Hyderabad is a renowned city in Pakistan located in the province of Sindh. It is the second-largest city in Sindh and the fourth largest city in Pakistan.
The city is embellished with rich history and intricate architectural historic places as it is an old city founded back in 1768 by Mian Ghulam Shah Kalhoro of the Kalhora dynasty.
Hyderabad was also a provincial capital of Sindh till it was transferred to the Bombay presidency under the British era in 1847.
Hyderabad’s literal meaning is “Lion City” which is derived from the name given to the 4th caliph of Islam, Hazrat Ali. He was also known as Hyder.
Hyderabad remained the capital of the Kalhora dynasty and even later. Sindh remain united under their rule. This city attracted traders and artisans from interior Sindh and other countries as well which made it a culturally flourished city. The city was known for its Sindhi handcraft which was later on exported to far-fetched areas such as Kashmir, China, Varanasi, and Japan.
Hyderabad has a long association with Sufism. The Syeds and Sufis migrated to this city, making it a sacred land for Muslims. Shrines of a lot of Sufi saints are located here in close proximity to the city such as Lal Shahbaz qalandar, Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai, etc.
Let’s have a look at some of the most famous historical landmarks of this architecturally-rich city of Pakistan.
Pacco Qillo
- Also known as the strong fort, located in Hyderabad, Sindh.
- It was constructed on a hillock by Mian Ghulam Shah Kalhoro.
- It was built somewhere around 1768 when the city of Hyderabad was founded.
- Fort exists in its natural shape even today.
- It is open for the general public but is in dire need of repair
- Once a glorious outlet of Hyderabad now faces complete destruction and depletion due to ignorance of a heritage site.
Qadam Gah
- Qadam Gah is considered as Najaf-I-Sindh
- It has relics of a prayer mat which supposedly has the imprints of Hazrat Ali in prostration position.
- It was brought from Iran.
- This is the third resting place of the prayer mat.
- The foundation stone of the current Qadam Gah was laid in 1993.
- The design of the Qadam Gah resembles the Mausoleum of Hazrat Ali (RA) in Najaf Ashraf.
- The covered area stretches over 3,134 square yards which include a hospital, shops, and a courtyard.
- It is located just next to the shrine of Sufi saint Hazrat Wahab Shah Jilani.
Tomb of Mian Ghulam Shah Kalhoro
- The tomb of Mian Ghulam Shah Kalhoro is located in Hyderabad, Sindh.
- He died in 1772 and is believed to be the founder of the city of Hyderabad.
- He is the second most important figure in Sindh after Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai.
- His shrine is said to be the oldest building in Hyderabad.
- The architectural style is Islamic.
- This shrine is built on a rectangular shaped fort.
- The interior of the tomb is a beautiful example of Sindhi art decorated with arc windows and tiles and gildings.
- Arc-shaped windows are filled with terracotta grilles of geometrical patterns.
- It has been converted into a graveyard after the burial of the people.
Mukhi House
- Also known as Mukhi mahal.
- It was built in 1920 by Jethanadas Mukhi.
- It has been converted into a heritage home now
- Most of the members of the Mukhi family migrated to India after the partition.
- They visited the home till l957 but later on decided to relinquish further claims of the house if it is preserved as it had fallen into disrepair.
- The house was conserved and inaugurated as a museum in 2014.
- Mukhi house is open to the public as an archaeological museum.
Badshahi Bungalow
- Badshahi bungalow is the palace of Prince Mir Hassan Ali Khan Talpur.
- He was the son of the last ruler of Hyderabad – Mir Naseer Khan Talpur.
- Palace is located in Tando of Talpurs Mirs in Latifabad unit no.4.
- This historic palace was constructed in 1863 AD.
- It is under the custody of Mir Haider Ali Khan Talpur.
- It is open for public viewing.
- You can find a lot of stuff related to the great Mughals across the bungalow.
Tombs of Talpur Mirs
- A complex of tombs of the ruling Talpur Mirs of Sindh
- Also known as Cubbas
- Located in Hirabad, Hyderabad
- Comprises large tombs of rulers and small tombs of their wives and children
- Tombs are made out of marbles with Quranic verses inscribed
- Restoration work is being done to preserve these historical monuments after government of Sindh took charge in March 2011.
- Magnificent architecture can be seen on the arches and façade of the tombs which now requires preservation and restoration work.
Shah Makki Fort
- One of the smallest of the two forts in Hyderabad
- Locally known as Kutcha Qila or a mud-built fort
- Built by Ghulam Shah Kalhoro in 1772
- It is very much like PAcco Qilo
- Was built to protect the shrine of famous Sufi saint resting nearby
- It served the purpose of protecting the city of Hyderabad which was the capital
- The shrine of Hazrat Shah Mohammad Maki is located inside Kutcha Qila or Shah Makki fort
Do Qabar Castle
- Do qabar is a small castle having two graves inside
- It is located in Hyderabad, Sindh
- It is a small tomb like castle
- Now it is located just in the centre of Shahi bazar
- Shahi bazar is the longest bazar of Asia
- It is located adjacent to Pacco Qila
- People come to serve their prayers and seek blessings
Shrine of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai
- Shrine of 18th-century Sufi scholar is located in Bhit Shah, Hyderabad
- Annual urs take place at the shrine attracting over 500,000 visitors
- Shah was considered a scholar, poet, saint, and a mystic respected by all religions
- Shrine was built in 1772 by Mian Ghulam Shah Kalhoro
- The architecture is Indo-Islamic
- It includes a mosque and a mausoleum opening in a courtyard encircled by domed arcades
- Shrine is intricately decorated by Sindhi tile work
- It is in white and blue floral theme
Bombay Bakery
- The oldest bakery in Pakistan
- Established in 1911
- The long queues are synonymous with its popularity
- Construction is a red masonry
- The front door is flanked by hedgerows offering a glimpse of pre-partition days
- Furniture and counters are made out of teak wood
- Humble bakery in a bungalow
- Founded by Kumar Thadani a well-known philanthropist and socialist
- He died in 2010 and later on the family took over the business
- The bakery celebrated its centennial anniversary recently and is still going strong
Hasrat Mohani District Central Library
- The library was built in 1905 by the British
- It was built in the memory of Dr. Homestead, a famous civil surgeon of Hyderabad
- Oldest and biggest library in the city
- Located adjacent to Pacco Qillo
- Architectural style is Victorian
- It has more than half a dozen rooms and a huge reading hall
- The name was changed in 1967 to honor revolutionary freedom movement leader and renowned poet
- The building is recognizable from afar because of its red bricks
- Has more than 40,000 books
- Building is spread out on more than 18,000 square feet of area
University of Sindh Jamshoro
- One of the oldest universities in Pakistan
- The university was founded in Karachi in 1947 but was relocated to Hyderabad in 1951
- There are various colleges under it
- It is a member of the Association of Commonwealth Universities of the United Kingdom
- The resolution to make a University in Sindh was passed in June 1940
- Muhammad Ayub Khuhro and Hugh Dow made special efforts
- The architecture is inspired by British architecture
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