Hyderabad
Hyderabad is the third largest city of Pakistan, at present and its
history goes back to pre-Islamic times, when Ganjo Taka (barren hill),
a nearby hilly tract, was used as a place of worship. Hyderabad became
the capital of Sindh when Indus changed its course from Khudabad in the
time of Kalhora rulers. Hyderabad was previously known as Neroonkot. "Fort
of Neroon'. The fort was in possession of the Buddhists at the time of
the conquest of Sindh by Mohammad Bin Qasim in 712 AD In the 16th and 17th
centuries it continued only as the district headquarters. The tomb of Mian
Shah Kalhora, the founder of Hyderabad, is one of the most important monuments
of the city which was constructed in 1772 AD
Hyderabad is a city of inclines. The main incline is the Tilak incline.
The most striking thing about Hyderabad is its system of wind catchers.
Badgeers or wind catchers are fixed on housetops to catch the breeze. The
breeze attacks them and is forced downwards into the room and cools it.
These wind catchers give a characteristic look to the town
The Fort (or Qila):
Built in 1768, the Hyderabad Fort. sprawling over an area of 500,000 square
yards. once dominated the city. It was used as the court of the Kalhora
(1700 - 1782) and the Talpur (1782 - 1843) rulers. Very little of it survives
today. The main entrance has an intricate carving in stone and a room of
the seraglio (harem) is decorated with floral motifs.
Hyderabad Fort was built by Ghulam Shah Kalhora in 1768 AD on a rocky
hill. The most impressive feature of the fort at present is its imposing
fortification wall, which are 40 to 50 feet in height Structurally the
wall is built of countryside bricks of special size, and is 5 feet at the
base and 2 at the top.
Shaikh Makai Fort:
This fort at Kacha Qila (mud fort) was built by Ghulam Shah Kalhora. Then
ruler of Sindh for the protection of the mausoleum of Shaikh Mohammad Makai,
a Darvesh (holy man) born in Mecca who lies buried here. The mausoleum
known as the Dargah of Shah Makai or Jeay Shah attracts devotees every
year on his Urs (death anniversary).
Kalhora Monuments:
The ornate tombs of the Kalhora rulers decorated with geometrical and floral
designs are near the Central Jail. Ghulam Shah Kalhora (who died in 1771
AD) and Ghulam Nabi Kalhora (who died in 1780) are both buried here.
Talpur Monuments:
The tombs of the Talpur rulers near Hirabad have attractive blue-glazed
tiles. An ornately constructed tomb is that of Mir Mohammad Khan Talpur
who died in 1870 AD
Miani Forest:
About 9.6 km (six miles) from Hyderabad is the Miani Forest the scene of
a fateful battle between the Talpurs and the British under Lord Napier
in 1842. The British victory made them masters of all Sindh, which was
to end only in 1947 when Pakistan emerged as an independent State.
Sindh Provincial Museum:
Near the Polytechnic College is one of the Archaeological and ethnological
collections are beautifully arranged and labeled.
Institute of Sindhology:
The University of Sindh has a fine collection of old books coins and articles
relating to Sindh. Jamshoro close by has a first rate university. Central
Hyderabad has some fine Victorian architecture, notably the Law Courts
and the Navalrai clock tower, built across the Shah Bazaar.
Apart from the cinema and an occasional theatre Hyderabad has no nightlife
except for a trip to the giant Kotri Bridge across the Indus where restaurants
serve freshly grilled "Palla" fish.
What to Buy:
Hyderabad is known for its ornaments, canco embroidery, bracelets and bangles,
lacquered wood furniture, handloom cloth the incomparable "sousi", "ajrak"
and "rilli" block printed colorful shawls (Cheddars) and shoes. Colorful
Shahi Bazaar 1 1/2 miles long maze of winding lanes is the city s main
market always thronged with shoppers.
Fishing and Shooting:
Fishing in the lakes near Hyderabad is a favorite pas-time with many visitors.
Fishing permits are issued by the Assistant Director. Fisheries Department,
Hyderabad Shooting of gray Partridges' Ducks. Wild boars and Hog deer are
permitted during the shooting season in winter. Permits for shooting are
issued by the Honorary Game War den and Deputy Commissioner (Wildlife)
Hyderabad.
How to Get There:
Hyderabad is connected with the rest of the country by road, rail and air.
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