Chaukhandi tombs near Karachi, Pakistan

Chaukhandi tombs near Karachi, Pakistan
Originally uploaded by Ameer Hamza

Via Flickr:
The Chaukhandi tombs are situated 29 km east of Karachi on N-5 National Highway near Landhi Town in Pakistan. The Chaukhandi tombs are remarkable for the elaborate and exquisite stone carving.

The style of architecture is typical only to the region of Sindh, and unique in that it is found nowhere else in the Islamic world. Generally, the elements are attributed to Jokhio (also spelt Jokhiya) also known as the family graveyard of Jokhio tribe, some people of Baluch tribe also buried were built between the 15th and 18th centuries.

More: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chaukhandi_tombs

Chowkandi, 18Km off Karachi

Tourist at Chowkandi
Originally uploaded by Ameer Hamza

Some places force you to sit and wait. Others get the best out from you. Chowkandi does both to a photographer. It is an Islamic site where Muslim rulers and their subjects used to bury their dead. More precious the body, more elaborate its stones and more intricate its carvings.

This wonderful graveyard, one of 51 Chowkandi sites spread in Sindh and Baluchistan provinces, is a classic example of itself. You will be mesmerized by the lengths at which man can and decorate their dead. The workmanship is superb. And details are just too much for a newcomer.

Unfortunately, some of the precious stones have been stolen from the site and smuggled abroad. One may also find these carved bricks / stones in the drawing rooms of various politicians and officers. Such are the ways of the living. They steal the stones from the dead!