I WOULD like to draw your attention towards the decaying of historical monuments at Makli, Thatta, which is regarded as a shining star of history.
In the past, I had seen a constant influx of foreigners, scholars, historians and academicians at the site who were either carrying out research work or taking an excursion trip to the famous Shahjahani Mosque and some natural deltas, viz the Keenjhar and Haleji lakes, which have also lost their past glory due to being neglected for several decades.
By virtue of profession, I am a banker and belong to the bruised, battered and ill-fated city of Thatta. My father was a daily-wage earner and gifted with diversified skills like wood carving and Ajrak printing.
I have never been to any top-notch school throughout my life. During my school vacations, I used to work on daily wages to give auxiliary support to my father.
Mesmerised by the extraordinary work of my father, I was fond of searching for similar type of work.
My father died when I was still young. So my mother brought me up and always motivated me to become a good human being. Pursuing my FSc at the Government Degree College, Thatta, I often used to visit the necropolis of Makli and was fascinated by the sandstone carvings on the tombs of the Turkhans, Samas, Soomros and Mughals. I realized that my father’s work had been influenced by these.
Besides, it also made me curious to read relevant historical books and articles to understand the importance of the cultural heritage of different times.
It is agonising to write that no one is making any sincere effort to protect our historical legacy from persistent decay. The engraved bricks of many tombs have been stolen. Those that still remain are in a shambles.
The garden of the Shahjahan Mosque also gives a deserted look in contrast to my childhood when I and my friends could not dare pluck a single flower due to the strong security arrangement and maintenance. The main road in front of the mosque is also badly damaged.
In order to awaken the authorities concerned from their deep slumber, I would like to request you to send some reporters or freelancers there to carry out an independent study and have it published in your newspaper.
JAMEEL H. KHATRI and
OTHER RESIDENTS
Thatta
