Ancient , Vol. XXIII 153

The Nomenclature of Chaukhandi Tombs at Makli Hill, , (): An Analytical Study

Muhammad Naeem Qazi, Mukhtar Ali Durrani and Zakirullah Jan

Aims of the Present Research Work view, the Burfati and tribes migrated from Baluchistan and settled along the The aims and objectives of the present coastal area and eventually entered research are to investigate the term into the Sindh valley. They brought with “Chaukhandi” in order to know the proper themselves, their own mode of funerary routes of its nomenclature. Moreover, an architecture, which they constructed here in attempt shall be made to evaluate the the memory of their heroes or chieftains. previous research work in order to Thus, with the passage of time, this understand the core of the problem. Besides, enigmatic stance of architecture, attained the epigraphical evidences reported by the fame among the mass and eventually became researchers, is one of the other significant the pertinent mode of burial in the whole of sources through which we can solve the Sindh valley (Brohi, 1983, 27-29). prevailing matter of concern. Keeping in view the enigmatic stance of the Since its discovery, it is generally referred to Chaukhandi tombs, Salome Zajadacz- as the most curious style of architecture, Hastenrath claims that these fabulous especially in terms of its layout and structures are peculiar in style and has no adornment in the entire contemporary parallel example in the contemporary Islamic Islamic world. The legendary sources world (Hastenrath, 2003, XXIII). In this documented by the historians, are stressing connection, Sheikh Khurshid Hasan also upon its association with the Baluchis proclaims similar view (Hasan, 1976, 29). traditions. In this process, some of the While Hastenrath on the basis of rational scholars have attributed them to the Shami justifications advocates that very little tombs, while others assigned these tombs to Chaukhandi tombs have been reported from the Rumi burials. The scholars are Baluchistan area, therefore, to assign these advocating that since the Shamis came with funerary burials to the Baluchis, seems to be the Arab army and settled here in incorrect, because these have been reported Baluchistan, were responsible for the in plentiful in the Sindh valley (Hastenrath, introduction of this unique style. While 2003, 8). others have suggested that perhaps, due to the up heave of the Seljuqs, the Rumis (from The other folkloristic concept of its inception Central Asia) migrated to Baluchistan and is linked with Jhokiya tribe. In this regard, subsequently inhabited the region. These Bashir Ahmad Jhokio proclaims, that this interactions actually caused for the origin of funerary style of architecture was derived the at issue funerary structures in the Sindh from Jhokhandi (Brohi, 1983, 123; Jhokio, valley. Thus, this new phenomena 1991). Whereas, yet another opinion assimilated with the local values, as a result concerning with this kind of burials denotes, the in question stance of architecture came in that it was evolved either in the lands of to being (Hasan, 1996, 63; Baluch, 2004, Ahmadabad, , Kathiawar or Kutch 163). Whereas, according to yet another regions (Cousens, 1929, 164-65; Brohi, Ancient Pakistan, Vol. XXIII 154

