Notified Forest Area)

Jonia (16,000 A; Notified Forest Area)

Hub River Catchment (87,040 A; Notified Forest Area)

Dureji Game Reserve (63,200 A; Notified Wildlife Protected Area)

Sonmiani/ Gruchella (20,350 A; Notified Forest Area)

Pir Hayat (530 A; Notified Forest Area)

Wingoi (7,040 A; Notified Forest Area)

Awara (30,080 A; Notified Forest Area)

Chichai (30,710 A; Notified Forest Area)

Part of Hingol National Park (2,336,639 A; Notified Wildlife Park)

Figure 1.4 IUCN GIS Map Lasbela District

Figure 1.5 A View of Hingol Valley

Soils Lasbela District

The soil of Lasbela is alluvial, and is composed of light loose clay, mixed with fine sand. In some parts of the district, the soil contains saline ingredients and preserves a hard smooth surface; in others, it crumbles into a fine dust. The ground in many parts is covered with large round stones.

Seismic Activity Lasbela District

The district belongs to Zone 2B of the Seismic Zone Map of Pakistan, which means there will be minor to moderate damage due to earthquakes.

Climate Lasbela district

The weather of Lasbela is almost similar to that of Karachi; it is a typical tropical dry and hot climate. Due to its coastal placement, the winters are mild, and do not last for more than 3 months (December to February). Summers are hot and dry with continuous winds which keep the temperatures moderate and pleasant. The rainy season occurs mostly in the months of July and August.

The coastal areas of the district-Sonmiani, Hub, and Gadani-have a more moderate and moist climate than the interior. A northwestern wind called gorich blows throughout the year. During the winter months (October to February) the gorich makes the winter more severe. During the end of winter, the gorich becomes particularly strong. These same winds become hotter and are known as liwar during the summer months; they are particularly hot during the months of April and May.

The summer lasts from April to October, with June as the hottest month. The winter months are November to March, with January being the coldest month. The mean maximum and minimum temperatures in June are 38 °C and 24 °C respectively, while in January the mean maximum and minimum temperatures are 17 °C and 3 °C respectively.

The mean annual rainfall of the district is 243 mm.

[1] Content in this section has mostly been drawn from Lasbela District Profile 1998 by GoPakistan and Integrated District Development Mission by IUCN 2011

[2] A mud volcano or mud dome is a kind of volcano that is made by liquids and gases from the earth.

[3] This is the difference between the land area under forests in "Land Utilization Statistics"

[4] Retrieved on August 09 2014

Population Lasbela District

The following table shows the population of Lasbela district as per 2017 Census:

District/Tehsil
Area km2
Population Male %Female %Urban %Growth Rate %

Lasbela District 15,153 574,292 52.1 47.9 48.6 3.24

Table 1.4 Lasbela Population Statistics

Religions Lasbela district[1]

Table 1.5 Lasbela Religions

Languages Lasbela district[2]

Table 1.6 Lasbela Languages

[1] 1998 Census; 2017 Census Data has not been released yet.

[2] 1998 Census; 2017 Census Data has not been released yet.

[3] Include Brahvi language

Economic Activity; Lasbela District

The main economic occupations of the district include[1]:

Agriculture, Forestry, Hunting & Fishing (35.4%)

Community, Social & Personal Services (19.5%)

Construction (12.6%)

Electricity, Gas & Water (11.8%)

Others (20.8%)

[1] 1998 Census; 2017 Census Data has not been released yet.

Land Use; Lasbela district

The following table shows the main land use statistics of the district as per Balochistan Development Statistics 2018-19:

Table 1.7 Lasbela Land Use Statistics

Agriculture; Lasbela district

The district comes under the Tropical Agro-Ecological Zone, and agriculture mostly depends on canal irrigation and tube wells. Important crops are wheat, barley, jowar, bajra, maize, sesame, castor seed, moong, guar seed, cotton, sugarcane, rice, moath, sunflower, canola, maash, and gram.

Fruits of the district include mangoes, citrus, banana, guavas, dates, papaya, coconuts, watermelon, musk melon, and chikoo.

Vegetables grown in the district include onions, tomatoes, okra, radish, spinach, cabbage, carrots, bitter gourd, bottle gourd, pumpkin, cauliflower, peas, beetroot, brinjal, luffa, cucumber, chilies, coriander, peas, broad bean, beetroot, and tinda.

Livestock Breeding; Lasbela district

Livestock breeding is the second most important sector of the economy. It is the main source of income for nomadic families. The following table shows the position of the Livestock population based on the 2006 Census of Livestock (qtd. in Balochistan Development Statistics 2018-19):

Cattle

101,084 Heads

Buffalos

7,980 Heads

Sheep

367,262 Heads

Goats

794,296 Heads

Camels

32,202 Heads

Horses

1,857 Heads

Mules

581 Heads

Asses

26,535 Heads

Table 1.8 Lasbela Livestock Statistics

Indigenous breeds of livestock in the district are lassi camels and Balochi sheep.

Poultry Farms; Lasbela district

There are 50 commercial poultry farms[1] in the district; poultry is also bred in houses by women for eggs and meat.

Bee Keeping/Api Culture; Kasbela district

Bee keeping is not an economic activity in the district.

Fisheries; Lasbela district

The total coastal belt of the district is 178 km long. This belt harbors all kinds of fish, and thus, a vast quantity of fish is caught in this coastal belt, all of which has a high market value. Freshwater fishing is also carried out in the Hub Reservoir. The location of the fish landing sites are either close to Karachi (e.g. Sonmiani) or are connected with it by the Makran Coastal Highway (the harbors are Sumar Bandar, Phor Bandar, Sapat Bandar, Wadh Bandar, Kund Malir, and Malan Bandar), and thus, the fish catch reaches Karachi for sale in its markets. Shrimps are also found, and caught, in large quantities in the coastal belt of Lasbela district.

Figure 1.6 Lobster Catch, Lasbela Fisheries

[1] Table 17 Number of Commercial Poultry Farms and Number of Birds by Size of Flock

Irrigation Network; Lasbela district

The major sources of irrigation are tube wells, and canals. Lasbela canals off-taking from the Hub Dam Reservoir irrigate most of the lands of Lasbela district.

The following table shows the mode of irrigation and area being irrigated by the mode (Balochistan Development Statistics 2018-19):

Table 1.11 Lasbela Irrigation Statistics

In order to improve the irrigation system, the Government of Balochistan is building small dams all over Balochistan. The dams being built in Lasbela district are Kukar Dam on Kukar Dhora, Windar Storage Dam on River Windar, and Hingol Dam on River Hingol. The Uthandaro Dam on Uthandaro Dhora has recently been completed. There are no karezes in the district.

Figure 1.18 Hub Dam

Mining; Lasbela district

Major mineral deposits found in the district include lead, zinc, manganese, chromite, serpentine, dimension stone,[1] red ocher, iron ore, and barite. The potential for mining of the dimension stones encouraged the Government of Balochistan to establish Marble City at Hub, where the blocks of dimension stones are processed for cutting and polishing to an extent. Dimension stone of good quality is being mined at Kanraj, Loai, Shah Noorani, and Durraje, among other locations. Large deposits of fossil-ferrous and non-fossil-ferrous dimension stone of different colors are exposed on the ground surface and are being mined through quarries.

Oil and gas exploration is being carried out in the district.

Manufacturing/ Industry; Lasbela district

The Lasbela Industrial Estate Development Authority (LIEDA) was established in 1982 and this attracted investors to invest in the Hub Industrial Estate (HIE). At present, there are 5 Industrial Estates in the district: Hub Industrial & Trading Estate (HITE), Marble City Gaddani (MCG), Windar Industrial and Trading Estate (WITE), Special Industrial Zone Windar (SIZ Windar) and Uthal Industrial Estate Phase I and II (UIE).

These Industrial Estates[2] house the following industries:

Table 1.9 Lasbela Industries

In addition, the Ship Breaking Industry in Gadani is the third largest ship breaking industry in the world. The yard consists of 132 ship breaking plots[3] located across a 10 km long beachfront at Gadani.

Figure 1.7 A Ship ready for Breaking at Gaddani, Lasbela

Figure 1.8 Hub Industrial Estate, Lasbela

Handicrafts; Lasbela disrict

Common handicrafts of the district are Balochi embroidery done by women, and artefacts made of stone. Pathar (Stone) Colony is a colony where most of the stone work is done. Other handicrafts include carpets, handmade furniture, and goods made of

[1] Dimension stones are natural rocks quarried for the purpose of obtaining blocks or slabs cut to size; these can be marble, granite, limestone, or sandstone among others.

[2] District Development Plan 2011, by GoB and UNICEF

[3] Ship Breaking & Recycling Industries in Pakistan and Bangladesh, A report for World Bank in 2009 by Maria Sarraf and Milen Dyoulgerov

Economic Infrastructure; Lasbela District

District Lasbela has comparatively better road linkages to other parts of the province than many other districts of Balochistan. The district has National Highways, as well as Provincial and District Roads. A major road link is the National Highway N-25 (RCD Highway), which links Karachi with Hub, Uthal, Khuzdar, Kalat, and Quetta. All parts of the district are accessible by roads.

Road Statistics; Lasbela district

According to the Balochistan Development Statistics 2018-19, the road statistics of the district are as follows:

Total Roads

2,594.0 km

High Type Roads/Black Topped

1,362.0 km

Low Type Roads/Shingle

1,232.0 km

Table 1.10 Lasbela Road Statistics

The National Highway N-25 or the RCD Highway passes through Bela town, and is the lifeline of the district. Other important roads of the district are:

Makran Coastal Highway N-10; connects Highway N-25 with Gwadar and passes through Hingol National Park

Bela-N-25 Link Road

Khurkhera-Kunraj Road

Road connecting Uthal with Bela

Dureji is linked to Hub Chauki and Karachi. Gadani, Sonmiani, Kanraj, and Lakhra are linked with the Karachi-Quetta National Highway N-25.

Rail and Airways; Lasbela district

There is no railway network or airport in the district. The nearest railway station and airport is the Karachi Railway Station and Quaid-e-Azam International Airport.

Radio and Television; Lasbela district

Lasbela has no radio or TV stations or even TV boosters; however, every second house in the urban areas has a TV set with satellite dish. In the rural areas, upper, and middle class households possess television sets.

Telecommunications; Lasbela district

In Lasbela district, Pakistan Telecommunication Corporation (PTC) has established 05 telephone exchanges providing 1,639 landlines, 569 wireless phone connections, and 1,539 broadband connections (Balochistan Development Statistics 2018-19). In addition, all major cellular services are available in the district.

Post Offices/ Courier Services; Lasbela district

According to Balochistan Development Statistics 2018-19, there are 11 post offices in the district. Most of the courier service providers provide services in the district.

Banking/ Financial Institutions; Lasbela district

The following banks all have their branches in the district[1]:

Muslim Commercial Bank Ltd.

Habib Bank Ltd.

Bank Al-Habib Ltd.

AG Zurich Bank Ltd.

Meezan Bank Ltd.

National Bank of Pakistan

Soneri Bank Ltd.

Burg Bank Ltd.

Habib Metropolitan Bank Ltd.

United Bank Ltd.

Zarai Taraqiati Bank Ltd.

In all there are 23 branches of various conventional banks and 07 branches of different Islamic banks in the District.

Electricity and Gas; Lasbela district

In Lasbela district, Karachi Electric (KE) looks after the supply of electricity. The Hub Power Company supplies power/electricity to the industrial areas.

There is no natural gas pipeline for domestic use in the district. Gas is supplied via pipelines[2] to the industrial areas.

[1] List of Reporting Bank Branches 2019 by State bank of Pakistan.

[2] Lasbela District Development Plan 2011 by GoB and UNICEF

Educational Institutions; Lasbela district

The following table shows the number of primary, middle, secondary, and mosque schools in the district as per Balochistan Development Statistics 2018-19:

Table 1.12 Lasbela Educational Institutes

Figure 1.19 Lasbela University of Agriculture, Water & Marine Sciences

Healthcare Facilities; Lasbela district

The following table shows the Government Health Care Institutions in Lasbela district as per Balochistan Development Statistics 2018-19:

Table 1.13 Lasbela Health Institutes

Policing; Lasbela district

For the purpose of administration, the district is divided into two areas: "A" and "B". The urban area of Lasbela comes under "A" area and the rest of the area of the district falls in "B" area. "A" area is controlled by a regular police force, headed by the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP). This DSP is assisted by a Station House Officer (SHO), Inspector Police, and other staff. The "B" area is controlled by levies force. Levies are a conventional force to help maintain law and order. In levies, men of different tribes are employed. The levies force comes under the direct control of the Deputy Commissioner (DC). Generally, the levies force is well equipped to deal with the law and order situation in the district.

Policing of the district[4] is controlled by the Regional Police Officer (RPO) Kalat, who has 3 SubDivisional Police Officers (SDPO), 1 each at Hub, Kanraj, and Uthal. The SDPO at Hub controls 04[5] police stations, the SDPO at Kanraj has 1 police station and the SDPO at Uthal has 2 police stations. There are a total of 07 police stations in the district.

[1] University of, Lasbela (LUAWMS)

[2] included in primary schools

[3] National Vocational & Technical Training, Commission Lasbela University Uthal

[4] Balochistan Police Official Website

[5] Table no. 19.7 (a) Number of Police Stations by Division/District 2019 by Federal Bureau of Statistics.

Environment and Biodiversity; Lasbela District

Lasbela faces a range of environmental problems due to pollution. Two major sources of pollution of the water bodies are the Gadani ship-wrecking industry and the Gadani Industrial Estate. The Industrial Estate located at Hub is the largest industrial establishment in Balochistan. The gaseous emissions and effluents from both these large industrial establishments have badly affected the local environment and have caused considerable pollution of water bodies as well as the sea, causing damage to local fisheries and the fishing industry.

Flora and Fauna; Lasbela district

Flora; Lasbela district

Major tree species found in the district are peelu ( Salvadora oleoides), kandi ( Prosopis cineraria), ber ( Zizyphus nummularia), date palm ( Phoenix dactylifera), gaz ( Tamarix sp.), kikar ( Acacia jacquemontii), and kotor ( Cadabaferinosa). The Mangrove species are Avicenia marina, Rhizophora mucronata, and Ceriop stagal. Main shrubs are Euphorbia cauduicifolia, Haloxylon sp., Calligonum polygonoides, gugul ( Commiphoramukal), Merin ( Heliotropium sp.), gujo ( Aervajavanica), aak ( Callotropis procera), Alhaji camelerom and mazri ( Nannorr hopsritchieana). The ground cover consists of grasses like Eliosine sp., Lasiurus sp., Chrysopogon sp., Aristidasp and Cymbopogon sp.

The main vegetation zones are:

Hills: Tree and bush species are ber (Ziziphus nummularia), kikar (Acacia jaquemontii), gum Arabic/khumbat (Acacia Senegal), pilu (Salvadora oleoide), gugul (Commiphora mukal) and mazri palm/dwarf palm (Nannorrhops ritchieana)

Plains: Main species in the plains are kandi (Prosopis cineraria), babul (Acacia nilotica), pilu (Salvadora oleoides) and ber (Ziziphus nummularia)

River and stream beds: Naturally occurring main species on alluvium patches along the rivers include salt cedar (Tamarix spp.), kandi (Prosopis cineraria), and the invasive alien species mesquite (Prosopis juliflora)

Sand dunes on the coastal front: On the dry sandy saline shore, the common grass is Urochondra setulosa. Other grasses include Sporobolus heterophyllus, Dactyloctenium aristatum, and Ochthochloa compressa. Scrubs in this area include Heliotropium crispum, Haloxylon sp., Tamarix sp., Suaeda sp. and Salsola sp. (common names of these grasses are not known)

Inter-tidal swamps, islands and lagoons: The Mangrove species are timmer (Avicenia marina), kumr (Rhizophoras mucronata), and kain (Ceriops tagal)

The rangeland type in the district is classified as Southern Balochistan Ranges. It has species like leafless milk hedge or thor ( Euphorbia caducifolia), ivy ( Haloxylon sp.), phog ( Calligonum polygonoides), heliotrope or gorakh ( Heliotropium sp.), snow bush or kapok bush ( Aerva javanica), camel thorn or jawain ( Alhagi camelorom), mazri palm or dwarf palm ( Nannorrhops ritchieana), goose grass ( Eleusine sp.), sewan grass ( Lasiurus sp.), ( Chrysopogon sp.), Aristidasp, and Cymbopogon sp.

Fauna; Lasbela district

Mammals found in the district include caracal, honey badger, chinkara gazelle, ibex, urial, wolf, Bengal fox, Asiatic jackal, striped hyena, cape hare, and porcupine.

The avifauna include wheatears, common babblers, larks, sand grouse, partridges, houbara bustard, shrikes, buntings, bee-eaters, hoopoes, pigeons, and doves, white-eared bulbuls, brown-headed ravens, owls, and birds of prey (eagles, vultures, hawks, buzzards, falcons). The major birds found along the coastline, lagoons, and estuaries are seagulls, terns, pelicans, flamingos, herons, egrets, plovers, lapwings, stints, sandpipers, godwits, shanks, coots, curlews, kingfishers, and osprey.

The coastal areas are a refuge for green and olive ridley turtles. In the Hub and Hingol rivers, there is a good population of marsh crocodiles. Spiny-tail lizard, black rock agama, and monitor lizard are common lizards found in the district. Among snakes, the district hosts the common krait, 2 types of cobras (the common cobra, and the brown or oxus cobra) and vipers like saw-scaled sand viper and horned viper.

Protected Wildlife Areas and Wildlife; Lasbela District

Some forested areas have been designated Wildlife Sanctuaries and Game Reserves; these are:

Khurkhera Wildlife Sanctuary

Dureji Game Reserve

Part of Hingol National Park

Hub Dam Reservoir (Ramsar List of Protected Areas)

Miani Hor (Ramsar site)

Siranda Lake, Uthal

These provide protection/sanctuary to the wildlife of the district, specifically endangered mammals like the chinkara, urial, and ibex. At the Hub Dam Reservoir site, migratory birds like little and great grebes, black necked grebe, dalmation pelican (endangered), white pelican, a variety of cormorants, a variety of egrets, a variety of terns (endangered) and partridges, among others, are given protection.

