Located in the heart of Sindh, Pakistan, lies the enigmatic city of Badin. Steeped in history and rich in cultural heritage, this city is a place where time seems to stand still, offering a glimpse into the past while embracing the present. From its historical landmarks to its vibrant festivals, Badin City is a treasure trove waiting to be explored. Thus, in today’s blog Graana.com aims to explore this concealed gem in Sindh.
Badin Sindh, Pakistan, is a place steeped in history and culture. Serving as the capital of Badin District, this city offers a rich heritage that dates back centuries. Situated to the east of the majestic Indus River, Badin is renowned for its picturesque landscapes and warm hospitality.
One of the most striking features of Badin is its role as a major player in Pakistan’s sugar industry, earning it the affectionate title of the “Sugar State.” The city’s lush sugarcane fields and bustling mills stand as a testament to its agricultural prowess and economic significance in the region.
Additionally, the year 1975 established Badin District comprising five talukas. These taluks namely entail Badin, Matli, Shaheed Fazal Rahu, Talhar, and Tando bago. The district is further divided into 46 Union Councils, with a well-organised administrative structure that includes revenue circles, tapas, and dehs.
Badin’s strategic location makes it a hub of connectivity, bordered by Hyderabad and Mirpurkhas Districts to the north, Tharparkar and Mirpurkhas to the east, Hyderabad and Thatta Districts to the west, and the Kutch district of India to the south. This southern boundary with India not only adds to Badin’s geographical significance but also reflects its historical ties and cultural exchanges with its neighbour.
All in all. stepping into Badin is like stepping back in time, where traditional values coexist harmoniously with modern developments. The city’s architecture, cuisine, and festivals offer a glimpse into its vibrant culture, while its people, known for their warmth and hospitality, welcome visitors with open arms.
Badin has a rich history dating back to the late 1500s, during the rule of the Tarkhan dynasty governors of Thatta. In 1585, a power struggle erupted within the dynasty after the death of Governor Mirza Baqi Muhammad Tarkhan.
His older son, Mirza Payanda Muhammad, was deemed unfit to rule, leading to support for his younger brother, Mirza Muzaffar Muhamad, based in Badin. However, the nobility changed their minds and called for Mirza Jani Beg, the competent son of Mirza Payanda Muhammad, to take over.
Mirza Jani’s swift actions, including the execution of Baqi Muhammad’s favourites, forced Mirza Muzaffar to retreat to Badin, where he prepared to challenge his nephew. Mirza Jani eventually defeated his uncle, annexing Badin into his territories.
In 1592, during Mirza Jani’s revolt against the Mughal Empire, the Mughal general Abdul Rahim Khan-i-Khanan captured Badin. Around 1614, Mir Abu al-Baqa’, brother of the author Mirak Yusuf, was appointed jagirdar (landlord) of Badin. However he was called back to the Mughal court in early 1615 for a military campaign. According to Mirak Yusuf, Badin was part of the sarkar (district) of Chachgan.
Unfortunately, the Pathan leader Madat Khan brought out the worst in old town Badin. His raids and plunder left the settlement a shell of what it was on western bank of the Ghari Mandhar canal. The present site of Badin, located between the Ghari Mandhar and Kaziah canals, was founded around 1750 by a Hindu named Sawalo.
Badin was established as a municipality in 1857. By 1874, it had only a fraction of its pre-raid population, estimated at 513 people, with an equal split between Hindus and Muslims. Local industries included the production of shoes, agricultural tools, earthenware pottery, and wooden irrigation wheels.
The town was a significant regional trade centre for various goods, including rice, cereals, ghee, sugar, cloth, metals, tobacco, and cotton. Long-distance trade mainly involved cloth, cereals, and oil.
Badin served as the headquarters of the taluka’s mukhtiarkar (revenue officer). It had a kacheri (court) and jail, along with a police force, district bungalow, and dharamsala (rest house). The town was also home to several important pirs (religious leaders), with Bhawan Shah being the most prominent, despite having recently passed away.
Badin enjoys a prime geographical setting in the Sindh province, within the swampy deltaic land east of the Indus River. Renowned for its fertile soil, the region entails abundant agricultural opportunities. Additionally, it is rich in natural resources, including oil and natural gas, further enhancing its economic potential.
Agriculturally, Badin City is known for its cultivation of rice, which is the major crop grown in the area. Over the years, the land has developed industries such as a sugar mill and rice mills. It is also the terminus of the Hyderābād-Badīn railway. The town began exploiting oil and natural gas resources in the mid-1990s, contributing to its economic growth.
Badin has a hot desert climate, classified as BWh in the Köppen climate classification. The district experiences moderate temperatures, largely influenced by the sea breeze that blows for eight months from March to October.
