Sindh Pakistan

SINDH 

HISTORY

On august 14th 1947 Sindh becomes the province of Pakistan. The neighboring regions of Sindh are Baluchistan to the west and north Punjab to north the border with India to east and the Arabian Sea to the south. Because of its location in South Asia, it was one of the earliest regions to remain under influence of Islam. Sindh remained under the rule of Islamic empires like Abbasids,Umayyad. Sufism played vital role by converting local population into Muslim. Due to its location people form Middle East and central Asian states immigrant.The Dravidian's were the local inhabitants of Sindh and founded the prosperous Indus valley civilization which included the cities like Moen-jo-daro and Harappa. The people known as sindhi today, most of them are settlers from South Asia, Iranian, Turks and other Central Asian ethnic groups migrated in large numbers to further mix up the ethnic composition of Sindh.

After Arab Sind was ruled by following dynasties

The Soomra dynasty (750-1350 AD)

The Samma dynasty (1351-1521AD)

The Arghun dynasty (1521-1554AD)

The Turkhan dynasty (1555-1608AD)

The Moughal dynasty (1608-1701 AD)

The Kalhora dynasty (1701-1783AD)

The Talpur dynasty (1783-1843 AD)

The British rule (1843- 1947AD)

Sind becomes Pakistan’s province (1947-till to date)

LANGUAGE

The Sindhi language has pure Sanskrit basis and is closely related to ancient Prakrit. Its alphabet contains fifty two letters.It is an Indo-Aryan language spoken by approximately 41 million people in Pakistan and 12 million in India.The Rev.Mr.Shirt of Hyderabad, one of the first sindhi scholar considered that language is probably, so far as its grammatical construction, the purest daughter of Sanskrit.

According to Dr Ba ouch sindhi is an ancient Ind-Aryan language probably having its origin in a pre -Sanskrit-Aryan Indus valley language .The Lahnda and Kashmiri’s appear to be its cognate sisters with a common Dardic element in them all.

According to S. Kandapan who says Sindhi is one of the ancient language .I say it is the most ancient language, I know it has got its origin even before Sanskrit in the country.

CULTURE

Sindh’s cultural life has been shaped, to a large extent, by its comparative isolation in the past from the rest of the subcontinent. A long stretch of desert to its east and mountainous terrain in the west served as a barrier, while the Arabian Sea in the south and Indus in north prevented easy access. As a result, the people of Sindh developed their own exclusive artistic tradition. Their arts exquisite, pottery, variegated gazed tiles, lacquer work, leather and straw products, needle work, quilts embroidery, hand print making, textile design, ajrak and toppi culture.

The skills of sindhi craftsman continues to exhibit the 5000 year old artistic tradition. The perfected surface decoration of objects of everyday use clay, metal, wood, stone or fabrics with the floral or geometric designs can be traced back to the Muslim influence.

Sindh has a reputation for ajrak, pottery, leather works, carpets, textile and silk cloth which in design and finish are matchless. The chief articles produced are blankets, coarse cotton cloth (soosi) camel fittings, metal work, lacquered work, enamel, gold and silver embroidery.

Ajrak has been in sindh since the birth of its civilization. Blue color is dominantly used in Ajrak. Ajrak is mark of respect when it is given to a honored quest, friend or woman. In sindh it is most commonly given as a gift at Eid at wedding or on their special occasions like homecoming. Along with Ajrak the sindhi cap is also used as a gift for male. Rilli or patch work sheet is another sindhi icon and part of heritage and culture. Rilli is made with different small pieces of different geometrical shapes of clothes sewn together to create intricate designs. Rilli is also given as a gift to friends and visitors. It is used as a bed sheet spread as well as a blanket.

Melas (fairs) and malakhras (wrestling festival) are popular Falconry, horse and camel breeding and racing are characteristics pastimes. Sindhi fishermen float earthen pots to catch the palla fish in the Indus, bullock cart racing and cock fighting are also typical of the province.

Genuine love for fellow beings, large heartedness and hospitality construct the very spirit of sindhi’s culture and it is the association of the cultural elements that elevate it and keep aloft its banner among the contemporary culture of South Asia .Having lived for centuries under the changing sway of various dynasties i.e. the Arab’s, Moughal’s, Arghunu’s, Turkhan’s, Soomra’s, Samma’s, Kalhora’s and Talpurs Sindhi culture is a fusion of multiple culture patterns.