Figure 1.9 Princess of Hope, Hingol National Park

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Fountains and gardens at Khuiratta, Mirpur, Azad Kashmir, Pakistan

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Fountains and gardens at Khuiratta, Mirpur, Azad Kashmir, Pakistan

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Buddhist monastery, Shigar, Gilgit-Baltistan, PK

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Buddhist monastery, Shigar, Gilgit-Baltistan, PK

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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Kargah Buddha ( Urdu: کارگاہ بدھ; Shina: Yʂhani یݜنی) is an archaeological site located about 6 miles (9.7 km) outside of Gilgit, Gilgit−Baltistan, Pakistan. It is a carved image of a large standing Buddha, some 50 ft (15 m) high, in the cliff-face in Kargah Nala. The carving, which is in a style also found in Baltistan, is estimated to date back to the 7th century.

The image is surrounded by the holes for a wooden house structure, which would have sheltered it from inclement weather.

The Buddha is carved into the face of a cliff

Kargah Buddha is located at the junction of two streams, the Kargah and Shukogah, about 6 miles (9.7 km) west of the city of Gilgit. Nearby locales include Barmas, Napur, and the Rakaposhi mountain.

From the 3rd century to the 11th century, Gilgit was a prominent centre of early Buddhism. During this time period, multiple powers vied for control of the region, including the Tibetan Empire, the Kashmiri Karkota Dynasty, and the Umayyad and Abbasid caliphates. Nearby, about 400 metres (1,300 ft) upstream, a Buddhist monastery and three stupas containing Sanskrit manuscripts were excavated in 1931. By the 11th century, Gilgit had grown into the autonomous kingdom of Dardistan before largely adopting Islam.

It is estimated that the carving was completed in the 7th century. It was discovered in 1938-39, following the innovation of supposed Gilgit manuscripts in 1931.[citation needed ]

According to local legend, the figure is actually a man-eating giantess or witch ( or ya-chaani or yacheni) who terrorized the local residents and was ultimately pinned to the cliff by a pir (holy man) as punishment.

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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Kargah Buddha ( Urdu: کارگاہ بدھ; Shina: Yʂhani یݜنی) is an archaeological site located about 6 miles (9.7 km) outside of Gilgit, Gilgit−Baltistan, Pakistan. It is a carved image of a large standing Buddha, some 50 ft (15 m) high, in the cliff-face in Kargah Nala.

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Kafir Qila, River Indus, Jamshoro, Sindh, Pakistan

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Kafir Qila, River Indus, Jamshoro, Sindh, Pakistan

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 Baradari, Makli Necropolis, Thatta, Sindh, Pakistan

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 Baradari, Makli Necropolis, Thatta, Sindh, Pakistan

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The capital of three successive dynasties and later ruled by the Mughal emperors of Delhi, Thatta was constantly embellished from the 14th to the 18th century. The remains of the city and its necropolis provide a…

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Mirza Muhammad Baqi Tarkhan tomb, Mirza Isa Khan's tomb, Thatta, Sindh, PK

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Mirza Muhammad Baqi Tarkhan tomb, Mirza Isa Khan's tomb, Thatta, Sindh, PK

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Tomb of Mirza Essa Khan Tarkhan (The younger), Thatta

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The smaller enclosure that occupies the middle space is approached by flight of steps from its southern side and accommodates six stone graves, the main one being that of Isa Khan himself. The cenotaphs of all the graves are in stepped shape with a box chamber at the top.

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Tomb of Mubarak Khan, son of Jam Nizamuddin, Tharparkar, Sindh, Pakistan

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Tomb of Mubarak Khan, son of Jam Nizamuddin, Tharparkar, Sindh, Pakistan

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Tomb of Jam Mubarak Khan (Thatta) Essential Tips and Information

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Tomb of Jam Mubarak Khan is situated in Makli Necropolis, Thatta District, Sindh, Pakistan. It was constructed in 895 Hijrah, 1490 AD during the...

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Naukot Fort, Tharparkar, Sindh, Pakistan

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Naukot Fort, Tharparkar, Sindh, Pakistan

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Tomb of Aulia Pir Ghitori Badshah Qureshi,  Tharparkar, Sindh, Pakistan

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Tomb of Aulia Pir Ghitori Badshah Qureshi,  Tharparkar, Sindh, Pakistan

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Tomb of Musa Khan, Ghitori Goth, Tharparkar, Sindh, Pakistan

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Tomb of Musa Khan, Ghitori Goth, Tharparkar, Sindh, Pakistan

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Hazrat Musa Pak Shaheed Tomb & Mosque, Multan, Pakistan

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Photos and description of the architecture of Hazrat Musa Pak Shaheed Tomb & Mosque, built in 1572 for a Sufi saint and former soldier in Akbar's army.

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Tomb of Mir Murad Khan, Tharparkar, Sindh, Pakistan

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Tomb of Mir Murad Khan, Tharparkar, Sindh, Pakistan

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Tomb of Mir Jado, Ghitori Goth, Tharparkar, Sindh, Pakistan

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Tomb of Mir Jado, Ghitori Goth, Tharparkar, Sindh, Pakistan

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Tomb of Mir Jado, Ghitori Goth, Tharparkar, Sindh, Pakistan

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Tomb of Mir Khan s/o Karam Khan Talpur, Tharparkar, Sindh, Pakistan

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Tomb of Mir Khan s/o Karam Khan Talpur, Tharparkar, Sindh, Pakistan

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The Tombs of Talpur Mirs ( Urdu: میران تالپور کے مقبرے ) are a complex of tombs of the ruling Talpur Mirs of Sindh who reigned from 1784 to 1843. The tombs are also known as Cubbas (the Sindhi word for tombs). These tombs are located in Hirabad, Hyderabad in the Sindh province of Pakistan.

The tombs complex hosts large mausoleums for Talpur rulers while they are several smaller mausoleums for their wives, consorts and infant children. There are several graves in the external area that are uncovered and unmarked, apart from a few exceptions. The graves are mostly made out of marble and usually have Quranic verses inscribed on their surfaces.

Once a magnificent burial ground for the Talpur rulers, this place now has several preservation concerns. As of 30 March 2011, the Culture Department, Government of Sindh retained the charge for these monuments, following a devolution of the government to provinces. Since then, there has been slow and steady restoration work on preserving these monuments.

Photograph of the tombs complex (c. 1900)

The architecture patterns of the tombs in the complex are reminiscent of various Talpur structures, however most of the tombs in this complex are either square or rectangular in shape. These structures follow almost the same specifications as that of the mausoleum of Mir Fateh Ali Khan at New Khudabad.

The largest domed structure contains two graves, those of, Mir Karam Ali Khan (d. 1828) and Mir Murad Ali Khan (d. 1833). Behind this building is a smaller building which contains the graves of Mir Karam's two wives, the wife of Mir Abdullah Khan and an infant. To the north of these structures is one containing the graves of Talpur rulers, Mir Nur Muhammad Khan, Mir Nasir Khan, Mir Shahdad Khan and Mir Hussain Ali Khan. It is said that the rulers designed their own burial places while alive.

The building in front of the last on the east, contains the remains of the wife and child of Mir Nur Muhammad Khan and the wife of Mir Husayn Ali Khan. Other wives of two of these rulers and three young children, repose in the small tomb in the north-west corner. Other Mirs lie within the two small tombs at the southwest corner of Mir Karam Ali Khan's mausoleum and the remaining buildings contain the bodies of wives, daughters and children of some of these.

In the southern group of tombs, two principal mausoleums that are nearest the entrance on the east and immediately behind it, contain the graves of four Mirs, while the rest are occupied by their wives and children.

Vaulted structures

Interior of one of the tombs

The ladies' mausoleums are peculiar in the sense that they appear to look like vaulted wagon structures. One such mausoleum is rectangular in plan and surmounted by two domes, flanked by kicks on each of its four corners. The façade containing the entrance door is divided into three arched panels on each side. On the top of each arched panel, there is a rectangular panel covered with tiles in floral patterns. The other sides of the mausoleum contain more or less the same arched panelling and similar decorative colour scheme.

Decorative art

These tombs are renowned for the tile decoration on their outside façade. The tiles are placed in multiple colours which primarily include blue floral patterns over white background. Some accents of green, yellow and brown are placed in a manner so as to break the monotonous decorative look.

In typical Talpur fashion, the marble graves have the actual royal turbans of these rulers placed upon a projection at the end of each. The graves are etched with Quranic verses in Arabic, whilst some of the walls inside the mausoleums are decorated with poetry in Persian. Apart from the Arabic inscriptions on the graves, they are largely unmarked and have no names to denote their occupants. The graves are usually covered in marble masonry work.

The mausoleums of female Talpurs are designed to be closed structures. These are distinctly vaulted structures with jaalis on the door archways to show the dead buried within still observing , as they would've in life. To this day, it is forbidden for men to step inside these mausoleums.

The visitor is greeted by a board erected by the Department of Archaeology, Government of Pakistan which has since been appropriately modified after the government was devolved to the province.

Once a magnificent burial ground for the Talpur rulers, this place now has several preservation concerns. Under the management of the Department of Archaeology, Government of Pakistan, the mausoleums fell into disrepair. As of 30 March 2011, the Culture Department, Government of Sindh retained the charge for these monuments, following a devolution of the government to provinces.

The tomb complex is now enclosed in a walled area in order to put a halt to the encroaching residential buildings surrounding the site. Many of the crumbling tombs were "used by drug addicts and drifters for resting the night" whilst "local youngsters to play cricket during the day" in wide open spaces around the mausoleums.

Restoration and maintenance

Lately, there have been efforts to restore the tombs of ancient rulers elsewhere, including some of former Talpur rulers. The restoration began in April 2012 and was led by Ishtiaq Ansari. Where there are restoration works actively in progress elsewhere, the site, that is the subject of this article, has since been neglected.

The newly devolved Sindh government nevertheless shows a willingness to work towards improving these monuments and "mak[ing] right [the wrongs of] the past 63 years" under the former management.

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The Tombs of Talpur Mirs ( Urdu: میران تالپور کے مقبرے ) are a complex of tombs of the ruling Talpur Mirs of Sindh who reigned from 1784 to 1843. The tombs are also known as Cubbas (the Sindhi word for tombs). These tombs are located in Hirabad, Hyderabad in the Sindh province of Pakistan.

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Mound at Bhiro, Sherwah Tharparkar, Sindh, Pakistan

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Mound at Bhiro, Sherwah Tharparkar, Sindh, Pakistan

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Tharparkar District Profile

Introduction/Geographical Location; Tharparkar District

Geographically and historically, Tharparkar has remained a part of the Great Indian Desert or the Thar Desert. The district derives its name from the words Thar and Parkar. The etymological origin of the word Thar is Thul, which is the general term used for the sand ridges of the region; Parkar literally means "to cross over" or "the other side". The eastern part of the desert ends at the irrigated western part and thus, one "crosses over" to the irrigated, Parkar, areas. During British rule, the district was known as Thar and Parkar district, which, over time, became one word: Tharparkar.

The district is situated between 24° 9Ꞌ 35" to 25° 43Ꞌ 6" North latitudes and 69° 03Ꞌ 35" to 71° 07Ꞌ 47" East longitudes. The district is bounded in the North by Mirpurkhas and Umerkot districts, in the East by India (Barmar and Jaisalmir districts), in the West by Badin district, and in the South by Runn of Kutchh.

Tharparkar District at a Glance

Table 1.1 Tharparkar District at a Glance

[1] 2017 Census

[2] 1998 Census

[3] 2017 Census

[4] Rounded off from 3.15%

[5] 2017 Census

[6] 2017 Census

[7] 2017 Census

[8] Pakistan Social & Living Measurement 2014-15 (PSLM); latest available.

[9] PSLM

[10] PSLM

[11] 1998 Census; 2017 Census Data has not been made public yet.

[12] Sindh Development Statistics 2017-18

[13] Land Utilization Statistics has area under forests at 69,000 HA

[14] Road List Issued 2009 by GoS (latest available)

[15] Road List

[16] Road List

[17] Environmental & Social Assessment HESCO by Elan Partners Ltd.2007 ; latest available.

[18] Tharparkar District Profile by Norwegian Pakistan Partnership Initiative (NPPI) 2009 (Latest available)

[19] 1998 Census; 2017 Census Data has not been made public yet.

[20] 1998 Census; 2017 Census Data has not been made public yet.

[21] 1998 Census; 2017 Census Data has not been made public yet.

Brief History - Governmental Structure - Administrative Divisions - Historical/Heritage Sites and Recreational Sites

Brief History; Tharparkar District

This region is part of the Great Thar Desert, which covers a total area of about 446,000 km 2 and forms a natural border between India and Pakistan. About 85% of the Thar Desert is in India, in the Indian State of Rajasthan, where it extends up to Haryana and Gujarat. In Pakistan, this desert is situated on the eastern border of Sindh province, and extends to the southeastern parts of Punjab, where it joins the Cholistan Desert. District Tharparkar is one of the major parts of this desert area in Sindh.

The geological origin[1] of the Thar Desert is contested. Some consider it to be 4,000 to 10,000 years old, whereas others state that aridity started in this region much earlier. Another theory states that the area became a desert relatively recently, estimated to be around 2000 to 1500 BC. The Ghaggar-Hakra[2] River's bed, which is thought to have dried-up around this time, was, before 1500 BC, a water source for the Indus Valley Civilization, especially Mohen-jo-Daro.

According to the Imperial Gazetteer of India:

Very little is known of the early history of the District...The Soda Rajputs, the upper class of the District who are said to be the descendants of the Parmara Soda, [also spelled Sodha] are supposed to have come to this part of Sindh from Ujjain about 1226 AD, when they quickly displaced the rulers of the country. Some authorities believe that they captured this area from the Soomras in the beginning of the sixteenth century. (v. 23, p. 307)

Other authorities believe that in 1226 AD, a battle between the Soomra and the Sodha resulted in the Soomra defeat. Raj Dev Sodha, then, established his rule in Umerkot[3] and founded the Sodha Dynasty, the chief/ leader of which was given the title of Rana. After the conquest of Umerkot, the Sodhas began to capture parts of Mithi, Chelhar, and Chachro, thus extending their control up to Nagarparkar. Four generations of the Sodha ruled and lived in Umerkot, after which, the last Sodha ruler of Umerkot divided his state between his two sons, bequeathing Umerkot and the adjoining areas to one, and the Nagarparkar areas to the other. The Sodha ruled the region till 1609 AD. From 1609 to 1736, Thar remained under Sindhi rulers (the Kalhora, for example, directly) and under Delhi rule intermittently. Occasionally, one of the Sodha descendants would declare themselves as the ruler of the region, only to be replaced by others, making the region a contested one. In 1782, the Talpurs wrested Thar from the Kalhoras/ Sodhas. The Talpurs ruled it for 61 years and built a number of forts for protection against outside forces. In 1843, this area was annexed by the British along with the rest of Sindh.

While discussing the British conquest of the region, the Imperial Gazetteer of India shows that:

The Thar and Parker District was for a long time headquarters of banditti, who made plundering excursions into Cutch [now Ketch] and other neighbouring districts. The British government intervened in 1832 and through the Agency of Captain (later General) Roberts suppressed the marauders. Posts of mounted men were retained in the country for the preservation of order until the conquest of Sindh in 1843. (v. 23, p. 308)

When Sir Charles Napier annexed Sindh in 1843, Thar and Parkar areas along with Diplo, Islamkot, Mithi, Baliari, Singala, Virawah (also spelled Warwai), Pitapur and Bhodesar were merged to form the Cutch (now Kutch) Political Agency. Umerkot, Gadra, and other tracts of Nara became a portion of Hyderabad district. Sindh was divided into provinces and was assigned Zamindars to collect taxes for the British; these Zamindars were also known as Waderas. The Sodha chiefs/ Ranas were forbidden to bear arms. In 1846, the areas rebelled against this provision, but the British quelled the rebellion. The Sodha, who were the main instigators of the rebellion, entered into negotiations[4] with the British. As a result of these negotiations, the Sodhas were granted some concessions like lands for cultivation and the ability to keep 5% (per annum) interest on the fees they collected from the Baniya (or tax collectors, moneylenders, merchants) of the region. In 1859, another rebellion broke out which was quelled by Colonel Evans of Hyderabad. The town of Nagarparkar was occupied by him on behalf of the British colonial powers, and the Sodha Rana was captured and killed.

In 1856, the desert portion of Thar and Parkar was incorporated in the province of Sindh. In 1858 the entire area became a part of Hyderabad. Subsequently, in 1860, it was renamed Eastern Sindh Frontier, with its headquarters at Umerkot, and was governed by a Political Superintendent. In 1882, the region was designated as district and its administrative head was a Deputy Commissioner. In 1906, the headquarters of the district was shifted from Umerkot to Mirpurkhas.

The area became a part of Pakistan in 1947; the first administrative change to the district was made in December 1990, when the district Thar and Parkar was bifurcated into 2 districts-Mirpurkhas, and Thar and Parkar. Thar and Parkar district had its headquarters at Mithi. In October 1993, the name of the district was changed from Thar and Parkar to Tharparkar.

