Ancient Sindh, 13, 2014-15: 7-2285-103
MALLAH, Q.H., SHAFAQ T., ABRO T.A. & KHAN A.W.
INVESTIGATION OF THATTA COASTAL REGION OF SINDH PAKISTAN
ABSTRACT – The coastal region of Indus valley is archaeologically investigated a great level. But any new sporadic documentation still adds the information. Even though the present investigation is limited in geographic search and has brought a small number of archaeological sites to add information in previous research. The present investigations have focused on every type of cultural heritage remains like historical tombs, mosques, canopies, cemeteries and residential places of every nature. Meantime, some most famous places in and around the Thatta Sindh were reanalyzed with different focus to seek new information.
INTRODUCTION
The archaeology of coastal region of Indus Valley and beyond has displayed enormous possibilities for further research. The coastal line of Arabian Sea has served (a) movement path for hunter-gathers and nomads and (b) navigation route for sailors. The Oman Coast, Persian Gulf, Makran Coast, Karachi Coast, Gulf of Kutch, Gulf of Cambay and even beyond have remained important historically. The earliest remains indicate Mesolithic hunter-gathers for which several archaeological spots and clusters with objects are recorded within modern territories of the Baluchistan and Sindh, for instance, Las Bela Baluchistan and Karachi region ( Khan 1979; Khan 1968 as cited by Allchin et al 1978:326, Mallah 2009). Allchin has reported several sites in India coastal regions as well (Allchin et al 1978). The navigators has traveled by water crossing the Arabian Sea all times and similarly the ancient settlements along coast line explain the movement of caravans and nomads along shores of sea from west to east and vice versa. The discovery of Sutkagen Dor , Sotka Koh (Dales and Lipo 1992); Balakot (Dales 1974,1979); and Allahdino has displayed the chapters of human history. This history is authenticated by archaeologists after recognition of artifacts and their temporal association when remain of past were analyzed scientifically to describe inner realities about the human existence, development and the interaction with given ecosystem and with surrounding societies. In this situation, the presence of objects, regardless of habitation or deposition intensity explains the presence of human(s) which is the most important factor of archaeological science for reconstructing the human history. The survey area consists of two main geomorphological features i.e. hilly region which is part of greater hilly sequence of Khirthar range and has given birth to several rain feed rivulets ; the water of these
Department of Archaeology, Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur (Sindh-PK).
7 rivulets was accumulated in two large sweet water lakes Kenjher and Kalri. These lakes created a separated ecological niche and best subsistence resource. In 1958 AD these lakes were combined as one large sweet water reservoir for both drinking and agriculture purpose. Another important geomorphological feature is coastal strip where Indus River submerged into sea through a tidal creek.
The present survey focused on all adjoining geographic features and find out several remains of the past some of them were already reported and others are the new addition to the previous one. After preliminary examination of the region and cultural objects showed two different types of human settlement (a) nomadic hunting camps (b) the permanent settlements. The nomadic hunting activity has deep roots into the past associated with Mesolithic period (10000, 6500 BCE). Amazingly none of the pre or proto historic period permanent settlement was discovered during present survey. Nevertheless, some proto historic (i.e. Indus period) sites have been reported previously which does fill the chronological gap regarding human presence within the given region. It was only the medieval historical period when this region seems intensively occupied and some important fortified cities appeared for instance Banbhore and Heem Kot etc (1st century BCE to 13th century AC).
Thatta city and its surrounding is archaeologically important place because it was chosen by several Emperors and feudal lords as the place of their eternal abode. Consequently, the Makli Hills became the largest cemetery of the Pakistan where several marvelous monuments were constructed depicting outstanding episode of history which has become an open air museum, a laboratory and an institution for experimenting and learning for students and researchers. Simultaneously, it has provided fantastic recreation and tourist place for the people of all ages and from every walk of life. Because of its historical importance and uniqueness in the built heritage of humanity– this site achieved ‘world heritage’ status: an excellent gift for humans of the world.
SURVEY METHODOLOGY
The present report is based on two types of data collection i.e. (a) primary and (b) secondary. For the secondary data library and maps were consulted. Any existing literature was studied and several important books were found for example The Antiquities of Sind (third edition) which has enlisted several historical places among them only two major places Banbhore and Makli Hills were re-visited. Dr. F. A. Khan (2005) has complied information on the excavation Banbhore which provides basic information about the settlement. Another important contribution is from M. Idris Siddiqi (1979) who has put together important information on the Thatta including Makli Hill graveyard. All these important contribution were analyzed for depicting accurate history of this region.
