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Top 10 Amazing Facts about Bhambore

Aerial View of Bhambhore. Picture By Engr. Aly

Bhambore is a city dating first century BCE located in Modern day Sindh, Pakistan. The city lies in the east of Karachi.

It was later controlled by Muslims from the eighth to the thirteenth century after which it was abandoned. This can be testified by various mosques that have been preserved in the city. 

Some historians call it Debal, where Arab General Muhammad Bin Qasim arrived to defeat local ruler Raja Dahir in the seventh century. Archaeological records reveal remnants of three district periods on the site: Sycho-Parthian, Hindu-Buddhist, and early Islamic.

The following are some of the amazing facts recorders in Bhambore:

1. Bhambore city is the historical city of Debal

Some archaeologists and historians suggest that Bhambore is the historical city of Debal. The city was conquered by Arab general, Muhammad Bin Qasim who was in conquest with Raja Dahir, the last Hindu ruler of Sindh.

Numerous excavating works have been carried out to link the two cities. The first excavation was conducted by Ramesh Chandra Majumdar, later Leslie Alcock. Dr. F.A Khan who was a Pakistan archaeologist conducted extensive studies and excavation at the site.

The culture department of the Government of Sindh once organized the first International Conference on Bhambore and archaeologists presented their research on the site.

2. Bhambore city has an area surrounded by a stone and mud wall

North wall of Banbhore. Picture courtesy of Engr. Aly –

The research has been done through archaeological findings. This is where the findings have revealed that the city consisted of an enclosed area surrounded by a stone and mud wall.

There are two sections of the citadel: Eastern and western sections by a fortified stone wall in the center. After the conquest of Sindh, the eastern part contains several mosques in the region.

Houses, streets, and other buildings have been found within and outside the citadel. Platia stone building with a semi-circular shape, a shira temple from the Hindu period, and a mosque. Three gateways to the citadel were also uncovered during excavations.

3. Bhambore was a medieval port city

Bhambore port by the sea view. Picture By Usman. pg.

It was a port city strategically located at the mouth of the Indus that linked Indo-Scythians and Indo-Parthians international traders in the Indian Ocean.

The city derived its wealth from imported ceramic and metal goods, and the industrial sectors and trade.

The port had a solid stone foundation which may have been used for berthing cargo boats. The port was later abandoned when there was a shift in the position of the River Indus and the Creek was silted.

4. Bhambore city has an old Museum

Bhambhore Museum Entrance.Picture By Anwar Ahmed

Bhambore holds a museum that has specimens of the age-old civilization. By entering the Museum, one can see that Bhambore was a civilized and well-planned city.

There are excavations of the first mosque in South East Asia. There are other worship places too including temples which show the signs of Pre-Islamic civilization with Islam.

The marketplace places, road networking, and drainage system show a high level of intelligence of those people. Bhambore museums have a strong archaeological heritage.

5. Bhambore was only 20km from the sea during the 13th century

The ancient fort existed much before the Arab conquest but was repaired periodically. During this century, the city was on the sea itself or a mile or two on the land on the Karli branch of the Indus.

The sandstone used in its construction and also of houses came from hillocks just outside the settlement but mud bricks were used for the poor men’s quarters and in core fortification.

No authentic and final conclusion has been drawn about its destruction yet.

6. Bhambore city has numerous versions regarding the destruction of its ancient city

Some historians believe the destruction of this ancient city came as a result of a violent earthquake around 1250. They say the city was put to the fire in the event of civil war or foreign invasion.

Other historians hold that the city was destroyed as a result of major changes that took place in River Indus and the city was destroyed as a result of major changes that took place in River Indus and the city was situated on the bank of the river deserted.

Others believe is due to the invasion of Jalal Khwarzim when he invaded Sindh, devastated and conquered many coastal areas of Sindh.

7. The Division of Bhambore includes three Districts

Bhambore division is also known as Thatta Division. It is the sixth Administrative division of Sindh as announced by the Peoples Partys Sindh Government. The name division is derived from the ancient city of Bhanmbore.

The planned capital of their division is the city of Thatta. The plans extended to incorporate Sujawal and Badih. All these three districts were included in the Hyderabad Division.

Sindh nationalists appreciated this as it improved the infrastructure development of the region and the government allocated a budget of 11 billion rupees for the development of the Bhambore Division.

8. Bhambore is a picnic area for a historical place

Bhambore is a very place with seawater nearby. Bhambore is where Muhammad Bin Qasim first attacked the Hindu Raja and claimed the first Muslim place in Hindustan(currently known as Pakistan and India)The building structure is no more except the walls that are there.

The museum is here with old history, significant tools, coins, and pots. One can plan a picnic at Bhambore if he or she is a history lover. One can book tours available in some five-star hotels in Karachi.

9. The Haleji Lake in Bhambore

Haleji Lake, east of Karachi, Pakistan. Picture By Sadiasarfraz

Halejiwas a small lake but its capacity was increased by Sindh during the second world war. The troops were stationed in Karachi and their water supply was provided by Haleji lake.

It was a seasonal and salt-water lake collecting in a depression but due to the need for freshwater, it was drained out.

An embankment was constructed around the lake which was fed by fresh water through water a canal. It became a major source of fresh water in Karachi.

10. The Thatta city in Bhambore

Makli Necropolis in Thatta city Sindh, Pakistan. Picture Courtesy of A.Savin (WikiCommons)

The city had historical importance and is known for archaeological sites and old monuments. Thatta was the capital of three successive dynasties which are evident in the Makli necropolis.

Due to its cultural and archaeological importance, UNESCO listed Makli necropolis as a World Heritage Site.

It was constantly renovated but entered decline when the province of Sindh was taken over by the Nardir of Persia.