1983, 123; Lashari, 1992, 38) and then time, the term Jokundee tombs of Jokeea disseminated to the neighbouring regions. tribe. Furthermore, Lashari in his Similarly, since the area of our study is contribution quotes James Dickie, who linked through Kutch with the above suggested its origin from Jokhandi, which mentioned vicinities, therefore, as a matter of was founded by the Jokhia tribe (James, fact, this peculiar gesture revealed there and 1978, 45; Lashari, 1992, 14). In this regard, later on, conceived in more innovative stance it is worthwhile, to elaborate further that in the area of our study. In this connection, it James Dickie in his work is absolutely salient is utmost sterling to advocate, that since the or he never spoke about the at issue term, as Rājputs migrated from Kutch mentioned by Lashari in his works. towards Thatta, during the 14th century AD However, there are such mythical traditions, were actually responsible for the introduction which are supposing, that these burials were of their vernacular style of architecture in the initiated by the Jokhio tribe, since then these area of our study. While the geneses of this are known as Jokhandi tombs. Similarly, Ali style of architecture can be observed in the Ahmad Brohi is referring that Frere writes it form of Hindu temples, such as, pavilion “Jaokhundi” and attributing it to Jokhias”. shaped mandapa and garbagṛiha, which He further mentions that adjacent to were frequently constructed since 6th, 7th Chashma link canal a village with the name centuries AD and very successfully of Chaukhandi exists. It may be assumed that continued till 13th-14th centuries AD. These the Jokhias have inhabited such structures in features eventually styled into the this area, which eventually became known as Chaukahndi tombs. In this connection it is Chaukhandi tombs (Brohi, 1983, 123-124). said, that when the Sammas embraced However, in the presence of epigraphical and thus, with in the portfolio of socio-religious literary record, it can undoubtedly be proved interactions, this style was being introduced that for such tombs the name Chaukhandi at Makli Hill, this can proved in the case of can be clearly noticed. This issue needs Jam Tamachi Chaukhandi constructed by the serious debate, which will be discussed at Samma ruler for himself, became fashion in length in the forth coming pages. succeeding centuries. In 1917, Baskervile visited the Chaukhandi Now a question arises, who for the first time village and applied for the first time the mentioned the word Chaukhandi for these name of the village, for the burials, such as burials? What does it define? Do we have Chaukhandi tombs. Thus, the story of such sources to prove the proper etymology? In fabulous tomb architecture gained popularity order to solve all the prevailing concerns, among the galaxy of scholars, who with the therefore, the different views of the scholars passage of time gave valuable attention to shall be analytically studied. In this process, solve the nomenclature of the term and the before proceeding further, to know about the origin of the Chaukhandi tombs. nomenclature of the Chaukhandi tombs at length, the present researchers shall be A question arises here, whether this term is analysing the work of the previous being derived from the name of the village or researchers, in quest of reaching the from the style of architecture? Which conclusion of the prevailing matter. eventually caused for the nomenclature of the word Chaukhandi. The other striking To begin with the proven fact, Macleod was feature, which has also been quarried by the the first person, who in his letter to Bartle scholars to some extent, is the origin of the Frere in 1851 has mentioned for the first Chaukhandi tomb architecture. In this Ancient Pakistan, Vol. XXIII 155

concern, Henry Cousens in 1925, carried out an important documentation and devoted a In 1983, Ali Ahmad Brohi made an chapter in his work entitled “The Antiquities important attempt to organize the concern of Sindh with Historical outline” in 1929. issues in his work, entitled, “History on tomb His work is confined to the history of Daybul stones Sindh and Baluchistan”. Besides, Thathah, nevertheless, he discussed few other issues he also focused on the Chaukhandi tombs at Makli Hill. However, nomenclature of the at issue term, however, later on, his work has been taken up as a road it is defined in limited manner. Furthermore, map by the succeeding scholars, in order to the above stated researcher is lacking in cope with the prevailing contention. giving examples to compare the Makli Hill Chaukhandis with other similar tombs. In In this process, in 1952 Shams-ud Din this connection, it is important to emphases, Ahmad wrote a brochure entitled “A Guide that except the hypothetic version of to Thatta and Makli Hill” is yielding a brief knowledge and few late period examples, we account of the Chaukhandi tombs. are absolutely unable to find the exact routes of its origin in his works. Another summarised version of information concerning with the Makli Hill monuments Sheikh Khurshid Hasan published several at Thatta, compiled in 1963 by Muhammad articles concerning to the various issues of Idris Siddiqi entitled, “Thatta” is telling us the Chaukhandi tombs at Makli Hill. Such as, about the surface information regarding the in 1975 he discussed the figural Chaukhandi tombs at Makli Hill. representations on the Chaukhandi tombs, in 1976, he contributed an article, focusing on Ghafur in 1968 contributed a monograph the origin of the Chaukhandi tombs. entitled “The Calligraphers of Thatta”. From Similarly in 1981 and 1984, he elaborated the title of the book it is quite clear that he the stone carvings executed at Makli Hill, concentrated on the calligraphic issues of whereas, in 1996 he published a book Thatta and Makli Hill. However, a scanty entitled “Chaukhandi tombs in Pakistan”. In attempt has been made by the said author the first chapter of this book he discussed the (Ghafur, 1968, 55-73). He discussed few discovery of Chaukhandi tombs (Hasan, writing styles and calligraphers; however, 1996, 1-3). The nomenclature of Chaukhandi more emphasis is given to the historical tomb is summarised in chapter III (Hasan, perspective of Thatta and figural 1996, 19-23), while he talked about the representation in the Makli Hill monuments origin of the Chaukhandi tombs in chapter (Ghafur, 1968, 1-55). IV (Hasan, 1996, 24-36) and gave a brief account of the Chaukhandi tomb architecture In the year 1982, Ahmad Hasan Dani in chapter VI (Hasan, 1996, 44-54). This contributed a book, entitled “Thatta: Islamic book is yielding 21 chapters, however, Architecture”, besides the , keeping in view the title of his book, he grave enclosures, and graves with platforms, emphasised more on the other issues, as he also discussed the Chaukhandi tombs, compare to the scope of his work which is which he termed “pavilion type tombs”. He given in summarised form as mentioned divided such structures into two periods that above. In the light of above stated is Samma (Dani, 1982: 33-43) and Tarkhans discussions, it may be advocated, that more tomb pavilions (Dani, 1982, 123-149), emphasis should be given to the however, few of them have been constructed nomenclature of the term Chaukhandi and its during the Mughal regime. Ancient Pakistan, Vol. XXIII 156

