SINDH

The Province of Sindh derives its name from River Sindhu, the Indus. Due to scanty rainfall (211.7 millimeters annually), its climate ranks among the hottest and most variable in the country. In summer, the temperature soars up to 49 degree centigrade at some places. In the northern part is situated Jaccobabad which is said to be one of the hottest places in the world. In winter, the temperature varies between 5 degree centigrade and 27 degree centigrade. The total area of Sindh is 140,914 sq. km.

River Indus dominates the life and economy of Sindh. The plain from north to south slopes at an average of about 2.5 inches per km. Thus, the riverbed is often above the general level of the plain, which necessitates embankments against floods. According to the preliminary results of the 1998 census, the population of Sindh is approximately 30 million, of which 45 per cent is urban and 55 pre cent rural. The sex ratio is 110 males to 110 females. This abnormal proportion is due to expatriate labour from other provinces. Its capital Karachi, is the biggest city and also a port and contains the main chunk of urban population (about 10 million). Administratively, the province is divided into three Divisions, namely, Hyderabad, Sukkur and Karachi.

ECONOMY:

Sindh's contribution to the Gross Domestic Product of the country is over 30 per cent and its share in the industrial production of selected manufactured items ranges up to 50 percent. Rice and cotton represent highest share among the agricultural products. The province is surplus in sugar, cement, vegetable ghee, cigarettes, rice and cotton. Sindh was the first to attain self-sufficiency in wheat.

PLACES OF HISTORICAL INTEREST:

Known as the cradle of many ancient civilizations, Sindh has many archaeological sites, besides places of tourist interest.

1. BHAMBORE:

About 64 km east of Karachi, on the National Highway, is an interesting archaeological site, Bhambore, originally the sea-port of Debal where the young Arab warrior Mohammad Bin Qasim landed his armies in 711 AD. Three different periods in Sindh history coincide here: the Scytho-Parthians, the Hindu-Buddhist and the early Islamic. There is a museum and a rest house at the site.

2. THATTA:

Once a famous center of learning, arts and commerce and provisional capital for about four centuries in the past, Thatta is situated 98 km east of Karachi. Today, it is notable for the Jamia Masjid built by the Moghal Emperor Shah Jehan, and the Makli Tombs (15th - 17th centuries), a vast necropolis spread over 15.5 sq. km, depicting exquisite specimens of architecture, stone carvings and glazed tile decorations.

3. HYDERABAD:

Situated at about 164 km northeast of Karachi, Hyderabad was the capital of Sindh during the reign of the Talpur Mirs in the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, it is known for the Sindh University, Jamshoro; the provincial Museum; the Institute of Sindhology and the Sindhi Adabi Board and also for colorful handicrafts such as glass bangles, glazed tiles, lacquered wood furniture, handloom cloth called 'soosi', block-printed 'Ajrak', leather shoes, etc. Historic monuments include old Mud Fort, Sheikh Makai Fort, Kalhoro Monuments, Talpur Monuments and Miani Forest.

4. SEHWAN:

Situated on the right bank of River Indus at a distance of 135 km from Hyderabad, Sehwan is an old town of pre-Islamic period. Here are the remains of Kafir-Qila, a fort reported to have been constructed by Alexandre. Currently, Sehwan is famous for the resting place of the great mystic poet, saint and scholar Shaikh Usman Marvandvi (1117 - 1274 AD), popularly known as Shahbaz Qalandar whose mausoleum is visited by thousands of the devotees throughout the year. During the Urs celebrations (18th Shahban - the eight Islamic lunar month), devotees dance rythmically and with total abandon to the beat of drums (Naqqara Dhamal), finally ending in a spiritual trance.

5. KOT DEJI:                            

Kot Deji is regarded as one of the world's most important archaeological sites, dating back to 3000 BC, older than Moenjo daro and Harappa. Excavations made in 1955 unearthed an astoundingly well-organized city with a citadel that testifies to its being the finest fortified town in South Asian subcontinet.

6. MOENJO DARO:

About 563 km from Karachi off the Indus Highway lie the world-famous ruins of Moenjo Daro the Mound of the Dead), now being preserved with UNESCO's help. The museum at Moenjo Daro is unique and a visit takes the mind centuries back when the place had a most civilized city and a humming river Port. Air and train services from Karachi and an air-conditioned rest house has been built there.

Among other historical sites are Amri, Ranikot (the largest fort of its kind in the world), Umerkot (the birthplace of Emperor Akbar) and the legendary Arab city of Mansura near Shahdadpur in Sanghar district. Other interesting places include Matiari, town of old beautiful mosques and one of the centers of 'Ajrak'. On its outskirts lie the ruins of a Buddhist stupa. Nasarpur is famous for 'Khes', exquisite embroidery, decorative pottery and wood work. It is also a holy place for the Hindu community.