LITERATURE

Sindhi language is ancient and rich in literature. Its writers have contributed extensively in various forms of literature in both poetry and prose. Sindhi literature is very rich and is one of the world’s oldest literature's. Very little of sindhi literature of earlier period has survived. The soomra’s and samma’s periods are virtually blank except for the few poems of Hamad, Raju and Isacck. The heroic ballads of this period set to music by Shah Abdul Karim (1538-1625).

Real poetic talent came during the last stages of the 18th century. Several works like Shah Abdul Latif’s Shah-Jo-Risalo, the magnum opus of sindhi literature were produced. Sachal, another eminent poet closely followed Shah Abdul Karim. He was a sufi rebel poet who did not adhere to any religion and denounced religious radicals. The poet Sami was a complete contrast to Kari, more pious than poetical, yet processing a charm of his own. There was an excess of songsters in sindhi who recited similar ideas and themes in varied tones.

SINDHI MUSIC

Sindhi music is mostly performed in Bait’s or Waee styles. The Baits style is vocal music in Sanhoon (low voice) or Graham (high voice). Waee instrumental music performed in a variety of ways by using string instrument. Waee is also known as Kafi.

SUFI MUSIC

DR Nabi Balouch the most renowned linguistic has compiled Shah Jo Risalo after 32 years of research in folk, culture and history of sindhi language. Shah Jo Risalo include 30 surs which are sung as raag.

The traditional 30 surs included in Shah Jo Risalo are;

. Bilawal . Kalyan . Yaman Kalian .Khanbhat

. Surri Raag . Samundi . Sohni . Sasui Aburi

.Maazuri . Desi . Kohyari . Hussaini

. Laila chanesar . Mumal Rano . Marvi . Kaamod

. Ghatu . Sorath . Kedaro . Sarang

. Asaa . Ripp . Khahori . Barwo Sindhi

. Ramkali . Kapai’ti . Purab . Karyal

.Pirbahti . Dahar

GEOGRAPHY

Sindh is located on the western corner of the south Asia, bordering the Iranian plateau in the west. Geographically it is the 3rd largest province of Pakistan extending about 579 km fro north to south and 4421 (extreme)km or 281 (average) km from east to west with an area of 140,915 sq km of Pakistan territory . sindh is bounded by the Thar Desert to the east , the Kirthar Mountain to the west and the Arabian Sea in the south. In the center sindh is fertile plain around the Indus River.

CLIMATE

A subtropical region, Sindh is hot in summer and cold in winter with temperature ranges from 46 degree Celsius to 2 degree Celsius and seven inches annual rainfall per year.

Climatically Sindh is divided into three sections Siro (upper section centered on jacoabad) Wicholo (middle section centered on Hyderabad) and Lar ( lower section centered on Karachi). In upper Sindh the thermal equator passes through Sindh. The highest ever temperature more than 50 degree Celsius recorded every year. In winter frost is common. In central Sindh temperature is lower than upper Sindh but higher than lower Sindh. Maximum temperature reaches up to 43-44 degree Celsius. Lower Sindh has damper and humid climate with lower rainfall than central Sindh. The highest temperature ranges between 35-38 degree Celsius.

ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION

There are 23 districts in Sindh:

.Karachi .Larkana . Jacobabad .Shikarpur .Kamber Shahdadkot .Sukkur .Ghoutki

.Kashmore .Khairpur .Noushehro Feroz .Dadu .Nawabshah . Jamshoro .Sanghar

.Matyari .Hyderabad .Tando Muhammad Khan .Tando Allah Yar .Badin .Thatta

.Mirpurkhar .Umer Kot .Tharparker.

DEMOGRAPHICS AND SOCIETY

In 1998 census population of sindh was 30.4 million, the current population can be estimated to be in range of 42-44 million using compound growth in rate 2 to 2.8 % since than.fitfty percent of population residing in urban areas like Karachi, Hyderabad, sukkur , mirpurkhas, nawabshah and larkana.

