Ancient , Vol. XXII 111

The Mausoleum of KhusrauKhan Charkas at Makli Hill,: Historyand Architecture MuhmmadNaeem Qazi,Mukhtar Ali Durrani, Zakirullah Jan and Javed Iqbal

Location Thattais located 98 km east of . The necropolis of MakliHill lies about threekm It may be further added that among the southwest of Thatta. The mausoleum under variousunique and imposing structuresat Makli study is situatedto the northeastern flank of the Hill, Satcharni is one of the foremost pertinent Makli Hill and lies to the southwest of Sheikh buildings, which is undoubtedly invites the Jia' s tomb inthe samenecropolis. scholars' interestin order tosolve the prevailing concerns regarding the origin of this enigmatic Introduction and folkloristic structure. There is controversy among the different groups of researchers The "Makli Hill", school of art and concerning the origin of the term "Satcharni" architecture yields a galaxy of classical and the date of its construction. In this regard, buildings. Thesemonuments possess significant question arises here, that when this edifice was features of art and architecture, mostly in constructedand to whom it may be assigned? In vernacular style. Besides, there are many this regard, the present researchers would be examples, which show, that these have been aimingto find out, thepossible solution, forthe derived through the Persian and Central Asian proper nomenclature of the term "Satcharni" interactions. In this process, it may be andthe date of its construction. proclaimed here that the local values were amalgamated with the foreign traditions due to It is to pinpoint here that as per local the cultural interactions. Thus as a blend of traditions, the under debate building was built cultures, a new form of art and architecture, for the family of Khusrau Khan Charkas. evolved in the area of our study. In this However, about the grave of the above sequence, it is worthwhile to elaborate that mentioned person, except ''Makliamo" N other since the area of our interest was ruled by the sources of pertinent values are absolutely silent. dynasty from AD 1337 till AD 1520, Therefore, as per traditions this enigmatic who were from the local clan, therefore, building has owed its name, which gained they emphasized on the indigenous values. In tremendous fame, during the succeeding this regard, , Ahmadabad and Kathiawar centuries. Besides, Khusrau Khan Charkas also traditions have greatly encouraged the constructeda grand mosque known asMasjid-e­ vernacular art of the Makli Hill on one hand, Dabgaran or Dabgir Mosque at Thatta in AD whereas, on the other, the Central Asian in 1588 (Khan, 1978: 23, Dani, 1982: 175, Khan, particular, under the Arghuns AD 1520-55, 1991: 57), which is an exquisite precedent, Tarkhans AD 1555-1613 and later the Mughals showing the aesthetic sense and engineering AD 1613 (Qazi, 2011: 83) have brought with skillsof the in question person. them their own traditions. Likewise, with the passage of time their interactions caused for the HistoricalBackground glory of the Makli Hill style of tomb architecture. Thus it appears that the indigenous Khusrau Khan Charkas remained an style was also influenced by the Persian and eminent figure of Thatta, during the Tarkhan Central Asian trends which were uniform in the period (AD. 1555-1613). However, there is area of our concern and reached perfection controversy among the scholars, regarding the during the Tarkhanand later Tarkhan period. early history of the under discussion person. In Ancient Pakistan, Vol. XXII 112 this connection, Siddiqui in his works has among the scholars. However, Dani quoting mentioned, that Khusrau Khan Charkas was the Qani who in Makli Namo on the basis of valid slave of Mullah Jan Bandri. Whereas, Qani in justifications, has very correctly assigned his contributions has recorded that Mullah Jani "Satcharni" place of Khusrau Khan Charkas. was having a lot of Indian and circassian However, it is sterling to note here that (Charkas), Chinese (Khatai) slaves (Dani, 1982: according to ''Tarkhan Nama" he died during 175, Khan 1978: 18, Qani,2002: 285-6, Sidiqui, the imprisonment at . Whereas, Qani in 1972: 195-6). Due tohis significantqualities, he ''Tohfat ul Kiram" mentions, that he died as a was purchased by Isa Khan Tarkhan-1 (AD free man in 1028 AH/ AD 1618 and was buried 1555-66) the founder of Tarkhan dynasty at at Ajmer (Qani, 1994: 214, Akhtar, 1990: 87, Thatta (Siddiqi, 1972: 248, Javadi, 1992: 314, Khan, 1978: 24). While, in the translation Nisyani, 1964: 13). KhusrauKhan Charkasvery of "Tohfat-ul-Kiram", composed by Akhtar intelligently supported MirzaBagi Beg Tarkhan Rizvi, it is recorded, that later on, he went to (AD 1566-1584) in the administrative affairs. Iran, where he died and was buried there(Qani, He remained as an instructor of MirzaJani Beg 2002: 286). However, as a matter of fact, this Tarkhan, who later on, appointed him his magnificentedifice was constructedby Khusrau lawyer (Qani, 2002: 285-6, Sidiqui, 1972: 195- Khan Charkas (Khan, 1978: 19; Dani, 1982: 6). 