Another part of the report consists on the ‘primary data’ which is based on the regional survey in which major geomorphological units were actually surveyed and at
8 least six archaeological sites were documented. Once any site was encountered following step were taken.
(a) Its exact location coordinates were identified through GPS.
(b) If monument and/or a ritual place, the custodian was interviewed for tentative history and compared with archaeological finds.
(c) Photographs of all major in-situ objects were taken.
(d) All major features were examined and documented
(e) All representative artifacts were collected and brought to archaeological laboratory where each artifact from every site was given catalog number and examined separately.
(f) The chronology and material culture of given settlement (where the artifacts are collected) established.
DESCRIPTION OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES
The present report comprises on the description of at least nine archaeological spots which include remains of built heritage and occupational sites. As of built heritage three spots i.e. Banbhore, Makli hill necropolis and Jamia Masjid of Thatta has been included. These spots are very famous in the area and are visited by number of people on daily basis and number of scholars has examined them with different focuses. Culturally, some local spots like Heem Kot and Pir Amir are also visited regularly for rituals which may have deep roots in the past.
During recent attempt at least four sites were added and classified as permanent villages and nomadic camps in settlement hierarchy. In other words, two types of occupational settlements for instance, two nomadic campsites and two permanent village sites were recorded. It is very important to note here that one of the campsites is associated with Mesolithic period (10000 to 6500 BCE) and other remains with medieval historical period contemporary with Banbhore site. All sites are described hereafter.
BANBHORE
The settlement of ‘Banbhore’ or ‘Bhambor’ is located some 40 miles east of Karachi on the Gharo Creek where Indus River submerged into the creek. The settlement consists of two parts i.e. the fortified city and outside city which also include the industrial part as well; both parts covered 2000x1200 feet (Plate #1). In history, this settlement has been described as “Debal” a famous port city on sea route towards Middle-eastern countries in west and Ceylon in east.
9 Plate # 1: General view of Banbhore Site.
According to the research, this city was established during 1st century BCE and was completely abandoned around 13th century ACE. Around the end of 7th century and beginning of 8th century ACE, this became very rich and famous city where large ships were anchored and huge caravan were landed and this was considered a doorway from Middle east to Ceylon in east, and Alor and Multan in North.
During the 8th century ACE some local pirates looted the Muslim Arab cargo ship and raped the Muslim ladies– the report was sent to the king of Sindh Raja Dahir to its capital city of Alor. Upon his ignorance and denial, Hajjaj Bin Yusuf the Arab Governor of eastern province of Umayyad Caliphate sent some expeditions but failed and finally the young Arab General M. Bin Qasim deputed to attack the Sindh. M. Bin Qasim assisted with huge army marched and conquered this city of ‘DEBAL’ hence Muslim rule established in the country of Sindh.
Archaeological research on Banbhore was carried in 1958 to 1965 and has revealed three major periods of this settlement such as: (a) Scytho-Parthian 1st century BCE to 2nd century ACE but it seems continued up to the 5th century ACE, (b) Hindu- Sassanian 5th century ACE to 8th century ACE and (c) Muslim period 8th to 13th Century ACE.
10 Archaeological finds show that the city was establish during first century BCE and was expanded largely in subsequent period of Hindu Sassanian in 5th century ACE. At this time Persian and Roman influence was also noticed. The city dwellers were follower of Shiv lingam, the Hindu religion was exercised and the evidences of Yuni- Linga made of limestone were discovered in situ position. Still today, the worship of Yuni and Linga is very popular in Hindu religion. Several other cultural items including human figurine were documented.
During Muslim period, one portion of city was fortified and a grand mosque was built and some public buildings were added to it. The residential quarters were divided into blocks; the roof of a house was covered with thin brick tiles and long wooden beams. The mud plaster and lime plaster was used for house walls and covering the roof tiles. The bases of house walls were generally built with stone blocks and the walls were made with mud and/or mud bricks.
Several industries were working in the city and dyeing industry was large and popular. The strategic location of this settlement and the remains of several activities indicate the prosperity of this city which came to its end around 13th Century.
The evidences shows that the city was burnt to ashes and people were killed brutally. Several human skeletons with iron arrowhead in their bodies were found. The dead bodies were under the thick layer of ashes and charcoal. The houses were burnt which could be result of a civil war or an invasion. Another reason was the change of river course which definitely have imbalanced the economy of city and people might have migrated to another places and this way the city came to its fatal end and was never occupied again.