Sindh’s population is mostly Muslims but sindh is also home to all hindu’s in Pakistan roughly 1.8 million. Most sindhi hindu migrate to India after partition. Smaller groups of christens, Parsis can also be found in province. Rajput and balouchis are most recent immigrants.

Large section of population speaks Sindhi with other language spoken are Urdu, Siraiki, kutchi, Balouchi, Brauhi, Panjabi, Pashto, Rajhistani, Persian, Khowar and Gujrati. It is estimated Sindhi speakers 75% and Urdu speakers 15% of the total population of province, Balochis, Pashtouns and Panjabi significant of remaining population.

ECONOMY

Sindh has the 2nd largest economy , GDP of sindh per capatia was 1400 dollars in 2010.Sindhs contribution to Pakistan GDP is between 30 to 32.7 percent and share in service sector from 21.4 to 27.7 percent. Sindh’s best sector is manufacturing where it share ranged from 36.7 to 46.5 percent. Since 1972, Sindh’s GDP has expanded by 3.6 times.

Sindh is endowed with coastal access, Sindh is center of economic activity in Pakistan and have a highly diversified economy ranging from heavy industry and finance.

Sindh also contributes in manufacturing include machine products, cement, plastics and various other goods.

Sindh is most natural gas producing Province and agriculture is also very important in sindh with cotton, rice, wheat, sugar cane, bananas, and mangoes as the most important crops.

SOME TOURIST ATTRACTION OF SINDH

KARACHI

Karachi is the capital city of Sindh, it is also the metropolitan city as well as financial hub of Pakistan. Being a business hub, you can expect Karachi to be full of people all over the country and people try to make their future in the city. It is locally saying that Karachi do not let anybody to sleep hungry. Karachi is also known as the City of Lights, the city of Quaid’s and city that never sleep.

The everyday life of Karachi is far different from other cities and towns of Pakistan. Karachi’s culture is combination of Middle Eastern, Central Asian, South Asian and Western as well as the city’s status as major international business. As a whole Karachi is consider as diversity in culture and this diversity produced a unique culture amalgam of its own. Karachi also hosts large number of middle class population of country.

If one get’s tired of the busy daily routine, Karachi has many more attraction:

BEACHES

SANDPIT BEACH

It is located in south west of Karachi and a very popular tourist point of view. It is ideal for swimming and for sun bath Facilities include horse back and camel riding.

HAWK’S BAY BEACH

It is situated few kilometers away from sandpits beach and it is one of the few beaches in world where green sea turtles come to lay eggs.

PARADISE POINT

It is the rocky mountain in the Arabian Sea with natural arch. The beach has attraction for tourists and families including beach side horse and camel rides, restaurants, amusement parks and swimming in Arabian Sea.

FRENCH BEACH

It is located in between hawk’s bay and paradise point and is small fishing village of Karachi. Its rocky beach and clear waters are ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving and as well as surfing during monsoon season.

RUSSIAN BEACH

Russian beach is situated near Gharo and is least polluted beach of Karachi. There is also mazzar at hill on the beach.

MANORA ISLAND

Manora is small peninsula locates in the south of Karachi. It is connected to mainland by 12 km long causeway called Sandpit. It is an ideal place to visit.

CLIFTON BEACH

Clifton beach or Sea view beach located on Arabian sea at Karachi. It was the world’s most silver sand beach and resort during 20th century but in 2003 it was affected by an oil spill. The beach has attraction for tourists and families including beach side horse and camel riding.

MUSEUM AND LANDMARKS

QUAID-E-AZAM’S MAUSOLEUM

It is the final resting place of the founder of Pakistan Muhammad Ali Jinnah. It is located in natural plateau of 53 hectare park and the size of building is 75x75mn on ground and 43m high built n 4m high platform in the city of Karachi. Quaid-e-Azam’s mausoleum is famous landmark of Karachi.

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF PAKISTAN

Initially National museum was established in Frere hall on April 17, 1950 replacing the defunct Victoria Museum. In 1970 it was shifted to Dr Zia-ud-din road. At present there are 11 galleries including Quran Gallery. The museum also contains an important collection related to Pakistan’s culture and heritage.

UNICORN GALLERY

Unicorn Gallery was set up in 2004. Unicorn has been promoting Pakistan’s art globally exhibiting Pakistani’s masters as well as contemporary artist’s works to the world at large. Unicorn’s Gallery also has a large collection of sculpture, prints as well as semi-precious jewellery.