Governmental Structure; Tharparkar District

At the Federal level, Tharparkar district is allocated a set number of representatives in both the National Assembly and the Provincial Assembly:

Number of seats in the National Assembly 02 +1 reserved seat for minorities

Number of seats in the Provincial Assembly 04

Tharparkar has one Municipal Committee, Mithi, and 6 Town Committees:

Islamkot

Chelhar

Diplo

Chachro

Kheme-jo-Par

Nagarparkar

Administrative Divisions; Tharparkar District

Between 1947 and 2014, the district was divided into 4 Talukas (tehsils) but in April of 2014, 2 more Talukas were created, adding Union Councils from other Talukas:

Table 1.2 Tharparkar Administrative Divisions

Historical/Heritage Sites/Recreational Sites; Tharparkar District

Following are some of the important tourist attractions and recreational sites in Tharparkar:

Naukot; Tharparkar District: This is known as the gateway of the desert. This town has a fort built during the Talpur period; it was built in 1814 by Mir Ali Murad Talpur. This fort still survives in its original shape. The Talpur also built forts in Islamkot, Singaro, and Mithi, but these are not as well-preserved as the fort of Naukot

Mithi; Tharparkar District: This is the headquarters of Tharparkar district and the biggest town in the desert. It is a famous center for Thari handicrafts like embroidered bed sheets, shirts, shawls, baby hats, wall hangings, horse and camel trappings, silver jewellery, and antique carved, wooden chairs, as well as small wooden keepsake boxes. The goods are for sale in private houses and in the town's bazaars. Beyond Mithi, the desert begins, and sandy tracks weave between dunes covered with low flowering shrubs. Vultures, buzzards, eagles, kites, and many other species of small scavengers can be seen. Some of the villagers keep peacocks, which are considered sacred, and are protected by the populace

Diplo: Diplo is an ancient town of Mithi Taluka, and is situated at a distance of 40 km from Mithi. Diplo is famous for handicrafts, especially handmade carpets

Gorhi-Jo-Mandir (Temple); Tharparkar district: This is an ancient temple situated approximately 23 km (14 miles) in the Northwest of Virawah in Thar. It is a symbol of unique ancient construction. It is believed that it was constructed by Goricho, a Jain worshiper, in 300 AD. This temple is protected under government laws

Bhalwa; Tharparkar district: This village is ascribed as the native village of Marvi, who is the legendary heroine of the popular love story Umar-Marvi. According to this story, Marvi resisted the unwelcome attentions of Umar, who was a powerful king, in order to stay in her village and marry her betrothed. The name Bhalwa derives from the Bheel clan who settled in this village and named it Bhalwa

Virawah; Tharparkar district: This village is located 24 km from Nagarparkar hills at the beginning of the Nagarparkar region. The brick ruins of the old city of Parinagar are on the West of Virawah. The ruins of a number of Jain temples and other historic sites are located in this village

Parinagar; Tharparkar district: Located at the mouth of the Runn of Kutchh, the city is believed to have been founded as a seaport in the 5th or 6th century BC, when a channel of the Runn of Kutchh was actually navigable. This channel was destroyed in the 12th century AD by Emperor Shamsud Din Iltumish, when he attacked the town and destroyed it

Warwai; Tharparkar district: This is a small village where coal deposits have been discovered

Kasbo; Tharparkar district: This village houses 2 important Hindu Temples around which festivals are held. The temples are Shri Ramapir Temple and the Shiv Mandir. In addition, there are sweet water wells in the village which help irrigate the surrounding farms, and provide water for domestic uses also

Nagarparkar; Tharparkar district: This is the chief town of the district, located in the East of a range of the Karoonjhar Hills. Nagarparkar is home to multiple sites, which include:

Temple of Mahadev: This temple is in Nagarparkar. Below the temple, to the North, is a pool of water at which the Hindu cremation ceremonies are performed

Fort: Near the pool of the Mahadev temple are the ruins of the fort believed to have been built by Chandan, son of Gobindrai. The fort was destroyed in 1859 by the British Government, but the ruins are still extant

Anchlisar: An important site with natural springs is Anchlisar, where 3 tanks are maintained and filled by the seasonal spring of the same name

Bhodesar; Tharparkar district: Situated 3 km (2 miles) to the Northwest of Nagarparkar, beneath the Karoonjhar Hills, this town was a prosperous and affluent city, which is evident from the ancient construction still visible. According to historians, Ghazi Sultan Mehmood Ghaznavi, after the conquest of Somnath in 1026, passed through this desert. During this journey he became lost; in search of water, he arrived at a pond and was able to quench his thirst. Subsequently, he constructed a memorial at Bhodesar, which was later converted into a mosque by Sultan Mehmood Begra

Gaddi Bhit; Tharparkar district: Located at Mithi, this is the highest elevation point of the town built on a sandhill, and affords a breathtaking, panoramic view of Mithi town

Marvi-Jo-Koohn; Tharparkar district: This is a well associated with the legendary Umer-Marvi love story. A public cultural center called Marvi Cultural Center has recently been constructed near the ancient well

Bodesar Mosque; Tharparkar district: This is a mosque built in stone with white marble pillars. It is protected under Government of Pakistan (GoP) Laws

Bodesar Temple; Tharparkar district: It is protected under GoP Laws

Jain Temple, Nagarparkar; Tharparkar district: It is protected under GoP Laws

Mound at Bhiro Sherwah, Tharparkar: It is protected under GoP Laws

Mound at Shadi Pali, Deh Khuda Buksh, Tharparkar: It is protected under GoP Laws

The following Tombs are located at Ghitori Goth, Deh no. 24 (these are all protected under the GoP Laws); Tharparkar district:

Brick Tomb of Arzi Khokar

Tomb of Mir Khan s/o Karam Khan Talpur

Tomb of Mir Jado

Tomb of Mir Murad Khan

Tomb of Musa Khan

Tomb of Mir Raio

Tomb of Shaheed Kapri Baloh

Other tombs near Shaheed Kapro Baloch

Tombs of Mir Fateh Khan and Mir Mirza Khan

Tombs of women of Talpurs

Tomb of Aulia Pir Ghitori Badshah Qureshi

Old Mosque Ghitori Goth, Deh no. 24; Tharparkar district

Naukot Fort, Naukot; Tharparkar district: It is protected under GoP Laws

Jain Temple, Virawah; Tharparkar district: It is protected under GoP Laws

Mound at Shadi Pali, Deh Khuda Baksh; Tharparkar district: Protected under GoP Laws

Mound at Bhiro, Sherwah; Tharparkar district: Protected under GoP Laws

Temple of Nag Dev, Mithi; Tharparkar district

Shrine of Syed Razi Shah Lakyari, an 11th Century Arab Saint, Nawankot town; Tharparkar district

Figure 1.3 Gadi Bhit Monument, Mithi

Figure 1.4 Bhodesar Mosque

Figure 1.5 Gorhi-jo-Temple (A Jain Period Temple), Virawah

[1] The Unexplored Jewel of the Desert: Prospective Role of Thar Desert in Ecological and Socio-Economic Development of Pakistan, Dr. Yusuf Karakil ÇIK (Turkey) and Masood Nawaz (Kalyar), Turkey

[2] The Ghaggar-Hakra River is a river in Haryana State (India); upstream of Ottu Barrage (in India), it is known as Ghaggar and the name changes to Hakra downstream of this barrage. Hakra is now a dried-out river channel near Fort Abbas City (Bahawalpur) in Pakistan.

[3] Umerkot was part of Tharparkar district till 1993, when it was made into a separate district.

[4] Imperial Gazetteer of India v. 23, p. 308

Topography; Tharparkar District

Topographically, the district can be divided into the following 4 sections:

Desert: This is the eastern portion of the district, and a part of the largest desert of Pakistan (the Thar Desert) which extends over a vast area of Pakistan and India, from Cholistan to Nagarparkar in Pakistan, and from the South of Haryana down to Rajasthan in India

Flat areas: These are alluvial, irrigated areas of the district in the western, or the Parkar, region

Hilly areas of Karoonjhar and other nearby mountains

Marshy land of Runn of Kutchh

The desert covers the area from Cholistan Desert in Punjab to Nagarparkar in Tharparkar district. It consists of a barren tract of sand dunes (ridges) covered with thorny bushes. The ridges are irregular and roughly parallel, and they often enclose sheltered valleys above which the dunes rise to a height of 46 meters. After a rain spell, these valleys become fertile enough for cultivation, but if the land is not cultivated, it yields luxuriant turfs of grass to be used as fodder for livestock.

There are some tracts called "Parkar" in the Nagarparkar area. This region is a flat region with alluvial deposits comprising of sandy, salty, and salty-plain areas, thereby giving the name Tharparkar to the district. The tracts cover about 500 km 2 at the junction of the Great Runn of Kutchh and the Thar Desert.

Karoonjhar Hills are the only hills in the Nagarparkar Taluka on the northern edge of Runn of Kutchh. It consists of granite rocks, probably an outlying mass of the crystalline rocks of the Aravalli Range.[1] This is a small area, quite different from the desert. The tract leading to the mountain is flat and level except in the area close to Nagarparkar itself where there is an extensive area of elevated land known as the Karoonjhar Hills. The Karoonjhar Hills are approximately 19 km in length and attain a height of 305 m. There are smaller hills in the East, which are covered with sparse jungle and pasturage, and give rise to 2 perennial springs. The granite stone of this mountain is used as building material.

In the South of the district is the Runn of Kutchh which is an immense saltwater marsh. It is a flatland, almost at sea level, covered with a thick layer of salt which has been left by the evaporation of sea water over the course of centuries. During the Monsoons, it becomes almost a part of the Arabian Sea due to the influx of sea water at Lakhpat Bunder on Kori and the mouth of the Indus as well as other locations. During the winter, the Runn of Kutchh dries up, and the surface is covered with salt again. During the annual flooding of the region, at places where the land rises a few meters above the surrounding plains, the elevated land becomes an "island" surrounded by the rising waters, and is called bet.

There is no stream of fresh water in the district. The Karoonjhar Mountains and the smaller hills in the East (Nagarparkar area) are covered with sparse jungle and pasturage; 2 perennial springs named Achleshwar and Sardharo originate from the hills, as well as temporary streams called Bhetiani and Gordhro, after rains.

Tharparpar is mostly a desert region,n and it thrives mainly on rains which are scant occurring every 3 to 4 years. The underground water is brackish with pockets of sweet water. Due to water scarcity, there are no major forests in the district, but 69,000 HA of wastelands of the district have been designated as protected rangelands.

The major floral species of the rangelands are gum Arabic or khumbat ( Acacia senegal), jand ( Prosopis cineraria), desert teak or rohida ( Tecomella undulate), kikri or baonli ( Acacia jacquemontii), peelu or vann ( Salvadora oleoides), karir ( Capparis deciduas), African foxtail grass ( Cenchrus ciliaris), Indian sandbur ( Cenchrus biflorus), desert grass ( Panicum Turgidum), and bansi grass ( Panicum antidotale).

The district lies in the arid zone, the soils of which are generally sandy to sandy-loam in texture. The soil in Tharparkar in general is not fertile, and due to severe wind erosion, the district is overblown with sand. The subsoil is extraordinarily saline, resulting in a shortage of potable water. In many of the valleys, the subsoil water collects, and forms large and picturesque salt lakes, which are rarely dry.

The soils improve in fertility from West and Northwest to East and Northeast. The desert soils blow in from the coastal region as well as the Indus Valley. The Thar, thus, consists mainly of windblown sand. The area is covered not only by sheets of sand but also by rocky projections of low elevations which constitute the older rocks of the country. Some of these soils contain a high percentage of soluble salts, especially in the lower horizons, turning water in the wells poisonous. They contain varying amount of calcium carbonate.

Water is scarce and occurs at depths, ranging from 30 to 120 m below the ground level, and sweet water is scarce throughout Thar. Drought recurs, with a lack of rains every third year.

The district has a tropical desert climate. In summer, it is extremely hot during the day, but nights are significantly cooler. April, May, and June are the hottest months during the day; December, January, and February are the coldest months. May is the hottest month, when the mean maximum and minimum temperatures are 42 °C and 28 °C respectively. January is the coldest month, when the mean maximum and minimum temperatures are 27 °C and 6 °C.

There are wide fluctuations in the amount of rainfall from year to year, and the annual average for some areas is as low as 100 mm. Most of the rain falls between July and September, during the Southwest Monsoon, and is often concentrated in a period of 2 to 3 days. Average annual rainfall in the district, recorded from 1991 to 2006, has been 213 mm.

The district belongs to Zone 2B of the Seismic Zone Map of Pakistan, where damage to property will be minor to moderate in the event of an earthquake.

[1] The Aravalli Range (line of peaks) is a range of mountains in western India running approximately 692 km in a northeastern direction across the Indian states of Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Haryana, ending in Delhi.

Population; Tharparkar District

The following table gives the tehsil-wise population of Tharparkar district as per the 2017 Census:

Area Km2
Population Males %Female %Urban %Growth Rate %

Tharparkar District 19,638 1,649,661 52 48 22.6 3.2

Kaloi Taluka[2]

118,030

Table 1.3 Tharparkar Population Statistics

Religions; Tharparkar district[3]

Table 1.4 Tharparkar Religions

Languages; Tharparkar district[4]

Table 1.5 Tharparkar Languages

[1] The data for area of talukas created in 2014 is not available, and hence, not included here.

[2] Kaloi Taluka was created by taking some UCs and dehs of Diplo and Mithi Talukas.

[3] 1998 Census; 2017 Census Data has not been made public yet.

[4] 1998 Census; 2017 Census Data has not been made public yet.

Economic Activity; Tharparkar District

Livestock breeding is the mainstay of Tharparkar's economy, and is combined with subsistence agriculture which is mostly rain-fed. Traditionally, the Thari people migrate in the dry season to the flood plains of the Indus, and to the barrage areas where the Barrage farmers give them protection. They are allowed to graze and water their animals in these areas and in exchange, they provide the Barrage Area farmers with labor for wheat harvesting. Mining is now another major economic activity.

The current major economic activities of the district, according to the 1998 Census Report, are (2017 Census Data has not been made public yet):

Agriculture with its allied livestock breeding, fishing, hunting (77%)

Elementary Occupation (9.4%)

Crafts & Related Trades (5.1%)

Service Workers & Shop & Market Sales Workers (3.4%)

Others (5.2%)

Land Use; Tharparkar District

The following table shows the main land use statistics of the district (Sindh Development Statistics 2017-18):

Table 1.6 Tharparkar Land Use Statistics

Irrigation Network; Tharparkar District

The district has 2 distinct parts: The Barrage Area and the Desert Zone. The Barrage zone is irrigated by the River Indus Irrigation System and comprises 1.2% of the total land area of the district. It is irrigated by the Nara Canal and Jamrao-Mithrao Canal, both of which off‑take from the Sukkur Barrage. In the Nagarparkar area, irrigation is done through tube wells.

There is no regular irrigation system in the desert area of the district and agriculture is dependent on rainfall.

The following table shows the mode of irrigation and area irrigated by each as per Sindh Development Statistics 2017-18:

Table 1.10 Tharparkar Irrigation Statistics

Agriculture; Tharparkar District

Part of the district, called the Barrage Area, belongs to the Southern Irrigated Agro-Ecological Zone of Pakistan and the other half belongs to the Sandy Desert Agro-Ecological Zone of Pakistan. Agriculture in the Sandy Desert part mostly depends on rains, and the Barrage Area is irrigated through canals and tube wells. Barrage zone crops include cotton, sugarcane, wheat, chilies, garden peas, caster seed, and fodder. Desert area crops include bajra, jowar, guar seed, moong, moath (black gram), and sesanum.

The fruits grown in the district include mango, papaya, watermelon, musk melon, citrus, ber, and mulberry. The vegetables grown in the district include tinda, okra, brinjal, bitter gourd, carrots, spinach, tomatoes, turnips, cabbage, peas, chilies, garlic, and coriander.

Livestock Breeding; Tharparkar District

The last livestock census was held in 2006. The following table shows the livestock statistics of the district as per 2006 livestock census and as stated in Sindh Development Statistics 2017-18:

Cattle

752,000 Heads

Buffaloes

46,000 Heads

Sheep

1,185,000 Heads

Goats

2,218,000 Heads

Camels

135,000 Heads

Asses

247,000 Heads

Horses

8,000 Heads

Mules

2,000 Heads

Table 1.7 Tharparkar Livestock Statistics

Thari cow, kankrej cow, thoroughbred cow, kundi buffaloes, kuchhi sheep, khadali sheep, kamori goat, thoroughbred horses, and machera camels are native breeds of livestock in Tharparkar district.

Poultry Farms; Tharparkar District

Due to the administrative changes in the district since 1998, data on the number of poultry farms[1] in the district is not available.

Fishing; Tharparkar District

There is some fishing activity carried out in the Barrage Area of Tharparkar district; this fish is consumed locally.

Minerals and Mining; Tharparkar District

The following minerals are being mined in the district:

Granite: Granite rock formation is found in the Nagarparkar region of Thar. These formations are 442 to 457 m (1,450 to 1,500 feet) high and cover an area of about 103 km 2 (40 miles 2). Granite is found in a wide range of colors and textures.

China clay: China clay is found in Dedhvero Taluka, Nagarparkar. It is estimated that 3.6 million tons is available at a 35-pocket spread over an area of 125 km 2. According to the Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation (PMDC), 80% of Pakistan's China Clay requirements are met by imports from other countries, mainly from China. However, it is important to note that the quality of China Clay mined in Nagarparkar rivals that of the imported variety. According to Sadaf Ismail, Viqar Husain, Gulraiz Hamid and Muhammad Bilal,[2] the clay found in Nagarparkar is comparable in all respects to the imported variety.

Coal: Coal has been found in a 45 km radius around Islamkot.

Salt: More than 50 salt mines are found in the southern belt of Thar, which supplies raw salt to Karachi for further processing.

Industry and Manufacturing; Tharparkar District

There is no major industrial estate in the district; some small industries operating in the district are as follows:

Flour Mill

38 Units

Ice Factory

1 Unit

Carpet Factory

5 Units

Table 1.8 Tharparkar Industrial Units

Handicrafts; Tharparkar District

Shawls (silk, wool, and cotton), goat and camel hair skin rugs, hand-knotted carpets, embroidery of all kinds, blankets from sheep wool, embroidered leather articles, and rallies are the main artisanal products indigenous to Thar.

Economic Infrastructure; Tharparkar District

Tharparkar district is lacking in terms of economic infrastructure. The district is connected with other parts of Pakistan via roads. There is no railway in the district.

Road Statistics; Tharparkar District

A Provincial Highway connects Tharparkar to Karachi via Badin and, thus, with other major cities of the province. The district headquarters, Mithi, is linked with its taluka headquarters of Diplo, Nagarparkar, and Chachro via metaled roads.

According to the 2009 Road List (latest available), the road statistics of the district are as follows:

Provincial Highways

- km

Access Roads

76.5 km

Secondary Roads

361.4 km

Table 1.9 Tharparkar Road Statistics

According to the Sindh Development Statistics 2017-18, there are a total of 1,124 km of black topped roads in the district.

Some of the important road links of the district are:

Karachi‒Badin‒Tharparkar

Karachi‒Mithi via Thatta Road

Road from Karachi to Mithi via Hyderabad/ Mirpurkhas

Road from Karachi to Mithi via Mirpurkhas/ Umerkot

Road from Mithi to Nagarparkar

Road from Mithi to Badin

Road from Mithi to Naukot

Road from Mithi to Umerkot

Rail and Airways; Tharparkar District

There is no railway station in the district. The nearest railway station is Chorr in Umerkot, which is 53 km North from Mithi.