architectural glory, in order to know about The work conducted by Hastenrath entitled, the proper genesis of its origin. “Chaukhandi Tombs Funerary Art in Sindh and Baluchistan (2003), though an extensive It is pertinent to elaborate that Kaleem research work, yet the scope of work is Lashari has contributed few articles confined, because more details are given concerning with the structural development about the single and double casket graves of the stone-carved graves in Kohistan. (Hastenrath, 2003, 1-113). However, in However, in one of his comprehensive article terms of the title of her work, “the “Evolution of stone graves in Kohistan and Chaukhandi tombs” are given lesser Coastal areas in Sindh, Baluchistan”, he was importance (Hastenrath, 2003, 113-133). able to work out for the first time, the Besides, she also discussed the different detailed analysis of the Chaukhandi components of the graves and their nomenclature. Moreover, he also discussed comparative analysis at length, however, at length, the origin of Chaukhandi tombs at very little can be found regarding the Makli Hill (Lashari, 1992, 1-30). In 1995 Chaukhandi tombs (Hastenrath, 2003, 149- Kaleem Lashari wrote another article 165). “Structural development of stone curved graves in Kohistan” is based on the Keeping in view the above cited attempts of classification of the cenotaphs and their the different scholars, therefore, their views layout. He mentioned few Chaukhandis of shall be carefully analyzed in order to late period at Pir Lakho graveyard, which is investigate the various controversies. of significant importance, (Lashari, 1995, pl. AK). However, except scanty details and a Nomenclature of Chaukhandi photograph nothing else can be determined in the context of the Chaukhandi tombs It is utmost important to advocate, that the beginning. local historians have mentioned different terminologies for various regions, regarding In 1997, Sohail Lari and Yasmeen Lari wrote the under discussion funerary structure. a book on the Samma architecture of Makli These are varying, such as; in the Qalat area Hill. Since it is confined to the Samma the term Rumi or Shami is being applied. period, therefore only Samma period Whereas, at Lasbela such structures are Chaukhandis have been discussed. The good named with “Mais”, while, in the vicinity of feature of their work is the detailed Makran, these are called “Gombads”. photographs and the comprehensive Moreover, Aurel Stein during his survey in drawings showing the plans, elevations and the Gwadar area in Baluchistan, region sectional elevations (Lari, 1997, 1-246). recorded the term “Gumbaz” for such funerary structures (Stein, 1991, 73). In 1998, Ihsan H. Nadiem wrote a Whereas, Badayuni in his works, mentioned monograph entitled “Makli the Necropolis at the term “Ghurfa” for the pillared pavilions Thatta”, based on information provided to (Badayuni, 1898; 1924, 503). tourists. He collected the basic informations, regarding the Makli Hill necropolis and It interesting to make a mention of different discussed few Chaukhandi tombs, which he names, employed in the Sidnh Valley, such termed, pavilion tombs of the Samma and as: “Gharaviyun”, defines the carved ones. Tarkhan periods (Nadiem, 2000, 1-129). Moreover, the Chattrior pavilion shaped structure is commonly called as “Chawkhandis” (Brohi, 1983, 123). Ancient Pakistan, Vol. XXIII 157