PAKISTAN AIR FORCE MUSEUM

Pakistan Air Force museum is located adjacent to PAF Faisal Base and Awami Markaz on main Shahra-e-faisal at Karachi. Museum is known for well organized displays rides and greenery.

Other places are Pakistan Maritime Museum, Karachi Expo Centre, Mohatta Place.

AMUSEMENT PARKS AND WILD LIFE

ALADDIN PARK

Aladdin Park is the largest kid’s park not only in Karachi but in province. Park has a play ground as well as shopping center. The play ground has many entertainment facilities for kids and for families too.

ASKARI PARK

Askari Park is Family Park situated in university road of Karachi. It is built on old sabzi mandi it is very good add in beautification of Karachi.

HILL PARK

Hill Park is Family Park situated on hill top surrounded of PECHS area. It has many amusement spots, fast food center, restaurants, pond and other facilities; it is very Ideal Park to visit.

SAFARI PARK

It is located in Gulshane Iqbal of Karachi and one of the major recreation park for children and families. Safari park has zoo, play grounds and many gardens. Covering area of park is round about 300 acres.

BIN QASIM PARK

Initially Bin Qasim Park was known as Jahngir Kothari Park. It is one of the most beautiful park of Karachi with beautiful green gross along with architecture and Arabian Sea on background.

PLACES FOR SHOPPING

MILLENNIUM MALL

Millenium mall is world class constructed shopping mall located in Rashid minhas road gulshan-e-iqbal Karachi. It is not only for shopping but also for people who looks for fun activities, it has huge bowling arena, kid’s amusement fun land.

PARK TOWER

Park Tower mall is located in Clifton near Abdullah shah ghazi, it is most popular shopping mall of Karachi, it has more than 1500 shops. The mall is pretty lavishing and having mini restaurants and car show rooms too.

THE FORUM

The Forum mall is located in heart of Clifton; it is not big shopping mall as park tower. Karachi’s elite class does shopping from here. The mall has number of branded shops like Lacoste, Levi’s, Dockers, stonage and many more.

DOLMEN MALL

It is located in Tariq road that is prime location of city, due to its location people have more attraction than Park Tower. Dolmen mall has 500 shops o branded and unbranded stuff. It has two restaurants in it and number of book stores like Liberty and Paramount books.

TARIQ ROAD

Tariq road is the busiest street for shopping and on both sides of street there are a lot of shopping plaza and shops. It is famous for its prime location, people all over from Pakistan do shopping from here.here u can taste traditional food like samosa, channa chatt, fuit chatt etc.

ZAMZAMA

It is located in Clifton and it is market for elite class of city. Here u can find branded and Pakistan’s best designers shop.

GULF CENTER

It is located in Clifton, many traditional venders and more upscale boutiques and designer’s shoes shops available here.

ZAINAB MARKT

It is located in sadder just opposite to state life building near governor house Karachi. Here branded quality stuff available on half price.

ZAIBUNISA STREET

It is located in sadder, it is big street here u can find all types shop like jewelers, garments, shoes, watch branded and unbranded shop.

FOOD MARKETS

BURNS ROAD

It is old food street of Karachi near Urdu bazaar, Saddar Karachi. Most of the restaurants of here built before independence era. It was named after Dr James Burnes who treated the well off of sindh in 1820. Burns road is famous for traditional food such as Biryani, Karahi, Dagha Kabab, Reshmi Kabab, Fry Kabab, Finger fish, Chicken Sajji, Nihari, Haleem, Kheer , Rabri and in desserts like Kheer, Rabri, Rass Malai etc.

BOAT BASIN

It is long strip open air Food Street in Clifton. Boat basin has the trendiest restaurants and open for 24 hours and considered one of the main food street of Karachi. It is the most eat place of Karachi for middle class. During winter it becomes the most popular hangout place in the city. Here u find all type of foods traditional, fast food, barbeques etc.

KHADDA MARKET

Khadda market or Delton market is one of the most popular places of defense Karachi. It is famous for delicious parathas that can be eaten with various chicken, beaf and kabab with different fillings. Sandwiches and burgers are also specialty of this market.

