Chaukhandi Tombs in Talhār

The Chaukhandi tombs form an early Islamic cemetery situated 29 km east of Karachi. The tombs are notable for their elaborate sandstone carvings. The tombs are similar in style to the elaborate tombs at the Makli Necropolis near Thatta, and are built in the funerary architectural style typical of lower Sindh. This type of graveyard in Sindh and Baluchistan is remarkable because of its main north–south orientation. The more elaborate graves are constructed with a buff-colored sandstone, which has often kept remarkably well over time in the arid local climate. Tombs were constructed either as single graves or as groups of up to eight graves, raised on a common platform.Generally, the tombs are attributed to the Jokhio and known as the family graveyard of the Jokhio tribe, although other, mainly Baloch, tribes have also been buried here. They were mainly built during Mughal rule sometime in the 15th and 18th centuries .

Its very peaceful and relaxing place. The old graves and their craft such an amazing art and history.,

Even though Karachi is where I was born, there are still parts of the city I have yet to explore. Chaukhandi graveyard is one such location. You must be thinking that we should also go to the cemetery.Yes, if you enjoy traveling to historic sites. The Chaukhandi cemetery has an unusual location. The Chaukhandi Graveyard neighborhood in Bhais Colony, Karachi, is located behind the Razzaqabad Police Training Center. This cemetery is situated roughly 20 kilometers from my home in Jail Chowrangi, Karachi. There are burials of various Baloch tribes as well as those belonging to the Jokhi tribes in the Chaukhandi cemetery.The unique feature of this cemetery is the preservation of both male and female burials.While the womens graves are exquisitely ornamented, the mens graves have stunning helmet-like decorations along with swordsmanship, cavalry, and dagger motifs. Its simple to distinguish between the graves of males and women. It is amazing to observe how these multi-layered designs could have been built when there were no contemporary tools at all, and how these designs were made so expertly that the other layers of the tombs were not even slightly harmed.Multiple accomplished artisans must have worked on one burial for several days.

History buffs will go gaga upon visiting this ancient graveyard and UNESCO World Heritage Site that houses tombs of the ancestors of a local tribe. The intricate make of these graves is its most attention-grabbing feature with carvings and designs typical of its region, Sindh. The origins of this necropolis are estimated to range between the 15th and 18th century.

Chaunkandi Tombs ancient Graveyard And historical place amazing grave arts speacialy

Its an important historical site. But needs to be maintained properly with some facilities for tourists

These tombs are iconic and portray the culture of ancient sindh.

I went to attend 35th anniversary of ABWA community function i was invited first time i went there really amazing event great

Sindh was a great Empire of South Asia and this place provides a glimpse into that era of greatness..

Good place to visit. Be sure not to go alone. Take safety measures if going with family. The road between the highway and the graveyard is unmetalled.

Nice place to visit if you are in karachi.

Nice place. Pure example of great artisan.

The Chaukhandi TombsHistory buffs will go gaga upon visiting this ancient graveyard and UNESCO World Heritage Site that houses tombs of the ancestors of a local tribe. The intricate make of these graves is its most attention-grabbing feature with carvings and designs typical of its region, Sindh. The origins of this necropolis are estimated to range between the 15th and 18th century

The Chaukhandi (Urdu: چوکنڈی قبرستان‎; Sindhi: چوڪُنڊي‎ ) tombs form an early Islamic cemetery situated 29 km (18 mieast of Karachi, Sindh province of Pakistan. The tombs are notable for their elaborate sandstone carvings.The tombs are similar in style to the elaborate tombs at the Makli Necropolis near Thatta, and are built in the funerary architectural style typical of lower Sindh.

Historical place and belongs to Jhokio tribe of 1500 century. 500 to 600 years old. 1500 different designs 9n Graves. And approx 670 Graves of different sizes.