164). Whereas, Qani in "Makli Namo", has It is indeed interesting to pinpoint here, recorded it as Rfil!k of Khusrau Khan Charkas" that there is controversy among the scholars (Qani, 1994: 195; Dani, 1982: 164). In this regarding the last ruler of the Tarkhan dyasty. sequence, it is indeed importantto add here, that In this sequence, it is generally claimed, that in "Rruik", means, an enclosure when Ghazi Beg Tarkhan died on 11th Safar wall or more precisely, it defines, graves 1021/13th April1612 (Nisyani, 1964: 270, Elliot located inside an enclosure wall (Lashari, 1992: & Dowson, 1979: vol. I: 500, Akhtar, 1990: 86) 15; Hassan, 1996: 20). Thus, in the light of thus, with his death the Tarkhan government above stated valid references mentioned by over Thatta was ended. In this connection, the Qani and Dani in their contributions, therefore, eminent historianshave also recorded that after it may be undoubtedly proclaimed, that the in his demise, the Mughal king appointed question building was the last resting place of governors of Thatta. However, as a matter of Khusrau Khan Charkas. It is noteworthy to fact, after the death of Ghazi Beg Tarkhan, he argue here that the word "Rruik", which has was succeeded by Abdul Ali Tarkhan-11a been specifically used for a certain group of little known ruler of Thatta. He was actually graves, encircled by the enclosure wall, entirely supported by Khusrau Khan Charkas in his a different mode of workmanship, which canbe succession, during the last days of April 1612. seen for the first time at Makli Hill, during the However, since the later Tarkhans were ruling Samma period (Dani, 1982: 43, Lari, 1997: over Thatta as vassal kings, therefore, when 134). Whereas, the underdiscussion category of King Jehangir received the news of their tombs, may be placed in themausoleum style of disobedience thus both were summoned to the architecture. However, at Makli Hill one can court of Delhi on 16th May 1613 where they very easily differentiate between the RaIJk were imprisoned (Akhtar, 1990: 86-7). Thus, forms of burial enclosures from the typical the later Tarkhan government was properly mausoleum style. In this process, the former merged into the . Therefore, to mode of work can be visibly observed at the run the administrative issues of the Makli Hill necropolis such as, the Rruik of province, Isa Khan Tarkhan-11 was nominated Darya Khan (AD. 1490-1513) (Dani, 1082: 43, asthe first governor of the Mugbals over Sindh. Lari, 1997: 134, Nadiem, 2000: 59), Issa Khan Tarkhan-1 (AD. 1565-72) (Dani, 1982: 114, It is important to advocate here that the Nadiem, 2000: 78), Bagi Beg Tarkhan (AD burial place of Khusrau Khan Charkas is one of 1585) (Dani, 1982: 120, Nadiem, 2000: 85) and the other debatable issues, which created doubts Ancient Pakistan, Vol. XXII 113

Abdul Ali Tarlman-II (9 Rajah 1040/ 11th 2. Platform Feb.1631) (Javadi, 1992: 273, pl. 117) etc. The platform is chamfered in plan. The core of the plinth is entirely constructed from Besides, theproper identification of that the MakliHill stones, which are cemented with issue tomb and the exact nomenclature of the lime mortar. The outer facing is wrought with term "Raiµc", the other foremost pertinent rectangular shape dressed yellow marble tiles concern is the dating of this tomb. Regarding (pl. 1). These are varying in size, such as 61 x the above stated issue, we have no evidence, in 22cm, 38 x 22cm, 58 x llcm and 59 x 10cm. It the form of epigraphical and literary sources, to is indeed interesting to suggest thatthe height of date this illustrious structure. However, it is this podium from the present ground level is significant to argue here that Dani in his book varying such as 1.57m, 1.70m and 1.79m. It ''Thatta:Islamic Architecture" has proposed the may be further elaborated that the outer facing probable date of its construction, which he th of this platform is slightly impacted by the assigns to the 16 century AD (Dani, 1982: salinity, because of the wet breeze blowing 165). However, keeping in view the across, flowingfrom the Indus and Arabian