MAKLI HILLS
Makli Hills is a largest memorial park of the Pakistan extending over an area of six square kilometers. The cemetery was occupied since Summa (1340-1520), Arghun (1520-1555) Tarkhan (1555-1592), Mughals (1592-1739) to continuously up to the present times. In earlier times marvelous monuments with excellent masonry work and stone carving were built for which Captain Wood has commented that [this was] “for the absurd purpose of giving the dead better accommodation than the living”. Another reason could be that maintaining similar prestige even after death. The monumental remains can be classified into three distinct groups (a) tombs (b) carved stone grave platforms and (c) canopies (Plate # 2). The tombs are constructed either with bricks or stone materials. In brick building the plain bricks and glazed tiles have been used very beautifully which are influenced by Persian traditions and has deep roots into Babylon and Nineveh civilizations
11 Plate # 2: Monument Types of Makli Hills.
The stone carving shows combination of local Sindhi and Fatehpur Sikri of India style and generally known as “Lace-work in stone”. The magnificent embossed and engraved sophisticated decorations and designs are eye-catching and best example of skill and craftsmanship of the time (Plate # 3). The Persian and Arabic calligraphy is also additional part to the beauty and skill. Tomb of Jan Baba and Jam Nizamuddin are just few examples where the combination of tradition is clearly visible such as the Quranic verses in Thulth and miniature sikhara or temple can be seen on the tomb of Jam Nizamuddin.
Plate # 3: Stone work – best example of stone carving in the Jam Nizamuddins tomb.
12 There are dozens of canopies made of stone having similar stone carving style but with greater influence of Hindu elements for example the canopy located near Jam Nizamuddins tomb contains geometrical patterns and is surmounted by Khalsa or finials. In decoration, honey-comb design, lotus blooms, and sunflower are included.
The graves are on the open platforms are elaborately decorated with Quranic verses, Persian poems and chronograms. The carved decorations are made with geometric patterns.
Combinations of all these elements make this Makli Hill cemetery as unique world heritage site and a place of learning and recreation.
BADSHAHI MOSQUE THATTA
This magnificent mosque was built by Emperor Shah Jahan in ACE 1644 at the outskirt of Thatta city. In ACE 1647, the construction work of mosque was completed. The mosque is in rectangular shape with construction on all four sides the center is left open. As architectural feature, it has one hundred domes constructed scientifically for the perfect circulation of air and voice of Khateeb without any additional support of equipments. The ninety four pillars have been provided with six feet thickness. Five entrance gates are provided to the mosque three on front and two on the sides. The mosque has capacity of 2000 people can pray at a time.
The mosque is fabulous instance architectural engineering and art work. In its general arrangements, the mosque is provided with gardens and fountains and is very beautifully decorated with tile (Plate # 4), stone carving and wood carving work. The work definitely describes skill of artesian and interest and grandeur of emperor
Plate # 4: Front view of the Badshahi Masjid Thatta
13 PRESENT ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY
During present survey various types of heritage remains were documented specifically Shrines, forts, ruined settlements and surface scatters of the nomadic camps of hunter gathers. The brief review of documented site is provided hereafter.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE-1
Location:
The site is situated at 25°.10′.58″ North degree Latitude and 68°.02′.16″ East degree Longitude.
Description:
The remains were discovered on small hill almost five meters high from the surrounding plain area. Several chert flakes, a core and bone fragments were documented (Plate # 5a). The bone fragments were in situ position and chert stone flakes were scattered around it indicating that the animal was hunted and killed somewhere nearby and actually processed here. It is quite possible that hunter lived on the small hills and exploited surrounding game resources.
Chronology:
The small chert stone objects like core and flakes are associated with Mesolithic period dated as 10000-6500 BCE (Plate # 5b).
Plate # 5a & b: Thin scatter of artifacts on the surface of archaeological site
ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE-2
Location:
Site is located on the small hill almost ten to fifteen meters high from surrounding plains areas of valley that has wide opening towards south at 25°.02′.40″ North degree Latitude and 67°.59′.22″ East degree Longitude.
14 Description:
The site is present on the top surface of this hill where some potsherds and flakes were observed (Plate # 7). The potsherds were very thinly spread that indicated short visit of some nomadic groups who have utilized seasonal grazing resources of the valley (Plate # 6).
Chronology:
The collected artifacts like pottery shows close affiliation with Banbhore site
Plate # 6: Thin scatter of pottery on the surface of archaeological site
Plate # 7: Pottery and chert stone artifacts collected from surface of site.
15 Archaeological Site-3
Location:
The site is situated at 24°.39′.14″ North degree Latitude and 67°.30′.15″ East degree Longitude.
