Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Makli: Locked to preserve

Makli is a large necropolis near the modern day Thatta, Sindh, Pakistan. It covers approx. 8 Km and is perhaps one of the largest of its kind anywhere in the world. Oldest tombs belong to Muslim rulers and Saints date back to 14 century. Over a million people are said to be burried here. Unfortunately, like other historical sites across Pakistan, Makli too has faced ravages of time and people. Its stones have been stolen and taken abroad for sale; its walls defaced; its bricks used in newer construction; and the ever presence of vandals around the site have damaged it tremendously. So much so that on my visit here in 2007 I found one of the tombs locked by the authorities to prevent more loot.

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