It is a national heritage site under the protection of the Archeology Department. There is a watchman/caretaker who also doubles as a guide and can speak some English besides local Sindhi and Urdu. The local tribes of and around the Malir area used to to bury their people in this area and would carve symbols on the tombstones and crypts. These carvings are done on sandstone blocks and pieces that adorn the grave. Symbols signifying gender, status, hierarchy, trade, cause of death are carved out. The chaukhandi (meaning four sidedtombs date more than 300 years old. These are located about a kilometre off the National Highway near Landhi, Karachi.

A graceyard near karachi which is under use since historic times. This place has both new and old graves. It is still under use. The graves and tombs are quite unique and presents a different architecture when graves of men are found in writing and arrows; whereas graves if women are described by flowers and designs. Car is allowed inside. It is a open landscape and muddy surface. So, use comfortable shoes and sunblock.

Choukhandi tombs are constructed as single graves or as a group of up to eight graves raised on a common platform. The tomb’s of men are capped with turban & carved with horses, arms & weapons whereas the tomb’s of women are decorated with jewellery designs such as bracelet, necklace, earrings and rings, etc.As of October 2020, there is no entry ticket to visit this historic place.

It was like being transported to another era in time. It’s important to visit when weather is pleasant, as there’s no shade. It would be lovely to have a nice shady area to sit and meditate. For people in love with culture and heritage, this is a must visit. Amazingly inspirational for artists too. Please take bottled water as there’s no place where one may buy snacks and drinks.

An Islamic cemetary that tells us how rich our architecture used to be. I couldnt believe that I was living in Karachi for decades but never visited this place. In fact, the irony is, I visited the place when one of my friends from USA came over for a visit.The designs of the tombs and graves is amazing!

Today Ive visited the chaukhandi Graveyard I was taking pictures of the tombs then I met 2 mens Abdul Latif & yaseen they help me a lot to know more about this place Ive attached there picture in my review those people were so kind to me Ill never forget them & also this unforgettable place

The Chaukhandi (Urdu: چوکنڈی قبرستان‎; Sindhi: چوڪُنڊي‎ ) tombs form an early Islamic cemetery situated 29 km (18 mieast of Karachi, in the Sindh province of Pakistan. The tombs are notable for their elaborate sandstone carvings.[1] The tombs are similar in style to the elaborate tombs at the Makli Necropolis near Thatta, and are built in the funerary architectural style typical of lower Sindh.

Historical graveyard, situated near Landhi Karachi. it is said that graves are from 15th to 18th centuries.

The Chaukhandi tombs form an early Islamic cemetery situated 29 km (18 mieast of Karachi, in the Sindh province of Pakistan. The tombs are notable for their elaborate sandstone carvings. The tombs are similar in style to the elaborate tombs at the Makli Necropolis near Thatta, and are built in the funerary architectural style typical of lower Sindh.Generally, the tombs are attributed to the Jokhio (also spelt Jokhiyaand known as the family graveyard of the Jokhio tribe, although other, mainly Baloch, tribes have also been buried here. They were mainly built during Mughal rule sometime in the 15th and 18th centuries when Islam became dominant.Pakistani professor Mirza Mahad Baig visited Sindh at the end of the 20th century and examined some of the tombs. He pointed out to Rajput influences in the Chaukhandi necropolis. He mentioned that it is well known that many Munda warrior groups have family ties with the so-called Rajput tribes of Rajasthan and Gujarat. Some Rajput tribes, namely the Jokhio, the satlari, emigrated from Kutch (Gujaratand Rajputana towards the Sindh and Makran regions during the Samma Dynasty. These tribes had close relations among each other, including matrimonial ties, both within their own group as well as with the Baloch tribe of the Kalmatis. His hypothesis suggested a tribal Rajput origin in the utilization not only of the monolithic slabs and pedestals in the step-shaped graves, but also in the naive decoration of some tombs, resembling a house facade, or a human face as if drawn by a child. The decoration of the tombs (mostly with geometric motifsseems derived from wood sculpture. With a few exceptions human figures are avoided, in accordance with Islamic beliefs.

