During the medieval period, Thatta City was the capital of Sindh. It served as the seat of power for three successive dynasties. Today, the city has a number of monuments commemorating its past. To learn more about the city, read on. We have outlined some of the main attractions.
Makli Necropolis
The Makli Necropolis in Thatta, Sindh, Pakistan, is one of the largest funerary sites in the world. It spans 10 kilometers and contains up to one million tombs. The necropolis was constructed over a 400-year period.
The Makli Necropolis is one of the most important UNESCO world heritage sites in Pakistan. It has half a million graves and is considered one of the oldest burial grounds in the world. However, there are many challenges that remain for the necropolis.
The Makli Necropolis is the largest necropolis in the world. It also contains many architectural monuments dating from different periods and schools. Many of the structures reflect a syncretic style of Hindu, Islamic, and Persian architecture. It is now threatened with degradation but remains an important site of Sufi pilgrimage.
The Makli Necropolis is divided into two clusters. The northern section contains tombs from the Samma dynasty, while the southern section is populated by tombs from the Arghun/Tarkhan/Mughal era.
Makli is one of six World Heritage Sites in Pakistan. Its tombs are considered masterpieces of architectural art and boast intricate tile work. The site was designated a Holy Site during the Samma dynasty, and the first mosque there was built by Sufi saint Hamad Jamali. It is believed that about 125,000 Sufi saints and important individuals were buried here.
Jama Mosque
Jama Mosque in Thatta City is located in the Sindh province of Pakistan. During the summers, it attracts many visitors from all around the world. It is one of the largest mosques in the world and has a rich history. Jama Mosque in Thatta is also known as the Shah Jahan Mosque.
This mosque was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as a sign of gratitude to the city of Thatta. Persian inscriptions date the mosque’s foundation to 1644, and it was completed by 1647. The floor was paved with stone in 1657. The mosque has undergone repair works in the last few decades and now has a garden on the eastern side.
The mosque’s architecture has been praised for its beauty, and it is also famous for its acoustics. The structure features asymmetrical, quadrilateral-shaped domes that resemble the pattern of Mughal motifs. The mosque has been listed on the tentative UNESCO World Heritage list since 1993.
The Jama Mosque in Thatta City is situated in an old town, that is full of historical and cultural significance. It is a place where people of all faiths are welcome and are encouraged to pray. While in this area, you should also visit the Bazaar, where you can purchase hand-printed fabrics and glass bangles. Also, don’t miss the Sindi embroidery work, which is laid on top of tinny mirrors.
Shahi Bazaar
If you are visiting Pakistan, then you might want to visit the ancient city of Thatta. This city was the capital of three different dynasties and then later, it was ruled by the Mughal Empire. However, the city never lost its place of prominence and today, it is one of the most prominent cities of Sindh.
The 200 Km long National Highway passes through Thatta. Along the way, you can visit the Sonda cemetery, the largest cemetery in Asia, and the Keenjher lake, which is home to many Siberian birds in winter. Also, don’t miss out the Shahjehan Mosque, a beautiful example of Moghul architecture and decorated with blue glazed tiles. You should also pay a visit to Makli Cemetery, the largest Muslim cemetery in the world, where more than half a million graves are laid to rest.
The Makli Hill necropolis is another fascinating place to visit in Thatta. It dates back to the 14th century and contains graves of notable people from that time. In fact, historians estimate that up to 1 million people were buried here from the 14th to the 18th century. Located 98 km from Karachi, it is worth a visit.
The Shahi Bazaar in Thatta city Pakistan is a mile long alleyway lined with hundreds of shops. Besides traditional clothing, the bazaar is also a great place to find authentic Sindhi handicrafts. Items here include hand-printed fabrics, glass bangles, and Sindhi embroidery work.
Keenjhar Lake
Keenjhar Lake in Thatta is an important place to visit for many reasons. Its historic importance means that it has several monuments. This is a perfect spot for a picnic, and you can also swim here. The water is very beautiful, and you can enjoy the sights of the city while being by the lake.
The lake is one of the best places for fishing in the area, and the Sindh livestock and fisheries minister led a project to revive the fishing industry in the lake. The project released 600,000 fish seeds in phases during the first six months of 2019. Other recreational activities include boating, jet skiing, swimming, and bird watching.
The lake is home to many migratory birds. The black-topped night-heron, the cotton pygmy goose, and the crimson swamphen are all found in this region. The lake is also home to a popular traveler’s inn. It also has a shrine dedicated to the famous Sindhi poet Noori Jam Tamachi, whose name means “the pond.”
Keenjhar Lake is also home to a number of crocodiles. The lake is located on the National Highway and is accessible by private cars. The lake is a popular tourist destination, with over 12,000 people visiting each week. The lake serves as a habitat for migratory birds, snakes, and lizards. It also boasts over 48 species of fish.
Sumra dynasty
The ancient Sumra dynasty of thatta City Pakistan ruled from about 1051 CE until its fall in 1351. They were ruled from the city by local chieftains, including Ibn Sumar. This local chieftain seized power in Sindh from the Ghaznavids and established the Sumra dynasty. It ruled from thatta for more than three hundred years, and was a center of learning, arts, and science. The Sumra dynasty was one of the last bastions of power in the region until the Muslim conquest of the area in the mid-14th century.
The city is also noted for its necropolis, which is ten square kilometers in size. During the rule of Jam Ninda, this burial place took on a quasi-sacred status. Every year, thousands of people perform pilgrimage to the site to honor the saints buried there. This ancient city was a hub for trade and scholarly pursuits, and its necropolis is a testament to its history.
During the reign of Akbar, Thatta became a center for shipbuilding, along with other cities in Kashmir and Bengal. The Grand Vizier Abul Fazl recorded in his book Akbarnama that thatta was home to 40,000 boats, and that it was also an important center of riverine trade. The Indus river was the main waterway for merchandise to and from Lahore to Thatta.
The Sumra dynasty ruled from 1011 to 1351 AD, with their capital in the Matli Taluka, 14km east of Matli. During their rule, the state of as-Sind seceded from the Ghaznavid Empire. This allowed the Ismaili sect to survive in the state, with protection from the Sumras. The Sumra dynasty was independent from Thatta for almost three centuries, and eventually ruled from the Arabian Sea to Multan. In addition, they also ruled from Uch and Balochistan.
Mirza Jani Beg
The city of Thatta has an interesting history, whose past dates back to the 15th century. The city was a major port on the Indus during the time of Alexander the Great. Later, in 1591, the Mughals annexed Sindh and took control. This led to the decline of Thatta. In 1736, it passed under the control of the Kalhoras. The city’s importance decreased as the Indus river silted up.
This ancient city was also a center of pilgrimage, with pilgrims from all over the world stopping here on their way to Mecca. One such pilgrim fell into ecstasy when he saw the mosque outside of Thatta. This incident sparked the creation of Makli by a well-known Sufi saint. The first person to be buried at Makli was Shaikh Hamad Jamali. Jam Tamachi, another notable Sufi, wished to be buried nearby.
The tomb of Mirza Jani Beg is another notable place to visit in Thatta. Located near Shalamar Gardens, this tomb was built during the reign of Mughal Emperor Muhammad Shah. The dome is decorated with pottery work depicting floral patterns. Mirza Jani Beg was the last independent ruler of Sindh before it was annexed by the Mughals in 1591/999 AH.
Another interesting site near Thatta is the Makli Necropolis. This UNESCO World Heritage Site contains tombs of more than a million people. This necropolis is an ancient city that is rich in history and culture.