However, the natives of the Sindh valley Muhammad Abdul Ghafur in 1968 also have generally referred the term attributed the same opinion; concerning the “Chaukhandi”, instead of ‘Chawkandhi” or “Chaukhandi tombs” he suggested that it “Chaukundi”. Sometimes, the folkloristic derives from the name of the site (Ghafur, versions are denoting its etymology from 1968, 24). Furthermore, Sheikh Khurshid “Chhatyun” or “Jatan-Joon-Chhatyun” and Hasan in 1976 and two decades later, in his sometime, “Pilijan-Joon-Chhatyun”. These contributions, proclaims that Chaukhandi is soundings may be assumed, to have been the name of the place (Hasan, 1976, 98-107; derived from “Chhatri”, the umbrella like or 1996, 18). pavilion shape or in canopy style. In this connection, we can proclaim, that these may Likewise, Mirza Kazim Raza Beg denies its be assumed to be the other names of the relation with the mode or pattern of the grave Chaukhandi tombs in the Sindh valley. (Beg, 1990) and suggested that it owes from the name of the place. Keeping in view the In this process, we must investigate to know above cited recommendations of the scholars that who and when for the first time talked who related it to the name of a place, about this specific term for these funerary somehow, bears difference of opinions structures? It is utmost pertinent to claim because the other considered that this very that, Macleod, was the first person who term has been taken from the structural spoke about the term “Jokundee tombs” of composition (Hasan, 1968, 26), therefore, Jokeeas tribe. He later on communicated these may be called as the Chaunkhandi these informations to Bartle Frere in 1851. tombs. He published these tombs in 1857 (Frere, 1857, 355). However, H.D. Baskerville in Likewise, the application of the term 1917, visited the Chaukhandi village, and Chaukhandi for the place such as, observed canopy tombs, which he discussed Chaukhandi village, the locals also used this at length and published these for the first name for the Mangho Pir’s canopies (Hasan, time. He used the term Chaukhandi tomb for 1996, 19-23). Similarly, the graveyard at these funerary pavilions (Baskerville, 1920, Khudabad Salis near Hala, the pillared 79). Later on, Benerji has also been to the pavilions are still called by the natives, as Chaukhandi village and proclaims that the “Chaukhandis”. Yet another such graveyard pavilions located there, are also known with with the name of Chaukhandi is situated the same name of the village, such as, between Amri and Sann (Lashari 1992, 18). Chaukhandi tombs (Hasan, 1976, 98-107; 1996, 19). Whereas, in 1925, Henry Cousens Ahmad Hassan Dani in his arguments advocated similar verdict, regarding the advocates that a platform having four corners portfolio of its etymology, somehow, in a with graves, is called “Chaukhandi”. In this broader sense using the term “Chaukhandi”, connection, he refers few examples at Makli for all the stone graves, located between Hill (Dani, 1982, 152). However, Dani seems Hyderabad and (Cousens, 1975, to be incorrect in his interpretation regarding 165; Hastenrath, 1978, 1-30). Zafar Hasan in the proper etymology of the in question his works conducted in 1959, focuses on the word. Because, the epigraphical record is same approach, as advocated by the above alluding to the very fact, that the term mentioned scholars. In this process, he is ‘Chaukhandi” has been applied for the stressing, that the village by itself has owed pavilion shaped tombs rather than the graves its name from the Chaukhandi tombs lying on the square platform. there (Hasan, 1959, 36-62). Moreover, Ancient Pakistan, Vol. XXIII 158