This sea breeze helps to cool down the otherwise hot weather, distinguishing Badin from other parts of Pakistan. During the monsoon season, the sky is often cloudy, but rainfall is minimal. Summers in Badin are characterised by moist and humid conditions.
The cold weather in Badin begins in November when the moist sea breeze shifts to a dry and cold northeast wind, leading to a sudden drop in temperature. Cyclones and floods can occur due to the city’s proximity to the sea, posing challenges for residents.
However, the overall climate of Badin is moderated by the sea breeze, providing some relief from the extreme temperatures experienced in other parts of the country. Located in the southeastern part of Sindh, Badin City is known for its flat terrain and arid climate.
The city experiences hot summers and mild winters, making it an ideal destination for visitors year-round. The population of Badin is diverse, with people from various ethnic and religious backgrounds living harmoniously in the city.
One of the most striking features of Badin City is its architectural heritage. The city is home to several historical sites, we talk about some of them in the following section.
Baba Buhran Shah Tomb is located approximately 5.22 kilometres south of Badin city, near Almi Sugar Mill in taluka and district Badin. Its proximity to Badin city makes it accessible for visitors interested in exploring its historical and architectural significance.
Dating back to the Mughal Period in 1637 A.D, Baba Buhran Shah Tomb represents an era of architectural and cultural splendour. The site was surveyed by CDC-EFT on August 3rd, 2017, shedding light on its historical and cultural importance.
The original tomb of Baba Buhran Shah, constructed in 1637 A.D, stands as a testament to the region’s rich history. Although the original structure collapsed over time, it was reconstructed in 1985 A.D using modern materials to preserve its historical significance.
The site also features other graves, including a collapsed yellow carved stone grave and the remains of a rectangular-shaped burnt brick tomb, which has sadly deteriorated to the point where only traces are visible on the surface. Despite its current state, the site continues to serve as a graveyard in modern times.
Situated just opposite the office of the Deputy Commissioner, the Laar Museum resides in a beautiful building that reflects the town’s rich heritage. The museum was conceived by the late Muhammad Soomar Shaikh and other heritage enthusiasts. While the ground floor is designated for the museum, it has not yet been fully established. However, the first floor is home to the Molvi Haji Ahmed Mallah Library.
The majority of the artefacts on display were donated by the late Soomar Shaikh, who meticulously collected them from various historical sites within the district. He collaborated with experts to materialise his vision for the museum.
Unfortunately, the artefacts are not properly captioned or catalogued, which diminishes their educational value. Moreover, a significant number of artefacts were stolen during a recent natural disaster when the museum building served as a relief camp for rain-affected individuals. The valuable relics were left unattended on bare tables or the floor, making them vulnerable to theft.
Despite efforts to engage with the District Administration and the Culture Department, no concrete steps have been taken to secure and manage this cultural treasure. The museum currently lacks a full-fledged director and is managed by a matriculate guide.
Efforts to preserve the museum’s artefacts and establish proper management protocols are imperative. Without proper cataloguing and security measures, the museum’s cultural significance is at risk. Furthermore, collaboration between local authorities, heritage experts, and the community is essential to ensure the museum’s longevity and accessibility to future generations.
The Maha Wali Tomb, located near the graveyard of Pir Qadri in Badin, holds significant religious and historical importance. The tomb is dedicated to Hazrat Maha Wali, whose full name, as inscribed on the tomb’s facade, is Hazrat Abdun Nabi Shah Hasni Hussaini alias Maha Wali Jeelani Qadri. He belonged to the esteemed family of Shah Qadri.
Hazrat Maha Wali’s tombstone indicates his passing on the 7th of Zilqad, 1066 A.H. Also buried within the tomb is Hazrat Abdullah Shah Qadri, Hazrat Maha Wali’s son. The courtyard of the tomb contains at least 13 more graves, believed to be of Hazrat Maha Wali’s relatives and followers.
Hazrat Maha Wali, like other saints of the Qadria school of thought, dedicated his life to preaching and spreading spiritual teachings in Indian villages and towns. His devotion led him to choose Badin as his final resting place. The tomb is a site of pilgrimage, where people visit regularly to pray for their wishes to be granted.
The structure of the Maha Wali Tomb is ancient, characterised by extraordinarily thick walls that reflect its historical significance. The tomb stands as a symbol of spiritual devotion and serves as a reminder of the rich cultural and religious heritage of Badin.
Haji Talib Daro, a newly discovered site near Haji Talib Mosque, rests on a mound with measurements of 373 metres in length, 175 metres in breadth, and a height of approximately 15 metres above the surrounding cultivated area, reaching an elevation of 102 feet above sea level. This site, previously unreported, offers insights into the Islamic period, as evidenced by the cultural artefacts found here.
