Research proposal

Battle of Alexander the great through Indus Valley: A case Study of his
crossing route of Sindh to invade Babylonia, Iraq

By Hamid Ali

Introduction
Sindh is a province rich in cultural heritages. From religious sites in Sukkur, Thatta and Sehwan
districts to relics of ancient civilizations like Mohen Jo Daro, Rani kot fort and Bhabhor fort, it is
marked by its diversity and close ties to the great Indus valley cilivazation of the third
millennium B.C. Sindh cultural heritage has been acknowledged by outsiders as an integrate
component of the history of the subcontinent with references found in the Rig-Veda and the
Mahabharata. The number, cultural contents or association and time –range of the so far
documents sites and monuments bear eloquent testimony to a long spectrum of history and very
cultural represented in Sindh dating from at least half a million years in Sindh dating from at
least half million years to the Islamic and later periods.

Cultural heritage is socially recommended that the heritages means a property inherited to the
next generation after the addition and subtraction of some cultural norm and social activates.
This kind of all heritages is accepted that the best source of education for the new comer
generation. Sindh remained to control of the different dynasties from Pre Islamic era to Islamic
era; the dynastic ruling of history can be traced evidently from Harappan period to Muslims
conquering. In Islamic period, Muhammad bin Qasim conquered Sindh in 712 A.D and latterly
confined state ruling was started especially from Habaaris, Qarmatis, Soomros, Sammas,
Arguns, Tarkhuns, Mughals, Kalhora, Talpurs, British India and lastly this land was included in
a united Muslim nation form of Pakistan in 1947 A.D.

It was time the time when architecture started in the region, Muhammad bin Qasim introduced an
entirely new style of architecture by erecting mosques (Masjids) at every place he conquered.
However, at the same time, pre-Muslim influence remained in Muslim architecture.
 Khairpur district derives its name from the headquarters town, Khairpur. At the time of
independence, Khairpur district was one of the states of Pakistan governed by a ruler of Talpurs
who was assisted by a council of ministers. Khairpur district is located in the northern part of
Sindh. The total area of the district is 15910 square kilometers. It has eight talukas, there name
are mentioned here, 1. Khairpur, 2.Kotdiji, 3.Ghambat, 4.Pir jo Goth, 5.Naara, 6.Faiz gunj,
7.Thari Mirwah, 8. Ghambat.

In the time of Aurungzeb Aalmgeer, at 1707 A.D. Kalhora rule was on the peak, they snatched
government from Daudpota in Shaikarpur. Talpurs who were originally Baloch, and came from
Balochistan to be obeyed descendants of Kalhoras (Hukmaraan), they were called Khadimeen of
“Bhuhttars.” In the reign of Mia Sarfars Kalhoro, some issues were raised and emerged enough
clashes, than Talpurs revolt against Kalhora and established their rule on Sindh 1783 A.D.

Mir Fatah Ali Khan was the first ruler of Sindh and himself he divided kingdom into three region
or States. Hyderabad, Mirpurkhas and Khairpur.

Khairpur state was ruled by Talpurs Mir’s of the Talpurs dynasty from 1783 to1955 A.D.
Khairpur was under the reign of Mir Suhrab Khan Talpur and it was dynastic rule was followed
by members of family last ruler was Mir Ali Murad Khan Talpur and he left merged State in
Pakistan government in 1953 A.D. In 1947, when Pakistan gained independence, Khairpur
Mir’s was one of the princely states that opted to join Pakistan.

Mir Sohrab Khan Talpur established his control over upper Sindh by 1783 established his capital
at “Burahan”, which he renamed Khairpur in 1786 A.D. he extended his territories over a vast
eventually helping his kinsman from the princes by 1823 A.D As early as 1811 A.D . In the state,
form of government was traditionally monarchy; however in 1950 A.D the Mir Ali Murad ii
introduced democracy with universal adult franchise. The rulers of Khairpur styled as Amir –
thus the correct titled of the state was the emirate of Khairpur. The royal privileges of the Ameer
were established in 1972 in violation of the merger agreement, along with those of the most other
sovereign prince that had acceded to Pakistan.

In Khairpur, there are a lot of historical sites are located in various part of the state, the ancient
mark of the pre-Harappan site period, is Kotdiji settlement is closely sight in opposite of the
Kotdiji fort. The Kotdiji fort said to be built by the Talpurs, stand on a high level with massive
surrounding an elaborate complex of the exquisite homes, ornate canopies, marble courtyards
promenades, and long corridors with arch entryways, while crossing to the Kotdiji city the fort
obviously everyone is sighted to on the national highways. Another architectural classic is the
Faiz Mahal built in 1798 A.D as the palace of the Talpurs family in Khairpur Mir’s besides there
are other palaces, tombs, site in Kotdiji and the surrounding areas. The present successor of the
Talpurs dynasty Mir Ali Murad khan Talpurs, who acceded to the Pakistani state in 1956 A.D is
a conservationist and has to his credit on impressive wildlife sanctuary buck and deer both of
which have become rare in Sindh “ The north –western part of Thar desert lies in Khairpur
district, Rohri for the tobs of Pir Ubhan shah near Kotdiji, shadi Shaheed near Layari thesil kotdji
and Pir baqir shah near Choondko, mehrano, near Kalmi Quran, thar Dani, Shah ji machin at
solangi and many sites also draw tourist traffic.

