Sindh
Cradle of ancient civilizations, flows with the mighty Indus and echoes with rich cultural heritage
Sindh is a province in southeastern Pakistan, known for its rich history and vibrant culture. It is the third-largest province in Pakistan by land area and the second-largest by population. The Indus River, which gives the province its name, flows through Sindh, creating fertile plains that support agriculture. Sindh is also home to the Thar Desert, a vast and arid region that stretches across the border into India.
Sindh's history dates back to the Indus Valley Civilization, one of the world's oldest urban civilizations. The ruins of Mohenjo-daro, a major Indus Valley city, are located in Sindh and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sindh has also been ruled by various empires throughout its history, including the Persians, Greeks, Arabs, Mughals, and British. These influences have shaped Sindh's culture, which is a blend of indigenous traditions and those of its conquerors.
Sindhi culture is known for its Sufi traditions, which emphasize love, tolerance, and peace. Sufi shrines and festivals are an important part of Sindhi life, and Sufi poetry and music are popular forms of expression. Sindh is also known for its handicrafts, such as pottery, textiles, and embroidery. The capital of Sindh is Karachi, Pakistan's largest city and a major economic and cultural center. Karachi is a melting pot of cultures, with people from all over Pakistan and other parts of the world calling it home.
Gallery
Cities of Sindh
Karachi
It's the capital of Sindh, the most populous city of Pakistan and is also the largest city by area in Pakistan. It lies on the shore of the Arabian Sea and on the western edge of the Indus River. It is the main business and financial hub of Pakistan having the head offices of all major industries and major banks in Pakistan.
Hyderabad
The city was named in the honour of the fourth caliph, Hazrat Ali cousin of the Prophet Muhammad. Due to change of the Indus River course in the 1750s, floods became common in Khudadad, the capital of Kalhora dynasty, so they had to settle in a new location near the Hyderabad region in 1768. As they mostly belonged to Shia sect, so most of the devotees of Imam Ali suggested the name city as Hyderabad.
Sukkur
The Sukkur was derived from the word of sugar due to the abundant production of sugarcane in the region in the history, whereas others suggest the name is derived from the word Sukh, meaning comfort. Sukkur was developed around a military garrison in 1839. The town of Rohri was busiest port along the Indus River during 1200s and was an important trade center for agricultural products.
Larkana
Larkana is situated at a distance of 471 km from Karachi on the right bank of the Indus River on Indus Highway N-55. It is the main home of the Indus Valley Civilization, Mohenjo-Daro which is the largest archaeological site located in the Larkana district. It's famous for the growth of guava. It also produces various crops such as sugarcane, wheat, rice, and cotton. There are several rice process and sugar mills to process the production of sugarcane and rice in the district.
Benazirabad
Shaheed Benazirabad, also known as Nawabshah, is located on the left bank of the Indus River at a distance of 293 km from Karachi on National Highway N-5. There is a number of historical and archaeological sites in this district such as the mausoleum of Thul Mir Rukun and the site of Chanhu Jo Daro. It produces different crops such as wheat, cotton, rice, and sugarcane. There are also number of orchids to produce different kind of fruits.
Shikarpur
Shikarpur is located on the right bank of the Indus River at the distance of 502 km from Karachi via Indus Highway N-55. It's a historical city and was enclosed within a fort that has seven gates. It was a city within a fort that had seven gates. It was founded during the Kalhora dynasty. Some historians mention that it was a favorite hunting place for the Daudpota tribe, and that's why it is called Shikarpur. It was the district formed in Sindh province by the British in 1843.
Landmarks
Faiz Mahal
This majestic remain of the Talpur Dynasty of Khairpur , is the Faiz Mahal. It is a grand architectural masterpiece. The unique traditional culture and traditional work of art seems to have swept over the real splendour. The details on the walls of the palace are exquisitely designed, exhibiting the fine art of the people of past era. Besides there are other palaces, tomb sites in Kot Diji and the surrounding areas.
Mukhi House
The Mukhi House also known as Mukhi Mahal is a museum located in Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan. For a brief period, it housed a government school named Khadija Girls School. Built in 1920 by JethanandMukhi, the Mukhi House in Hyderabad served as a family residence until the partition of India compelled the family to vacate by 1957.
Kot Diji Fort
Located about 45 km south of Khairpur, it's on The East Bank Of The Indus opposite Mohenjo-daro. This fort is built on the ridge of a steep narrow hill and is well preserved. The fort is an 18th century Talpur era fort located about 25 miles east of the Indus river at the edge of the desert. The fort sits above a pre-Harappan Civilization archaeological site dating to 2500 to 2800 B.C.E. and was The forerunner of the Indus Civilization.
Mohatta Palace
Mohatta Palace is a stunning heritage site that exemplifies the rich architectural and cultural history of the region. Built in the late 19th century by a prominent Marwari businessman, Shivratan Mohatta, this impressive structure showcases a blend of Indo-Saracenic architecture, featuring intricate stonework, beautiful arched windows, and vibrant pink sandstone. The palace was originally designed as a summer retreat, reflecting the opulence of the era. Today, Mohatta Palace serves as a museum and cultural center, hosting art exhibitions, workshops, and events that celebrate Pakistani heritage. Its lush gardens and picturesque surroundings make it a popular destination for both locals and tourists, offering a glimpse into Karachi’s storied past and the artistic achievements of its time.