SHAHBAZ COMMERCIAL

It is slowly developing place at zamzama Karachi. Shahbaz market like zamzama is basically place for rich people where most of the restaurants and cafes comprise of people from rich and upper middle class of society.

HASSAN SQUARE

It is located on university road and is famous for sajji, barbeque and various other Pakistani dishes.

HYDERABAD

Hyderabad is the 2nd largest city of sind. Mian Ghulam Shah kalhoro was founder of the city in 1768. The city was built upon the ruins of a Mauryan fishing village along the bank of river Indus known as Neroon Kot. In olden times it was known as Paris of India because its roads were washed daily with river water.

During kalhora’s time city was the capital of Sindh. A concept of city was laid by Sarfraz khan son of Mian Ghulam Shah Kalhoro in 1782. When the foundation were laid, the city obtained the nickname Heart of Mehran as the ruler Mian Ghulam Shah Kalhoro himself was said to have fallen in love with the city. In 1768 he ordered fort to be built on one of three hills of Hyderabad to house and defend his people. The fort was built using fire-backed bricks giving it the name of PAQO QILO meaning the strong fort.

After kalhora’s dynasty, Talpur dynasty ruled the region Mir Fateh Ali khan left his capital Khudaabad and made Hyderabad his capital in 1789. He made the Paqo Qilo his residence and held his courts there. Mir Fateh Ali khan along with three brother’s were responsible for affairs of the city. The four were called Char Yar( four friends). Hyderabad expanded, progressed and flourished more under Talpur dynasty.

SOME ATTRACTIONS OF HYDERABAD FOR TOURISTS

PAQO QILO/ HYDERABAD FORT/ NEERON KOT

It is one of the historical places; history informed us that it was constructed by Raja Nayrun a hindu. It was destroyed by Arab’s, in Kalhora’s dynasty Mir Ghulam Shah decided to reconstruct and made a capital. Mir Ghulam shah Kalhoro decided to built a new fort at its site. Mian Ghulam Shah kalhoro used to visit Hyderabad personally time to time to supervise the construction fort. In 1768 construction of Paqo Qilo completed than Mian Ghulam Shah Kalhoro decided to hand over Katcho Qilo to shah Makai’s Dargah.

SINDH MUSEUM

Sindh Museum is located at Rani Bagh Qasimabad. Museum has nice items on display which brief’s history and heritage of Sindh and Indus civilization. Articles and items of different dynasties including Sama, Soomra, Kalhora, Talpur periods can be found in museum.

OLD HOUSES AND AMIL COLONY

There are victims of unorganized haphazard development after 1947. However one can still see buildings of pre 1947 with wonderful architecture. These streets were washed with Indus water containing rose and sandalwood essences in British era.

THE RIVER INDUS

The largest river of Pakistan flows alongside Hyderabad city. Best time to visit Indus river in the months of late July and august when it is full of water and weather is cloudy due to monsoon season. Its banks touching Hyderabad are known to have some of the fishing spots in Pakistan.

BADSHAHI BANGLOW

It is wonderful palace of Mir Hassan Ali khan Talpur, the son of Mir Naseer Khan Talpur( late ruler of Hyderabad). It is owned by his descendent and his permission is required to visit from inside. It is located a Tando of Talpur Mir near Latifabad no:04.

RESHAM GHITTI AND SHAHI BAZZAR

These are Hyderabad’s oldest and narrow line bazaar which is several kilometers long. The word Shahi derived from word shah (king). Shahi bazaar was established by Kalhora ruler who after shifting capital to Hyderabad attracts traders to come and start trading here. It starts from very gate of Paqo Qilo upto Clock Tower. The Resham Gali is lateral extension of sahai bazaar. Here you find large variety of bangles, sindhi kundan gold jewellery as well as imitation jewellery.

THE BOMBAY BAKERY

Bombay bakery is located in prime location of city cantonment. Its cakes are famous throughout country. The Macron cake is their specialty however plain cake coffee and chocolate cake are equally wonderful in taste.