Sea. architectural style adopted in the under study tomb, is showing resemblance with the Dabgir 3. Outerwalls mosque AD 1588, which is clearly indicating that the shape of the pointed arches, stucco The four outer walls are erected above stalactite work glazed plastering technique and the platform, which have been constructed from the tile work adornment wrought in the above two different size bricks, i.e. the square mentioned two buildings, is also showing its (measuring 25 x 25 x 4cm) and rectangular continuation from the tomb of Ibrahim (measuring 23 x 12 x Scm). These rectangular Khan Tarkhan (AD 1558-65). Thus it appears bricks are actually terracotta tiles. The outer that the above cited issues were later on very surfaces of the terracotta tiles are mostly successfully adopted by the builders in the defaced. However, one can observe the intact Dabgir mosque and in the tomb of Khusrau terracotta tiles on the eastern side. The outer Khan Charkas. Since the builder of these two facing of the wall is visibly illustrating the edifices was the same person, therefore, their naked brick architectural masonry. This style similarity in the stylistical approach is was initiated by the Sammas at Makli Hill. In undoubtedly advocating that both these this connection, the first ever brick structure in structures were constructed in the same time or the area of our study is the Makli mosque (A.D perhaps the under study tomb was erected 1392). Since then this kind of masonry gained slightly later (between A.D 1590 and 1600). popularity at MakliHill. However, it reached its Initially in this tomb his family members were perfection during the Tarkhan period. This buried. However, when he died in 1028 building may be termed as one of the unique A.H/A.D 1618 (Akhtar, 1990: 87, n. 643; Khan, examples in terms of its layout, design and 1978: 24) thus, he was also laid to rest, in this nakedbrick masonry. fabulous tomb. It is add here that the graves located inside the tomb chamber are absolutely 4. Entrances defaced; therefore, it is difficult to determine The main entrance is located on the theexact identificationof thesegraves. west side. The existing height of the entrance is 2. 73m. It is in the shape of arcaded vestibule, 1. Plan the main arch entrance has fallen below the This tomb chamber is externally shoulder level. chamfered in plan (Fig. 1 ), which is measuring 19.58 x 19.65m and is octagonal internally 5. Westernside arcadedvestibule measuring7.62 x 7.66m. The western entrance is in the form of an arcaded vestibule.It can be divided into three Ancient Pakistan, Vol. XXII )]4

parts. The outer part of this vestibule is compared to those on the four angles. These measuring (3.78x2.25m), and can be arched alcoves are linking the octagonal approached through the archway, which has chambers of thecorners with the tomb chamber. fallen; however, its existing height is 2. 73 m. These arch alcoves are measuring 4.67 x 2.60 x Theinner end of the outervestibule is provided 1.60m. The arched alcoves above the cornice withan arch entrance.It is 5.66m in height from moulding show a triple series of smaller arch the ground level. From here a flight of steps is niches (pl. 3). These are piling up one above the leading to the inner chamber. The soffit of this other. The alternate one is concave, while the arch is slightly projected outwards; its width is rest are flat. They support the half domical 1.89m. At the inner end similar arch is added, ceiling. The remaining part of the domical its height is 4.92m. It is placed on thethird step ceiling is executed by means of stucco stalactite of the above stated flight of steps. The middle work. vestibule is measuring 2.27 x 1.89m. Whereas, the third or the inner most vestibule is 7. Octagonalchambers the at angles measuring 2.40 x 1.50m. The inner end of this The octagonal chambers at the four vestibule is showing an arch entrance to the chamfered corners are identical to each other tomb chamber, its height is 4.36m. It may be (Pl. 2). These are measuring 3.57x3.57m. These pointed out that this arch is intact and its inner four octagonal chambers to their outer ends are soffit is showing the rectangular shape bricks provided with arched alcove openings, which laid in profile. are facing the outer side. These are measuring 2.50xl .57m. These octagonal chambers on their It may be added here that five steps are either sides areprovided with arched alcoves. provided to approach the inner chamber. This portion was once completely plastered, The north western side octagonal however, few traces of