A bit of a background, since Im a Fastians and this is the only place nearby our university. This place has become more of a picnic spot for us. Tho what a architecture. The typical sandstoned. The ruined. The past. The calm. And the peace.

Nice Historical place to visit it is almost 30kms away from Central Karachi and on National Highway once you reached to Shahr e Faisal from Drigh Road you have to go straight and straight taking 7-10 flyovers one by one and dont stop until and unless you see a board of Chowrangi Graveyard.This place was of balochis and Jhokiuns

Beautiful historic site with carved Tombs. Nicely kept and preserved. Hardly any tourists or locals due to lack of interest. A hidden gem of karachi.Access is from main national highway where there is a board.... Please avoid google directions, keep following on national highway until a Board of Choukandi graveyard appears.

Wonderful piece of history, it belongs to Balochs & Jhokhiuns. This is situated near east Karachi (almost 29km away from Karachi). This place is on top of the list of graveyards. It is about more than 300 years old. There are many creepiest stories about this graveyard.Unfortunately authorities are not keen to promote such a great historical site. No maintenance work done properly, it looks like unattended area.

Wow an amazing place place for History and old architectural lovers very old graves and tombs of 2 to 500 years back but little bit disappointed to see the Government dont cares about this even toilets and sitting area is also not available and very filthy dirt track of about 1 km goes up to graveyard But the administrator i given pictures of him really cooperate and guide us about the history and types of Graves there

Chaukhandi Tombs bears history back to 15th and 18th Century by Mughal Rulers. It is said to be Family Graveyard of Jokhio and Baloch. The tombs have resemblance with tombs of Makli. The design and architecture is same. It is just 5km distance from Qaidabad Karachi. If someone want to visit for photography purposes then best time is after 6pm in summer.

What a gorgeous place right next to Karachi. I had no idea this beautiful cemetery existed and was told by a local. You do need your own transport to come here but it is definitely worth the commute. I highly recommend coming around sunset to enjoy the sunset and the beauty of these tombs in changing light...

If you want to visit some historical places, must visit Chokhundi tomb. Not very far from main road. Clean site with security. I visited after years and still in good condition. Culture ministry is working well. I m sure we are able to show out culture and history.When ever you are planning to visit, keep some drinking water and some snacks with you. Dont leave clutter behind. Pakistan zindabad.

The Chaukhandi tombs form an early Islamic cemetery situated 29 km (18 mieast of Karachi, in the Sindh province of Pakistan. The tombs are notable for their elaborate sandstone carvings. These tombs are known as the family graveyard of the Jokhio tribe, although other, mainly Baloch, tribes have also been buried here. They were mainly built during Mughal rule sometime in the 15th and 18th centuries when Islam became dominant.

History buffs will go gaga upon visiting this ancient graveyard and UNESCO World Heritage Site that houses tombs of the ancestors of a local tribe. The intricate make of these graves is its most attention-grabbing feature with carvings and designs typical of its region, Sindh. The origins of this necropolis are estimated to range between the 15th and 18th century.

Great place to visit. Very old Tombs of rulers of Sindh.roads are good.

Just 35 mins from Karachi Airport. 16-18th century intricately carved Islamic tombs. Awe-inspiring, evoke a feeling of dread & empathy for fellow humans. Just a bit of the road at the end is a dirt-track. Lack of maintenance in the surrounding goth (villageas well as inside the cemetery is evidence of the governments lack of interest. But most of the tombs are still surviving in remarkably good condition

The Chaukhandi (چوکنڈی قبرستان‬‎) tombs form an early Islamic cemetery situated 29 km (18 mieast of Karachi, in the Sindh province of Pakistan. The tombs are notable for their elaborate sandstone carvings. The tombs are similar in style to the elaborate tombs at the Makli Necropolis near Thatta, and are built in the funerary architectural style typical of lower Sindh.Generally, the tombs are attributed to the Jokhio (also spelt Jokhiyaand known as the family graveyard of the Jokhio tribe, although other, mainly Baloch, tribes have also been buried here. They were mainly built during Mughal rule sometime in the 15th and 18th centuries when Islam became dominant.

