Despite being a potential spot representing the evolution and elimination of different eras, Makli necropolis is not well-known. Its promotion globally will fetch a fortune for the natives and state wallets of Pakistan, Managing Director Sindh Tourism Development Corporation (STDC) Syed Fayaz Ali Shah said. He said, “Makli Necropolis is a mesmerizing place sitting on a treasure of craftsmanship in its funerary monuments. It was designated as a world heritage in 1981 by UNESCO. Makli is located on a plateau, about six kilometres from the ancient city of Thatta, once the capital of Lower Sindh until the 17th century. 

Thatta, itself was the pivot of civilization and culture and even today, its ancient constructions are worth seeing. From a common person to saints, esteemed scholars, and royalty belonging to different religions and cultures are buried here in brick or stone monuments. Like Thatta, a lot of other full of historic signs are also a strong reason to visit this place”.By promoting the said places, new windows of opportunity will open for the locals. He said trained tourist guides knowing different dynasties could also play a vital role in making it a well-visited area, added Fayaz Ali.Discussing the archaeological details of Makli Necropolis, Deputy Director Archaeology (North), Punjab Muhammad Iqbal Khan Manj said, “Spanning over an area of about 10 square kilometers, Makli necropolis is one of the largest funerary sites, globally and the largest in Asia. 

It houses at least one million tombs and was the properly designed cemetery of the ancients. In 1981, it was designated as a world heritage by UNESCO. In Makli, the funerary architecture is influenced by different cultures including Persian, Muslim, Hindu, and Gujarati. Tombs here were built during the era of Sindh Civilization between the 14th and 18th centuries B.C. The prominent dynasties that ruled this region were, Samma (14th century AD), Tarkhan (15th century AD); Arghun, and Mughals (1570 to 1640)”.  

He said the royal mausoleums in Makli were divided into two major clusters Samma, Tarkhan, Arghun; and Mughals clusters. The tombs of Samma dynasty are located together, while the others are away from them. Generally, the largest tombs are located at the southern edge. However, covering an area of approximately 5 miles, the tombs of Samma dynasty (also called the Samma cluster) are located north of Makli. Their tombs are strongly influenced by Gujarati styles and Muslim and Bindu decorative elements.Talking to WealthPK, Muhammad Iqbal said, “The earliest tombs were like small pyramids formed by stacking the sandstone slabs one above another. 

The evolving funerary architecture then incorporated small plinths. Larger monuments dating from later periods included corridors and some designs inspired by cosmology. Some tombs are featured with lotus flowers, a feature commonly associated with Hinduism”.He said in the Tarkhan dynasty, minarets, topped with floral motifs were popular. Decorated rosettes, circular patterns, Arabic calligraphy, and biological information of the entombed ones also emerged then. The architecturally significant tombs are of the Mughal Era consisting of typical Indo-Islamic architectural culture having pavilions and canopies. Some features – Jahroka, balconies, frieze, carvings of warriors, weaponry, animals, floral and geometric medallions – were common to the Muslim funerary monuments. 

Later tombs at the site are sometimes made entirely of brick, with only a sandstone slab.Iqbal said, “The Leilo Shiekh part of Makli, housing the 17th-century funerary crafts, was at its peak featuring long tombs resembling the Jane temples from afar with prominent influence from the nearby Gujrat region. The site integrity has been affected by siltation, encroachment, poor site management, vandalism, and solid waste. By keeping the place well-ordered and proper, it can be turned into an exemplary archaeological site worthy to visit”.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)