The cultural material unearthed at Haji Talib Daro includes plain and painted pottery, painted glazed pottery, spouts, and a terracotta grinder used for separating husk. These artefacts provide a glimpse into the daily life and practices of the people from the Islamic period who inhabited this area.
While the surface of the mound shows sparse cultural material, much of it has been damaged over time by natural forces and human activities. Despite these challenges, the site remains a valuable archaeological find, shedding light on the history and culture of the region.
Haji Talib Daro is situated approximately 3.81 kilometres north of Tarai, in Taluka Golarchi, District Badin. The site’s proximity to Tarai makes it accessible for those interested in exploring its historical and cultural significance.
Located in the village of Ripp, Union Council Peeroo Lashari, the Haji Ashraf Thebo Bungalow stands as a magnificent architectural landmark. Built around 90 years ago by Mst. Imamat Khatoon in memory of her son Haji Muhammad Ashraf, this bungalow is a testament to the area’s rich history.
The bungalow contains over 8 massive bedrooms and a spacious drawing room. The wooden beams support its unusually high roof and battens covered with glazed kashi tiles. The chips and tiles adorned flooring adds to its sense of grandeur. Perforated wooden doors and windows adorn the entire structure, enhancing its aesthetic appeal.
A renowned zamindar (landlord) of the district, Haji Ashraf Thebo, was a philanthropist. He established a school with a boarding house in his village, bearing all expenses himself. Additionally, he purchased houses in Mecca to provide free accommodation to pilgrims. His legacy of generosity and kindness lives on, even after his passing in 1955.
Badin’s economy is primarily agricultural, with a focus on agro-based industries. The district’s infamous sugar and rice mills, play a significant role in its economy. There is also one cement pipe production factory in the area.
Badin houses six large sugar mills. Additionally, there are approximately 79 rice husking mills and about 100 flour mills in the district, highlighting the importance of these industries in the local economy.
Many locals transport cash crops, live animals, dairy products, and fish catches to the nearest market centres in Badin.
The year 1986 brought the establishment of an Industrial Estate in Badin, but it struggled to attract investors. Moreover, efforts are in process to create an environment conducive to investment encouraging industrial growth. Reviving the Industrial Estate and offering incentives to minimise transport and marketing costs could attract more investors and industrialists.
Investing in infrastructure, such as building farm-market roads, can further boost the economy by improving transportation of goods and reducing costs for farmers and businesses.
Badin’s economy relies heavily on agriculture and agro-based industries. To ensure sustainable growth, it is essential to focus on developing the industrial sector, improving market access, and investing in infrastructure.
Badin City boasts a number of educational institutions, including schools, colleges, and universities, providing quality education to the city’s youth. Similarly, the city is also home to several hospitals and healthcare facilities, ensuring access to quality healthcare for its residents.
The socio-political environment in Badin City is vibrant and dynamic, with a strong sense of community among its residents. A local administration governs the city, with elected representatives overseeing the day-to-day affairs of the city. Despite its challenges, Badin City is a place of hope and resilience, with its residents working together to overcome obstacles and build a better future for themselves and their children.
Badin City has much to offer in terms of tourism and recreation. Visitors to the city can explore its historical landmarks, take a stroll through its lush gardens, or simply soak in the beauty of its natural surroundings. The city also offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget guesthouses, ensuring a comfortable stay for visitors.
Badin City is a place of immense beauty and charm, with a rich history and a vibrant culture. From its historical landmarks to its bustling markets, Badin is a city that never fails to captivate the imagination. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or simply looking for a unique travel experience, Badin City has something for everyone.
Here are some FAQs to look into
The best time to visit Badin City is during the winter months, from November to February, when the weather is mild and pleasant.
Some must-visit landmarks in Badin City include the Shah Jahan Mosque, Badin Fort, and Rani Bagh.
The badin postal code is 72200.
The main industries in Badin City are agriculture, textiles, and manufacturing.
Yes, Badin City celebrates several festivals and events throughout the year, including the Urs of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai and the Sindh Cultural Festival.
Badin City offers a range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget guesthouses, ensuring a comfortable stay for visitors.
Yes, Badin City is generally safe for tourists. However, it is always advisable to take basic safety precautions while travelling.
Popular recreational activities in Badin City include visiting the local markets, exploring the city’s parks and gardens, and enjoying local cuisine.
The local cuisine in Badin City is predominantly Sindhi, with dishes such as Sindhi Biryani, Saag, and Sindhi Kadhi.
Yes, Badin City offers several ecotourism opportunities, including visits to the Keenjhar Lake and the Keti Bandar mangrove forests.
The challenges of Badin City include:
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