INSIDE THE SINDH

GORKH HILL

Gorakh hill is under development hill station in district Dadu of Sindh. It is located in Krithar mountain ranges with an elevation of 5688 ft and 93km from Dadu city. Gorakh plateau also serves as a gate way between Khuzdar district of Baluchistan and Dadu district of Sindh. The last small town before Gorakh Hill is Wahi Pandi in the lap of Krithar range. The road there after is towered slowly at the mile stone of 53 km when one enters Yaroo pass (yaroo sain jo luck). After Yaroo pass continue journey another mile stone of 76 km you reach the base camp of Khanwal pass the base camp is on elevation of 5000 ft above sea level. After Khanwal pass drive 13 km more than you will reach the top of Gorakh hill.

For the name of Gorakh hill there are different concepts some folklore says that a Hindu saint Sri Gorakhnath ji wandered in the hills, he had great yogic power and people followed him while others, lore’s define him as a Buddhist yogi having following in all the local Muslims and non Muslims.

RANI KOT

Rani Kot is the largest fort of its kind in this region, its wall closely resembling with Great Wall of China stretching over 20 miles and 2 furlongs. It is situated approximately 90 km from Hyderabad and 30 km from south west of Sann district Jamshoro in the Kirthar range. It has four gates and 60 towers in the west, north, east and south direction. The Mohan gate opens in west, Shahpur gate in south, Amri gate in north and Sann gate opens to east.

The Rani Kot is not only very skillful work of military engineering but also a wonderful example of architecture. One can feel quite impressed by the mind behind the engineering. The best civilization of the rock formation as defense can be seen on the western boundary of the fort. The greatest work of engineering can also be witnessed at the eastern side that forms the gate, the dam and a draw bridge.

BHAMBORE

Bhambore is located 64 km east of Karachi, according to archeologists it is very planned city. Some scholars are in thought that it was originally sea port of Debal where Muhammad Bin Qasim landed his army in 711 AD who later marched up to Indus and within a few weeks had taken Multan. A small museum at the site display pottery of various types and traces the history of port.

Bhambore is also famous for Sassi and Punhu’s affair admired by Sufi poets and folklore. In 10th century I was capital of Raja Bhambo and renamed Bhambore after him. This town was later destroyed in 1250 AD. Its discovery throws light not only on Muslim era but also on pre-Muslim times.

This is the site of large town that existed some 1400 years back. The pieces of pottery found by archeologists are similar to those found at Taxilla and known to be of the 1st century B.C.

CHUKUNDI TOMBS

Chukundi tombs located 20 km east of Karachi, it is built in 15-18 century and attributed to balouc and jokhio tribes. The tombs are of various size and design but fall into two basic types. One which supports roofs on pillars while other consists of solid oblong pyramids standing two to four meters high and completely covered with finely carved geometric designs.

Chukundi means four cornered. The distinguishing feature of these grave in the superb carving and engraving on the slabs with various designs of jewelery, floral patterns, horses and even their riders. The tomb slab of woman’s grave is embellished with jewellery, necklace, earrings and rings while men’s graves bears stylish stone turbanor top carvings of weapons of war or animal heads, horses and riders.

THATTA AND MAKLI HILLS (MAKLI TOMBS)

Thatta is 98 km east of Karachi just west of Indus River and Arabian Sea coast. From 14th century four Muslim dynasties ruled sindh from Thatta as a capital city but in 1739 capital was shifted and with that Thatta declined. During 16th and 17th century Thatta was very rich of heritage of Muslim architecture. Today it is notable for Jamia mosque built by Mughal emperor shah jahan. Mosque was built by constructor of Taj Mahal in 1647 AD. This sets glorious example of Muslim architecture and heritage.

Makkli Hill near Thatta is the world’s largest grave yard extended up to 15.5 sq km having countless graves. King’s, queen’s, scholars, philosophers and soldiers have eternal sleep here. It is believed that Alexander the Great rested his legions after their long march.

One can see master pieces of stone carvings over the grave stones and mausoleum. These represent the different era’s dynasties. There are monuments of different dynasties. The main stone use in these monuments are, marble and granites which have tendencies to lusts for generations.

The largest and most impressive tomb among the tombs is the tomb of Isa Khan Tar khan who died in 1644 and known for his tyranny towards locals.