A new airport has recently been constructed in Islamkot to facilitate coal mining in the area, called the Maai Bakhtawar International Airport. This airport became operational in 2017.

Radio and Television; Tharparkar District

At present there is no radio station capable of broadcasting from the district, but one FM radio station is planned.

Similarly there is no TV station, but PTV transmissions can be viewed through boosters and cable.

Telecommunications; Tharparkar District

No statistical data is available, but PTCL provides telephone connections to all parts of the district. In addition, most of the major cellular phone service providers make their services easily available within the district.

Post Offices/ Courier Services; Tharparkar District

Pakistan Post Office has its offices in all taluka headquarters with Urgent Mail Service (UMS) also easily available. Courier Services are not available.

Banking/ Financial Services; Tharparkar District

The following banks have their branches[1] in the district:

JS Bank Ltd.

Muslim Commercial Bank Ltd.

National Bank of Pakistan

Sindh Bank Ltd.

United Bank Ltd.

Zarai Tarquiati Bank Ltd.

In all there are 19 branches of conventional banks in the District.

Electricity and Gas; Tharparkar District

HESCO (Hyderabad Electric Supply Corporation) is responsible for providing electricity to Tharparkar district. There are 6 grid stations, each of 66 KV capacity in the district.

In addition, electricity through the use of solar panels is being provided in the remote villages of Mithi.

Educational Institutions; Tharparkar District

The literacy rate in Tharparkar district is only 38% with 54% male and 21% females being literate. Government education institutions[2] in the district are as follows:

Table 1.11 Tharparkar Educational Institutes

According to the official website of Thardeep (an NGO working towards the socio-economic development of Tharparkar district), there are a number of co-education schools of all levels in the district, some of which are privately-owned.

Healthcare Facilities; Tharparkar District

The following table shows the number of Government Health Care Institutions[3] in Tharparkar district:

Table 1.12 Tharparkar Health Care Institutes

In addition, there are 03 Maternity Homes and 03 Unani Shifa Khanas[4] in the district.

Policing; Tharparkar District

Hyderabad Regional Officer is responsible for policing Tharparkar district. The Additional Inspector General (AIG) Police, Mirpurkhas, is in charge of Mirpurkhas Zone, which includes Tharparkar district. The District Police Officers (DPOs) Mithi (Tharparkar) are in charge of policing the district, and report directly to the AIG Police Hyderabad.

There are a total of 06 police stations, and 14 Police outposts[5] in the district.

Figure 1.6 Thari women going out in search of water

Figure 1.7 A Thari Village

Figure 1.8 Karoonjhar Mountains

Figure 1.9 Peacock

[1] List of Reporting Bank Branches 2019, State Bank of Pakistan.

[2] Sindh Development Statistics 2017-18

[3] Health Profile Sindh by District 2017

[4] Herbal Treatment Centers

[5] Official Website: Sindh Police

[1] Table 17 Number of Commercial Poultry Farms and Number of Birds by Size of Flock

[2] "Physico-chemical characteristics of Nagar Parkar kaolin deposits, Thar Parkar district, Sindh, Pakistan", University of Karachi

Environment and Biodiversity; Tharparkar District

Tharparkar district is located at the extreme Southeast corner of the province. It is one of the poorest and most underdeveloped districts in Sindh. The district is divided into 3 ecological zones: the Southeastern zone is hilly and rich in mineral deposits; the central area is Thar, which consists of sandy dunes; and the western zone (only a small portion) is the Barrage Area which is fertile.

Dug wells are the only sources of drinking water in the area. The underground water is largely brackish with limited locations with sweet water. The depth of ground water wells ranges from 18 meters (60 feet) in the Southwest to 92 meters (300 feet) in the Northeast.

Flora and Fauna; Tharparkar District

Since the district is situated in an arid zone, sweet water is scarce throughout Thar. Drought recurs, and usually rain occurs every third year. The soil is generally infertile, but becomes productive after rains. Because of severe wind erosion, the region is overblown with sand. Thus, vegetation consists mostly of stunted scrub and bush. The main natural ground cover is provided by grasses which are nutritive and a palatable fodder for livestock.

The vegetation of the district includes aak ( Calotropis procera), khabar or peelu/tooth brush tree ( Salvadora oleoides), babul/babur ( Acacia arabica), boor or bui (Ac ura pseudo tomentosa), karir ( Capparis aphylla), liar or lasura ( Cordia rothii), dranu or khimp ( Crotalaria-burhia), thuhar or leafless milk wedge ( Euphorbia Caudicifolia), gangi or white cross berry ( Grewia populifolia), magar booti or heart leaf indigo ( Indigofera codifolia), khip ( Leptadenia spartium), goji or box thorn ( Lycium barbarum), kandi or khejri/loong tree ( Prosopis spicigera), karvas ( Sericostoma pauciflorum), thorny ber ( Zizyphus rotundifolia), joyweed ( Alternanthera nodiflora), pipevine ( Aristolochia bracteata), booh or magbira ( Aura tomentosa), sather, a type of asparagus ( Asparagus jacquemontii), lumb ( Aristida funiculata), hogweed or gadha-kand ( Boerhaavia diffusa), bitter apple or desert gourd ( Citrullus colocynthis), dharma khatri ( Cleome brachycarpa), littoral bindweed ( Cressa cretica), katjori or khavi grass ( Cymbopogon jwarancusa), nagar motha or red nut sedge ( Cyperus roundus), mert or desert bunchgrass ( Panicum targidum), and hanzel or tooma or Meho ( Acer palmatum).

Mammals of the district include chinkara gazelle, desert fox, jackals, hyena, mongoose (endangered), wolf, Indian hedgehog (endangered), Indian desert wildcat (endangered), honey badger (endangered), small Indian civet, Indian wild ass (endangered), black rats (endangered), Indian gerbil (endangered), field rat, and squirrel (endangered).

The avifauna includes peacocks, black and grey partridges, barn owl, Indian scoops owl, Sindh nightjar, Indian nightjar, laughing dove, large hawk-cuckoo, and spotted sand grouse. Among water birds are the white stork, black ibis, great Indian bustard, houbara bustard, demoiselle crane, and flamingoes.

The reptiles of the district include khapar, Indian cobra, desert monitor, and spiny-tailed lizard.

Protected Wildlife Areas and Endangered Wildlife; Tharparkar District

Part of the Runn of Kutchh is a wildlife sanctuary and is part of the Great Thar Desert (some parts of which are also in Badin district). It is a seasonally marshy region (the word Runn/Rann means salt marsh). It is geographically the largest Ramsar site of all 10 identified Ramsar sites in Sindh, spread over 566,375 HA (320,463 Acres). In 1980, the Ramsar site was also declared a wildlife sanctuary by the Sindh government. The Runn of Kutchh is an integral part of the Great Runn of Kutchh (the part of the Runn of Kutchh that extends into India); it includes permanent saline marshes, coastal brackish lagoons, tidal mudflats, and estuarine habitats.

The site supports many species of birds and mammals, existence of which are locally and globally threatened. The site is also a wintering area for migratory water birds. It is estimated that this wetland regularly supports over 40,000 water birds annually. This area is known to be a breeding ground for flamingos (it supports more than 1% of the bio-geographical population of flamingoes) and is a staging ground for pelicans, cranes, storks and many species of waterfowl, including the great Indian bustard, houbara bustard, peregrine falcon, saker falcons, gyps vulture, and peacocks. The site supports mammals like blue bulls, chinkaras, desert wolves, desert cat, jungle cat, porcupine, desert hare, wolf, and pangolin. Lynx pelts have been sighted in the district regularly, even though living lynx are yet to have been spotted, indicating a hidden presence of lynx in the region.

The area has its unique identity among one of the 5 famous eco-ranges of Pakistan. Out of 7 routes for migratory birds in Central Asia, the Indus green route passes through the Thar Desert, making it an important zone from a wildlife-preservation perspective.

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Umerkot Fort (inside), Umarkot, Umerkot, Sindh, PK

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Umerkot Fort (inside), Umarkot, Umerkot, Sindh, PK

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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Umarkot Fort ( Urdu: قِلعہ عُمَرکوٹ ; Sindhi: عمر ڪوٽ جو قلعو ), is a fort located in Umerkot, Sindh, also called Amarkot ( Urdu: ; Sindhi:), Umerkot was founded and ruled By Sodha Rajputs of Parmar Dynasty. It was named after its founder Rana Amar Singh Sodha. Emperor Akbar was born in Umarkot Fort when his father Humayun fled from the military defeats at the hands of Sher Shah Suri on 15 October 1542. Rana Prasad Singh Sodha of Umarkot, who had risen to power, had given refuge to Mughal Emperor Humayun, and it was there Hamida Bano Begum gave birth to young Akbar. Later the Mughal Emperor Akbar became the Shahenshah of Hindustan and was a popular figure with both Hindus and Muslims. Umerkot has many sites of historical significance such as Mughal emperor Akbar's birthplace near to Umarkot Fort. Currently, King Akbar birthplace is an open land. In 1746, the Mughal Subahdar, Noor Mohammad Kalhoro, built a fort at the location. Later the British took over that area.

Amarkot Fort was built by Rana Amar Singh in 11th century. It remained under control of Sodha Hindu Rajput dynasty known as the Ranas of Umerkot, but later was taken over by the Pakistani Government after the formation of Pakistan. However, the Rana family still has their jagir located 16 km away. The governorship of the fort was possessed by Rana Megraj.

Another significant story relating to Umarkot is that of Umar Marvi. Marvi was a young Thari girl abducted by Umar, the then ruler, who wanted to marry her because of her beauty. Upon her refusal, she was imprisoned in the historic Umerkot Fort for many years until her ultimate release. Because of her courage, Marvi is an ideal for the local people.

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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Umarkot Fort ( Urdu: قِلعہ عُمَرکوٹ ; Sindhi: عمر ڪوٽ جو قلعو ), is a fort located in Umerkot, Sindh, also called Amarkot ( Urdu: ; Sindhi:), Umerkot was founded and ruled By Sodha Rajputs of Parmar Dynasty. It was named after its founder Rana Amar Singh Sodha.

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Shrine of Ala-ud-Din Mauj Darya, Sahiwal District, PK

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Shrine of Ala-ud-Din Mauj Darya, Sahiwal District, PK

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Harand Fort - Harrand, Jampur District Rajan Pur

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Harrand, Jampur District Rajan Pur, Harand Fort

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Stone Tool Factory area, Factory Area, Faisalabad, Sindh, PK

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Stone Tool Factory area, Factory Area, Faisalabad, Sindh, PK

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 Noor Muhammad Hassan Shrine Hajipur Rajanpur, Rājanpur, PK

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 Noor Muhammad Hassan Shrine Hajipur Rajanpur, Rājanpur, PK

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Graveyard, Tehsil Shahdadpur, Sukkur, Sukkur, Sindh, PK

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Graveyard, Tehsil Shahdadpur, Sukkur, Sukkur, Sindh, PK

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Historical Graveyard of Taluka Shahdadpur, Sanghar

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Directorate General of Antiquities and Archaeology has initiated a "We connect Makli" project with ICCROM, ALIPH Foundation, and EHRF. Considering recent damage in floods, we are establishing an Emergency Response cell on Makli with the assistance of PDMA Sindh.

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Rajanpur ( Urdu: ضِلع راجن پُور ) is a district of the Pakistani province of Punjab, with its administrative headquarters the city of Rajanpur. Lying west of the Indus River, its inhabitants are mostly Saraikis and Baloch. According to the 1998 census, the district had a population of 1,100,000, and 14.27% of these were inhabitants of urban areas.

The district of Rajanpur comprises three administrative subdivisions and 44 Union Councils.

The anatomy of Rajanpur district is associated with its town Rajanpur, which was founded by Makhdoom Sheikh Rajan Shah in 1770. It was merged with Dera Ghazi Khan district in 1982. Rajanpur is situated in the west side of River Indus. Its north side is bounded by Dera Ghazi Khan district, and west by Dera Bugti district of Balochistan. The east side is bounded by Muzaffargarh and Rahim Yar Khan districts, while its south part is covered by Kashmore district of Sindh province. The Sulaiman Mountains rise to the west of the district.

At the time of the 2017 census the district had a population of 1,996,039, of which 1,028,164 were males and 967,668 females. Rural population is 1,658,743 while the urban population is 337,296. The literacy rate was 33.75%. Muslims made up almost the entire population with 99.89%.

At the time of the 2017 census, 74.61% of the population spoke Saraiki, 18.75% Balochi, 2.93% Urdu and 2.74% Punjabi as their first language.

The major tribes in this district are Jat, Arain, Rajput and Baloch.

The Vedic period is characterized by Indo-Aryan culture that flourished in Punjab region. The Kambojas, Daradas, Kaikayas, Madras, Pauravas, Yaudheyas, Malavas and Kurus invaded, settled and ruled ancient Punjab region. After overrunning the Achaemenid Empire in 331 BCE, Alexander marched into present-day Punjab region with an army of 50,000. The Rajanpur was ruled by Maurya Empire, Indo-Greek kingdom, Kushan Empire, Gupta Empire, White Huns, Kushano-Hephthalites and the Turk and Hindu Shahi kingdoms.

In 997 CE, Sultan Mahmud Ghaznavi, took over the Ghaznavid dynasty empire established by his father, Sultan Sebuktegin. In 1005, he conquered the Shahis in Kabul in 1005, and followed it by the conquests of Punjab region. The Delhi Sultanate and later Mughal Empire ruled the region. The Punjab region became predominantly Muslim due to missionary Sufi saints whose dargahs dot the landscape of Punjab region.

After the decline of the Mughal Empire, the Sikh Empire invaded and occupied Rajanpur district. The Muslims faced restrictions during the Sikh rule.[citation needed ] During the period of British rule, Rajanpur district increased in population and importance.

The predominantly Muslim population supported Muslim League and Pakistan Movement. After the independence of Pakistan in 1947, the minority Hindus and Sikhs migrated to India while the Muslim refugees from India settled in the Rajanpur district.

Rajanpur has a total of 1,160 government schools out of which 41% (479 schools) are for female students. The district's public schools have 148,746 enrollments.

Agriculture in Rajanpur depends solely upon canal irrigation since rainfall is negligible in the region. The five rivers of Punjab meet at the locality of Wang near Mithankot; hence these rivers provide water for irrigation as well as for domestic usage. Rainfall occurs during the monsoon season (July-September). Occasional heavy rainfall causes flooding in this region, but such floods are rare. In Rajanpur, floodwaters come from the Koh Sultan and Shacher torrents (rivulets), as well as the Indus.

Rajanpur district is famous for cotton and sugarcane crops, although they are cultivating wheat and rice as well and tobacco to a minimal extent too.

Rajanpur is also famous for its cotton business. There are many cotton industries in this district that play an essential role in fulfilling the needs of cotton for textile mills. However, some of the people also do agricultural work, which is a leading business of Rajanpur.

Canal irrigation

The agriculture of Rajanpur depends upon canal irrigation in some areas of Rajanpur peoples drinking canal water in these areas Pachad include:

Rod-Kohi (Hill Torrents)

Major Rod-Kohi areas traversed by hill torrents constitute nearly 65 percent of the total area of Pakistan and encompass entire Balochistan, i.e. (Makran coastal Basin and Kharan closed Desert Basin). The other major hill torrent areas include D.G.Khan and D.I.Khan, FATA, and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. In Sindh province, the systems are spread in the Dadu district (Kirthar range). There are around 17,130,000 acres (69,300 km 2) as the potential area underhill torrent / Rod-Kohi / Sailaba fanning excluding riverine areas. Indigenous Spate Irrigation/ hill torrent-irrigation systems traditionally called Rod-Kohi. Rod means water channel, and Kohi pertains to mountains. In these areas, the major constraint is the use of flood flow, which is highly variable in quantity and distribution, both in time and space. Annual rainfall is low, uncertain, and patchy. Flow is laden with high silt in each flood. It is unfortunate that in spite of the scarcity of water, the major part of flood flows is lost due to mismanagement. Spate irrigation often takes place in environments that are arid and remote. Poverty in these areas is a significant issue. There are very few options for generating income and improvement of livelihood. Abject poverty in the areas affected by the Rod-Kohi water calls for rational and scientific management of flood flows.

Rod-Kohi or hill torrent cultivation is a unique system of agriculture being practiced in all the four provinces. In NWFP, D.I.Khan tract represents the major part of the system fed by five large tributaries locally named as "Zams." In Punjab, a significant portion of the system falls in the districts of D.G.Khan, Rajanpur, and Jampur. In Balochistan, this system falls in the areas of Barkhan, Musakhail, Loralai, Zhob, Bolan, and Lasbella. In Sindh province, the system is spread in Dadu & Larkana district (Kirthar range). The largest area under the regime of agriculture lies in Balochistan.

Spate Irrigation is a traditionally used system for diverting hill torrents into cultivable command areas for growing seasonal crops. Extreme events of floods and droughts characterize the farming system. It usually entails the construction of an earthen diversion weir across the torrent with an extensive channel on one or both sides of the river to convey floodwater across vast distances. These earthen diversion structures and water conveyance system has traditionally been constructed by the beneficiaries/communities themselves, making use of traditional technology. Farmers construct field by making embankments from 3 to 6 feet (1.8 m) high to store the water depending upon the soil type, share in water, and various other factors. Upon drying, crops are sown, which thrive on the moisture stored in the soil. There is no further irrigation except rains if any occurs. The economic significance of Rod-Kohi Irrigation agriculture is centered on subsistence agriculture and livestock raising, which are the primary sources of income. Another aspect of the Spate Irrigation System of Rod-Kohi areas is the occurrence of the perennial water (known as Kalapani), which is available throughout the year in the upper reaches. It contributes significantly to sustainable farming in the area and used for high-value crops like fodder, fruits, and vegetables. The development potential in Rod-Kohi Hill torrent areas is listed below.

In July 2015, due to the heavy rains caused floods in the town. Rajanpur district was badly affected by these flash floods. In Rajanpur, flood water came from Koh Sultan and Shacher torrent (rivulet). This floodwater hit the different union councils of Rajanpur. Hundreds of houses were damaged fully and partially, and inhabitants had to spend time under the open sky. The displaced people have sought shelter in streets and other public buildings and around their chaks (villages).

Table of affected union councils (UCs) with current population and damage caused by the 2015 flood.