Tomb of Jamal shah is located on the bank of jaml shah lake water of this is popular for this lake
is popular for the treatment of skin diseas. Many people come to take bath from Lake and they
get healthy. Bachal shah jo parwaho, the neighborhood of Bachal Shah is one of the oldest
settlement of the town of Khairpur. It is named after the Sufi saint Bachal shah whose shrine is
located in the neighborhood. A three day festival is celebrated every year, at the shrine. The
neighborhood sites by Khairpur’s main irrigation artery Mirwah, meaning the Mir’s canal.

Mir Waah irrigates its fertile lands while a vas desert goes all the way to the border with India
and beyond. A formation of limestone services as a boundary between both areas. The last
ruling dynasty of Talpurs was patrons of art and crafts, and many splendid edifices are found
scattered throughout the dishonest as a testing of the opulent era.

The royal classical architecture of Fiaz Mahal was built Mir “head” of the “Riyasaat” Khairpur
Mir Sohrab Khan Talpur in 1798 A.D. Fiaz Mahal, the royal palce with classical and unique
architectural design was the residence of talpur rulers of the Khairpur which is known as the
“Talpur ji Aaram Gah” or talpur’s resting palce. Many palaces are erected by Talpurs in different
aspects of purposes, one of them a unique and royal palace which shows enjoyments and ruler’s
activity through the many times of the monarchy rule on the state of Khairpur.

Shish Mahal is one of them a royal palace of the Mirs of Khairpur which is located a half kilo
meters away from the Kotdiji city. Shish mahal is also known is also Shahi Mahal of Talpurs.
For seeing the marvel palace Shahi Mahal we have to get one a path which started from the main
of Kot Diji fort. This Palace located on the calm area of the garden of the Kotdji city, the palace
is surrounded by huge complex of the trees.

The spectacular building of sheesh mahal is one of the many speleded edifices scattered
throughout the Khairpur district. The main hall of the edifice has exquiece craft work on the
walls and roof. The distinctive feature of the Mahal, which dsintigues it form of other buildings
is the glass and tiny pieces of the mirrors which has been used immensely and with the crafted
patterns, this is why the building called Sheesh Mahal. The magnificent architectural shows that
the rulers of the Talpurs dynasty were patterns of art & crafts and classical architecture. But
unfortunately, unlike Faiz Mahal, the Sheesh is deteriorating; the edifice has lost its beauty. It is
red brick boundary walls have eroded over time, and have lost height due to the repeated road
constructions beside them. Despite this there has been a failure to acknowledge the remarkable
value of this cultural heritage as tool for understanding history, archaeology as well as for the
promotion of tourism in the area. It is for this reason that the sector literally lies in ruins, waiting
to be discovered, restored and redeemed.
Statement of problem:

Large numbers of monuments of Talpurs of Khairpur are not included in the list of cultural
heritages, there are many palaces, which were constructed for the royal dominancy of the
kingdom and, these lie there important history and purpose of construction. There were
celebrated events for guests as well for their entertainment, in palaces has unique architecture
which is mostly influenced by Mughal architecture, these royal palaces are not promoted for the
tourism and documented in any form of literature. It is important points will be discussed on the
analytical study focus on, history and architecture of Shish Mahal and its different elements and
characteristics of art and architecture and present condition. To add more the heritage is not
preserved, instead of being under preservation of the authorities due to which heritage is eroding
almost from every angle. It will be renewed as cultural property in our country.

Scope of study:

This field of work is based on the vicinity of the reign of the Talpurs dynasty and it will be
revealed there historical background and what kind of palaces were used for their lifestyle, how
was there utilized of the palace, Detail architectural elements of buildings will be elaborated with
compare of another influence of local dynastic palace. It is talk over on the usage of material in
construction. It will be acquainted that rulers were romancing in their time. Enormous concerts
were arranged and kept delicious environment in the palaces.

Literature review:

The review of literature assists me in understanding of literature about the topic, and it is
helpfully revising me about the nature of history and art and architecture, and commits to social
satisfactory work in the field of research.

Jannat-ul- Sindh, written by Shidaee, Molai Rahmeemdad published in Sindhi Adbi Board,
jamshaoro, 1990, Kalhora was ruling on Sindh,and began weakened when the layed
unsatifactoriation works in their ruling and ine was unity for to conrolal anothers.

Tarikh-e- Masoomi, written by Baloch, N.A, published by Sindhi Adbi Board, Jamshoro,2006,
Talpurs were basically Baloch and he were descendants of Kalhora dynasty and they revolt due
to Mir Sobdar Kakhan Talpur.

