Sindh’s heritage sites need immediate attention, as many are mere shadows of their former glory. PHOTOS: FILE
The province boasts of a rich cultural past but the lack of interest by the government has led to the deterioration of many historical sites. The arid area, with heaps of sand and rare intervals of cultivated land and dried river beds, is not only home to oldest known civilisations but has also witnessed a myriad of rulers and dynasties.
However, in recent times, the attempts to reclaim heritage sites have done more harm than good. The dilapidated conditions of most sites require immediate attention of the government.
In order to change the situation, the culture department has taken upon itself to restore and preserve the major archaeological sites in the province. Culture Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah shared with The Express Tribune details of the current projects of government.
Moen Jo Daro
Indus Valley Civilisation, dating back to 26th century BC, is known as the one of the oldest and largest urban settlements in the world. The historical importance of the place has led the government to invest in its preservation but the site continues to be threatened by the rapidly increasing deterioration caused by rising level of groundwater and salinity.
Last month, reports sprung up that excavation of the site has started once again. Upon contact, archaeologist Kaleemullah Lashari said that it is undergoing maintenance work to attract foreign archaeologists. The quarters inhabiting this site were made in the 1960s, but they are now in a pitiful state and are being demolished to set up a new building in its place.
The Sindh government has once again taken the initiative to restore and preserve the site. “We even had a meeting with UNESCO to discuss the infrastructure,” said Shah.
Moreover, he also claimed that about 50 acres of the land was encroached upon and the government intervened and forced the encroachers to leave.
Since 1973, no seminar has taken place at this site but to bring it into limelight we will hold a seminar in the first quarter of 2017, he remarked.
We plan to make a research centre for the scholars and launch a website about Moen Jo Daro, he shared.
Umerkot Fort
This historical site has remained in debates due to its obscure origins. Historians argue that it existed in 1193 AD and was used for either residential or military purposes by the rulers of the province.
Some believe that the area is named after ruler Umer Soomro, who gained fame due to his romance with Marvi of Thar.
But others argue that it was actually the property of the Sodha Rajputs, who were the rulers of the area.
“When Humayun managed to escape India following his military defeat at the hands of Sher Shah Suri, Rana Prasad, the former Rajput ruler of the area, provided him shelter in Amarkot [former name of Umerkot].
This was the place where Humayun’s son, Akbar, was born,” explained heritage expert Dr Fatah Daudpota.
The culture department aims to restore the former glory of this fort. About 200 workers, including local artisans, started the preservation work in December, 2016. According to the officials, the project will be completed by June, this year. “The museum inside the fort comprises details on Mughal emperors. But, we want to change it to revive the Thar theme in the fort,” shared Shah.
Makli
For Karachiites, Makli has been the quintessential tourist spot. From family to school trips, most of the people from the port city have visited the site, which is one of the largest necropolises of the world.
The graveyard, where around 125,000 local rulers and Sufi saints among others have been buried, is a testament to the rich culture and heritage of Sindh. The tombs have been embossed with Quranic verses. The graves of men and women have also been differentiated as the former have dagger and swords embossed on them while those of the latter have jewellery and block-printed embellishments.
Located on the outskirts of Thatta, it was inscribed as a World Heritage List in 1981. However, now it faces the danger of being delisted.
Talking about the issue, Shah said that UNESCO had planned to delist the graveyard from the World Heritage List. However, the culture department acted at the right time and succeeded in removing debris and encroachments from the historical site.
“We plan to launch a Makli Trigonometric Survey, which will detail the information of all the graveyards there,” he said. “We hope this place does not get delisted by UNESCO.”
Bhanbhore
Located 64 kilometres away from Karachi, Bhanbhore is known as the land of the folklore, Sassui Pannu. It is also the place from where the forces of Hajjaj bin Yousuf, under the command of Muhammad bin Qasim, fought a battle and captured the area.
Italian archaeologist Dr Valeria Piacentini, who visited the area last year, shared details of her work at the site. She remarked that the then people of Bhanbhore were raided and looted by Mongols and left the area to seek refuge in Ranikot area.
However, the ruins stand tall, giving some glimpses of history at the museum, which gives details via pottery about the natives of this town, she added.
Dr Piacentini has written a 700-page manuscript on this site, said Shah, adding that the culture department will publish it soon.
Fort Kot Diji
Located at the foot of Rohri Hills, this symbol of Talpur dynasty is around 22 kilometres away from Khairpur. The ancient site, which existed in about 3000 BC, is said to be the predecessor of the Indus Valley Civilization.
It is said that the Pakistan Department of Archaeology excavated at Kot Diji in 1955 and 1957.
“Since 1947, the government has paid no heed to the fort,” claimed Shah. “We plan to establish a museum here.”
*Facts and figures have been taken from Sindh Tourism: An Archaeological Journey written by Aziz Kingrani
Published in The Express Tribune, January 30th, 2017.
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