Description:
A small archaeological site was documented in coastal region (Plate # 8). In this area agricultural activity was also perceived around the site. At this settlement the cultural artifacts were scattered in good concentration making at least one meter high mound from surrounding grounds. The pottery, glass pieces in different colors, embroidery glass etc. were present on the surface Several ashy spots were noticed perhaps indicating separate hearths for houses.
Chronology:
The collected artifacts like pottery glass pieces etc. shows close affiliation with Banbhore site.
Plate # 8: General view of an archaeological site
HEEM KOT-4
Location:
Site is located almost one kilometer south of modern town of Jhumpir on the bank of Kenjher lake at 25°.00′.20″ North degree Latitude and 68°.00′.56″ East degree Longitude.
16 Description:
The site nowadays is occupied by modern graveyard, tomb of a Sufi saint Known as Hussain Shah and Hindu temple known as Shive-Jo-Mander. The caretaker/custodian of temple narrated the history of this place that Once Heem Kot was a strong fort where a Hindu Princess Heema Bai was living and ruling. When Muhammad Bin Qasim conquered Debal and marched towards interior; Hussain Shah lead the Muslim Arab army and attacked Heem Kot and conquered it. After that Hussain Shah lived here. In Heem Kot, several caste groups were living, the potters occupied southern portion and Brahmins lived near waters of the lake.
During present survey, some portions of peripheral fortification wall of fort was documented which was made of limestone slabs and was destroyed at several places (Plate # 9). The excavation would actually be scientific way to understand about the history of this settlement properly.
Chronology:
The settlement is contemporary with Banbhore and is re-occupied by contemporary people for conducting ritual activities and using as graveyard.
Plate # 9: View of the wall remains of Heem Kot
17 PIR AMEER-5
Location:
This site is also located in the vicinity of Jhumpir along the banks of Lake Kenjher at 25°.00′.20″ North degrees Latitude and 68°.00′.55″ East degrees Longitude.
Description:
This is a cluster of building where a mosque, shrine and houses are built for devotees. The shrine complex is interesting and has three parts (a) cave (b) graveyard and (c) the caged demon.
The cave is major place which is actually one large chamber cut three to four feet high in the limestone hill. The interior of this chamber was blocked with brunt brick wall to create for various chambers for different purposes. In the main chamber three charpoys are kept having covered with beautiful sheets and pillows and were considered crown of Pir Ameer Ali Shah Ismaeli. In front of these crown charpoys, a place keeping Holy Quran was arranged. The devotees come and pay respects these holy places. They bring cooked food and distribute among all visitors for gaining blessings.
Chronology:
Chronology of this place is not clear, however, the nearby mosque may the contemporary with some monuments located in the Makli Hills.
Archaeological Site-6
Location:
The site is situated at 24°.41′.31″ North degree Latitude and 67°.28′.03″ East degree Longitude.
Description:
A huge settlement consisting on small just one or two meters high mounds from surrounding flat area is documented in coastal region (Plate #10). The settlement has two different parts the residential areas and the cemetery. The residential area has three different parts where cultural material is scattered on the surface (Plate # 10, 11 & 12). The other aspects like hearths and round spots were also documented (Fig.13). In cultural material, the pottery, glass pieces, vitrified slag, terracotta grinders were documented.
At some distance, a graveyard was seen consisting of two separate mounds and scattered graves on the surface. There was one cluster of graves on the raised platform and other one was a walled structure where some graves were present in destroyed
18 condition. These graves were perhaps associated with some notables as the graves were built with carved stone blocks in a similar style as were seen at Makli hill graveyard. On one grave, the word “ALLAH” was carved on the headstone.
Chronology:
The collected artifacts like pottery shows close affiliation with Banbhore site and Makli hills monuments.
Plate # 10: General view of the site.
Plate # 11: (A) Craved stone used in the grave platform. Exhibit#21 (B) Cultural item (terracotta grinder) present on the surface of the site
19 Plate # 12: Pottery and other artifacts collected from surface of site
Plate # 13: Circular spot present on the surface of site
DISCUSSION AND TEMPORAL ANALYSIS OF DOCUMENTED SITES
It is reiterated that present archaeological survey was sporadic. Whatever the results were achieved open a guide line for serious investigations. For instance, the campsite having chert objects was recognized and associated with Mesolithic period. It means that Mesolithic hunters once utilized the region. The other settlements as campsites were discovered can provide a great breakthrough of cultural development. Because, in the same hilly sequence, such type of remains are found (Allchin, 1994, Mallah, 2009). When present site is added with previous research, it creates a pivotal
20 question about regional extension of the movement and temporal presence of Mesolithic hunter gathers along the coastal regions which may or may not have effect on the cultural development and change of later periods in the rest of Indus valley civilization.