Keenjhar Lake
Keenjhar Lake is regionally familiar with the name of Kalri Lake. Keenjhar lake is one the largest fresh water lakes of Pakistan. It is indispensible threshold of drinking water for Thatta as well as Karachi city. Keenjhar Lake has been manifested as ramsar site and a natural life heaven. Keenjhar Lake is conducive natural terrain for a cluster of migrated birds in winter season, like ducks, geese, flamingos, cormorants, waders, herons, egrets, ibises, terns, coots and gulls. The renowned folklore of Sindh Noori Jam Tamachi is linked with this stunning site. Amid to this mesmerizing lake there is an Altar denoting the great legend Noori’s grave. Assorted enthusiasts from different cities of Pakistan visit this spell bound landmark and enjoy deeply.
Mohenjo Daro
Mohenjo Daro is one of the most remarkable archaeological sites of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization, dating back to around 2500 BCE. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980, it showcases advanced urban planning, sophisticated drainage systems, and remarkable brick architecture. The site’s layout reveals a grid-like city structure, with homes built from standardized fired bricks, reflecting an impressive understanding of urban design. Mohenjo-Daro also features significant artifacts, including seals, pottery, and tools, which provide insights into the daily life, economy, and culture of its inhabitants. Despite facing threats from climate change and neglect, efforts are ongoing to preserve this invaluable testament to early human civilization and its contributions to history.
Remains of Jain Temple
Remains of 9th century Jain temple in Bhodesar near Nagarparkar town of Sindh Pakistan. Bhodesar was the region’s capital during Sodha rule. This Bhodesar temple was built in the classical style with stones without any mortar, on a high platform and can be reached by a series of steps carved into the rock. It has beautifully carved huge stone columns and other structural elements. The remaining walls are instable and partially collapsed. It is the oldest and the most spectacular of the monuments in Sindh.
Chaukhandi Tombs
Chaukhandi, near Karachi, Pakistan, is a 15th-16th century necropolis famous for its intricately carved sandstone tombs. These "chaukhandi" tombs feature unique geometric patterns, floral designs, and inscriptions, showcasing the region's Islamic heritage and the skill of local artisans. It's a vital cultural landmark, providing insights into Sindhi traditions, though it faces threats from urban development and environmental issues.
Makli
Makli, a vast 14th-century necropolis near Thatta, Pakistan, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing stunning Islamic, Persian, and Indian architectural styles. Its sprawling 10 square kilometers are filled with intricately designed tombs and mausoleums from various dynasties, offering a glimpse into Sindh's rich cultural heritage. While facing preservation challenges, Makli remains a crucial historical landmark.
Rani Kot Fort
About seventy five miles north-west of Hyderabad on barren range of hills, a gigantic fortification wall runs up and down the contours of the country. The wall which is over 22 miles in length encircles hillocks which appear to have never been inhabited by any regular population. This wall and the barren hills inside make the Rani Kot Fort. The fort lies about 18 miles west of the Railway Station Sann on the Kotri-Larkana line of the Pakistan western Railway. A very sandy and rough track connects it with the Indus highway near the Sann Railway Staion.
Gorakh Hill
Gorakh Hills, a hill station in Pakistan's Kirthar Mountains, sits at 7,684 feet and is a popular tourist destination, especially for those from Karachi. The name "Gorakh" likely originates from a Sindhi word referencing a Hindu saint or meaning "difficult," despite some linguistic confusion with similar-sounding Balochi and Persian words.
Umerkot Fort
Umerkot, founded by the Soomro dynasty in the 11th century, is known for its prominent fort. Over the centuries, it changed hands between various rulers, including Rajputs, Kalhoras, and the Raja of Jodhpur. Notably, Rana Parshad hosted Humayun during his exile. The Talpurs regained control in 1813, holding it until the British annexation of Sindh.
Shrine of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai
The Shrine of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai is an 18th-century Sufi shrine located in the town of Bhit Shah, in the Pakistani province of Sindh. The shrine is considered to be one of the most important in Sindh, and its annual urs festival attracts up to 500,000 visitors. The shrine was built for Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai, a noted Sindhi Sufi scholar, mystic, saint, and poet who is widely considered to be the greatest Muslim poet of the Sindhi language. His collected poems were assembled in the compilation Shah Jo Risalo. The shrine is 125 kilometres south of the popular Shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar in Sehwan Sharif.
Shrine of Sachal Sarmast
Shrine of Sachal Sarmast is located at 40 km southwest of Khairpur, Sindh. Sachal was born in Daraza, near Ranipur, Sindh. He spread the message of love for humanity through poetry, during the Talpur era of Sindh. He is regarded as “Shair-e-Haft Zaban“ (poet of seven languages).
Shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar
This a significant cultural and religious site. It highlights the shrine's popularity, attracting millions of pilgrims annually who seek peace and witness the impressive architecture. Key features include the saint's signature red attire ("Lal"), a dome decorated with silver and gold kashi tiles, white marble corners with glazed tiles and mirror work, and a grand gold-plated gate. The shrine is particularly known for the daily "Dhamaal," a traditional song and dance performed by devotees in colorful clothing.
Manchar Lake
Manchar is the largest shallow fresh water Lake in Pakistan. It is situated at a distance of 18 kms from Sehwan Sharif on west side of the River Indus, in district Jamshoro. The area of the lake rise and fall with the change if seasons from little as 350 km to as much as 520 km. The lake accumulates water from numerous brooks in the Kirthar Mountains and empties them into the Indus River. Manchar is synthetic Lake, created in 1930, when the Sukkur barrage was constructed on River Indus. The lake is sustained by two canals, the Aral and the Danister from the river Indus.
Frere Hall
Frere Hall, a Victorian Gothic landmark in Karachi, built in 1865, commemorates Sir Henry Bartle Frere's visit. Its red-brick facade and ornate interiors make it an architectural gem. Today, it's a cultural center with a library and museum, hosting events and preserving Karachi's history. It remains a popular attraction, showcasing the city's colonial heritage.