Faiza Tehseen

Proper conservation and promotion of Umerkot Fort is vital to tap its archaeological tourism potential.

Syed Fayaz Ali Shah, Managing Director of Sindh Tourism Development Corporation (STDC), said, “Surrounded by the Thar desert, and blended with the unique Mughal and indigenous architectural styles, the fort carries immense historical importance. Despite the passage of centuries, the fort’s architecture remains largely intact, with robust bastions, high walls, and a central structure. An ancient mosque also exists that is still used by the local people.”

Talking to WealthPK, Shah said that visitors to the fort can also enjoy the ecotourism. “The fort’s location near the Thar Desert offers visitors the chance to experience nature, desert safaris, camel rides, and visits to nearby places with historic value and a traditional lifestyle.” He said, “Availability of facilities like construction of proper infrastructure, seamless communication, areas with improved hospitality, and access to health and other municipal services is crucial to make Umerkot Fort a bustling tourist hotspot.” 

“The tourism potential of Umerkot Fort must be exploited for creating jobs and boosting business opportunities. Awareness among local communities is also a must to make them understand the importance of conserving this historic asset, value of its safe keeping and its importance for their economic well-being. Acting as guides and storytellers to the visitors, local people can also make a sustainable living,” said Shah.

Highlighting the history of Umerkot Fort, Muhammad Iqbal Khan Manj, Deputy Director Archaeology, Punjab (North), told WealthPK that the fort is located in Umerkot City (formerly known as Amarkot). He said that the fort was founded by Umer, the first king of the Soomro dynasty, which reigned around 1050-1350 AD. “Later, Rajput ruler Perma Sodha occupied the fort in the early 13th century and was held by his successors for centuries.

Kalhora dynasty (1701-1783) AD took over the place, but one of the rulers from this dynasty sold it to the ruler of Jodhpur in 1779. In 1813, Talpurs were in power and they got the fort’s possession till the British occupied the subcontinent.” Manj said, “Umerkot Fort is a roughly rectangular construction. The narrow-looking exterior and interior walls are well-supported with semi-circular bastions on all four corners. An arched gateway on the eastern side is also flanked by semi-circular bastions.”

He said that the fortification wall facades of Umerkot Fort were originally lined with burnt brick tiles laid with mud mortar. “The fortification core was filled with mud. The fortification wall was 15 meters high with six meters width in its original form. To make its defence impenetrable, a watchtower was constructed in the middle of the fort.” He said, “Currently, a comfortable staircase is still available to climb the watchtower, which overlooks the entire Umerkot city, which also has a lot of other sites having historical significance.”

“The nearby sites include historic Hindu temples of Shiva, Kali Mata, and Krishna; Momal Ji Mari or the palace of a Hindu girl named ‘Moomal,’ and Mughal emperor Akbar’s birthplace, located about a kilometre from the fort. All these sites make Umerkot a bonanza for tourists. A museum is also located in the fort,” Manj explained. He urged policymakers to focus on the conservation of the fort and turn it into a tourist hotspot.

Credit: INP-WealthPk