this plaster can be still chamber is mostly fallen above the dado level; observed. In this connection, it is worth while, however, from the intact remains one can easily to advocate here that the above stated plaster is determine its features. Such as the arched showing few signs of glazed plaster work alcove to the northwestern side has opening. (Pacca Qalai work). This kind of work is Whereas the southeastern side arched alcove is appearingfor the first timeat MakliHill. yielding an entrance to the tomb chamber. While the inner side flanks arepossessing stairs It is important to note thatthe remaining leadingto the upperstorey. The remaining three three sides i.e. the (north, south and east) are octagonal chambers are show similar treatment identical to the western side. However, the (fig. 1). It is important to mention here that the southern side is comparatively intact. In this southwestern and northeastern octagonal regard, it is significant to elaborate here thatthe chambers are fallen above the cornice level first (outer) and the second (central) vestibules while the southeastern octagonal chamber is of the eastern, southern and northern sides are slightly intact. The preserved parts show that filled up to the platform level with the stones these were provided with halfdomical ceilings, from the Makli Hill and then plastered with the which are showing stucco stalactite work. modern cement, an unfairwork done in the past Furthermore, the plastered patches at few places by the archaeological curators or concern inside the octagonal chambers are clearly authorities to whom the conservation task was indicating the use of glazed plaster work. It is assigned. sterling to make a mention here that the spandrels of the south eastern chamber at few 6. Tomb Chamber places, is exhibiting the traces of floral scrolls, The tomb chamber is octagonal in plan executed with enamelled ceramic tiles, these (Fig. 1). It is measuring 7.80 x 7.80 m. The have been wrought on the dado level. The cordinal arch alcoves are slightly larger as above stated four octagonal chambers at their Ancient Pakistan, Vol. XXII 115 ends have been provided with narrow arched 8. Dome openings measuring 2xlm. These are linking The above stated four octagonal the main tomb chamber. chambers at their four corners are crowned by the smaller sized domes. They have completely The above stated narrow arch entrances fallen only the traces of their drums survive. at their inner ends are flanked on eitherside by The central dome was placed above the the staircases. Theseare yielding similar arched octagonal drum, which is mostly fallen openings. The arch opening of staircase is however, its existing height above the floor of measuring 2mx37cm, while each step is the roof is 35cm. It is therefore, indeed difficult measuring74x26x24cm. These steps are mostly to tell something about the height and shape of damaged, however, one of the staircase on the thecentral dome. northeastern side is yielding 11 intact steps while, the staircase on the southeastern side is 9. Comparisonand Conclusion showing 14 steps. It is significant to elaborate here that the exact number of these steps in the The famous vernacular historians are light of existing evidences may be determined proclaiming their own suggestions concerning as 14. It is interesting to highlight that after the word "Satcharni" for example, "Sat", entering the octagonal chamber, one can defines seven and "Chru;ni", means ascending. ascends theroof through thesestair cases. In this connection, A.H. Dani explains it as 'seven steps' (Dani, 1982: 164). However, the The dado level of the southeastern present researchers are of the view, that each octagonal chamber possesses few traces of the comer is yielding two stair cases, which painted glazing work. It is clearly indicating obviously means that the present structure is that once the entire surface was elegantly possessing eight stairs cases instead of seven embellished with glazing work. Moreover, the steps. Furthermore, each stair case is dadolevel is showing thetraces of floralscrolls. accommodating more than eight steps. Therefore, in the light of above stated The cornice moulding is provided with discussion, it appears that perhaps initially this eight smaller size squinches. They support the building was known as "Hasht Chru;hni" (eight low domical ceiling. The existing height of the staircases). However, the locals with the southeastern octagonal chamber is 4.56m and passage of time, instead of pronouncing "Sha" theexisting height of thenortheastern octagonal