Tombs at Chaukundi Graveyard- Karachi Chaukundi tombs are situated at a distance of 29 km (18 milesin the east on N-5 National Highway near Landhi Town, Karachi. The Chaukhandi tombs are remarkable for the elaboration and exquisite stone carving. The style of graves architecture is typical, which only exists in Sindh. That style is found no where else in the Islamic countries.That type of construction of graveyard is unique due to its orientation from south to north. The graves are constructed in buff sandstone. The carved decoration presents exquisite craftsmanship. Those graves are constructed either as single graves or in a group. More or less a number of eight graves had been raised on a single common platform.Structurally, primary sarcophagus has six vertical slabs, with two long slabs standing on each side of the grave covering the length of the body and the remaining two vertical slabs covering the head and foot side. All of those six slabs are covered by a second sarcophagus consisting of six more vertical slabs similarly. But, in size, it gives the grave a pyramid shape. The upper (second sarcophagusis further covered with four or five horizontal slabs and the topmost (thirdsarcophagus is set vertically with its northern end carved into a knob known as a crown or turban. The tombs are embellished besides geometrical designs and motifs, with figural representations such as mounted horsemen, hunting scenes, arms, jewellery etc.There are various opinions as to the meaning of the word Chaukhandi. Some scholars believed that Chaukhandi is the name of a place. Others take it to be an architectural term. On the type site of Chaukhandi, there is the tomb of Jam Murid bin Hail, which contains the word Chaukhandi, after the name of the deceased, which provides sufficient witness of that place. Banerji visited the Chaukhandi graveyard in 1920. He referred it as "the little village Chaukhandi". According to Sindhi language, Chaow means four and Kundi means corner. Chaukhandi thus refers to the four corners (anglesconstruction, supporting the umbrella shaped dome over the tomb and would apply to all tombs having the same construction. However, all the tombs covered with umbrella shaped domes or with a rectangular pavilion at Chaukhandi have more than four pillars or columns - an angular building construction.In year 1922, the Chowkundi tombs near Landhi were brought with the pale of the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act, 1904.

Very attractive place with old history

The Chaukhandi tombs form an early Islamic cemetery situated 29 km (18 mieast of Karachi, in the Sindh province of Pakistan. The tombs are remarkable for their elaborate sandstone carvings.The tombs are similar in style to the elaborate tombs at the Makli Necropolis near Thatta, and are built in the funeraryarchitectural style typical of lower Sindh.Generally, the tombs are attributed to the Jokhio and known as the family graveyard of the Jokhio tribe, although other, mainly Baloch, tribes have also been buried here. They were mainly built during Mughal rule sometime in the 15th and 18th centuries when Islam became dominant

The Chaukhandi Tombs are form an early Islamic cemetery situated 29 km (18 mieast of Karachi, close to the National Highway near "Fast National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences" in Sindh province of Pakistan. The tombs are remarkable for their elaborate sandstone carvings.