It is sterling to add further that N.A. Baluch, 1996, 20). In this connection, he finds few in the light of above stated justification, has a examples in a graveyard, close to the Mal different approach of opinion. He announces Muhari. Here some graves are encircled by “Chaukhandi” is a square or rectangular compound wall, about five feet high. The open complex (Baluch, 1991, 244-5). In his gateway on the southern side bears the recent works, he mentions that the term inscription, which comprehend “Raṇk of “Chaukhandi”, literally means a four walled Kalo Radin and Hamal Radho Kalo”. There enclosure open from above. He further is another example in the graveyard of Raj mentions that in the cultural tradition of Malik, where inscription on the screen Sindh, a ‘four-walled enclosure’ is called interprets; Raṇk of Radha bin Malir. Here an “Chaukhandi”, which is constructed around elevated podium consists of stone carved the graves of a venerated person. He further graves, provided with a low screen on all explains, “Chaukhandi” as such, is not a four sides (Lashari, 1992, 15, 28). Thus, it grave or tomb in itself, but the four-walled appears in the light of Kaleem Lashari and enclosure having no roof is called, Sheikh Khurshid Hasan’s evidences, the “Chaukhandi” (Baluch, 2004, 193-4). definition of N.A. Baluch seem far from the fact. Thus, “Raṇk” means a grave platform In the historical records, we have plenty of with enclosure wall, whereas, the references for the word Chaukhandi. In this Chaukhandi means a Chattri like or pavilion process, Kaleem Lashari quotes Nizam-ud- shaped structure. It can be proved in the view Din Mirza’s “Tabqat-i-Akbari” taking an of Ernest Binfield Havel, who proclaims that account of a fortress at Surat. He mentions Chakhandi is a funerary structure in pavilion that “Chaukhandi” is a canopy built above shape (Havel, 1927, 64). Whereas, James the towers of the fortresses (Lashari, 1992, Fergusson advocates that Chaukhandi is an 16). Indo-Islamic burial. Moreover, he suggests that its style is taken from the Hindu Abdul Hameed Lahori speaks about the red Temples (Fergusson, 1910, 164-169). sandstone octagonal “Chaukhandi” over the towers of Shalamar Garden at Lahore However, Lashari and Sheikh Khurshid (Lahori, 1866-68). However, we find that claim that the mode of construction actually this word has been also applied for a burial caused for the origin of its name. In this complex. In this connection, it is worthwhile, regard, Lashari recorded for the first time the to make a mention, that in “Waqiat-e-Darul word “Chaukhandi” for the burial structures, Hakumat Delhi”, the writer refers to the which is inscribed on the tomb of Jam Murid Chaukhandi of Wali Hassai, which is located bin Haji and that of Malik Murid Khan at to the east of Chausath Khambay (Ahmad, Got Raj Malik. In this regard, Lashari 1919 & 1990, 577-8, 673-5). interprets as:

It is interesting to note here that Kaleem “The word “Chaukhandi” is inscribed on the Lashari has conducted a serious research, grave of Jam Murid is a compound word, concerning the prevailing issue. He which is connected with Sahib. So it is to be concluded that the local people inhabiting in read as such and not alone, i.e., Sahib-e- the Sindh valley, have never shown any Chaukhandi (Lashari, 1992, 17; Hasan, 1996: doubt regarding these sorts of structures. 20). The inscription leaves no doubt to this They call the four-walled enclosure having fact, that there is sufficient space in between no roof as, “Raṇk”, which is constructed Haji and Sahib, placing them apart and the around the graves (Lashari, 1992, 15; Hasan, word “Chaukhandi” is nearer to Sahib. Thus, Ancient Pakistan, Vol. XXIII 159

Sahib is to be read with Chaukhandi and not seems far from the fact, because, the proper with Haji. It makes the meaning clear, that etymology of the word under discussion may Jam Murid is the owner of the Chaukhandi or be found in the Sanskrit version. In this the Chaukhandi is erected over his grave” regard, Nath is quoting from H. Raj’s works, (Lashari, 1992, 17-18; Hasan, 1996, 20). which refers its nomenclature from a Sanskrit word, “Caturkhanda”, which means, In this process, Lashari further refers, to the four corners or sides or pillars. Whereas, in graveyard of “Thado”, where the grave of Hindi it defines, “Chowkhandi”, which Malik Tuta, though in ruined state yet, it is modifies into “Chaukhandi”, meaning a four known as the Chaukhandi of Tuta (Lashari, sided pavilion or a Chattri like structure 1992, 18). Moreover, in the remains of (Nath, 1986, 29). In this process, Anand Raj Khudabad Salis near Hala, the locals named in his Hindi dictionary explains, that “Chau” such kind of canopies above the graves of stands for “four” and “Khand” as “Part” or martyrs, as Chaukhandis. Lashari has far sides (Lashari, 1992, 16). Mumtaz Hasan enough evidences concerning the term defines the term Chaukhandi in the context Chaukhandi tombs. In this regard, he of textual sources. He suggests that it is a mentions the ruins of Chaukhandi graveyard. compound word of two Sindhian terms It is located between Amri and Sann, which “Chau” denotes four, whereas, “Khund” is visibly denoting that these Chaukhandis stands for corners or pillars (Hasan, 1968, eventually caused for the origin of the name. 20). Thus, literally it would explain a The inscription reported in the above stated structure in umbrella or Chatri shape or a graveyard reads as, “the Chaukhandi over the dome supported by the pillars. Thus, in grave of Jam Chhatta dated to 1110 AH” generalised version of definition, it would (Lashari, 1992, 18-19). Another inscription indicate the umbrella like structure. with similar meaning, can be seen on a Moreover, Nath in search of its proper grave, in the graveyard of Raj Malik, here it etymology considers the word Chaukhandi is reads: “this Chaukhandi is erected over a compound of two Sanskrit terms, “Chau” Malik Murid Khan Kalmati by his son Malik means four and “Khanda” defines a storey or Baber” (Lashari, 1992, 30-45). The above a structure, a side or corner. Thus, stated evidences are clearly alluding to the Chaukhanda literally means, a four sided or very fact, that the term Chaukhandi without four corner structure. Furthermore, Nath any doubt may be applied for the Chattri or differentiated Chaukhandi from a Chattri, he pavilion shaped structure. These epigraphical says, “a Chaukhandi has a pyramidal evidences, concerning the at issue term, capping, whereas, a Chattri is bearing a leaves no doubt in the proper identification domical stance” (Nath, 1993, 339-59). of these buildings on one hand, while on the However, the later definition of Nath other hand the application of the word differentiating the Chaukhandi from Chattri signifies to the structural composition. seems to be incorrect because those pavilions inscribed with the title “Chaukhandi” In order to solve the prevailing matter of actually means a Chattri like structure, which concerns, Bashir Ahmad Jokhio suggests, apparently denotes, to the similar form of that this has been derived from a Sindhi structure, such as, pavilion or canopy shaped word, which means a four cornered ‘grave’. tombs. He further defines “Khand”, means empty place (Jokhio, 1991). Thus, it appears that a Moreover, H. Raj considers that Chattri is four cornered place, which is empty inside, is taken from a Sanskrit word, “Chattra”, which called “Chaukhandi”. This interpretation also defines umbrella or a pillared pavilion. Ancient Pakistan, Vol. XXIII 160

