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Unravelling Sindh's history: A peek into Chaukhandi, Makli tombs

The Chaukhandi tombs are unrivalled contributions to Islamic sepulchral architecture and ornamental sculpture. PHOTO: FARAH KAMAL

Traditional snake charmers are often seen at shrines and mausoleums. PHOTO: FARAH KAMAL

The stone carvings on these graves are extremely detailed, intricate and unique. PHOTO: FARAH KAMAL

The Makli graveyard is spread around the shrine of14th century Sufi Hamad Jamali. PHOTO FARAH KAMAL

The Chaukhandi tombs are considered unique in the whole Islamic world. PHOTO: FARAH KAMAL

The carvings of jewelleries typifies this as a grave of a woman. PHOTO: FARAH KAMAL

The buff sandstone graves and their style of architecture is native to Sindh, and unique since it is not found anywhere else in the Islamic world. PHOTO: FARAH KAMAL

The architecture reflects Hindu and the Islamic art in the early years, the later ones reflect Central Asian influences. PHOTO: FARAH KAMAL

Spread over two miles, Chaukhandi contains tombs of families settled in this area during the 17th and 18th centuries A.D. PHOTO: FARAH KAMAL

Most of the architecture is embellished with geometric patterns cut in the sandstone. PHOTO: FARAH KAMAL

Makli is the burial place of around 125,000 Sufi saints making it the worlds largest Necropolis. PHOTO: FARAH KAMAL

Makli Hills, the world's largest Necropolis, with some 125,000 graves ranging back as far as the year 1300. PHOTO: FARAH KAMAL

Makli Hills are spread over 15kms and contain a beautiful archeological site. PHOTO: FARAH KAMAL

The Chaukhandi tombs, containing 25 cemeteries, make the ground a breathtaking display of architecture. PHOTO: JAHANZAIB HAQUE

The Chaukhandi tombs are considered remarkable for the elaborate and exquisite stone carvings. PHOTO: JAHANZAIB HAQUE

The graves in the Chaukhandi tombs were constructed from buff sandstone. PHOTO: JAHANZAIB HAQUE

The Chaukhandi tombs are considered unique in the whole Islamic world. PHOTO: JAHANZAIB HAQUE

Islamic calligraphy carved on graves. PHOTO: FARAH KAMAL

The Chaukhandi tombs, containing 25 cemeteries, make the ground a breathtaking display of architecture. FARAH KAMAL

A snake charmer's show is not complete without a show of a mongoose. PHOTO: FARAH KAMAL

Artisan work in the form of calligraphy of Quranic verses seen on the graves. PHOTO: FARAH KAMAL

Thatta, the capital of lower Sindh, is home to two of the world's famous heritages Makli and Chaukhandi tombs.

Sk

Feb 18, 2012 - 2:31PM

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Wow!! That’s so amazing.. Never saw this place so closely ever.. Great shooting !

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Haya Zaidi

Feb 18, 2012 - 2:35PM

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Loved every picture. The architecture beautifully exhibits our mystical, ancient culture. Great work!

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sameer

Feb 18, 2012 - 3:37PM

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A LEGACY we own and totally proud of it.

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Ladyjazeera

Feb 18, 2012 - 7:46PM

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Ancient Hindu temple complex converted into tomb.

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Mujtaba Rizvi

Feb 18, 2012 - 9:23PM

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Nice photos. been to this place.

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Anarkali

Feb 19, 2012 - 1:22AM

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These are clearly Hindu carvings with mozlem domes.

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Shahrukh Mughal

Feb 19, 2012 - 2:48PM

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I feel so proud of Ur work.. Good luck for future upcoming Photojournals from USA :)

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Amir

Feb 19, 2012 - 6:34PM

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I have been to Makli almost 10 times since 1994. Visitors beware. Do not park your car near any snake charmers. The trick they use is to throw their drugged, slightly knicked mongose behind your car, while you are reversing, and scream that you have killed it, killed his income. Recommend
Farah Kamal

Feb 20, 2012 - 7:44AM

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@Amir: hummm i went there twice, does not remember much from first visit but the one last week, our coach was indeed parked close. But the charmer had two mangoose, one was tied with a chain to a small pole and the other was held by the little boy and tied to his wrist. So, I dont think that is the case always.

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samina naeem

Feb 20, 2012 - 12:29PM

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hi,once again thanks a lot to share your talent with us.Me and kids both enjoyed our beautiful past.

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Ahmed Jalabni

Feb 20, 2012 - 4:59PM

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great to see all these pics here :)
best of luck

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Siddiq Barech

Feb 20, 2012 - 5:17PM

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Been there in 2009 . Its been amongst one of the finest places to shoot on. Farah! Your cam has got skillful hands to capture meaningful Pix. Hope You will find some best points in Quetta as well to shoot … Nice Work

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Farah Kamal

Feb 20, 2012 - 9:13PM

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@Siddiq Barech: I definitly intend to do some shoots at Quetta. Would love your help.

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Farangis Azim

Feb 22, 2012 - 12:09AM

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Amazing pictures Ma’am Farah and the place is just so wonderful :)
Peshawar,Pakistan.

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Syed Aun Raza Naqvi

Feb 24, 2012 - 3:05PM

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Mam! the shots are really splendid and Marvelous; makes are heritage and Islamic culture prominent and impressive!
Regards
Aun Naqvi

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