KENJHAR LAKE

Kenjhar Lake is 24 KM North of Thatta and from Karachi approximately one hour drives on the way to Thatta. It is the famous tourist spot, which are 30 KM long and 10 KM wide. It has great attraction also because of very historical attachment to it. It is also famous for tomb of “Noori” in the middle of lake. Noori was beloved of one of the famous King of Sindh Jam Tamachi. The lake is beautiful resort and shelters where visitors stay during hot summer days.

KIRTHAR NATIONAL PARK

Kirthar national park is the second biggest national park. It is situated on south west part of Sindh province near Tando Boola Khan. The park is beautiful entrance from Karachi that provides some quality line in the woods and wild animals.

In 1974 the park was declared a national park by the Sindh Wildlife department. It is the first park from Pakistan that has been included in list of UN’s National Parks of 1975. The best season to visit park is from October to February, however it remains greenest in monsoon season. Other attractions in park are Chakundi style tombs at Taung and archaeological remains at Koh Tarash. The Rani Kot Fort is also within park.

The park is home to a number of wild animals that include Chinkara, Leopards, Sind Ibex, Gazelles, Wild sheep and other animals. The park is also home to thousands of wild goats. The other animals that you may come across in the Kirthar National Park include the rock python, Sindh Krait, the royal rat snake, Sindh crocodile, tortoise and desert monitor lizard. The Kirthar Park is undoubtedly amongst the best maintained recreation parks of Pakistan.

MIR SHAHDAD JO QUBO

Mir Shahdad Jo Qubo is the tomb of Mir Shahdad Talpur who is one of the finest military commanders of Sindh. This is one of the historical heritage of Sindh is at Shahpur Chakar Distt Sanghar. It is one of the old graveyards of Talpur family including Mir Shahdad Khan Talpur and Mir Chakar Khan Talpur is well known generals of 12th century. Shahpur Chakar is named behind his son Mir Chakar Talpur.

HAALA

Haala is town and taluka of Sindh, situated on National High Way about 56 KM from Hyderabad. Haala is famous for its glazed pottery and enameled wood work. Devotes of Hazrat Makhdoom Noah visited Haala frequently. Hazrat Makhdoon Noah a contemporary of Mughal Emperor Akbar and religious divine who converted a large number of people to Islam and translated Holy Quran in Persian language which is the earliest on.

BHIT SHAH

Bhit Shah is name of two places in Sindh, it is a very near to Haala and 56 KM from Hyderabad on National Highway. Bhit Shah is most popular because of tomb of great Saint Hazrat Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai. Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai is renowned saint and mystic pot (1689 – 1752). H is remembered for compendium of his poetry called “Risalo” a treasure house of wisdom as well as romantic folklore and fine pottery.

The shrine is situated on Bhit (Mound) and hence the name of place Bhit Shah, the Mound of the King. Millions of devotes come to his tomb every year. Devotees sing with fervor and frnzy his love intoxicated Kafis to the strains of ek-tara mainly on the occasion of his “Urs” held ev ry year between 13th and 15th of safar (2nd Islamic Lunar months).

SEHWAN

Sehwan city situated on the right bank of Indus,in district Jamshoro at a distance of 135 KM from Hyderabad. Sehwan is old town of pre-Islamic period. Here are the remains of Kafir-Qila a fort reported to have been constructed by Alexander the Great. Probably the word Sehwan originates from sinistan or sivistan, the Kingdom of Raja Dahir which even extended to Punjab under the name Shiri.

Sehwan Sharif is famous for the resting place of the great mystic poet, saint and Scholar Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Qalandar was born early in the 12th century in Marwand now Afghanistan. Real name of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar’s was Syed Muhammad Usman and his mother was high-ranking princess. He showed from his infancy signs of deep spiritual nature. He knew Quran by heart at age of seven and at twenty he was initiated into Qalandar order.

It is believed that Lal Shahbaz Qalandar was so named because of the red robe he wore all his life. Thousands of devotees visit Qalandar’s mausoleum throughout the year. During Urs 18th Shaban (eight Islamic Lunar months) devotees dance rhythmically and with total abandon to the beat of drums finally ending in spiritual trance.

MANCHAR LAKE

It is located in Dadu district. Manchar is not only largest lake of Pakistan but also Asian’s largest lake. The area of lake fluctuates with season from 350 KM2 to 520 KM2. Lake is fresh water and collects water from numerous small streams in the Kirthar Mountains and empties into Indus.