In assessment and initial findings from the flood-affected district Rajan Pur show that 04 union councils were destroyed U/C Jahan Pur, U/C Fatih Pur, U/C Hajji Pur, and Umer Kot U/C. There was an urgent need for non-food items (NFIs), including mattresses, mosquito nets, kitchen utensils, fuel for daily cooking, and hygiene kits. Yearly food stock was almost washed away, while livestock suffered considerable loss. Affected people faced critical conditions and had suffered economically for at least one whole year as their crops were damaged on a large scale. According to the effects, flood was more massive than the one, some 40 years ago.

is the shrine of the great Sufi Saraiki poet Khawaja Ghulam Farid. It is the historical place in Kot Mithan. Thousands of his disciples come to Rajanpur every year on the anniversary of Khawaja Ghulam Farid.

Fazilpur is the shrine of great Peer/Sufi Chan Charagh Shah Sain, a.k.a. Ghorrey Shah Sain. It is the historical place in Fazilpur. Fazilpur is situated in the center (heart) of Rajanpur district. And its importance in district Rajanpur is like a heart in every field, especially politics. Major caste living in Fazilpur are Bhutta, Gopang, Bosan, Mastoi, Mohajir (Yusafzai, Sherwani, Lodhi, Qureshi), Mashori, Dreshak, Korai, Thaheem, Bhatti, Zargar(Sunara) and Mughal Pathan.

Harrand Fort, built in the British era, is situated in the tribal area of Rajanpur.

Basti-Abdullah, named after Maulana Muhammad Abdullah and is also noted for being the resting place of Abdul Rashid Ghazi.

Lalgarh is situated in the foot-hills of Suleman Range mountains. It is HQ of Gorchani tribe. It is a small village, having a population of about 3000 inhabitants. Government offices include a police station, a higher secondary school, a girl's middle school, a civil dispensary, a veterinary dispensary, a telephone exchange & NADRA office.

Maari is the resort hill station in Rajanpur, similar to Muree. Its altitude is 4800 ft. It has freezing weather in summer. Dragal mountain is an altitude of 5,400 ft (1,600 m).

Ada Chiragh Shah is situated on the Indus Highway. There is a shrine of Baba Chiragh Shah, a Sufi peer.

Muhammad Pur Emergency Service Rescue 1122 is fully operational in Muhammad Pur district of Punjab.

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Rajanpur ( Urdu: ضِلع راجن پُور ) is a district of the Pakistani province of Punjab, with its administrative headquarters the city of Rajanpur. Lying west of the Indus River, its inhabitants are mostly Saraikis and Baloch. According to the 1998 census, the district had a population of 1,100,000, and 14.27% of these were inhabitants of urban areas.

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Shrine of Khwaja Ghulam Farid, Kot Mithan, PK

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Shrine of Khwaja Ghulam Farid, Kot Mithan, PK

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Shrine of Sadar-ud-Din Shams, Rahim Yar Khan, PK

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Shrine of Sadar-ud-Din Shams, Rahim Yar Khan, PK

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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Tomb of Mir Shams-ud-Din Araqi or Ziyarat e Mir Shams-ud-Din Araqi or Araqi Shrine is a religious site of Kashmiri Muslims located at Chadoora, Budgam. In this shrine there is buried Mir Shams-ud-Din Araqi and Malik Hyder, a Kashmiri Historian. The shrine was constructed by Aga Syed Yousuf to honor Mir Shams-ud-Din Araqi.

Mir Syed Mohammad Isfani alias Mir Shams-ud-Din Araqi was an Iranian Sufi Muslim saint, known for having introduced the tenets held by Muhammad Noorbaksh Qahistani, a 15th-century Iranian Sufi who gave his name to the Noorbakshia school of Islam. Araqi was part of the order of Twelver Shia Sufis in Jammu and Kashmir who greatly influenced the social fabric of the Kashmir Valley and its surrounding regions.

Araqi died in 1515 and was buried at Zaddibal in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. His body was later shifted to Chadoora for unknown reasons, where he is currently buried at the Araqi shrine. Araqi was a descendant of Musa al-Kadhim, the seventh Imam in Twelver Shia Islam.

People offer Friday prayers at the shrine. Majlis is also held at the shrine. People across the valley come here to visit the shrine. Anjuman e Sharie Shian is the custodian of the shrine.

This shrine is protected with cemented wall. There are many bathrooms attached to it. Many rooms have been built for pilgrims and travellers. The area of the shrine and its ground is about 10 kanals.

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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Tomb of Mir Shams-ud-Din Araqi or Ziyarat e Mir Shams-ud-Din Araqi or Araqi Shrine is a religious site of Kashmiri Muslims located at Chadoora, Budgam. In this shrine there is buried Mir Shams-ud-Din Araqi and Malik Hyder, a Kashmiri Historian.

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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Bhong Mosque ( Urdu: بھونگ مسجد) is a mosque located in the village of Bhong, Rahim Yar Khan District, Punjab Province, Pakistan.

It was designed and constructed over a period of nearly 50 years (from 1932 to 1982) and won the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 1986.

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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Bhong Mosque ( Urdu: بھونگ مسجد) is a mosque located in the village of Bhong, Rahim Yar Khan District, Punjab Province, Pakistan. It was designed and constructed over a period of nearly 50 years (from 1932 to 1982) and won the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 1986.

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All other remains at Moenjodaro, Mohenjo-daro, Larkana, Sindh, Pakistan

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All other remains at Moenjodaro, Mohenjo-daro, Larkana, Sindh, Pakistan

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Mohenjo-daro (; Sindhi: , lit. 'Mound of the Dead Men'; Urdu: [muˑənⁱdʑoˑd̪əɽoˑ]) is an archaeological site in Larkana District, Sindh, Pakistan. Built c. 2500 BCE, it was the largest settlement of the ancient Indus Valley Civilisation, and one of the world's earliest major cities, contemporaneous with the civilizations of ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, Minoan Crete, and Norte Chico.

With an estimated population of at least 40,000 people, Mohenjo-daro prospered for several centuries, but by c. 1700 BCE had been abandoned, along with other large cities of the Indus Valley Civilization.

The site was not rediscovered until the 1920s. Significant excavation has since been conducted at the site of the city, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980, the first site in South Asia to be so designated. The site is currently threatened by erosion and improper restoration.

The city's original name is unknown. Based on his analysis of a Mohenjo-daro seal, Iravatham Mahadevan speculates that the city's ancient name could have been Kukkuṭārma ("the city [-rma] of the cockerel [ kukkuta]").[citation needed ] Cock-fighting may have had ritual and religious significance for the city.[citation needed ] Mohenjo-daro may also have been a point of diffusion for the clade of the domesticated chicken found in Africa, Western Asia, Europe and the Americas.

Mohenjo-daro, the modern name for the site, has been interpreted as "Mound of the Dead" in Sindhi.

Map showing the major sites and theorised extent of the Indus Valley Civilisation, including the location of the Mohenjo-daro site

Mohenjo-daro is located off the right (west) bank of the lower Indus river in Larkana District, Sindh, Pakistan. It lies on a Pleistocene ridge in the flood plain of the Indus, around 28 kilometres (17 mi) from the town of Larkana.

Historical context

Mohenjo-daro was built in the 26th century BCE. It was one of the largest cities of the ancient Indus Valley Civilisation, also known as the Harappan Civilization, which developed c. 3000 BCE from the prehistoric Indus culture. At its height, the Indus Civilization spanned much of what is now Pakistan and North India, extending westwards to the Iranian border, south to Gujarat in India and northwards to an outpost in Bactria, with major urban centers at Harappa, Mohenjo-daro, Lothal, Kalibangan, Dholavira and Rakhigarhi. Mohenjo-daro was the most advanced city of its time, with remarkably sophisticated civil engineering and urban planning. When the Indus civilization went into sudden decline c. 1900 BCE, Mohenjo-daro was abandoned.

Rediscovery and excavation

Archaeological ruins at Moenjodaro

The ruins of the city remained undocumented for around 3,700 years until R. D. Banerji, an officer of the Archaeological Survey of India, visited the site in 1919-20 identifying what he thought to be a Buddhist stupa (150-500 CE) known to be there and finding a flint scraper which convinced him of the site's antiquity. This led to large-scale excavations of Mohenjo-daro led by K. N. Dikshit in 1924-25, and John Marshall in 1925-26. In the 1930s major excavations were conducted at the site under the leadership of Marshall, D. K. Dikshitar and Ernest Mackay. Further excavations were carried out in 1945 by Mortimer Wheeler and his trainee, Ahmad Hasan Dani. The last major series of excavations were conducted in 1964 and 1965 by George F. Dales. After 1965, excavations were banned due to weathering damage to the exposed structures, and the only projects allowed at the site since have been salvage excavations, surface surveys, and conservation projects. In the 1980s, German and Italian survey groups led by Michael Jansen and Maurizio Tosi used less invasive archeological techniques, such as architectural documentation, surface surveys, and localized probing, to gather further information about Mohenjo-daro. A dry core drilling conducted in 2015 by Pakistan's National Fund for Mohenjo-daro revealed that the site is larger than the unearthed area.

Architecture and urban infrastructure

Regularity of streets and buildings suggests the influence of ancient urban planning in Mohenjo-daro's construction.

View of the site's Great Bath, showing the surrounding urban layout

Mohenjo-daro has a planned layout with rectilinear buildings arranged on a grid plan. Most were built of fired and mortared brick; some incorporated sun-dried mud-brick and wooden superstructures. The covered area of Mohenjo-daro is estimated at 300 hectares. The Oxford Handbook of Cities in World History offers a "weak" estimate of a peak population of around 40,000.

The sheer size of the city, and its provision of public buildings and facilities, suggests a high level of social organization. The city is divided into two parts, the so-called Citadel and the Lower City. The Citadel - a mud-brick mound around 12 metres (39 ft) high - is known to have supported public baths, a large residential structure designed to house about 5,000 citizens, and two large assembly halls. The city had a central marketplace, with a large central well. Individual households or groups of households obtained their water from smaller wells. Waste water was channeled to covered drains that lined the major streets. Some houses, presumably those of more prestigious inhabitants, include rooms that appear to have been set aside for bathing, and one building had an underground furnace (known as a hypocaust), possibly for heated bathing. Most houses had inner courtyards, with doors that opened onto side-lanes. Some buildings had two stories.[citation needed ]

Major buildings

The Great Bath

In 1950, Sir Mortimer Wheeler identified one large building in Mohenjo-daro as a "Great Granary". Certain wall-divisions in its massive wooden superstructure appeared to be grain storage-bays, complete with air-ducts to dry the grain. According to Wheeler, carts would have brought grain from the countryside and unloaded them directly into the bays. However, Jonathan Mark Kenoyer noted the complete lack of evidence for grain at the "granary", which, he argued, might therefore be better termed a "Great Hall" of uncertain function. Close to the "Great Granary" is a large and elaborate public bath, sometimes called the Great Bath. From a colonnaded courtyard, steps lead down to the brick-built pool, which was waterproofed by a lining of bitumen. The pool measures 12 metres (39 ft) long, 7 metres (23 ft) wide and 2.4 metres (7.9 ft) deep. It may have been used for religious purification. Other large buildings include a "Pillared Hall", thought to be an assembly hall of some kind, and the so-called "College Hall", a complex of buildings comprising 78 rooms, thought to have been a priestly residence.[citation needed ]

Fortifications

Excavation of the city revealed very tall wells (left), which it seems were continually built up as flooding and rebuilding raised the elevation of street level.[21]

Mohenjo-daro had no series of city walls, but was fortified with guard towers to the west of the main settlement, and defensive fortifications to the south. Considering these fortifications and the structure of other major Indus valley cities like Harappa, it is postulated that Mohenjo-daro was an administrative center. Both Harappa and Mohenjo-daro share relatively the same architectural layout, and were generally not heavily fortified like other Indus Valley sites. It is obvious from the identical city layouts of all Indus sites that there was some kind of political or administrative centrality, but the extent and functioning of an administrative center remains unclear.

Water supply and wells

The location of Mohenjo-daro was built in a relatively short period of time, with the water supply system and wells being some of the first planned constructions. With the excavations done so far, over 700 wells are present at Mohenjo-daro, alongside drainage and bathing systems. This number is unheard of when compared to other civilizations at the time, such as Egypt or Mesopotamia, and the quantity of wells transcribes as one well for every three houses. Because of the large number of wells, it is believed that the inhabitants relied solely on annual rainfall, as well as the Indus River's course remaining close to the site, alongside the wells providing water for long periods of time in the case of the city coming under siege. Due to the period in which these wells were built and used, it is likely that the circular brick well design used at this and many other Harappan sites are an invention that should be credited to the Indus civilization, as there is no existing evidence of this design from Mesopotamia or Egypt at this time, and even later. Sewage and waste water for buildings at the site were disposed of via a centralized drainage system that ran alongside the site's streets. These drains that ran alongside the road were effective at allowing most human waste and sewage to be disposed of as the drains most likely took the waste toward the Indus River.

Flooding and rebuilding

The city also had large platforms perhaps intended as defense against flooding. According to a theory first advanced by Wheeler, the city could have been flooded and silted over, perhaps six times, and later rebuilt in the same location. For some archaeologists, it was believed that a final flood that helped engulf the city in a sea of mud brought about the abandonment of the site. Gregory Possehl was the first to theorize that the floods were caused by overuse and expansion upon the land, and that the mud flood was not the reason the site was abandoned. Instead of a mud flood wiping part of the city out in one fell swoop, Possehl coined the possibility of constant mini-floods throughout the year, paired with the land being worn out by crops, pastures, and resources for bricks and pottery spelled the downfall of the site.

Notable artefacts

Boat with direction finding birds to find land.[33] Model of Mohenjo-Daro seal, 2500-1750 BCE.

Numerous objects found in excavation include seated and standing figures, copper and stone tools, carved seals, balance-scales and weights, gold and jasper jewellery, and children's toys. Many bronze and copper pieces, such as figurines and bowls, have been recovered from the site, showing that the inhabitants of Mohenjo-daro understood how to utilize the lost wax technique. The furnaces found at the site are believed to have been used for copperworks and melting the metals as opposed to smelting. There even seems to be an entire section of the city dedicated to shell-working, located in the northeastern part of the site. Some of the most prominent copperworks recovered from the site are the copper tablets which have examples of the untranslated Indus script and iconography. While the script has not been deciphered yet, many of the images on the tablets match another tablet and both hold the same caption in the Indus language, with the example given showing three tablets with the image of a mountain goat and the inscription on the back reading the same letters for the three tablets.

Pottery and terracotta sherds have been recovered from the site, with many of the pots having deposits of ash in them, leading archeologists to believe they were either used to hold the ashes of a person or as a way to warm up a home located in the site. These heaters, or braziers, were ways to heat the house while also being able to be utilized in a manner of cooking or straining, while others solely believe they were used for heating.

The finds from Mohenjo-daro were initially deposited in the Lahore Museum, but later moved to the ASI headquarters at New Delhi, where a new "Central Imperial Museum" was being planned for the new capital of the British Raj, in which at least a selection would be displayed. It became apparent that Indian independence was approaching, but the Partition of India was not anticipated until late in the process. The new Pakistani authorities requested the return of the Harappan pieces excavated on their territory, but the Indian authorities refused. Eventually an agreement was reached, whereby the finds, totalling some 12,000 objects (most sherds of pottery), were split equally between the countries; in some cases this was taken very literally, with some necklaces and girdles having their beads separated into two piles. In the case of the "two most celebrated sculpted figures", Pakistan asked for and received the Priest-king, while India retained the much smaller Dancing Girl, and also the Pashupati seal.

Most of the objects from Mohenjo-daro retained by India are in the National Museum of India in New Delhi and those returned to Pakistan in the National Museum of Pakistan in Karachi, with many also in the museum now established at Mohenjo-daro itself. In 1939, a small representative group of artefacts excavated at the site was transferred to the British Museum by the Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India.

Mother Goddess Idol

"The Mother Goddess"

Discovered by John Marshall in 1931, the idol appears to mimic certain characteristics that match the Mother Goddess belief common in many early Near East civilizations. Sculptures and figurines depicting women have been observed as part of Harappan culture and religion, as multiple female pieces were recovered from Marshall's archaeological digs. These figures were not categorized correctly, according to Marshall, meaning that where they were recovered from the site is not actually clear. One of said figures is 18.7 cm tall and is currently on display at the National Museum of Pakistan, in Karachi. The fertility and motherhood aspects on display on the idols is represented by the female genitalia that is presented in an almost exaggerated style as stated by Marshall, with him inferring that such figurines are offerings to the goddess, as opposed to the typical understanding of them being idols representing the goddess's likeness. Because of the figurines being unique in terms of hairstyles, body proportions, as well as headdresses and jewelry, there are theories as to who these figurines actually represent. Shereen Ratnagar theorizes that because of their uniqueness and dispersed discovery throughout the site that they could be figurines of ordinary household women, who commissioned these pieces to be used in rituals or healing ceremonies to help aforementioned individual women.

Dancing Girl

"The Dancing Girl" (replica)

A bronze statuette dubbed the "Dancing Girl", 10.5 centimetres (4.1 in) high and about 4,500 years old, was found in 'HR area' of Mohenjo-daro in 1926; it is now in the National Museum, New Delhi. In 1973, British archaeologist Mortimer Wheeler described the item as his favorite statuette:

She's about fifteen years old I should think, not more, but she stands there with bangles all the way up her arm and nothing else on. A girl perfectly, for the moment, perfectly confident of herself and the world. There's nothing like her, I think, in the world.

John Marshall, another archeologist at Mohenjo-daro, described the figure as "a young girl, her hand on her hip in a half-impudent posture, and legs slightly forward as she beats time to the music with her legs and feet." The archaeologist Gregory Possehl said of the statuette, "We may not be certain that she was a dancer, but she was good at what she did and she knew it". The statue led to two important discoveries about the civilization: first, that they knew metal blending, casting and other sophisticated methods of working with ore, and secondly that entertainment, especially dance, was part of the culture.

