Sukkur – The Land of Ancient Indus Valley Civilization

Sukkur is one of the oldest cities of Sindh, located on the western bank of the river Indus. It is the third largest city of Sindh after Karachi and Hyderabad.

Sukkur was established during the British era from a small hill named Sukkur, located on the island of Bukkur. It is also known as the “Gate of Sindh ”.

Ancient Mature Harappan and Indus valley civilizations dated between 2600 BCE and 1900 BCE can still be found.

The city is built on a low limestone ridge on the bank of the Indus river. It is surrounded by date palms.

The city’s economy primarily relied on agricultural produce and trading. The city is well connected with the rest of the country by road and rail network.

Let’s have a look at some of the historical places in Sukkur.

Adam Shah’s Tomb

Locally known as Adam Shah Ji Takri
Mian Adam Shah Kalhoro was the ruler of Sindh in 1768 AD
He was also a renowned saint and was believed to have spiritual healing
His birthplace later became the epicenter of Islamic spiritual learning in Sindh
It was built by Mian Ghulam Shah Kalhoro
It is a historical landmark that attracts tourists and believers to visit throughout the year
The tomb is of crescent white color with the front painted in icy grey and blue color.
Adam Shah was martyred and thus gain the status of Saint marked by many tribes of Sindh

Ghanta Ghar

One of the most important landmarks of the city
Located in the center of the city
Surrounded by Victoria market, Mehran Markaz, and shopping malls
Hindu businessman Seth Wadho Mal Nebhau Mal Manjhari constructed this tower to mark the silver jubilee of King George V.
It was inaugurated in 1937 but the Collector of Sukkur, Um Mirchandani
It is 90-feet-high with four clocks on all sides
Initially the clock tower used to buzz bell sound at each hour, especially at night when the city used to go to sleep
Now the tower is in worn-out condition with encroachments surrounding it

Tomb of Seven Sisters

Locally known as Sateen jo Aastan
It is located on the left bank of the Indus river
Place is also known as Safae-e-Safa
It is known to be the resting place of seven female friends
According to history, these friends veiled themselves from males known as purdah
But fear of tyrannical raja made them disappear and take refuge in a nearby hill
The folklore states that they later became satti and burnt themselves
It is a beautiful place with enameled tile work on the tombs

Masoom Shah Jo Minaro

Mir Muhammad Masoom Shah was a Muslim historian, physician, and pharmacist in the 16th century.
He is known to have written the history of Sindh known as Tarikh I Sind or Tarikh I Masumi
He was also one of the most trusted lieutenants of the Mughal emperor Akbar.
He was appointed governor of Sind and Sibi by Emperor Akbar
Minaret was built in 1607
It is made out of red brick and is of a conical shape with s a slightly perpendicular style and a dome
The dome has an access to an internal staircase made out of stone
Minaret is believed to be used as a watch tower
The courtyard of the minaret was turned into a cemetery
Masoom Shah and his family members are buried here

Lansdowne Bridge

One of the greatest engineering feats in the 19th century
This bridge is located on River Indus
It is the longest cantilever bridge ever built
Bridge was inaugurated on 25th march, 1889
Material used is iron and steel
Longest span is 790 feet
The architect was Alexander Meadows Rendell
Allowed easier access to the railway between the province of Sindh and Baluchistan

Sukkur Barrage

Sukkur was initially named Lloyd Barrage
It was built during the British Raj
It was completed in 1932
The barrage is one of a kind as it has the largest single irrigation network in the world
Sir Charlton Harrison was the chief engineer
It was opened by the 1^st Earl of Willingdon, Viceroy of India
The Indus river dolphins are often seen upstream of the barrage
The experts believe that the barrage has the efficiency to work for another 60 to 70 years

Ayub Bridge

This bridge was built on the Indus river connecting Rohri with Sukkur
It is known as the world’s third-longest railway arch span
It is the first railway bridge in the world that is slung on coiled wire rope suspenders.
It was named after Field Marshal Mohammad Ayub Khan
It is a railway bridge
The bridge is about 806 feet long and 247 feet high
Foundation stone of this steel arch was laid on 9^th December 1960
It was inaugurated by President Muhammad Ayub Khan on 6^th May 1962

Arore Fort

Also known as Arorkot or Alore
It was once the capital of Sindh
Little is known about this important capital which has roots all the way in Buddhist literature
It has a connection with the Arab invasion back in the 8^th century CE.
Aror is known to be the capital of the Arorh dynasty
It was invaded and captured by Muhammad bin Qasim
It was hit by an earthquake in 962 and it never return back to the same glory