Thatta: A Journey Through Sindh’s Ancient History
Visit Thatta, a historic city in Sindh, Pakistan, to escape the bustling streets of Karachi. Thatta is one of the oldest and most culturally rich cities in Sindh, known for its rich trade and culture. The ancient architecture, religious significance, and rich heritage attract tourists from all over the world. You’ll experience cultural and historical sights that will leave you in awe.
The Arab Umayyad Caliphate ruled Thatta in the 8th century, marking the start of its rich and long history. Other dynasties, including the Samma and Mughals, also held power in Thatta. During the 16th and 17th centuries, Thatta was a major center of trade and culture, with a thriving economy and a renowned artistic scene. UNESCO has preserved the ancient buildings and landmarks.
Alexander Hamilton described Thatta in 1699 as a large, densely populated, and very rich city (about 4.8 kilometers long and 2.4 kilometers broad). Hamilton also noted 400 educational institutions where students from all over Asia learned philosophy, politics, speculative sciences, and theology. The rulers stocked their city’s gardens with excellent fruits and flowers, particularly delicious pomegranates. Tavernier classified Thatta as “one of the greatest cities of Indus.”
Thatta’s Fading Glory
Emperor Muhammad Shah of Delhi ceded Sindh to Nadir Shah of Iran in 1739, marking Thatta’s decline. Nadir Shah entrusted the administration to Mian Nur Muhammad, who ruled from Khudabad, abandoning Thatta. By 1809, Thatta’s population had dwindled to 20,000 from almost 200,000. Thatta’s glory had vanished by the 1840s.
The Enduring Legacy of Thatta
Although Thatta has undergone economic and cultural decline, the necropolis of Makli remains impressive. It features mosques, madrasas, domes, arches, and gateways, exhibiting diverse architectural styles and intricate designs.
Makli Necropolis
The Makli necropolis houses tombs, mausoleums, and monuments dating back centuries. The site spans 15.5 square kilometers and contains over 500,000 graves, making it one of the largest in the world. Most tombs use alternating plain and enamel-faced bricks or stone.
The Artistry of Enamel Tiles in Enhancing Tomb Architecture
Thatta’s architects used colorful enamel tiles, making its buildings famous. Vibrant colors contrasted the dull countryside. Glazed tiles and bricks protected buildings from salty winds. Ancient Babylonian and Ninevite traditions from Persia influenced the glazed tiles. Thatta’s artisans used hard-baked terracotta with unique geometric or stylized foliage patterns. Tiles were white and blue, with transparent and treated surfaces. Various shapes and sizes formed intricate designs. Some domes’ exteriors were covered with gaudy porcelain tiles (now lost).
The history behind the Makli Necropolis
Sindh’s isolation, historical background, external attacks, internal unrest, government changes, and natural disasters have overshadowed Makli’s significance. However, the Dabgir mosque, Shahjahan mosque, and many mausoleums still stand.
Thatta’s Stone Buildings and their Unique Carvings
Thatta’s craftsmen, inspired by Fatehpur Sikri, made their stone buildings famous for carving and tracery (“lace-work in stone”). The artist’s chisel work gives each carving panel a unique appearance. The design technique involves carving in relief on a sunken ground or raising the ground and incising the design. The carvings, appearing like stone tiles, are unique and stunning.
Elaborately carved tombstones
Skilled artisans carved geometric patterns and interlaced Arabic inscriptions into tombstones and graves. Compartmentalized headstones feature interlaced Persian or Arabic writings (extracts from the Holy Quran, verses from Nizami, Hafiz, or Rumi, and chronograms).
These inscriptions add to the visual beauty and offer invaluable historical information.
Tomb Architecture of Isa Khan Tarkhan
Isa Khan Tarkhan the younger erected tombs at Makli, including one for himself and his father, Jan Baba. The style resembles Fatehpur Sikri. Isa Khan Tarkhan’s tomb is in the center of a square court, surrounded by high stone walls. The structure includes a domed chamber and a two-tiered gallery with pillars. The carvings are profuse and illuminating, comparable to tile decoration.
Jan Baba’s mausoleum
Jan Baba’s mausoleum exemplifies Mughal architecture and design. Intricate carvings and attention to detail were built into Jan Baba’s tomb after his death in 1608. It’s a small quadrangle that originally had three domes (only the central dome remains).
Architecture and Design
The tomb has richly carved tracery (inside and out), especially on the mihrab. The walls have beautifully designed carvings. A twelve-pillared porch was later added.
Dabgir Mosque
Amir Khusro Khan Charkas constructed the Dabgir Mosque in 1588, renowned for its magnificent tile work.
Shahjahan Mosque’s Tile Work: A Masterpiece of Indo-Pakistan Subcontinent
Thatta’s most significant brick building is the Shahjehan Mosque (Jami Masjid), built in 1644. The mosque’s courtyard features two prayer chambers, covered by large domes, with two-aisled galleries. The entire structure has 93 domes. The elaborate tile work is famous, featuring stylized floral patterns and geometrical designs.
Keenjhar Lake
Keenjhar Lake, the second largest freshwater lake in Pakistan, is another must-visit place in Thatta (less than an hour’s drive from the city). Combine a trip to Keenjhar Lake with a visit to Bhanbhor. Restaurants and picnic spots dot the lakefront.
Thatta Bazar Visit
Check out Thatta’s local markets to experience traditional Sindhi culture. The bazaars are full of vibrant colors, exotic spices, handicrafts, and textiles.
The best way to travel from Karachi to Thatta
Hire a car or take a taxi for a day trip. Buses may have unsuitable schedules. Agree on the fare beforehand; travel time is around 2 hours (depending on traffic). Alternatively, consider guided tour packages.
Written and edited by: Mir Atta Muhammad Talpur
Reference: Siddiqi, M. I. (1979). Thatta. Department of Archeology and Museums, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Government of Pakistan.
For further reading:
- UNESCO World Heritage Centre
- Sindh Tourism Development Corporation
- Historical Monuments at Makli, Thatta, Pakistan
- Explore District Thatta Complete Sites