Priest-King

"The Priest-King", a seated stone sculpture at the National Museum, Karachi

In 1927, a seated male soapstone figure was found in a building with unusually ornamental brickwork and a wall-niche. Though there is no evidence that priests or monarchs ruled Mohenjo-daro, archaeologists dubbed this dignified figure a "Priest-King". The sculpture is 17.5 centimetres (6.9 in) tall, and shows a neatly bearded man with pierced earlobes and a fillet around his head, possibly all that is left of a once-elaborate hairstyle or head-dress; his hair is combed back. He wears an armband, and a cloak with drilled trefoil, single circle and double circle motifs, which show traces of red. His eyes might have originally been inlaid.

The Pashupati seal

Pashupati seal

A seal discovered at the site bears the image of a seated, cross-legged and possibly ithyphallic figure surrounded by animals. The figure has been interpreted by some scholars as a yogi, and by others as a three-headed "proto- Shiva" as "Lord of Animals".

Seven-stranded necklace

Sir Mortimer Wheeler was especially fascinated with this artifact, which he believed to be at least 4,500 years old. The necklace has an S-shaped clasp with seven strands, each over 4 ft long, of bronze-metal bead-like nuggets which connect each arm of the "S" in filigree. Each strand has between 220 and 230 of the many-faceted nuggets, and there are about 1,600 nuggets in total. The necklace weighs about 250 grams in total, and is presently held in a private collection in India.[citation needed ]

The Mohenjo-Daro Ruler

The Indus Valley civilization employed rulers made of ivory for measuring length circa 1500 BCE. The Mohenjo-Daro ruler is divided into units corresponding to 34 millimetres (1.32 in) and these are further marked in decimal subdivisions with great accuracy, to within 0.13 mm (0.005 in). A ruler found at Lothal (2400 BCE) is calibrated to about 1.6 mm ( in). The decimal subdivision on the ruler is noteworthy, as it predates the modern metric system by 3000 years or more. The base unit used was known as the angula (finger) and is about 17 mm. A piece of shell found in Mackay's excavation is very precisely incised with lines spaced 6.7 mm (0.264 in) apart. Ancient bricks found throughout the region have dimensions that correspond to these units.

Conservation and current state

An initial agreement to fund restoration was agreed through the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in Paris on 27 May 1980. Contributions were made by a number of other countries to the project:

Surviving structures at Mohenjo-daro

Preservation work for Mohenjo-daro was suspended in December 1996 after funding from the Pakistani government and international organizations stopped. Site conservation work resumed in April 1997, using funds made available by the UNESCO. The 20-year funding plan provided $10 million to protect the site and standing structures from flooding. In 2011, responsibility for the preservation of the site was transferred to the government of Sindh.

Currently the site is threatened by groundwater salinity and improper restoration. Many walls have already collapsed, while others are crumbling from the ground up. In 2012, Pakistani archaeologists warned that, without improved conservation measures, the site could disappear by 2030.

2014 Sindh Festival

The Mohenjo-daro site was further threatened in January 2014, when Bilawal Bhutto Zardari of the Pakistan People's Party chose the site for Sindh Festival's inauguration ceremony. This would have exposed the site to mechanical operations, including excavation and drilling. Farzand Masih, head of the Department of Archaeology at Punjab University warned that such activity was banned under the Antiquity Act, saying "You cannot even hammer a nail at an archaeological site." On 31 January 2014, a case was filed in the Sindh High Court to bar the Sindh government from continuing with the event. The festival was held by PPP at the historic site, despite all the protest by both national and international historians and educators.

Mohenjo-daro has a hot desert climate ( Köppen climate classification BWh) with extremely hot summers and mild winters. The highest recorded temperature is 53.5 °C (128.3 °F), recorded in May 2010 and the lowest recorded temperature is −5.4 °C (22.3 °F), recorded in January 2006. Rainfall is low, and mainly occurs in the monsoon season (July-September). The average annual rainfall of Mohenjo-daro is 100.1 mm and mainly occurs in the monsoon season. The highest annual rainfall ever is 1023.8 mm, recorded in 2022, and the lowest annual rainfall ever is 10 mm, recorded in 1987.

References

^ Mohenjo-Daro (archaeological site, Pakistan) on Encyclopedia Britannica website Retrieved 25 November 2019

"Mohenjo-Daro: An Ancient Indus Valley Metropolis".

"Mohenjo Daro: Could this ancient city be lost forever?". BBC. 27 June 2012. Retrieved 27 October 2012.

"Lower Indus" refers to the portion of the river below its confluence with ^ Panjnad, the combined river of all its five tributaries flowing through the Punjab region.

Ancientindia.co.uk. Retrieved 2 May 2012.

^ Beck, Roger B.; Linda Black; Larry S. Krieger; Phillip C. Naylor; Dahia Ibo Shabaka (1999). World History: Patterns of Interaction. Evanston, IL: McDougal Littell. ISBN 978-0-395-87274-1.

^ A H Dani (1992). "Critical Assessment of Recent Evidence on Mohenjo-daro". Second International Symposium on Mohenjo-daro, 24-27 February 1992.

Kenoyer, Jonathan Mark (1998). "Indus Cities, Towns and Villages", Ancient Cities of the Indus Valley Civilization. Islamabad: American Institute of Pakistan Studies. p. 65.

^ "'Findings show Moenjodaro was larger than unearthed ruins'". 14 November 2015.

Peter Clark (editor), ^ The Oxford Handbook of Cities in World History, Oxford University Press, 2013, pp. 158-59; "since it is impossible to ascertain what proportion of the city was used for habitation the basis for this [population] estimate is weak." For lower area estimate of 85 hectares, see note 25, citing U. Singh, A History of Ancient and Medieval India, Delhi, Pearson Education, 2008, p. 149. See also FR Alchin and G Erdosy, The Archaeology of Early Historic Asia: The Emergence of Cities and States, Cambridge University Press, 1995, p. 57.

McIntosh (2008), p. 389. "The enormous amount of labor involved in the creation of Mohenjo-daro's flood defense platforms (calculated at around 4 million man-days) indicates the existence of an authority able to plan the construction and to mobilize and feed the requisite labor force."

^ McIntosh (2008), p. 118. "More than seven hundred wells were sunk at Mohenjo-daro when the city was built. Over the centuries houses were rebuilt and street levels rose; new courses of bricks were therefore added to the wells to keep their tops at the same height with respect to the street. The removal of earth and debris during the excavation of the city has left many wells standing like towers high above the exposed remnants of earlier streets."

^ Ratnagar, Shereen (2014). "The drainage systems at MohenjoDaro and Nausharo: A technological breakthrough or a stinking disaster?". Studies in People's History. 1 (1): 4. doi:10.1177/2348448914537334. S2CID 131145647.

^ George F. Dales, "Civilization and Floods in the Indus Valley", Expedition Magazine, July 1965.

Possehl, Gregory (February 1967). "The Mohenjo-daro Floods: A Reply". American Anthropologist. 69 (1): 32-40. doi:10.1525/aa.1967.69.1.02a00040. JSTOR 670484.

^ McIntosh, Jane R. (2002). A Peaceful Realm: The Rise and Fall of the Indus Civilization. Cambridge: Westview Press. p. 68. ISBN 978-0-8133-3532-2.

^ McIntosh, Jane R. (2002). A Peaceful Realm: The Rise and Fall of the Indus Civilization. Cambridge: Westview Press. p. 69. ISBN 978-0-8133-3532-2.

^ Parpola, Asko (2008). "Copper Tablets from Mohenjo-daro and the Study of the Indus Script". BAR International Series (1826): 132.

^ Parpola, Asko (2008). "Copper Tablets from Mohenjo-daro and the Study of the Indus Script". BAR International Series (1826): 133.

Aiyappan, Ayinapalli (May 1939). "Pottery Braziers of Mohenjo-Daro". Man. 39 (65): 71-72. doi:10.2307/2792750. JSTOR 2792750.

^ Ratnagar, Shereen (24 November 2016). "A critical view of Marshall's Mother Goddess at Mohenjo-Daro". Studies in People's History. 3 (2): 113-127. doi:10.1177/2348448916665714. S2CID 191808666.

^ "Collections:Pre-History & Archaeology". National Museum, New Delhi.

Whitelaw, p. 14.

^ "Responsibility to preserve Mohenjodaro transferred to Sindh", TheNews.com.pk, 10 February 2011; retrieved 14 May 2012.

^ "Moenjodaro in Danger of Disappearing, Says Pakistani Archaeologist" Archived 6 July 2012 at the Wayback Machine. Global Heritage Fund blog article; accessed 8 February 2014.

Bibliography

Chaudhury, N. C. Mohenjo-Daro and the Civilization of Ancient India with References to Agriculture. Calcutta: W. Newman & Co, 1937.

Mackay, E. J. H., ed. (1937). Further Excavations At Mohenjo-daro: Being an official account of Archaeological Excavations at Mohenjo-Daro carried out by the Government of India between the years 1927 and 1931.

Marshall, John Hubert, ed. (1931). Mohenjo-Daro and the Indus Civilization: Being an official account of Archaeological Excavations at Mohenjo-Daro carried out by the Government of India between the years 1922 and 1927. Arthur Probsthain

McIntosh, Jane (2008). The Ancient Indus Valley: New Perspectives. ABC-CLIO, 2008. ISBN 978-1-57607-907-2

Singh, Kavita, "The Museum Is National", Chapter 4 in: Mathur, Saloni and Singh, Kavita (eds), No Touching, No Spitting, No Praying: The Museum in South Asia, 2015, Routledge, PDF on academia.edu (nb this is different to the article by the same author with the same title in India International Centre Quarterly, vol. 29, no. 3/4, 2002, pp. 176-196, JSTOR, which does not mention this work)

Whitelaw, Ian (2007). A Measure of All Things: The Story of Man and Measurement. Macmillan ISBN 0-312-37026-1 OCLC 938084552

External links

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Mohenjo-daro (; Sindhi: , lit. 'Mound of the Dead Men'; Urdu: [muˑənⁱdʑoˑd̪əɽoˑ]) is an archaeological site in Larkana District, Sindh, Pakistan. Built c. 2500 BCE, it was the largest settlement of the ancient Indus Valley Civilisation, and one of the world's earliest major cities, contemporaneous with the civilizations of ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, Minoan Crete, and Norte Chico.

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Buddhist Stupa, Mohenjo-daro, Larkana, Sindh, PK

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Buddhist Stupa, Mohenjo-daro, Larkana, Sindh, PK

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There is a grand Buddhist Stupa at the Mohenjodaro.

The ruins of the city remained undocumented for around 3,700 years until R. D. Banerji, an officer of the Archaeological Survey of India, visited the site in 1919-20, identifying the Buddhist stupa (150-500 CE) known to be there and finding a flint scraper which convinced him of the site's antiquity.

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Sindh Tourism Development Corporation - Buddhist Stupa and Pre-historic Remains around Mohenjodaro

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There is a grand Buddhist Stupa at the Mohenjodaro. The ruins of the city remained undocumented for around 3,700 years until R. D. Banerji, an officer...

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Jhukar mound, Mithadaro Larkana, Sindh, PK

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Jhukar mound, Mithadaro Larkana, Sindh, PK

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About six miles north-west of Larkana on Larkana Waghan road the well known mound of Jhukar are situated on the right side of the road just opposite the Allied Taxtile Mills. The site was visited early in 1928 by late Mr.N.G.Majumdar, who commenced a tentative investigation of the two mounds situated here. These preliminary investigations yielded pottery and other objects belonging to several cultures. In the lower levels remains characteristics of the Harappa period were found out above them lay other buildings as late as Jhukar. Still hither up the mound, evidences of third culture the Indo-Sassanians first come to light. From the third trench Majumdar was able to excavate hoard of 250 coins some of which belong to Kushana king Vasudeva and his successors while the other belong to the period of later Kushana of the 5 th Century A.D. Terracotta sealings bearing Gupta characters of the 5 th Centuy A.D. and a unique seal with Pahlavi characters were also recoverd.

Thus the mounds at Jhukar are of a great Archaeological and historical importance, which have yielded remains from the period of Moenjodaro down to the 5 th century A.D. These Mounds however, are not appear to be of a much less importance in the pre-historic times than the Moenjodaro was.

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Sindh Tourism Development Corporation - Jukhar Mound, Larkana

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Area: 33.98 Acres About six miles north-west of Larkana on Larkana Waghan road the well known mound of Jhukar are situated on the right side of the ro...

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Maro Waro Dhoro mound, Deh Naro Dhoro 2, Tando Masti Khan Khairpur, Sindh, Pakistan

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Maro Waro Dhoro mound, Deh Naro Dhoro 2, Tando Masti Khan Khairpur, Sindh, Pakistan

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Sakhi Abdul Wahab Bukhari, Muzaffarabad, PK

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Sakhi Abdul Wahab Bukhari, Muzaffarabad, PK

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Shrine of Pir Aulia-e-Ghauri, Jalalpur Road, Shujabad, PK

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Shrine of Pir Aulia-e-Ghauri, Jalalpur Road, Shujabad, PK

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Diji ki Takri mound, Khairpur, Sindh, Pakistan

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Diji ki Takri mound, Khairpur, Sindh, Pakistan

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Sindh Tourism Development Corporation - Diji ji Takri (Mound) Kotdiji, Khairpur

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Situated fifteen miles south of the Town of Khairpur KotDiji is the earliest known ruin of the great Chaleolithic Civilization of the Indus Valley. Ex…

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Shrine of Sheikh Muhammad Ismail Qureshi, Jalalpur Road, Shujaabād, Multan, PK

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Shrine of Sheikh Muhammad Ismail Qureshi, Jalalpur Road, Shujaabād, Multan, PK

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Sindh Archives, Block 5 Clifton, Karachi, Sindh, PK

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Sindh Archives, Block 5 Clifton, Karachi, Sindh, PK

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Shrine of Sheikh Ahma Kabir, Dhanat, Lodhran, PK

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Shrine of Sheikh Ahma Kabir, Dhanat, Lodhran, PK

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Archaeology and antiquities, Bilal Masjid, Clifton, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan

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Archaeology and antiquities, Bilal Masjid, Clifton, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan

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Directorate General Of Antiquities, Government Of Sindh

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Directorate General of Antiquities and Archaeology has initiated a "We connect Makli" project with ICCROM, ALIPH Foundation, and EHRF. Considering recent damage in floods, we are establishing an Emergency Response cell on Makli with the assistance of PDMA Sindh.

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Miran Ja Quba (Tombs of Mirs), Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan

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Miran Ja Quba (Tombs of Mirs), Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan

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Kiraiji Masjid, Mohalla Misri, Nasarpur, Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan

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Kiraiji Masjid, Mohalla Misri, Nasarpur, Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan

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Category:Mosque at Busti Mansoor Shah Wali in Lodhran, Multan - Wikimedia Commons

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From Wikimedia Commons, the free media repository

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Tomb of Sarfaraz Khan Kalhora, Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan

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Tomb of Sarfaraz Khan Kalhora, Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan

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Tomb of Sarfaraz Khan Kalhoro, Hyderabad

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About a half a mile down, south of Mian Ghulam Nabi's tomb in a hollow of the hill lies the tomb of Mian Sarfaraz Khan. It is located on the eastern side of the District Police Head quarters, Hyderabad, a road leading towards Pathan Colony on the northern side, and Sarfaraz Khan tomb Incline towards the south.

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A water tower is an elevated structure supporting a water tank constructed at a height sufficient to pressurize a distribution system for potable water, and to provide emergency storage for fire protection. Water towers often operate in conjunction with underground or surface service reservoirs, which store treated water close to where it will be used. Other types of water towers may only store raw (non-potable) water for fire protection or industrial purposes, and may not necessarily be connected to a public water supply.

Water towers are able to supply water even during power outages, because they rely on hydrostatic pressure produced by elevation of water (due to gravity) to push the water into domestic and industrial water distribution systems; however, they cannot supply the water for a long time without power, because a pump is typically required to refill the tower. A water tower also serves as a reservoir to help with water needs during peak usage times. The water level in the tower typically falls during the peak usage hours of the day, and then a pump fills it back up during the night. This process also keeps the water from freezing in cold weather, since the tower is constantly being drained and refilled.

Although the use of elevated water storage tanks has existed since ancient times in various forms, the modern use of water towers for pressurized public water systems developed during the mid-19th century, as steam-pumping became more common, and better pipes that could handle higher pressures were developed. In the United Kingdom, standpipes consisted of tall, exposed, N-shaped pipes, used for pressure relief and to provide a fixed elevation for steam-driven pumping engines which tended to produce a pulsing flow, while the pressurized water distribution system required constant pressure. Standpipes also provided a convenient fixed location to measure flow rates. Designers typically enclosed the riser pipes in decorative masonry or wooden structures. By the late 19th century, standpipes grew to include storage tanks to meet the ever-increasing demands of growing cities.

Many early water towers are now considered historically significant and have been included in various heritage listings around the world. Some are converted to apartments or exclusive penthouses. In certain areas, such as New York City in the United States, smaller water towers are constructed for individual buildings. In California and some other states, domestic water towers enclosed by siding ( tankhouses) were once built (1850s-1930s) to supply individual homes; windmills pumped water from hand-dug wells up into the tank in New York.

Water towers were used to supply water stops for steam locomotives on railroad lines. Early steam locomotives required water stops every 7 to 10 miles (11 to 16 km).

Shooter's Hill water tower is a local landmark in London, United Kingdom. Water towers are common around London suburbs.

Ross Barnett Reservoir water tower in Mississippi

A variety of materials can be used to construct a typical water tower; steel and reinforced or prestressed concrete are most often used (with wood, fiberglass, or brick also in use), incorporating an interior coating to protect the water from any effects from the lining material. The reservoir in the tower may be spherical, cylindrical, or an ellipsoid, with a minimum height of approximately 6 metres (20 ft) and a minimum of 4 m (13 ft) in diameter. A standard water tower typically has a height of approximately 40 m (130 ft).

Pressurization occurs through the hydrostatic pressure of the elevation of water; for every 102 millimetres (4.016 in) of elevation, it produces 1 kilopascal (0.145 psi) of pressure. 30 m (98.43 ft) of elevation produces roughly 300 kPa (43.511 psi), which is enough pressure to operate and provide for most domestic water pressure and distribution system requirements.

The height of the tower provides the pressure for the water supply system, and it may be supplemented with a pump. The volume of the reservoir and diameter of the piping provide and sustain flow rate. However, relying on a pump to provide pressure is expensive; to keep up with varying demand, the pump would have to be sized to meet peak demands. During periods of low demand, jockey pumps are used to meet these lower water flow requirements. The water tower reduces the need for electrical consumption of cycling pumps and thus the need for an expensive pump control system, as this system would have to be sized sufficiently to give the same pressure at high flow rates.