Lake was created when Sukkur Barrage was constructed in 1930s. The lake gets water from two canals the Aral and the Danister from the river Indus, nowadays thousands of fisher folk dependent upon this lake. However, the lake is now undergoing environmental degradation resulting in the water becoming salve killing off the fish and forcing the fisher folk to elsewhere for employment.

FAIZ MAHAL

Faiz Mahal is located in Kharpur Mirs district of Sindh. It is another Mughal architecture classic. It was built in 1978 as the palace of Talpur family. The outlook, inner structure and internal infrastructure is outstanding. Every part and every art of Mahal is unique. Most of work done in Mahal is handicraft. Besides Faiz Mahal, the passionate lover and poet Ali Nawaz ordered to construct a separate Bungalow that is simply called as Bali jo Bungalow, where Ali Nawaz and Bali used to spend most of time.

DARAZA SHARIF/ SACHAL SARMAST

Daraza Sharif is a small village 52 Kilometer from Khairpur Mirs and known for the tomb of Sufi poet Sachal Sarmast (1739 – 1829). Real name of Sachal Sarmast was Abdul Wahab and Sachal was his nickname Sachal means truthful in Sindhi while Sarmast means mystic and Sachal Sarmast means truthful mystic.

He is famous for Shair-e-Haft Zaban (Poet of Seven Languages) Arabic, Sindhi, Saraiki, Punjabi, Urdu, Persian and Balochi. He spreads the message of love for humanity through poetry. Sachal Sarmasts Urs is celebrated on 14th of Ramadan (9th Month Islamic Lunar Calendar).

KOT DIJJI FORT

In olden days it was known as Fort Ahmedabad and located in between Ranipur and Khairpur on Highway from Hyderabad about 25 miles east of Indus River at the edge of Nara-Rajistan Desert. The fort was built between 1785 – 1795 by Mir Sohrab Khan Talpur founder of the Kingdon of Upper Sindh in 1783.

The Kot diji Fort provides evidence that there is civilization before Moen-jo-Daro. According to archeologists site has furnished information of high significance since it pushed back the pre-historic of Pakistan by at least another 300 years from about 2500 BC to 2800 BC.

The Kot Diji culture is marked by well furnished well made pottery and houses built of mud bricks on solid stone foundations. The fort was considered to be the residence of Emirs of Kharipur in peace time. During war time females shifted to Shahgarh fort, formerly within real but since 1843, after conquest of rest of Sindh it is in the Thar and Jaisalmer desert now in the India. Throughout its whole history, however fort was never attacked.

MASOOM SHAH JO MINAROO

It is located in middle of the city. It is leaving tower, has 84 narrow steps in a spiral shape stair. It is constructed in 18th century by Historian and Knight Mr. Masoom Shah who also ruled the city for short period. It is believed that stones used in the stairs were soiled in real butter ghee for 84 days. While moving upstairs, there are few stoppages with windows in the walls for brightness and air. At the top, beautiful balcony from where one can view of almost entire city and Indus River.

MOEN-JO DARO

Moen-jo-Daro situated on the west bank of the River Indus near Larkana Sindh. It is one of the largest and most developed urban civilizations of ancuit world. It forms the part of Indus Vally civilization and discovered in 1922 by Rakhaldas Bandyopadliyay and Archeologist.

Moen-jo-Daro had both mud-bricks and baked bricks buildings, covered drainage system. Soap kits for disposal bins a large state granary, a spacious pillared, hall, a college of priests, a large and composing building and citadel mound which incorporates in its margin a system of solid brunt bricks tower.

Moen-jo-Daro looked very planned, organized and master architecture of urban settlement. Most of the buildings were built of fired and mortared brick, some incorporated sun-dried mud brick and wooden superstructures. The city has a central market place with large central well. Waste water was channeled to covered drains that lined the major streets.

Moen-jo-Daro was successively destroyed and rebuilt at least seven times. Each time, the new cities were built directly on top of old ones.

The various layers of the excavated site show that upon the debris of ancient civilization rose the buildings and edifices of a much latter settlement dating back to Kushan period. How this remarkable civilization comes to an end after 1800 B.C remains a mystery. Moen-jo-Daro promises tourists a journey spread over thousand years in one single excision.