properly, they replaced it with "Sa" thus, it chamber is 4.40m. The alcove ceiling of this became as "Hast", thus slowly and gradually octagonal chamber is veneered in fish scale evolved into "Sat", which apparentlycame to be pattern. This type of arrangement is providing known as "satcharni", while seems to be the stability to the structural composition. correct interpretation of thein question term. Furthermore, the above stated treatment in the half domical ceilings can be observed for the It is worthwhileto elaborate further that first time during the Tarkhan period. Later on, besides the proper nomenclature of this term the this kind of treatment became one of the other foremost pertinent issue of this fabulous striking features of the Makli Hill monuments. structureis theorigin of its stylistical approach, This may be clearly noticedin the tombs of Jani adopted in this building. It is worthwhile to Beg Tarkhan, Diwan Shurafa Khan, in the advocate here that in the lndo-Pak subcontinent, unknown Chaukbandi tomb to the south of Jani the concept of chamfered plan can be noticed Beg Tarkhan and in the tomb enclosure of Bagi for the first timein the mausoleum of Humayun Beg Uzbek. (AD. 1564). The idea of this fabulous mausoleum has been derived from the Persian traditions. However, the indigenous values have also played a vital role in the assimilation of different issues (Bunce, 2004: 114), which Ancient Pakistan, Vol. XXII 116 blended with the neigbouring traditions, thus as introduced for the first time in the mausoleum a result new trends were set up, such of Khusrau Khan Charkas alias Satcharni, interactions were eventually caused for the which may be dated to the last decade of the transformation of ideas, which immensely 16th century AD (Dani, 1982: 165). This unique influenced that at these buildings. However, as tomb complex is undoubtedly marking the far as, the stylisticalapproach of the "Satcharni" beginning of a new mode of workmanship in is concerned, it was perhaps derived from the Pakistan. It is interesting to make a mention plan of a certain Baradari, which is assigned to here that later on this unique style of the Raja Todar Mal (remained as a revenue architecture was disseminated to the other parts minister during Sher Suri's rule), is of Pakistan. It is important to elaborate further located at Fateh Pur Sikri(Nath, 1994: 413; fig. that the chamfered style was later on very 81). The ground plan of the above stated successfully adopted by the Mughal builders in Baradari is possessing similarly to the tomb of their buildings. In this sequence, an important Khusrau Khan Charkas, however, except the example of the under discussion plan can be octagonal chambers provided to the each flank noticed in the Sarai Nur Mahal, about 20km of Khusrau Khan Charkas tomb, rest of the west of Phillaur in the Jalandar district (AD ground storey plan of these two buildings is 1618-20), in this case the western gateway was showing similarity. Thus it proves that the constructed in the chamfered plan (Nath, 1994: cultural interactions were caused for the origin 200-1; fig. 37). Moreover, the layout plan of the on theunder study style of architecture at Makli Akbari sarai is also showing the in question Hill. plan (Brand, 2001: fig. 4). Thus from the above discussions it appears that this shape was It is significantto elaborate herethat the conceived from the Persian traditions, which main tomb chamber of Humayun's mausoleum was adopted by the engineers in the was erected on a chamfered platform. subcontinent, during the Akbar period, Moreover, the centralplinth added to thegarden however, it gained tremendous appreciation of this mausoleum is also indicating the duringthe J ehangir reign. chamfered comers (Nath, 1982: 257-9, Bunce, 2004: 114-21). However, the present The other striking feature of researchers suggest that the in question style architecture, which made its first entry at the can be seen for the first time in the mausoleum Makli Hill necropolis, is the cluster of domes. of Koh-i-Banan in Iran.The plan of thisIranian This style can be noticed in this tomb. Infact, tomb has been mentioned by Anthony Hutt and the domical structure at Makli Hill was Leonard Harrow and proclaimed,that this tomb introduced much earlier in the Chaukandi tomb has no comparison with theother contemporary of (AD 1388-92), a Samma ruler Islamic monuments. In this connection, this of Thatta (Lari, 1997: 112, Durrani, 2010: 169, mausoleum may be attributed either to the end Durrani, 2010: 59). However, the concept of of Ilkhanid