Very high volumes and flow rates are needed when fighting fires. With a water tower present, pumps can be sized for average demand, not peak demand; the water tower can provide water pressure during the day and pumps will refill the water tower when demands are lower.

Using wireless sensor networks to monitor water levels inside the tower allows municipalities to automatically monitor and control pumps without installing and maintaining expensive data cables.

Rooftop water towers on apartment buildings on East 57th Street in New York City

The adjacent image shows three architectural approaches to incorporating these tanks in the design of a building, one on East 57th Street in New York City. From left to right, a fully enclosed and ornately decorated brick structure, a simple unadorned roofless brick structure hiding most of the tank but revealing the top of the tank, and a simple utilitarian structure that makes no effort to hide the tanks or otherwise incorporate them into the design of the building.

The technology dates to at least the 19th century, and for a long time New York City required that all buildings higher than six stories be equipped with a rooftop water tower. Two companies in New York build water towers, both of which are family businesses in operation since the 19th century.

The original water tower builders were barrel makers who expanded their craft to meet a modern need as buildings in the city grew taller in height. Even today, no sealant is used to hold the water in. The wooden walls of the water tower are held together with steel cables or straps, but water leaks through the gaps when first filled. As the water saturates the wood, it swells, the gaps close and become impermeable. The rooftop water towers store 250,000 to 50,000 litres (55,000 to 11,000 imp gal; 66,000 to 13,000 US gal) of water until it is needed in the building below. The upper portion of water is skimmed off the top for everyday use while the water in the bottom of the tower is held in reserve to fight fire. When the water drops below a certain level, a pressure switch, level switch or float valve will activate a pump or open a public water line to refill the water tower.

Architects and builders have taken varied approaches to incorporating water towers into the design of their buildings. On many large commercial buildings, water towers are completely hidden behind an extension of the facade of the building. For cosmetic reasons, apartment buildings often enclose their tanks in rooftop structures, either simple unadorned rooftop boxes, or ornately decorated structures intended to enhance the visual appeal of the building. Many buildings, however, leave their water towers in plain view atop utilitarian framework structures.

Water towers are common in India, where the electricity supply is erratic in most places.

If the pumps fail (such as during a power outage), then water pressure will be lost, causing potential public health concerns. Many U.S. states require a " boil-water advisory" to be issued if water pressure drops below 20 pounds per square inch (140 kPa). This advisory presumes that the lower pressure might allow pathogens to enter the system.

Some have been converted to serve modern purposes, as for example, the Wieża Ciśnień ( Wrocław water tower) in Wrocław, Poland which is today a restaurant complex. Others have been converted to residential use.

Historically, railroads that used steam locomotives required a means of replenishing the locomotive's tenders. Water towers were common along the railroad. The tenders were usually replenished by water cranes, which were fed by a water tower.

Some water towers are also used as observation towers, and some restaurants, such as the Goldbergturm in Sindelfingen, Germany, or the second of the three Kuwait Towers, in the State of Kuwait. It is also common to use water towers as the location of transmission mechanisms in the UHF range with small power, for instance for closed rural broadcasting service, amateur radio, or cellular telephone service.

In hilly regions, local topography can be substituted for structures to elevate the tanks. These tanks are often nothing more than concrete cisterns terraced into the sides of local hills or mountains, but function identically to the traditional water tower. The tops of these tanks can be landscaped or used as park space, if desired.

The Chicago Bridge and Iron Company has built many of the water spheres and spheroids found in the United States. The website World's Tallest Water Sphere describes the distinction between a water sphere and water spheroid thus:

A water sphere is a type of water tower that has a large sphere at the top of its post. The sphere looks like a golf ball sitting on a tee or a round lollipop. A cross section of a sphere in any direction (east-west, north-south, or top-bottom) is a perfect circle. A water spheroid looks like a water sphere, but the top is wider than it is tall. A spheroid looks like a round pillow that is somewhat flattened. A cross section of a spheroid in two directions (east-west or north-south) is an ellipse, but in only one direction (top-bottom) is it a perfect circle. Both spheres and spheroids are special-case ellipsoids: spheres have symmetry in 3 directions, spheroids have symmetry in 2 directions. Scalene ellipsoids have 3 unequal length axes and three unequal cross sections.

The Union Watersphere is a water tower topped with a sphere-shaped water tank in Union, New Jersey, and characterized as the World's Tallest Water Sphere.

A Star Ledger article suggested a water tower in Erwin, North Carolina completed in early 2012, 219.75 ft (66.98 m) tall and holding 500,000 US gallons (1,900 m 3), had become the World's Tallest Water Sphere. However, photographs of the Erwin water tower revealed the new tower to be a water spheroid.

The water tower in Braman, Oklahoma, built by the Kaw Nation and completed in 2010, is 220.6 ft (67.2 m) tall and can hold 350,000 US gallons (1,300 m 3). Slightly taller than the Union Watersphere, it is also a spheroid.

Another tower in Oklahoma, built in 1986 and billed as the "largest water tower in the country", is 218 ft (66 m) tall, can hold 500,000 US gallons (1,900 m 3), and is located in Edmond.

The Earthoid, a perfectly spherical tank located in Germantown, Maryland is 100 ft (30 m) tall and holds 2,000,000 US gallons (7,600 m 3) of water. The name is taken from it being painted to resemble a globe of the world.

The golf ball-shaped tank of the water tower at Gonzales, California is supported by three tubular legs and reaches about 125 ft (38 m) high.

The Watertoren (or Water Towers) in Eindhoven, Netherlands contain three spherical tanks, each 10 m (33 ft) in diameter and capable of holding 500 cubic metres (130,000 US gal) of water, on three 43.45 m (142.6 ft) spires were completed in 1970.

Tower with local high school mascot, a tiger (Centerville, Texas)

Water towers can be surrounded by ornate coverings including fancy brickwork, a large ivy-covered trellis or they can be simply painted. Some city water towers have the name of the city painted in large letters on the roof, as a navigational aid to aviators and motorists. Sometimes the decoration can be humorous. An example of this are water towers built side by side, labeled HOT and COLD. Cities in the United States possessing side-by-side water towers labeled HOT and COLD include Granger, Iowa; Canton, Kansas; Pratt, Kansas, and St. Clair, Missouri; Eveleth, Minnesota at one time had two such towers, but no longer does.

Many small towns in the United States use their water towers to advertise local tourism, their local high school sports teams, or other locally notable facts. A "mushroom" water tower was built in Örebro, Sweden and holds almost two million gallons of water.

Mechelen-Zuid water tower in Belgium, one of the tallest in the world[30]

Chimney 1 of Muldenstein power station

Muldenstein

103 m (338 ft)

Chimney with water tank, demolished on April 10, 2011

Chimney of Frankfurt-Fechenheim Cassella works

Frankfurt

102 m (335 ft)

Chimney, which was equipped until 2011 with a water tank

Alternatives to water towers are simple pumps mounted on top of the water pipes to increase the water pressure. This new approach is more straightforward, but also more subject to potential public health risks; if the pumps fail, then loss of water pressure may result in entry of contaminants into the water system. Most large water utilities do not use this approach, given the potential risks.[dubious ]

Friedrichsplatz's Water Tower, Mannheim

Kuwait Towers, which include two water reservoirs, and Kuwait Water Towers (Mushroom towers in Kuwait City.

Neogothic water tower in Malbork, Poland, from 1905

The Show Place Arena water tower in Upper Marlboro, Maryland

Brooks Catsup Bottle Water Tower near Collinsville, Illinois

Chicago Water Tower in Chicago, Illinois

Florence Y'all Water Tower in Florence, Kentucky

Lawson Tower in Scituate, Massachusetts

Leaning Water Tower in Groom, Texas

North Point Water Tower in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Peachoid next to I-85 on the edge of Gaffney, South Carolina

Show Place Arena water tower in Upper Marlboro, Maryland

Union Watersphere in Union Township, New Jersey

Volunteer Park Water Tower in Capitol Hill, Seattle, Washington

Warner Bros. Water Tower in Burbank, California (In the animated TV series Animaniacs, it was used to incarcerate the characters Yakko, Wakko, and Dot, as well as to serve as their home.)

Weehawken Water Tower in Weehawken, New Jersey

Ypsilanti Water Tower in Ypsilanti, Michigan (Winner of the Most Phallic Building contest in 2003)[41]

A standpipe is a water tower which is cylindrical (or nearly cylindrical) throughout its whole height, rather than an elevated tank on supports with a narrower pipe leading to and from the ground.

Louisville Water Tower, one of the few remaining standpipe water towers in the United States. It was completed in 1860.

There were originally over 400 standpipe water towers in the United States, but very few remain today, including:

Addison Standpipe, in Addison, Michigan

Belton Standpipe in Belton, South Carolina (also in Allendale and Walterboro)

Belton Standpipe in Belton, Texas

Bellevue Standpipe (actually a water tank, not a tower), in Boston, Massachusetts

Chicago Water Tower, in Chicago, Illinois

The Chicago Water Tower

Cochituate standpipe, in Boston, Massachusetts

Craig, Nebraska standpipe

Eden Park Stand Pipe, in Cincinnati

Evansville Standpipe (a steel tower), in Evansville, Wisconsin

Fall River Waterworks, in Fall River, Massachusetts

Forbes Hill Standpipe, in Quincy, Massachusetts

Louisville Water Tower, in Louisville, Kentucky

North Point Water Tower, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Reading Standpipe (demolished in 1999 and replaced by a modern steel tower), in Reading, Massachusetts

St. Louis, Missouri has three standpipe water towers which are on the National Register of Historic Places.

Thomas Hill Standpipe, in Bangor, Maine

Ypsilanti Water Tower, in Ypsilanti, Michigan

Bremen Water Tower, in Bremen, Indiana

Riveted iron standpipe in Craig, Nebraska

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A water tower is an elevated structure supporting a water tank constructed at a height sufficient to pressurize a distribution system for potable water, and to provide emergency storage for fire protection. Water towers often operate in conjunction with underground or surface service reservoirs, which store treated water close to where it will be used.

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Tombs of Talpur Mirs, Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan

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Tombs of Talpur Mirs, Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan

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The Tombs of Talpur Mirs ( Urdu: میران تالپور کے مقبرے ) are a complex of tombs of the ruling Talpur Mirs of Sindh who reigned from 1784 to 1843. The tombs are also known as Cubbas (the Sindhi word for tombs). These tombs are located in Hirabad, Hyderabad in the Sindh province of Pakistan.

The tombs complex hosts large mausoleums for Talpur rulers while they are several smaller mausoleums for their wives, consorts and infant children. There are several graves in the external area that are uncovered and unmarked, apart from a few exceptions. The graves are mostly made out of marble and usually have Quranic verses inscribed on their surfaces.

Once a magnificent burial ground for the Talpur rulers, this place now has several preservation concerns. As of 30 March 2011, the Culture Department, Government of Sindh retained the charge for these monuments, following a devolution of the government to provinces. Since then, there has been slow and steady restoration work on preserving these monuments.

Photograph of the tombs complex (c. 1900)

The architecture patterns of the tombs in the complex are reminiscent of various Talpur structures, however most of the tombs in this complex are either square or rectangular in shape. These structures follow almost the same specifications as that of the mausoleum of Mir Fateh Ali Khan at New Khudabad.

The largest domed structure contains two graves, those of, Mir Karam Ali Khan (d. 1828) and Mir Murad Ali Khan (d. 1833). Behind this building is a smaller building which contains the graves of Mir Karam's two wives, the wife of Mir Abdullah Khan and an infant. To the north of these structures is one containing the graves of Talpur rulers, Mir Nur Muhammad Khan, Mir Nasir Khan, Mir Shahdad Khan and Mir Hussain Ali Khan. It is said that the rulers designed their own burial places while alive.

The building in front of the last on the east, contains the remains of the wife and child of Mir Nur Muhammad Khan and the wife of Mir Husayn Ali Khan. Other wives of two of these rulers and three young children, repose in the small tomb in the north-west corner. Other Mirs lie within the two small tombs at the southwest corner of Mir Karam Ali Khan's mausoleum and the remaining buildings contain the bodies of wives, daughters and children of some of these.

In the southern group of tombs, two principal mausoleums that are nearest the entrance on the east and immediately behind it, contain the graves of four Mirs, while the rest are occupied by their wives and children.

Vaulted structures

Interior of one of the tombs

The ladies' mausoleums are peculiar in the sense that they appear to look like vaulted wagon structures. One such mausoleum is rectangular in plan and surmounted by two domes, flanked by kicks on each of its four corners. The façade containing the entrance door is divided into three arched panels on each side. On the top of each arched panel, there is a rectangular panel covered with tiles in floral patterns. The other sides of the mausoleum contain more or less the same arched panelling and similar decorative colour scheme.

Decorative art

These tombs are renowned for the tile decoration on their outside façade. The tiles are placed in multiple colours which primarily include blue floral patterns over white background. Some accents of green, yellow and brown are placed in a manner so as to break the monotonous decorative look.

In typical Talpur fashion, the marble graves have the actual royal turbans of these rulers placed upon a projection at the end of each. The graves are etched with Quranic verses in Arabic, whilst some of the walls inside the mausoleums are decorated with poetry in Persian. Apart from the Arabic inscriptions on the graves, they are largely unmarked and have no names to denote their occupants. The graves are usually covered in marble masonry work.

The mausoleums of female Talpurs are designed to be closed structures. These are distinctly vaulted structures with jaalis on the door archways to show the dead buried within still observing , as they would've in life. To this day, it is forbidden for men to step inside these mausoleums.

The visitor is greeted by a board erected by the Department of Archaeology, Government of Pakistan which has since been appropriately modified after the government was devolved to the province.

Once a magnificent burial ground for the Talpur rulers, this place now has several preservation concerns. Under the management of the Department of Archaeology, Government of Pakistan, the mausoleums fell into disrepair. As of 30 March 2011, the Culture Department, Government of Sindh retained the charge for these monuments, following a devolution of the government to provinces.

The tomb complex is now enclosed in a walled area in order to put a halt to the encroaching residential buildings surrounding the site. Many of the crumbling tombs were "used by drug addicts and drifters for resting the night" whilst "local youngsters to play cricket during the day" in wide open spaces around the mausoleums.

Restoration and maintenance

Lately, there have been efforts to restore the tombs of ancient rulers elsewhere, including some of former Talpur rulers. The restoration began in April 2012 and was led by Ishtiaq Ansari. Where there are restoration works actively in progress elsewhere, the site, that is the subject of this article, has since been neglected.

The newly devolved Sindh government nevertheless shows a willingness to work towards improving these monuments and "mak[ing] right [the wrongs of] the past 63 years" under the former management.

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The Tombs of Talpur Mirs ( Urdu: میران تالپور کے مقبرے ) are a complex of tombs of the ruling Talpur Mirs of Sindh who reigned from 1784 to 1843. The tombs are also known as Cubbas (the Sindhi word for tombs). These tombs are located in Hirabad, Hyderabad in the Sindh province of Pakistan.

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Tomb of Ghulam Nabi Khan Kalhora, Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan

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Tomb of Ghulam Nabi Khan Kalhora, Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan

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The mausoleum of Ghulam Shah Kalhora, the oldest and the most refined and impressive amongst the Kalhora monuments is located to the north of the National Highway near City Gate Hotel, Hyderabad. The tomb of Mian Ghulam Shah Kalhora, the founder of Hyderabad, represents the typical architecture of Kalhora's period.

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Prahladpuri Temple ( Urdu: پرَہْلادْپُورِی مندر ) was a Hindu temple located in Multan city of Punjab province in Pakistan, adjacent to the Shrine of Bahauddin Zakariya. Named after Prahlada, it is dedicated to the Hindu deity Narasimha. The site is currently owned by Evacuee Trust Property Board.

The temple is located on top of a raised platform () at the southern tip of the Fort of Multan, adjacent to the mausoleum of Baha'ul Haq Zakariya.

In Hindu mythology, Prahlada - son of Hiranyakashipu, the Asur-king of Multan - built the temple in honor of Narasimha, an incarnation of Vishnu, who had appeared out of a pillar in the royal court to disembowel the oppressive King and reward his devoutness. The temple was constructed around the pillar and the festival of Holika Dahan commenced.

The temple stands on the ruins of pre-Muslim structures. There were older temples on the site which had been subject to cycles of razing and re-construction during the medieval era - however, the precise details are hazy in light of conflicting legends. Initially, the place might have housed the famed Sun-temple of Multan.

Oral legend asserts that a temple - with columns and roof made of gold - used to exist around the 15th century before being dismantled by Sher Shah Suri to construct a mosque; the current temple was constructed when the mosque fell. Another account published in Calcutta Review (1891) invokes the same description except that the pre-existing temple had sunk of "unknown causes."

In 1810, the temple's height was raised (or, was the temple rebuilt - ?), which led to tensions with the Muslim community. In 1831, Alexander Burnes noted the temple as a low-height structure, supported by wooden pillars and having Hanuman and Ganesha as the portal guardians; he was denied entrance to what had been "the only place of Hindu worship in Multan". An annual festival was held on the temple's premises on the anniversary of Narasimha's appearance.

During the Siege of Multan in 1848, a shell fired by forces of the East India Company fell on a gunpowder store within the fort and blew away the temple's roof. Post-siege, the East India Company retained total control of the fort and all adjacent areas - including the temple and the mausoleum - for a couple of years before returning the shrines to native communities in July 1852 upon a petition. A month later, the Company prohibited approaching the temple via precincts of the mausoleum in lieu of allowing a request from local Hindus to refurbish the temple. Upon visiting the site in 1854, Alexander Cunningham found the temple to be a roofless "square brick building with some very finely carved wooden pillars", and the only Hindu shrine in Multan alongside Suraj Kund.

In 1859, local Hindus and Muslims agreed not to incorporate conspicuous additions to the temple or the mausoleum. In 1861, the Chief Mahant of the temple, Baba Ram Das, raised about Rs.11,000 by way of public donation to refurbish the temple. In the early 1870s, his successor, Baba Narayan Das, proposed to increase the height of the temple spire to 44 ft - more than that of the mausoleum - with public donation. This proposal was opposed by local Muslims as a breach of the agreement in 1859, fomenting an acrimonious dispute. Eventually, the local administration decided the issue in favor of the Muslims; an agreement enacted on 14 April 1876 restricted the height to 33 ft. However, the Hindus were not content and sought to vacate it.

