Chaukhandi Tombs - Famous Historical Site in Karachi

Abdullah Khan

Chaukhandi Tombs is an ancient historical site situated 29 km east of Karachi, it takes around 40 minutes to reach the site. Chaukhandi Tombs offers a unique insight into Pakistan's cultural heritage and is a great destination for history lovers.

Chaukhandi is a prominent necropolis in Sindh, Pakistan, containing many tombs belonging to the ancestors of a local tribe. It is listed as a tentative UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its unique carvings, which are representative of Sindhi culture. The intricate carvings are considered to be some of Chaukhandi's most impressive features, making it an important archaeological site worth preserving.

The Chaukhandi graveyard is a 600 year old historical site, which draws thousands of visitors from all over the world each year. This graveyard is home to various monuments and tombs of the early rulers of the region, making it an important part of the area's cultural heritage that is worth exploring.

Features of Chaukhandi Tombs

The main features of Chaukhandi tombs include:

1. Unique Cone-Shaped Roofs: The most visually distinguishable feature of Chaukhandi tombs is their cone-shaped roofs which are constructed using bricks or stones and mortar. This type of roof was used because it allowed the weight of the structure to be distributed over a larger area, making them more stable and durable.

2. Beehive Walls: The walls of Chaukhandi tombs are built in a beehive formation with multiple layers of stones arranged in a stepped pyramid shape. The walls are typically made out of local stones and bricks and are often decorated with various designs.

3. Prayer Chamber: Inside the tombs, there is usually a prayer chamber for mourning and remembrance of the deceased.

4. Grave Platform: Every tomb is also accompanied by a grave platform, which is elevated above the surrounding landscape. This platform is typically used as a place where the family of the deceased can gather and perform rituals related to the burial of the deceased.

Discovery of Chaukhandi Tombs

The earliest known reference to the Chaukhandi graveyard was made in a letter by J. Macleod, a Scottish historian, addressed to Sir Henry Bartle Edward Frere, a British administrator in 1851.

However, these historical graves were brought into limelight by H. D. Baskerville, who was the Assistant Collector of Thatta in Karachi in 1917. In 1922, the site was included in the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act.

Dr. Jean Philippe Vogel was an eminent Dutch epigraphist who was employed by the Archaeological Survey of India from 1901 to 1914. During his tenure, he conducted extensive research on the tombs of India, discovering that many of them belonged to Muslims, evidenced by the presence of the Arab script inscribed on their graves. His discoveries provided valuable historical insight into the religious heritage of India.

Since independence, scholars and historians have conducted extensive research into the Chaukhandi Tombs. Rubbings of these tombs were displayed around the world, piquing the interest of academics and spurring further research.

Chaukhandi Tombs History

One of the most-visited historical places in Karachi, Chaukhandi necropolis is quite popular among historians. It is attributed to the Jokhio tribe. The graveyard was built from 15-18 century during the Mughal rule when Islam was dominant.

Apart from the Jokhio tribe many Baloch tribes having Rajput origins have been buried here. The reflections of the Rajput tribe can be seen in the way the tombs are designed.

The tombs in the step-shaped graves reveal a mixture of cultures, with some featuring Rajput features such as monumental pedestals and slabs, while others display simpler decorations such as a child's drawing of a human face. Others still lack any human figures, reflecting Islamic beliefs.

Architecture & Design of Chaukhandi Tombs

The Chaukhandi Tombs are a unique example of the architecture of both Sindhi and Balochi cultures. Constructed using beige-coloured sandstone, the tombs are either single graves or clusters of up to eight sarcophagi. Despite the challenges posed by the arid climate of the region, these tombs have stood the test of time, providing a vivid reminder of the region's culture and heritage.

A typical casket is constructed out of six vertical slabs. Two slabs are typically placed at the head and foot of the grave while the remaining four slabs are used to cover either side of the grave, taking into account the body's length.

The tomb has a pyramid-like silhouette, with six large slabs sheltered by another sarcophagus comprising six smaller vertical slabs.

The Chaukhandi Tombs are a type of funerary architecture characterised by their distinctive square-shaped structures with five horizontal slabs enclosing the upper part of the tomb. These structures typically feature a carved knob resembling a crown or turban at the front.

The graves of warriors belonging to the tribe feature intricate designs and motifs, such as horsemen, jewellery and hunting scenes. The tombs belonging to women have anklets, bracelets and jewellery carved at the front instead of human figures. Men's graves feature carvings of swords, signifying their status as protectors of the tribe during times of war.

Chaukhandi Tombs is strongly recommended for people who are engrossed in archaeology and history as this place has a lot to tell. So what are you waiting for? Plan your trip by clicking on the following button and fill the form.

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Chaukhandi Tombs - Karachi