Destroying cultural heritage is also an offense; tombs of Talpur Mirs-Hyderabad are in destruction.
An action or omission which constitutes an offense and is punishable by law is considered as a crime. Whereas, ignoring and destroying cultural heritage is not considered as an offense. Every Nation needs to preserve their culture and know their roots are we doing it? Who were Talpur? Where they came from? What they did for Pakistan, do we know this?
The Tombs of Talpur Mirs which is also known as “Miran Ja Qubba” (In Sindhi) is located in Hirabad area of Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan. These tombs are of the ruling Talpur Mirs of Sindh, they ruled the region from 1784 -- 1843. The largest structures (front tombs) contains two graves those of, Mir Karam Ali Khan (died 1828) and Mir Murad Ali Khan (died 1833) It is said that the rulers designed their own burial places while they were alive.
The tombs large mausoleums were for Talpur rulers while one can witness several smaller mausoleums for their wives, consorts, and infants. There are several graves in the external area that is uncovered and unmarked. If we look at the architecture of these graves we can see them square and rectangular in shape, they are mostly made of Marble with Kaashi work over it and have Quranic verses inscribed on their surfaces. The tiles with Kashi sort of work over it are placed in multiple colors dominantly blue floral patterns over white background, indeed some accents of green, yellow and brown are placed in a manner to break the monotonous look. In typical Talpur fashion the marble graves have actual royal turbans of these rulers placed upon a projection at the end of each. The graves are etched with Quranic verses in Arabic, the whole, few walls inside the mausoleums are decorated with poetry in Persian.
On 30 March 2011, the Culture Department, Government of Sindh retained the charge for these tombs. It is said since then; there have been slowed and steady restoration work on preserving these mausoleums. The tombs are preserved by the city municipality to promote them as a tourist attraction, but unfortunately it is not properly maintained at all. I personally visited (Miran Ja Qubba) last month to check the condition of our heritage, I was disappointed to see the condition the place was dirty. Architecture is too much damaged already doors of tombs were half broken, I saw few graves badly destructive. There was no care taker on the place, we just entered visited the place, took pictures and prayed (FATIHA) for the Talpurs. Moreover, I saw tons of garbage exactly outside of this place.
I request Syed Sardar Ali Shah, Minister for Culture, and Tourism to look in to this matter to promote culture, and tourism in Pakistan. Tourism plays pivotal rule in country’s economy by ignoring the heritage we will not only be detached from history, our roots, but we will lose in tourism as well, losing tourist means losing big chunk from economy. Mr. Sardar Ali Shah is one of the energetic Ministers currently, and he’s seen active in promotion of culture in different events.