domainor might be to the 14th_ 15th many domes to a tomb in Pakistan can be centuries AD (Hutt & Harrow, 1977: 192, pl. observed for the first time in the funerary 136). This unique tomb is consisting of four structure. In this case, the central dome has storey, in this process, the first storey is fallen however, originally it was flanked at the chamfered in plan, while, the second is four comers by smaller domes. It is interesting octagonal in shape, it is followed by the round to argue that in the Indian sub-continent, the high neck; and fmally surmounted by a idea of cluster of domes was brought by the magnificentdome. Tughlaqs from Central Asia, who under Feroze Shah Tughlaq in the different buildings such as From the above discussion, it is clear Kali Masjid (AD 1387), Kalan Masjd (AD that the under debate plan was borrowed to the 1370-71), Khirki Masjid etc. (Nath, 1978: fig. sub continent through the Persian traditions. 34, 35 & 36). Later on, this stylistical approach However, at Makli Hill, this plan has been was exquisitely manipulated by the Mughals in Ancient Pakistan, Vol. XXII 117 their buildings, likewise, this form of this mode of work, it is also provides stability to architecture was duly acknowledged by the the masonrical composition. In this connection, Tarkhan builders at Makli Hill, and later on, the it is added that this kind of work was actually otherparts of Pakistan. initiated by the Persian masons in their buildings, especially during the Taimurid's The other foremost significant work of period. In thisprocess, the significantevidences art, which has been exquisitely wrought in this of glazed plaster work can be observed in the monument, is the depiction of tile work. It is Taimurid and Safavid buildings at Herat, equally importantto advocatethat threetypes of Tybad, Tabrez, Shiraz and Sarnarqand. tile work can be seen in the tomb of Khusrau However, since the Tarkhans of Thatta in the Khan Charkas at Makli Hill, such as, (a) terra Sindh valley and theMughals of migrated cotta glazed tiles (b) terra cotta unglazed tiles fromCentral Asia, were also responsible forthe and (c) enameled ceramic tiles. The first two introduction of this device. Likewise, this mode categories at Makli Hill necropolis can be of work at Makli Hill was for the first time noticed for the first time in this mausoleum. introduced by the Tarkhans in the tomb of Whereas, some of the art historians claim that Sultan Ibrahim Kahn Tarkhan, whereas, the last category of the this type of decorative Satcharni is denoting the continuation of this work can be seen in the Dabgir mosque (AD illustrious work. Thus it appears that this fine 1588) at Thatta, (Khan, 1978: 23), while others quality plaster work later was derived through say that the beginning of this type is incorrectly the Persian and Central Asian interactions, assigned to the tomb of Sultan Ibrahim Khan which became an important type of artistic Tarkhan (Lashari, 1996: 40). However, the work and was executed quite often during the present researchers conducted an extensive Mughalperiod. survey and documentation inthe year 2008, and were able to record the first ever precedent of Besides, the above stated mode of this work at Makli Hill, which may be observed works executed in this tomb, stucco stalactite is in the R3I!kof Sher Bano AH 950/ AD1540-41. one of the other important architecturaldevices, 1n this connection, it is worth mentioning that it generally functioning as ornamental and was later employed in the mausoleum of Sultan supporting techniques of the architecture. It is Ibrahim KhanTarkhan. produced, through the multiplication of smaller size niches, in pendantive shape. Therefore, it is Thus, it appears that "Satcharni" is the also called as stalactite pendantive. The stucco example of the tile work adornment, however, stalactite has been developed from the stone this mode of work is undoubtedly denoting that stalactite technique. However, when it is done its derivation is generally caused by the in stucco, then it is called "Ghalib Kari'' or Persians and tile work traditions. These "Qalib Kan" (Qazi, 1995: 115). This mode of substantially influenced the Sindhian style of work is generally wrought in the arched tile work, which was very successfully initiated alcoves, soffits, squinches, domical ceilings and at Makli Hill necropolis. Thus later on, the tile underneath the balconies, aiming to support the work tradition at Makli Hill, reached its concern architectural components. Similarly, its perfection. In thisprocess, some of the exquisite entire treatment is executed in such a stylistical specimen of this work can be seen in the tomb manner, which creates grace in the structural of Sultan Ibrahim Khan Tarkhan (Dani, 1982: components. 