Makli Graveyard is one of the largest and ancient graveyards in the world. Makli Necropolis is the place where funerary complexes, tombs, canopies, and graves of various sizes are built in a very attractive way. It’s rare for such a large number of graves to be built in one place. It is believed that the site has approximately 1 million graves. The tombs and graves were built during the periods of Samma, Arghun, Tarkhan, and Mughals, from the 14th to 18th centuries.
Uncountable sultans, sheikhs, saints, royals, historians, poets, martyrs, traitors, and people belonging to all religions and social statuses have been buried at this site. Some of the tombs were built by the rulers during their lifetime and later they were buried there. There are also many unmarked and unknown graves.
There are many famous stories about his name. It is said that a pilgrim was going to perform Hajj when he stopped here. He found a spiritual feeling here and called this place “Makkah” for him. When the Sufi saint Sheikh Hammad Jamali heard this story, he named this place “little Makkah or Makli”.
The Makli Graveyards is spread over more than 10 km. It was declared as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1981. There are so many stories hidden in Makil’s graveyard. It is an indestructible pillar of our history and a priceless heritage. For six centuries Makli has preserved our past for our future. It reveals the history of their respective eras.
Many trusts and heritage foundations of Pakistan are currently working on the conservation and restoration of the tombs. Makli necropolis attracts international and local tourists all year round. You will find the ruins of madrasa Maulana Hammad Jamali. Another very popular attraction for locals and tourists alike is the Shrine of Sufi Saint Abdullah Shah Ashabi. It is situated at the far end of the graveyard. It was built in the 16th century and is the most visited and most respected grave in the necropolis.
Its timing is from 7 am to 7 pm and never closed any other day. Visitors come in large numbers. A museum is also constructed here. Shuttle service and guided tours are available at a very low cost.
Architecture of Makli Graveyard
Makli Necropolis represents the impressive architecture of different dynasties, The Samma (1340-1520), Arghun (1520-1555), Tarkhan (1555-1592), and Mughal (1592-1739). Many graves have the most spectacular, beautiful, and intricate designs. Most graves are made of stones and plastered with lime. You will find beautifully engraved Arabic calligraphy on many graves and motifs that speak about the culture of that era. Many graves have Quranic verses and beautiful carvings. Some have tall columns, while others are decorated with extensive arches. Several graves feature carving of animals, warriors, and weaponry that looks unique.
Few parts of the cemetery feature large tombs that resemble Jain temples. With the passing of time, the graves became simpler made of bricks and most of the graves do not even have a name associated with them. The intricate and detailed carvings are living proof of how serious the art of decorating these graves was taken. It is also believed that more privileged people have their dreams constructed whilst they were still alive.
There is something magical about this place. It takes you back in time, each architectural masterpiece, each tomb; each grave speaks a different story. The architecture here is local, Hindu, Persian, Central Asian, Gujarati, and Mughals. Many tombs have been restored here to preserve the heritage.
Some Notable Tombs in Makli
- Jam Tamachi, his real name was jam Khair-ud-din. His famous love story Nuri Jam Tamachi holds a significant place in the folklore of Pakistan.
- Mirza Esa khan the younger, it’s a two-story and the largest tomb here. This mausoleum is made of yellow stones and cartography is very strong which was made by hand
- Annemarie Schimmel was a significant German Orientalist and scholar who dedicated her life to the spiritual and literacy inheritance of Sindh, wished to be buried in Makli. A symbolic grave of hers can be seen here.
- Mirza Sultan Ibrahim and Amir Sultan Muhammad
- Jam Mubarak Khan was a son of Jam Nizam-ud-Din II.
- Mirza Ghazi Baig the father of Mirza Jani Baig
- Mirza Jan Baba Tomb, the father of Mirza Esa Khan II.
- Hazrat Makhdom Shah Fazal Qadri
- Tomb of Khusrau Khan Charkhas
- Mukhdom Moinuddin Tomb
- Dewan Shurfa Khan tomb
- Abdullah Shah Ashabi Tomb
- Tomb of Tughral Baig
- Jam Nizam-ud-Din
- Mirza Baqi Baig
- Mirza Jani Baig
Location of Makli Graveyard
Makli Graveyard is Just 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) from the historic city of Sindh Thatta, the once capital of Sindh. Thatta and Makli were cultural hubs. It’s approximately 100 km away from Karachi.
When visiting Makil Graveyard also try to visit Ranikot Fort one of the largest forts in the World and Mohenjo Daro Sindh (one of the modern cities of its time).