KARACHI: The path leading to the Chowkandi graveyard is enough to deter would-be enthusiasts. The beaten down road that runs for miles, riddled with potholes, chock-a-block traffic and just general lawlessness, amidst rampant illegal construction, prepares us for a disappointing visit to one of the few historical places the city can boast of.In the midst of the barren landscape is a place known for centuries’ worth of history, stripped of its allure and its distinctly carved yellow sand stones, cruelly dismembered for its glory by art enthusiasts, antique thieves, smugglers and the land mafia. These forces have individually and collectively, bit by bit, stolen gravestones, leaving gaps in the already floundering historical narrative of Sindh.Attributed to the Jokhio and Baloch tribes and built between the 15th and 18th centuries, the intricate geometrical designs on weathered stones however remain intact despite the vagaries of time. Proud and regal in outlook, each narrates a distinct tale, of a life lived and a life lost. But these tales have become far and few in between.The graveyard has no distinct entrance, and no defined boundary. This unfortunate absence has been time and again attributed as the reason behind the unchecked pilferage of the gravestones. Cruelly smashed into smaller, easier to manage pieces, the more attractive ones have been plucked away, leaving behind the broken remains of stones carved and adorned for a loved one’s grave.This lack of security at open-air historical sites encourages relic thieves to take their pick of what is being offered. The time we were at Chowkandi, no watchman was present and young men, in packs or alone, entered the vicinity of the graveyard and lingered suspiciously without any check and balance.The unkept grounds are dotted with shards of broken glass, plastic wrappers and stubbed cigarettes. Gravestones have been vandalised by being broken from their original place and rearranged on newly dug graves. The original inhabitants of the graveyard are outnumbered by the newly deceased, whose graves are now covered with the intricately carved stones, some with a bright blue paint smeared all over. These are clearly visible within newly built make-shift tombs, with low whitewashed walls. Pieces broken from original graves have been put together with the help of cement that has rendered further damage to the stones.With a never-ending fascination and respect that funerary architecture is given in Islam, this thievery is appalling.The small lane leading to the graveyard entrance has hastily constructed shops whose legitimacy can be questioned. The smoking factory at the far end of the graveyard, along with several constructed buildings, and even a residential housing scheme that will no doubt encroach on the graveyard land, are all a testament to the ignorance (or negligenceof the government that is allowing these structures to be slowly wiped out from existence.The tombs are usually pyramid shaped, but plundering has rendered them disproportionate in size and shape. The ones embellished with geometrical designs are numerous but the ones that comprised floral motifs, and human and pictorial representations such as hunting scenes, and of jewellery and arms, allowing the viewer to decipher whether the grave belonged to a warrior or a craftsman, are distinctly missing.What has let down Chowkandi most is the apathy exhibited by the state in preserving this site. This irreparable damage to the overall authenticity of the historical graveyard must be halted before it is lost to us forever

Such a great place to visit....

Chaukandi Tombs are attributed to the Jokhio & Baloch tribes of the region. It covers a large area with ornate tombs built during Mughal era between 15th & 18th Centuries of decorative yellow sandstone. They are built on raised platform in a pyramidal form covered with varied geometric design. The tomb of females are decorated with jewelry & male tombs are depicted by crown on the head, a bow & arrow or shield & sword. The engravings are very mesmerising & one is spell bound at the beauty of the tombs.The road leading to cemetery from the National Highway is obscured by trucks & containers parked. The cemetery is being polluted by the smoke of cement factory. More care needed to stop from destroying the National heritage from further damage.

Absolutely safe place to go with family and kids. Remarkable craft done on stones. The local guide does help to identify and show some writings and markings on the Graves. Plan to come back before sun set.

Easy accessible heritage site. The work on graves is magnificent. The carving on each grave symbolizes something. It tells story about persons gender, social status, age etc.

Its a very historical place where style of architecture is typical to the region of Sindh. Generally, the tombs are attributed to the Jokhio (also spelt Jokhiyaand known as the family graveyard of the Jokhio tribe, although other, mainly Baloch, tribes have also been buried here. They were mainly built during Mughal rule sometime in the 15th and 18th centuries when Islam became dominant. Its wonderful.

Needs attention from authorities to preserve and restore the ancient place. No facilities for visitors at all

I have visited this place, its a beautiful place to stay calm and alone, and see the beautiful craft work done on the tombs/graves, its replica to Makli tombs. May be this place is if same period or later of Makli tombs.

Amazing place. beautifully crafted tombstones.