Chaukhandi a historical place in Karachi:
Significance Of Karachi's Chaukhandi Tombs:
The name of this historic Muslim tomb is "Chaukhandi," which comes from the Urdu language. The most eminent Sindhi academics generally agree that Chaukhandi is the name of a site, however some see it as a term used to the tombs' architectural design. Perched atop the 'Chaukhandi' Cemetery is the tomb of Jam Murid Bin Haji. The grave has several indentations with the names of the deceased and the word Chaukhandi written on it. This was sufficient justification for Shaikh Khurshid Hassan to end the controversy by naming the place Chaunkandi.
History:
The Chaukhandi tombs have a unique history that will fascinate history buffs who enjoy researching historical events and old-world architecture. Several historians have related that the tombs were formerly a specific burial place for an ancient Sindhi tribe. The Jokhio tribe, also referred to as Jokhiya, was the name of this tribe. The Sindhi term Jokhio indicates that this tribe was established in the Sindh region for a considerable amount of time. The tombs were built to respect and inter their deceased, despite the fact that numerous other tribes, including the Baloch tribe, have also been interred there over time.
Construction:
Extensive investigation has revealed that Chaukhandi's tombs were most likely constructed during the Mughal era, which spanned the 15th and 18th centuries. It is important to keep in mind that this is happening immediately after Islam began to acquire traction among the subcontinent's population.
Historical and religious history:
These tombs are a truly rare and important historical and religious artifact from the past because many individuals started to embrace the religion of one God and abandoned the early religious traditions.
The Chaukhandi Karachi tombs are truly remarkable due to their exceptional sandstones, intricate beige carvings, embellishments of motifs and geometrical designs, and artistic figural renditions of straddling horse rides, arms, trinkets, and hunting retreats.
Architectural Significance:
The tomb of Chukhandi is a breathtaking structural wonder that is a wonder to behold. The graves in Thatha are known for their spectacular architecture, which is reflected in the exquisite sandstone carvings on the tombs. Nonetheless, the architectural style is akin to the conventional manner of the majority of Sindhi buildings. Due to their central north-to-south orientation, the tombs of Karachi are among the monuments that resemble the majority of constructions in Baluchistan.
Despite the area's dry climate and hundreds of years of history, one of the most astounding facts is that the majority of the burials and elaborate,No matter how much time has passed, intricate pattern works and sandstones are still kept and in generally good condition.
Designs of graves:
The graves have been intricately and brilliantly designed; the most tasteful tombs are adorned with a particular, seductive beige-colored sandstone construction. It seems that tombs were made for either a single grave or a complicated network of up to eight graves, frequently arranged on a common but elevated platform.
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An examination of the inside structure of the tombs has demonstrated the presence of a typical antiquated sarcophagus. This is composed of more than six vertically arranged slabs plus two additional extended slabs pointing in the direction of a dead body's length.
Two more slabs are positioned vertically on the head and foot sides of the body. Another sarcophagus, made up of six vertically arranged slabs, covers the first six slabs even more. The only thing that differs is the size of these comparatively short slabs, which is primarily responsible for the tombs of Chaukhandi Karachi's pyramidal shape.
However, the story doesn't finish here since there is still more architectural beauty ahead, covering the graves with a total of four or five slabs arranged horizontally. The very top portion's construction is frequently positioned vertically, with its northern endpoint,primarily cut into a knob that resembles a turban or crown. All in all, the tombs constitute a kind of wonder.
Exploration at Chaukhandi:
Tombs near a letter from J. Macleod to H.B.E. FRERE dated 1851, the Chaukhandi tombs near Karachi are mentioned for the first and oldest time. But in 1917, when H.D. Baskerville, the assistant collector of Thatha, chose to investigate the past of this old location, the tomb of Chaukhandi came into sharper view. A similar tomb was found somewhere in Baluchistan around the beginning of the 20th century, according to the synopsis given by Dr. Salome Zajadacz-Hastenrath.
Somewhere in Baluchistan, a similar tomb was found in the start of the 20th century. She noted that the tombs in Chaukhandi Karachi were built at a level well above that of usual folk architecture in her detailed investigations of the tombs.
Mecca:
Subsequently, an additional investigator discovered that the graves were intended for the interment of Muslims. Muslims are buried facing the holy city of Mecca, which rests on their right shoulder, due to the style of the graves. Mecca is currently located on the western part of Sindh, with the deceased's head always facing north and the tombs' longitudinal axis running from north to south.
Shaikh khurshid Hassan:
Shaikh Khurshid Hassan made the observation that although the majority of the buried dead belonged to the ancient Jokhio tribe, a few others belonged to the Burfat and Sheikh tribes in his first published study specifically discussing the tombs of Chaukhandi.
Location :
The Chaukhandi tombs are located in Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan, close to N-5, Landhi Town. About 29 kilometers to the east of Karachi is where the cemeteries are situated. You can reserve a car and visit the enchanted location of the past. Seeing the amazing scenery of the former grave sites is a unique experience. One can't help but stare at the amazing structure due to its patterns and sandstones. It is covered in elaborate motifs in buff hues from a bygone era that has been forgotten but kept for people who might one day appreciate, sense, and comprehend its historical value.
Conclusion:
In summary The Chaukhandi tombs in Karachi are the greatest spot for people who enjoy exploring and traveling; they are definitely worth your time and experience. It is a location for anyone with an interest in history and architecture. For tourists, it is a dream come true to stroll around the exquisitely aged, dilapidated, yet magnificent area and take in the breathtaking spectacle of historic architecture. It is especially recommended that parents expose their kids to this enchanted location, which can also act as a potent reminder of a history that we have never witnessed. It is nevertheless a component of our ancestry.