172, Cousens, 1929: 116-17), Jani Beg Tarkhan (AD 1595-1600) and Diwan Shurfa Khan (AD Art historians generally agree that 1638) (Dani, 1982: 174). "Ghalib Kari" was developed in the Persian lands. It was used frequently during the Saljuq This splendid edifice is elegantly domain. Later on, the Il-Khanids provided this veneered through "Pacca Qalai'' or glazed mode of work to the domical ceilings and arch plaster work. Besides, the ornamental aspect of alcoves (Donal, 1955: 72, Qazi, 1995: 119). It is Ancient Pakistan, Vol. XXII 118 equally pertinent to elaborate that this mode of this phase of time its best specimens can be technique, as a source of decorative work, was noticed in theAmir Khan grave enclosure (AD adopted in the subcontinent through the 1627), Isa Khan Tarkhan II (AD 1628-44) and Persians and Central Asian traditions. In this in the monuments at Labore such as in the connection, it is important to note that it was MaryamZamani mosque etc. provided for the first time in the Qutb Minar at Delhi as a supporting element to its balconies In order to conclude the prevailing (Brown, 1941: 12, Nath, 1982: pl. XXV, Ali, matter of discussion it is utmost significant to 1993: 2, Sabai, 2004: 18). proclaim here that the tomb of Khusrau Khan Charkas generally known as "Satcharni" is It is indeed significant to elaborate here, clearly in picturing us that the artistic and that the earliest instance of the Mak:li Hill architectural style adopted in this building has stucco stalactite work may be noticed in the old been conceived through the Persians and mosque of Mak:li, dated to 14th century AD CentralAsians cultural interactions, which were (Lari & Lari, 1997: 56, fig. 37). Furthermore, assimilated with the indigenous values of the the tomb of Qus-as-Sultani (AD 1513), at Mak:li Mak:li Hill traditions. Thus it appears, that the Hill is also shows the stucco stalactite work. amalgamation of various cultural traditions Similarly it is seen in first evidence can be the have generally caused for the glorification of Tarkhan period, especially in the mausoleum of the in question monument. Moreover, the Sulatn Ibrahim Khan Tarkhan. Whereas its stylistical approach adopted by themasons inits good example can also be observed in the architectural composition has altogether made it unknown tomb located to the south east of a very unique and exquisite specimen of art and Sultan Ibrahim Khan Tarkhan which has been architecture in the whole of Mak:li Hill wrought in its eastern lwan. Inthis example, the necropolis. domical ceilings are profusely adorned with this technique. It is important to advocate here that the arched alcoves in the Satcharni are exquisitely enriched with stucco stalactite work. It is worth mentioning to proclaimhere that one of the finest instances in the entire Mak:li Hill cluster can be noticed in the tomb of Khusrau Khan Charkas. However, later on, this ornamental form of masonry composition became an important issue in the building art, especially under the Mughals. Similarly, during Ancient Pakistan, Vol. XXII 119

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- I .I \ I ·\ \ ,I~ . I . ' , ' ,• - . .... ,,,,,,,,. I ,, ,, __ \ , - - ' / I --- - ' ------' [t,{-- -- ... --- -�I �' -, . /.� � I \ I I � I I I I ' � � I I �\ I / --7' i I - -- .... ~ I I I - I I / ' ~ I I \. \ I \ �' ~ I if ,_ " ' - i-- /- ' ,f ' - -- . -- -'S:...... I \ J.-__/-- ..... ,-- -_,,,,., . _, I ' " V ' �- ' , I I ,;/ -.. \ I - �. I (/ -- � ( .,� I I I ~ - - , - 1 l'1,r I �JI: ~ - ·~. ,,- \'� /,,,, '.// 1• l ,, I �~ /� ,, �""/ \ . -... , \ I I \ ) ' I I I I ' I I \ I' \ I I ' \ I I \ ,, ~ " /I m'� '--..... I .)_,, r:&..�I ~ r- r · � �.. t, � I � .& ' "I , ' ~ \ � .... /., I l ' --1, "',/ ...... / - - - " - : -- I ..... - ,,, "... '--� ' �---'---.... --- t - - , __ -- \ I \ \. \ - I· ,f� ' , - I \ \ --,�"') \ J I' I . ' I I ' ,, .,,,,- I I I --- I I I • ' I ' � \ I � \ � I, ' '.I ' ' '' /. � ,, ,.. ,." -- ...... _____ - 'l � ,.--. � I ---- . ,,--- - I . ' I I \ . , ' ~ I .I . ,,--...... ,... , �-- I I I ' I '"' I ' " \ ' "I I ~ Figure1. GmalldplaDofkl:hami atMakliHill(Dalli;1982;pl 6) Ancient Pakistan, Vol. XXII 122

Plate 1. MakliHill, Satcharni,western Side View.

30 3 2008

Plate 2. MakliHill, Satcharni,View of the southwesternoctagonal chamber. Ancient Pakistan, Vol. XXII 123

Plate 3. Makli Hill, Satcharni,view of the squinch.