Another important documentation was the sites demonstrate material similarity with Banbhore settlement. Many scholars and historians explain Banbhore a large port city very famous and had socio-commercial interaction with Middle Eastern Muslim world. The trade ships were crossing through the coast and historian explain the presence of pirates along the coastal regions. It is quite possible that people living in such type of settlements present in remote area were engaged in such activities so it became necessary for Muslim Military to remove all pirates from region. The Heem Kot (fort) seems best fit example in the situation. The excavation of such site would clear those historical assumptions scientifically.
Finally, the other sites having similar remains as at Makli Hills, illustrated the temporal association and demonstrate the richness and popularity of burial traditions. Stone carving seems very popular craft of the era and to meet with social similarity in status; it may have been essential to utilize stone carved similarly as at Makli Cemetery. The further in-depth research can exactly explain the era or kingdom of a particular ruler during which the specific village existed. During present survey the spot of Pir Ameer was also documented and it was realized that both Muslims and Hindus were paying tribute at spot and seen at Banbhore. The situation explains the merger and acceptance of various faiths and beliefs and this trend may have continued since Indus civilization when numerous cult objects carried huge importance, Vedic and Local people; Jain and Buddhists and later on Muslim and other communities lived together till today.
SUMMARY:
During Present survey a total of nine archaeologically reputed places were documented. After preliminary examination all sites were categorized as (a) campsites, (b) habitation settlements and (c) built heritage monuments.
Campsites are of two types (i) hunting campsite that is associated with Mesolithic period and (ii) herding campsites in which some herders of historical period visited the spot for grazing their herds and this pattern is still seen in the area that after / during high flood season some herders bring their flocks and occupy these small hills within plain area.
The region under investigation seems occupied intensively during the historic period when Banbhore was at its zenith. Several villages appeared not only in the plain area but the tidal creeks were also occupied where the marine products like fish, shells etc. may have been traded to the inland settlements
21 REFERENCES
Allchin, Bridget Andrew Goudie and Karunarkara Hedge, 1978 – The Prehistory and Paleogeography of the Great Indian Desert.
Khan, F. A., 2005 – Banbhore: A Preliminary Report on the Recent Archaeological Excavation a Banbhore, Department of Archaeology and Museums, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth affairs, Government of Pakistan. (Third edition)
Khan, A.R. 1968 Dawn (July 21st and 28th) Ancient Settlements in Karachi region.
Khan, A.R. 1979 – Palaeolithic Sites Discovered in the Lower Sind and their Significance in the Prehistory of the Country, In Khan, A.R. (ed.) Studies in the Geomorphology and Prehistory of Sind. Grassroots, III (2). Special Issue: 80-86. Pakistan Studies Centre, University of Sind, Jamshoro.
Siddiqi, Idris, 1979 – Thatta, Department of Archaeology and Museums, Ministry of Culture, and Tourism. Government of Pakistan. (Fourth edition)
Cousens, Henry, 1998 – The Antiquities of Sindh with Historical Outline. Department of Culture, Government of Sindh. (Third edition).
Dales, G.F. and Carl P. Lipo 1992 – Explorations on the Makran Coast, Pakistan: A search for Paradise. Archaeological Research Facility, University of California Berkeley.
Dales, George F. 1973 – Excavations at Balakot, Pakistan, Journal of Field Archaeology, Vol. 1, No.1/2. Boston University Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/529703
Dales, G.F., 1979 – The Balakot Project: Summary of Four Years of Excavations in Pakistan, Man and Environement-3:45-53.
Khan, M. Ishtiaq 1986 – Archaeology of Sindh, Department of Archaeology and Museums, Ministry of Culture, Sports ,Tourism Government of Pakistan.
Mallah, Qasid H. 2009 – An Archaeological Assessment of Taung Valley of Sindh-Kohistan Pakistan Ancient Asia Vol.2, An Electronic Journal-India.
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AUTHORS’ ADDRESS: DR. QASID HUSSAIN MALLAH, Professor, Department of Archaeology, Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur (SINDH-PK) E-mail: [email protected] TOOBA SHAFAQ, PhD Research Scholar, Department of Archaeology, Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur (SINDH-PK) E-mail: [email protected] DR. TASLEEM ALAM ABRO, Assistant Professor, Department of Archaeology, Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur (SINDH-PK) E-mail: [email protected] AAMIR WASEEM KHAN, PhD Research Scholar, Department of Archaeology, Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur (SINDH-PK) E-mail: [email protected]
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