Whereas, Williams in his Sanskrit dictionary, forwarded, in order to workout the proper suggests that Chattri signifies “Chattri Śala” etymology of the word under discussion. “a Chattri like structure”, (Nath, 1986, 29; Similarly, Jairazbhoy refers that the term Williams, 1963, 404, col. I-II). Thus, literally “Kiosk”, is taken from a Persio-Turkic word it denotes that “Chattri Śala” or “Kushik” which defines, a pavilion shaped “Chaukhandi” defining the same meaning, structure. He further suggests it may be that a domical structure being supported by observed in round shape or in octagonal plan means of pillars, might be four or could be or even square in gesture (Jairazbhoy, 1972, many in number, may also be called 296). “Chaukhandi”. It is interesting to proclaim further that Qani Besides, some of the scholars are also using in “Makli Nama” mentions, the Chattri of the word “canopy” for the Chaukhandi Budi-uz-Zaman, which is octagonal in plan tombs. In this regard, Nath considers that in and resting on eight pillars, whereas, the Sanskrit, it stands for “Vitana” or Sayban, square one of Qazi Ahmad rests on twelve whereas, in Latin it reads as “canopeum”. pillars is called Chaukhandi. It appears that While in Greek, it signifies Konops that the four cornered one is called Chaukhandi developed into Konopion (Nath, 1986, 18), (Qani, 1994, 488). Thus, in the light of above which eventually evolved into canopy. It is stated definitions, it becomes quite clear that indeed pertinent to discuss further, that some the Chattri or canopy even pavilion shaped of the linguists have recorded it, a pavilion structures are called as “Chaukhandi”, shape structure. In this process, in Sanskrit whether in square or in octagonal plan. version it means, “Mandwa”, a pillared structure. In this connection, Nath claims its In this regard, Sheikh Khurshid Hasan derivation from a Latin word “Papilo”, advocates that Chaukhandi tombs are not suggesting a Chattri like or a structure in confined to the square shape, because these Chaukhandi shape (Nath, 1986, 90). In the are generally resting on more than four above cited etymological portfolio, it can be pillars (Hasan, 1996, 9). In this connection, safely suggested that the different names the present researcher is of the view, that in recorded by the scholars represent the exact the case of Makli Hill, besides, the square routes of nomenclature, which undoubtedly shape Chaukhandi, these were also erected in referring to the under concern style. hexagonal and octagonal plans.