In August 1880, the Mahant obtained consent from local civil and military authorities to install the 45 ft. spire. Construction continued for about three months before the Mahdoom of the mausoleum petitioned Cordery, the Commissioner of Multan, for a cease order. Upon investigation, Cordery reported to Lt. Governor Egerton, who decided to not only reinstate the 1876 agreement but also ask Hindus to cede possession of the compound well and an adjacent plot. The Hindus appealed before Viceroy Ripon, and c. August 1881, a committee composed of six people each from the Hindu and Muslim community was set up to arrive at a compromise - their proposed solution was to allow the spire but as a compensation, grant the sole possession of the well and ownership of the plot to the Muslims.

Before the solution could be approved by the government and implemented, the town got enmeshed in the communal tensions fomenting across Punjab against the backdrop of Arya Samaj's cow-protectionist movements. The question of transport and sale of beef in Multan town became an affair of competitive communalism. On 20 September 1881, a riot erupted and spanned over two days, resulting in 50,000 rupees worth of damage but no casualties. Hindu rioters had burned a mosque in the city's bazaar, attacked the Walli Muhammadi Mosque, and incinerated a Quran. A Muslim mob retaliated about 2 hours later, arsoning the Prahladpuri temple. However, the temple was quickly renovated by the Hindu community.

Finally, on 14 October, the government issued its decision - the local authority lacked jurisdiction to decide on the issue of additions to the temple structure, and hence, the Hindus were to either dismantle the spire or follow the compromise arrived at by the committee. On 29 October, the Hindus decided in favor of the latter. A well for the Hindus was constructed in an adjacent plot and a wall erected between the mausoleum and the temple.

In the early morning of 7 November 1912, miscreants removed an image of Lakshmi and threw it in a nearby well after stealing the crown; the Hindu devotees blamed local Muslims. On 23 January 1913, a Panchayat (trans. assemblage) of Hindus removed the incumbent Mahant leading to protracted litigation.

After the creation of Pakistan, most Hindus migrated to India, but the few remaining Hindus of the city continued to manage the temple affairs. Eventually, the image of Narasimha was taken away to a temple in Haridwar in the 70s, and the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) took over the site, in whose hands it fell into a state of neglect; a madrasa got established inside the temple premises. Despite this, the temple continued to be a prominent landmark in Multan and even had a dharamshala.

In 1992, a mob destroyed the temple and the dharamshala in retaliation for Hindus razing the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya, India;

In 2009, the Central Government allocated funds to document and preserve the site; the survey determined a risk of an imminent collapse of the temple ruins, but preservation plans were shelved. In May 2015, ETPB announced new plans to restore the temple and, in August, granted a fund of 5 million PKR to the Punjab Archeology Department. However, the local administration refused to issue a No Objection Certificate, apparently fearing local Muslim fanatics.

In February 2021, the Supreme Court of Pakistan established a one-person commission to interrogate the status of minority religious shrines. It criticized ETPB's handling of Hindu shrines and submitted for the immediate restoration of the temple along with the construction of lodging facilities for potential tourists; the State of Punjab and ETPB were ordered to ensure optimum preparedness of the shrine for the Holi festival. Soon, the local "peace committee" - with representatives from the government, civil society, and Ulemas - announced plans to restore the temple to ensure religious harmony.

Temple plan.

Prior to being demolished, the temple featured a main hall, and circumlocutory passages adorned with skylights. The hall continued to feature a replica of the idol under a baldachin.

^ "Home". Archived from the original on 2015-01-07. Survey & Studies for Conservation of Historical Monuments of Multan. Department of Archeology & Museums, Ministry of Culture, Government of Pakistan

^ Maclagan, Edward (1926). Punjab District Gazetteers: Multan District 1923-24. Vol. VII. The Superintendent Government, Lahore. pp. 276-77.

^ "The Friday Times:Holi's home by heritage". Archived from the original on 2013-12-11.

^ Suvorava, Anna (2004). "The Spiritual Sovereign of Multan". Muslim Saints of South Asia: The Eleventh to Fifteenth Centuries. London: Routledge. p. 153. doi:10.4324/9780203592717-8. ISBN 9780203592717.

^ Punjab (India) (1976). Extracts from the District & States Gazetteers of the Punjab, Pakistan: Punjab (Pakistan). Research Society of Pakistan, University of the Punjab.

^ Burnes, Alexander (1834). "Chapter V". Travels into Bokhara. Vol. 3. London: John Murray, Albemarle Street. pp. 115-116.

^ Cunnngham, Alexander (1875). ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF INDIA VOL.5. The Superintendent of Government, Calcutta. pp. 126, 129.

^ Monuments of Multan Archived 2016-02-01 at the Wayback Machine Survey & Studies for Conservation of Historical Monuments of Multan. Department of Archaeology & Museums, Ministry of Culture, Government of Pakistan

^ Hindu Correspondent (7 October 1881). "The Mooltan Riot and its Causes". Times of India. p. 2.

^ Roseberry, J. Royal (1987). Imperial Rule in Punjab: The Conquest and Administration of Multan, 1818-1881. Manohar. ISBN 978-81-85054-28-5.

^ Ross, David (1883). The Land of the Five Rivers and Sindh: Sketches Historical and Descriptive. Chapman and Hall, limited. p. 100. prahladpuri temple riot -1992 -babri.

^ Proceedings - Punjab History Conference. Publication Bureau, Punjabi University. 2000. ISBN 9788173807220.

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Prahladpuri Temple ( Urdu: پرَہْلادْپُورِی مندر ) was a Hindu temple located in Multan city of Punjab province in Pakistan, adjacent to the Shrine of Bahauddin Zakariya. Named after Prahlada, it is dedicated to the Hindu deity Narasimha. The site is currently owned by Evacuee Trust Property Board.

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Masjid Wazir Khan - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.

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Jamia Mosque, Bahria Town Karachi, Karachi, PK

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Jamia Mosque, Bahria Town Karachi, Karachi, PK

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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Grand Jamia Mosque ( Urdu: گرینڈ جامع مسجد, graiṇḍ jāmi' masjid), is a cultural complex under construction in Bahria Town Karachi, Pakistan. When completed, the complex will include what would be Pakistan's largest and the world's third-largest mosque according to capacity. The mosque will be able to accommodate 800,000 worshippers at a time.

The design is a blend of Mughal and Persian architecture. An area of 50 acres (20 ha) at the top of a 60 ft (18 m) hill was selected so that the mosque would be visible from miles away. The design includes a 325 ft (99 m) single-monument minaret. The Mosque contains 150 domes in total. Height of the largest single dome is 75 meters. High quality beige-coloured marble from Balochistan is used in the construction. The complex will be surrounded by large gardens surrounded by arch-shaped walls on all four sides.

The mosque will have fountains within the courtyard. To protect worshippers from the sun, the courtyard will have automated umbrellas similar in design to the ones in Al-Masjid an-Nabawi.

Grand Mosque Bahria Town Karachi

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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Grand Jamia Mosque ( Urdu: گرینڈ جامع مسجد, graiṇḍ jāmi' masjid), is a cultural complex under construction in Bahria Town Karachi, Pakistan. When completed, the complex will include what would be Pakistan's largest and the world's third-largest mosque according to capacity.

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Old office of Mirs, Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan

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Old office of Mirs, Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan

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English: Old office of Mirs

This is a category about a monument in Pakistan identified as the
SD-17

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Category:Old office of Mirs, Hyderabad Fort - Wikimedia Commons

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From Wikimedia Commons, the free media repository Jump to navigation Jump to search English: Old office of Mirs This is a category about a monument in Pakistan identified as the SD-17

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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Shahi Eid Gah Mosque ( Punjabi and Urdu: شاہی عید گاہ مسجد ) is an early 18th-century mosque located in the Pakistani city of Multan, in southern Punjab.

Located on the main Multan-Lahore highway in the Northeast of the oldest part of the city. The mosque is adjacent to the 20th century Sufi shrine of Ahmad Saeed Kazmi.

The mosque was built in 1735 CE during the reign of Mughal Emperor Muhammad Shah. The mosque was funded by Nawab Abdul Samad Khan, who was the Mughal governor of Multan.[citation needed ]

Following the fall of Multan to Sikh forces, the mosque was converted into a garrison and was used for gunpowder storage. In 1848, the mosque served as site where Sikh rebels, supported by a group of 2,000 soldiers that surrounded the mosque, murdered two British emissaries. The event lead to the Siege of Multan and eventual defeat of the Sikh Empire. In subsequent fighting during the Siege of Multan, a British cannon struck the roof of the mosque, causing 40,000 pounds of gunpowder to explode, destroying a portion of the mosque.

The mosque was used as a court during the early British period in Multan. It was restored and returned to its original purpose in 1891 at the insistence of Deputy Commissioner H.C. Cookson.

After the independence of Pakistan, the courtyard was expanded to accommodate more worshippers.[citation needed ]

The mosque is spacious, with a vast courtyard and a prayer chamber measuring 250 feet by 54 feet, and features seven domes.[citation needed ]

The mosque's exterior is embellished with glazed blue Multan-style tiles, while the interior is ornamented with intricate mosaics.[citation needed ]

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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia The Shahi Eid Gah Mosque ( Punjabi and Urdu: شاہی عید گاہ مسجد ) is an early 18th-century mosque located in the Pakistani city of Multan, in southern Punjab. Located on the main Multan-Lahore highway in the Northeast of the oldest part of the city.

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Shrine Luddan Kuddan (Multan) - Lohnt es sich? Aktuell für 2023 (Mit fotos)

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Hotels in der Nähe von Tomb Shah Rukne Alam Hotels in der Nähe von Fort Kohna Hotels in der Nähe von Tomb Shah Ali Akbar Hotels in der Nähe von Multan Arts Council Hotels in der Nähe von Lalak Jan Park Hotels in der Nähe von Shrine Khawaja Awais Kagha Hotels in der Nähe von Shrine of Mai Maharban Hotels in der Nähe von Chenab River Bank Hotels in der Nähe von Metro Plaza Hotels in der Nähe von Ariha Pools

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Wall of Kacha Qilla, Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan

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Wall of Kacha Qilla, Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan

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Shrine of Allah Dad Ghormani, Multan, PK

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Shrine of Allah Dad Ghormani, Multan, PK

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Allah Dad Ghurmani Tomb, Multan, Pakistan

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Photos and description of the architecture of Allah Dad Ghurmani Tomb, the site of the former khanqah of a lesser-known wali, or Sufi saint, of Multan.

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English: Shrine of Shah Ali Mardan

This is a category about a monument in Pakistan identified as the
PB-P-171

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Category:Shrine of Shah Ali Mardan, Multan - Wikimedia Commons

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From Wikimedia Commons, the free media repository Jump to navigation Jump to search English: Shrine of Shah Ali Mardan This is a category about a monument in Pakistan identified as the PB-P-171

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The Shrine of Mian Mir ( Punjabi and Urdu: میاں میر درگاہ ) is a 17th-century shrine located in Lahore, Pakistan, that is dedicated to the Sufi mystic Mian Mir. The shrine is one of the most celebrated in Lahore, and has historically been revered by both Muslims and Sikhs.

The tomb is located in the Alam Ganj neighbourhood of the Dharampura municipality, approximately 3 kilometres west of Lahore's Walled City.

Mian Mir wished to be buried next to his long-time friend Syed Muhammad Natha Shah Gilani. The tomb was built on the orders of Dara Shikoh, and was completed in 1640.

Dara Shikoh had previously built a shrine dedicated to Mullah Shah, but intended for the shrine of Mian Mir to more superb. After Dara Shikoh's death, the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb used much of the material collected by Dara Shikoh for the construction of Mian Mir's tomb, and instead used those materials in the construction of Lahore's grand Badshahi Mosque.

The shrine was embellished by the use of precious stones, which were all removed. Ranjit Singh, had the interior of the shrine painted with floral patterns. Ranjit Singh was a pilgrim to the shrine.

The shrine is popular with devotees.

The tomb is enclosed by a rectangular structure topped by a dome made of gray granite with eaves overhanging the structure known as a chajja. The entire tomb is built upon a raised square plinth made of white marble that measures 54 feet on each edge. The tomb is surrounded by a courtyard made of red sandstone. The tomb itself is accessible from the courtyard by a set of steps made of white marble.

The tomb is located in the centre of quadrangle measuring 200 feet on each side. The quadrangle is enclosed by high walls containing numerous small cells that form a cloister around the tomb on the southern and eastern side of the complex that were used by dervishes and pilgrims. The western portion of the complex is defined by a mosque constructed of pink sandstone, with five short domes atop it. A pink sandstone gateway leads to the shrine, with a couplet in Persian over the entrance reading:

Mian Mir, the title page of devotees, the earth of whose door is as luminous as the Philosopher's stone, took his way to the eternal city when he was weary of this abode of sorrow.

Associated shrines

Adjacent to the tomb is the tomb of Mian Mir's nephew Muhammed Sharif, who served as the first sajjada nashin, or hereditary caretaker of the shrine. Another tomb, that of Haji Muhammed Saleh, is also located within the shrine complex.

The shrine is located immediately west of the tomb of Nadira Begum, wife of the Mughal prince Dara Shikoh. The shrine of Mullah Shah was also built near the shrine.

The shrine is illuminated during the annual urs festival, and on religious holidays.

His death anniversary, known as an urs, is observed there by his devotees every year.

Devotees frequently tie strings of thread as prayers.

The nearby Lahore Cantonment was originally named "Mian Mir Cantonment" in reference to the saint's shrine. The tomb has been used as a focal point to bring together Muslim and Sikhs. The shrine has been suggested to be model for the Golden Temple in nearby Amritsar.

The shrine is managed by an committee that consists of influential persons, such as judges and politicians. The committee has also included a Sikh organization, Guru Nanak Ji Mission, in the committee's activities.

Numerous small cubicles are used for burning of oil lamps

The underside of the shrine's dome is decorated with mirror work known as ayina kari

^ Latif, Syad Muhammad (1892). Lahore: Its History, Architectural Remains and Antiquities: With an Account of Its Modern Institutions, Inhabitants, Their Trade, Customs, &c. New Imperial Press.

^ Bilgrami, Fatima Zehra (2005). History of the Qadiri Order in India: 16th-18th Century. Idarah-i Adabiyat-i Delli.

^ Murray, John (1883). Handbook of the Punjab, Western Rajputana, Kashmir, and Upper Sindh.

^ Death anniversary of Mian Mir observed in Lahore, The Nation newspaper, Published 20 December 2015, Retrieved 17 June 2017

^ Boivin, Michel (2015). Devotional Islam in Contemporary South Asia: Shrines, Journeys and Wanderers. Routledge. ISBN 9781317379997.

^ Arshi, Pardeep Singh (1989). The Golden Temple: history, art, and architecture. Harman Pub. House. ISBN 9788185151250.

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The Shrine of Mian Mir ( Punjabi and Urdu: میاں میر درگاہ ) is a 17th-century shrine located in Lahore, Pakistan, that is dedicated to the Sufi mystic Mian Mir. The shrine is one of the most celebrated in Lahore, and has historically been revered by both Muslims and Sikhs.

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Ancient Mound, Wahi Pandhi, Johi, Sindh, Pakistan

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Ancient Mound, Wahi Pandhi, Johi, Sindh, Pakistan

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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Ancient Graves in Wahi Pandhi

The word "Behdin" is inscribed on stone of Ancient Graves in Wahi Pandhi

A columned Ancient Grave in Wahi Pandhi

Bones of Corpse are placed in columned grave at Ancient Graves in Wahi Pandhi

The Ancient Graves are situated near Wahi Pandhi, Johi tehsil, Dadu District, Sindh, Pakistan, on the top of the hills near foothills of Kirthar Mountains Range. These columned graves are constructed with large slabs of stone on ground surface. The graves are open from northern and southern sides. The western and eastern sides of graves are constructed with stone slabs and also the graves are covered from upper side with slabs. The carpse were placed on ground surface in the graves. The bones can be observed in columned graves on ground surfaces in graves. Due to inscribed word "Behdin" on stone of one grave, it is believed that these ancient graves belonged to Zoroastrians. The word behdin means the good religion which is related to Zoroastrianism.

Two Burial places of the ancient graves in Wahi Pandhi are sited along both banks of Narri or Nalli hilly torrent are locally called roman's graves. Both necropolises can be counted of different periods. The awning of Smail Fakir is the sole monument of the desert of Kachho which is constructed with heavy carved pillars without any material. The Ceiling stones of the canopy are expertly engraved with gorgeous Sun-like structure. The graves are built with yellowish stone blocks. It seems no any material was used for fitting stone slabs together with. Many memorial names and other inscriptions are inscribed on stones to be belied in Kufi or Persian language script. It is believed that these belong to the invading period of Alexander the Great and some scholars are of the opinion that these ancient graves belong to Baloch tribe but question arises that which Baloch tribe had tradition to keep corpse in open or columned graves with carved stone slabs. Bherumal Maharchan Adwani considers the graves of Zoroastrians. In Sindh, invasion of Persia Iran can be traced from Daruish-1. In 637 AD, during the battle of Qadisia, the Muslims invaded Persia. The Zoroastrians were called Gabrs in the reflection Gabr, the Zoroastrians called themselves Behdin or Bahadin. Many Gabr or Gabar as well Givar Bands are constructed near hilly torrents for collecting waters in Kirthar Mountains Range which indicate to Zoroastrians. Zoroastrians or Parsis still live in Pakistan and India. History reveals that Zoroastrians or Parsis migrated from Iran to Punjab, Pakistan and Sindh, Pakistan.

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Ancient graves in Wahi Pandhi - Wikipedia

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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia The Ancient Graves are situated near Wahi Pandhi, Johi tehsil, Dadu District, Sindh, Pakistan, on the top of the hills near foothills of Kirthar Mountains Range. These columned graves are constructed with large slabs of stone on ground surface. The graves are open from northern and southern sides.

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Pandhi Wahi village mounds, Dadu, Sindh, Pakistan

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Pandhi Wahi village mounds, Dadu, Sindh, Pakistan

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Shrine Sakhi Yahya Nawab Pak Gate Multan, Multan, PK

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Shrine Sakhi Yahya Nawab Pak Gate Multan, Multan, PK