Almost every society has emerged out of the ancient civilization and is continuously attempting to preserve its history in some form or another. Historically speaking, the ancient people constructed large architectural structures with the hopes of endurance and to have the generations ahead witness the glory of their ancestors. Such facets make the study of history and heritage of highly valuable topic of the modern times.
Talking about the local heritage, we find Sindh enormously bestowed with all the richness throughout the history ranging from the Moen-Jo-Daro, Kot Diji Fort, Shahjehan Mosque Thatta, Masoom Shah’s Minar Sukkur, Chowkundi graveyard, Lakhian Jo Daro, Makli and the Pacca Qila of Hyderabad that are some of the historical places rich with the glorious abundance of the culture and heritage.
The ancient civilization like those of Persian and Egyptians are the reasons for their people to feel proud on their cultural richness. To keep with all over enduring pride, their governments allocate a big amount every year to conserve the beauty and the integrity of their historical treasures.
Unlike other nations, the rich heritages of Sindh are witnessing decay with every passing day. The lack of governmental patronage and interest is slowly depriving the coming generations from to witness the glory of their ancient culture and heritage. These slowly diminishing historical cultural sites are under serious threats mainly due to the government’s negligence and the growing encroachment around these areas.
To address the issue, through most urgent steps the Government of Sindh prioritized the projects that include the preservation of Chitori Graveyard at Mirpurkhas, Khairpur State Museum, Sindhi Cultural Village Karachi, Old Mukhtiarkar building of Shikarpur, Cultural Complex Rani Kot, rehabilitation of Wooden Roof of Shahi Bazar Shikarpur, construction of resort at Baqar Lake, conservation of Thatta and Karachi Press Club buildings, construction of visitors facility at Malki etc.
In addition to these, the Sindh Government has recently allocated a total of Rs. 30 million for the conversion of zoo garden into Natural Science Museum. The initial fund allocated for the restoration of old Mukhtiarkar building Shikarpur are Rs. 44.61 million. Whereas, for the rehabilitation of the wooden roof of one kilometer long historical Shahi Bazaar of Shikarpur, the launching funds of Rs. 54.7 million has been set aside.
The historical sites are a big source of the revenue generation throughout the world since such sites attract tourists. According to the Egypt’s Department of Tourism, the earnings through tourism cross the figure of $5.7 billion per annum which is 12.8 % of Egypt’s GDP.
Sindh is endowed with a large number of ancient sites and historical places that present glorious past of the area. As custodians of this rich heritage, it is the liability of all the people of Sindh to do collective efforts to preserve and stabilize their glorious signs of past. We owe it to our future generations. Let’s not fail them.