According to Persian dictionaries, in context Furthermore, Ferishta in his monumental of Chaukhandi style, it is a structure with work “Tarikh-e-Ferishta”, Afif in “Tarikh-e- open doorways all around (Dehkhuda, 1340, Feroz Shahi” and Ali Sher Qani Thattavi in 387). Now if we compare the Persian “Makli Namo”, have defined “Chaukhandi”, definitions in the case of “Chatta” or as a canopy erected with the support of “Chattri”, we shall be able to find a pillars (Ferishta, 1966, 147; Qani, 1994, 193- comparable stance in its architectural 194; Lashari, 1992, 16). composition, holding similarity with the terms of our concern. In more authentic Ali Ahmad Brohi interprets that it does not manner, Badayuni in his contribution mean simply ‘four’ but ‘from four’, it suggests that the Persian word “Ghurfa” signifes ‘open on all four sides’ (Brohi, stands for a pillared pavilion (Badayuni, 1983, 7-13). In this sequence, Hastenrath in 1924, 503). It is important to add further that her works explains that the term Chaukhandi yet another valuable opinion has been is used for a domed roof, or a kind of Ancient Pakistan, Vol. XXIII 161

‘chhatri’, which is supported by four to eight building, which represents a domical pillars, while the sides are left open structure and resting on pillars. It is (Hastenrath, 2003, 113). significant to add further that with passage of time the pavilion shaped mandapa, It is worthwhile to advocate that Muhammad antharalas and garbagṛihas of the Hindu Idris Siddiqi claims its etymology from the temples were styled into the Islamic tomb canopy or pavilion tombs, owing its pavilions initiated at Hansi in AD 1278-80 derivation from the Chattri shaped Hindu and Gulberga in AD 1280-81. These were temples (Siddiqi, 1963, 14). In this later on very successfully erected in connection the under discussion funerary Ahmadabad, Gujarat, which eventually structure has been also mentioned by A.H. influenced Delhi, in this case the Hauz-e- Dani and describes that such type of pavilion Khas complex AD 1360. However, it’s more tombs are generally resting on pillars and developed and mature phase may be crowned by a dome (Dani, 1982, 34-43, 123- undoubtedly observed at Makli Hill. In this 149). While Ihsan-ul Haq Nadiem named process, the “Chaukhandi” tomb of Jam such funerary structures with tomb pavilions Tamachi AD 1388-92 at Makli Hill is the or canopy tombs (Nadiem, 1998, 34-36; beginning of this style, which becomes more 2002, 91, col. II). Whereas, Sohail Z. Lari mature during the Tarkhan domain. This and Yasmeen Lari termed such tomb fashion later on, continued during the structures with Chattri tombs or canopy Mughal rule over Thatta. During this phase tombs, which are crowned by a dome of time the Chaukhandi tombs of Murad supported with pillars (Lari, 1997, 92, col. I- Nizam ud Din AD 1639 and that of Mirza II). Tughral Beg AD 1657 are the good examples of Makli Hill. Similarly, Lashari is quoting Syed Hakim Ali Shah Bukhari, who suggests that Chaukhandi Thus, in the light of above stated literary and is a grave having four corners. These graves epigraphical sources, this enigmatic form of are being sheltered by the canopy, which is funeral architecture may be undoubtedly supported by pillars (Lashari, 1992, 17-45). termed as “Chaukhundi tombs”, rather than Sheikh Khurshid notifies the combination of any other term, however, the local spells it “Kund” and rejects the word “Khund”. Thus ‘Chaukhandi’, is showing Chaukhandi tombs relating the term with the architecture stands and seems to be very common among the for “umbrella shaped canopy”. However, the locals as well as research scholars therefore, locals spell it “Chaukhandi” instead of this common word “Chaukhundi tombs” “Chaukundi” (Hasan, 1996, 19-23), which would means to say, a canopy or pavilion or seems to be exact spelling and pronunciation Chattri like tombs. Keeping in view, all the of the word under discussion and should be above stated possibilities, therefore, the undoubtedly followed for the in question present researchers will also use the same funerary structures. term “Chaukhundi tombs” not only for the Makli Hill necropolis, but also for the other It is utmost significant to advocate further regions, which have been constructed in the that the etymological value of the at issue above stated style. term is clearly in picturing, that the various names recorded in different languages such as, in Sanskrit, Hindi and in Persian Persio- Turkic traditions or even in the Sindhian sources, one way or the other signifying to a Ancient Pakistan, Vol. XXIII 162

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