Thatta is a historical and cultural city located in the Sindh province of Pakistan. It is situated approximately 100 kilometers east of Karachi, the largest city of Pakistan, and is known for its rich cultural and architectural heritage. The city has been a center of trade, learning, and civilization for centuries, and its numerous historical sites and monuments attract tourists from all over the world.
Thatta has a long and fascinating history that dates back to the Indus Valley Civilization, which existed from around 3300 BCE to 1300 BCE. Archaeological excavations have revealed that the region around Thatta was inhabited during this period, and that the people of the Indus Valley Civilization had developed a sophisticated urban culture with advanced systems of agriculture, trade, and governance.
The city of Thatta itself was founded in the 14th century CE by a Muslim ruler named Shah Jehan, who made it the capital of the Sindh region. Under his patronage, Thatta flourished as a center of trade and culture, attracting merchants and scholars from all over the Islamic world. The city became known for its textile industry, producing fine silks and cottons that were traded throughout the region.
During the 16th century CE, Thatta came under the rule of the Mughal Empire, and its fortunes continued to rise. The Mughal emperors, particularly Akbar and Shah Jahan, were great patrons of the arts and sciences, and Thatta benefited from their support. The city became a center of Islamic learning, with numerous madrassas and mosques being built during this period. It also saw the construction of numerous beautiful buildings, including the Shahjahan Mosque, which is still standing today.
Thatta reached the height of its glory during the reign of the Kalhora dynasty in the 18th century CE. The Kalhoras were a powerful Sindhi dynasty who ruled over the region from 1701 to 1783. They were great patrons of the arts and culture, and under their rule, Thatta became a thriving center of trade and commerce. The city's port, located on the River Indus, became one of the busiest in the region, and it was from here that Thatta's famous textiles were shipped all over the world.
The Kalhoras also commissioned numerous works of architecture and art, including the magnificent tombs of Mirza Isa Khan and Mirza Jani Beg, which are considered to be some of the finest examples of Islamic architecture in Pakistan. They also built the Keenjhar Lake, which is the second largest freshwater lake in Pakistan and is a popular tourist attraction.
Thatta's decline began in the 19th century CE, as the British colonial administration began to shift trade and commerce away from the city and towards the newly-built port of Karachi. With the decline of trade, Thatta's economy suffered, and many of its inhabitants moved to Karachi in search of work. The city also suffered from natural disasters, including devastating floods in 1819 and 1843.
Today, Thatta is a small town with a population of around 150,000. Despite its decline, it remains an important center of Islamic culture and history, and its numerous historical sites and monuments continue to attract tourists from all over the world. The city has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, in recognition of its cultural and architectural significance.
One of the most famous monuments in Thatta is the Shahjahan Mosque, which was built in 1647 during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. The mosque is considered to be one of the most beautiful examples of Mughal architecture in Pakistan, with its elegant arches and domes, intricate tilework, and delicate floral motifs. The mosque is still in use today, and its