Architecture is a collaborate process, the result of which is a building, a series of building, a

series of buildings or interventions in the landscape that enrich the environment
(Gemmell, 2003).

Pietra is a type of decoration, inland floral patterns in semi-precious stones on a marble

background (Hassan, 2011).

It is interesting to trace the cultural influence of the particulate blue color in Iran during the
Sasanian period in Sindh area of Pakistan. This particular blue was derived from the semi-
precious stone, lapis lazuli the color of the night sky, which is the heaven of the moon, in various
designs and astral motifs for royal ornaments and the royal throne itself.

It is important to joint out that the art of wall –painting was very common during the days of
Tarkahn, Mughal, Kalhora rulers and this art continued afterwards during the Talpurs and British
rule in Sindh (Allan, 55).

Calligraphy is a highly developed art of Islam, which became popular throughout the Islam
world because of its association with the holy Quran. It is this association with the script and
scripture in the mind of every Muslim that accounts for the rapid promotion (Haider, 46).

Calligraphy played an important role in architectural decoration of every type, in all region and
periods. Passage from the Quran are the most frequent literary material used in these decorations,
but pious saying and names prophets or caliphs can also be found . Sometimes the name of
builders, the patron and date of erection are also mentioned in the inscription (Ashraf, 2006).

Tile work and art of Kashi –Katri are regared as one of the typical arts of the world of Islam.

The motifs on the tiles originated from Iran and central Asia, where they were evoled during the
practice of different arts, such as architecture, ceramics and miniature pointing .these motifs
carried different interpretation in different periods ( Haider n.d 45 - 46).

Religious decoration was always abstract. It was theological reasons that calligraphic inscription
and non- representation art were employed in the mosques, mausoleums and palaces (Haider,
46).

The rulers, princes and other art-lovers encouraged this art the calligraphy of Sindh became
experts in kufic, Naskh nd Nast’liq styles of calligraphy from the days of the Soomra and Samma
dynasties. ( Allana, 61).

Another statement giving by Allana, the same decoration which was using in the religious
palaces those same designs and decorations meet us in the places for poor (Allana, 69).

Wood work is interesting which is using in the ceiling of buildings and purpose of the decoration
is indicated to different diversities of Sindhi culture. (Khan, 000).

Drives of different floral forms which were a prominent part of the decorations, could relate to a
design narrates with the concept of the ecstasy. (Haider, 46).
Objectivity of the research

Research focuses on the aim of studying of the Mirs (Talpurs) of Khairpur State and discussing
their lifestyles, and utilizing of their royal palaces in different aspects of activity. Fine discussing
and notify an important of the architectural elements and motifs having their royal palaces.

- History of the Mughal with locally association of Talpurs in Sindh.

- Talpurs became Mirs.
- Purpose of construction of the royal palaces
- Architectural features of the Shahi Mahal
- Influence of Persian art.
- Current condition of the Shahi Mahal.

Hypothesis

Hypothesis is a clearly statement of the ruling of Talpurs in Khairpur, and their social
activity and their acting of ruling will be traced and folk tale of love about the Mirs will
also be known through the architectural building and divided in kind portion of the Shahi
mahal. Influence of architecture borrowing of Mughal monuments in Sindh made in their
kingdom more additional forms.

Research methodology

Research methodology is being used in the basis of own observations which are to have
primary sources and secondary source. Here, working is kept trying to know truth about
them. Research will be conducted on the basis of different sources, activates rulers of
state, for more research through, literary source, field survey, field work, interviews,
research questions, environmental geographical internal boundaries, and the basis of
ethnological basis of the exact area.
Biliography

Balouch, Nabi Bux, Sindh studies cultural, Pakistan study center, University of Sindh, Jamshoro,
2004.

Memon, Muhammad G. Siddique, Sukkur Then and Now, Oxford University press, Karachi,
2000.

Cousens, Henry M.R.A.S, The antiquities of Sindh with historical outline, central publication
branch, government of India, 1929.

Balouch, Nabi Bux, Tarikh Masoomi, Sindhi Adabi Board, Jamshoro, 2005

Allana, Ghulam.Ali , A preliminary survey, Indus publication Karachi, 1986.

Brown percy. Indian Architecture. D.B Taraporvla sons & Co. private Ltd, Bombay. 1996.

Khan, Abdul Nabi .Islamic Architecture in South Asia, Oxford University, Press Karachi, 2003.

Dan, Ahmed Hassan, Unity & Diversity in Islamic Architecture, Journal of Asian Civilizations,
1998.

Kalhoro, Zulifqar Ali, Talpur Tombs in Rohri, Sindh, Journal of Asian Civilizations (XXVI),
2004.

Hasan Khursheed, The Islamic Architectural heritages of Pakistan, Royal Book Company
Karachi, 2001.