Jhal Magsi: A Historic Gem in Balochistan

Jhal Magsi District is a gem of a city located in the central region of Balochistan, Pakistan. in the heart of Balochistan, Pakistan. It boasts a rich tapestry of history and culture. Initially known, it was a part of Kachhi District. Still, later on, in 1991, it was given the status of a separate District. The district got its name “Jhal Magsi” after the name of the headquarters of Magsi tribe. Historically the district is closely connected to Sindh. There is a lot to be explored about this small region in the valleys of Balochistan.

Graana.com will take you on a virtual tour of the streets of Jhal Magsi and will go through the chapters of history, civilisation, and culture. 

 

Geographical Location

 

 

The Pakistani province of Balochistan is home to the Jhal Magsi one of the major districts in province. The district is made up of two main towns: Jhal Magsi itself and Gandawah, which serves as the administrative hub. It is further subdivided into two subdivisions, Jhal Magsi and Gandawah, for administrative purposes.  

Geographically speaking, the Jhal Magsi district is located between latitudes 27° 53′ 34′′ and 28° 50′ 50′′ north and longitudes 67° 09′ 34′′ and 67° 48′ 13′′ east. Bolan district to the north, Jaffarabad and Nasirabad districts to the east, Larkana district in Sindh province to the south, and Khuzdar district to the west are some of the other districts that the district borders. 

 

Popular Destinations

Popular tourist spots in the region include historical sites like Peer Chattal Shah Noorani’s shrine, the Mula River, Peer Lakha’s shrine, and the Moti Gohram Tomb, nicknamed the “Taj Mahal of Balochistan.” Some of these sites are mentioned below. these spots give boost to the tourism industry in Balochistan.

 

Pir Chattal Noorani Gandhawa

 

Pakistan’s Balochistan is home to the hidden jewel that is Pir Chattal Noorani Gandhawa. It is well-known for two things: an impressive collection of natural wonders and a hallowed shrine. The saint, known as Pir Chattal Noorani, is revered at a shrine serving as the centre of the community. There are several stories surrounding the shrine, some of which claim that the saint can grant wishes.

The shrine is a domed building that is probably hundreds of years old and is a place of pilgrimage for both Hindus and Muslims. The naturally occurring springs that emerge from the ground are the most remarkable aspect of Pir Chattal Noorani Gandhawa. This produces a string of glistening, fish-filled ponds. According to local legend, these fish have a particular status, and it is illegal to harm them.

With date palms scattered throughout and palm trees that sway gently, the surrounding scenery only heightens the sense of beauty. Because of its exceptional blend of scenic beauty and religious significance, Pir Chattal Noorani Gandhawa is a well-liked travel attraction among the local population. Camping is an alternative for people looking for a real getaway, even though there are few visitor amenities.

Pir Chattal Noorani Gandhawa ought to be on your list of destinations in Pakistan if you’re searching for an adventure off the beaten road. 

 

Desert Safari Rally

Every year, in the Jhal Magsi district of Balochistan, Pakistan, there is an off-road motorsport event called the Jhal Magsi Desert Challenge Rally. It’s a demanding three-day tournament that puts drivers and their cars to the test.  

The rally track meanders across a range of difficult terrain, such as loose gravel, dunes, salty plains, and hard surfaces. In addition to keeping drivers on their toes, the treacherous terrain offers plenty of thrills for onlookers.  

Having taken place for the first time in 2005, the Jhal Magsi Desert Challenge Rally is a relatively young event. But it gained popularity quickly, and today, it’s regarded as one of Pakistan’s top off-road motorsport events. Participants in the rally come from all over the nation as well as from nearby nations. 

 

The Tomb of Moti Goharam

 

Constructed in the Jhal Magsi area of Balochistan sometime in the mid-17th century, the Tomb of Moti Goharam is notable for its exquisite architectural design. The mausoleum, which has arched panels embellishing its sides and kiosks at each corner, is built of brick and plastered both inside and out. It is situated on a large platform.  

The platform is a design marvel in and of itself. With walls dividing it into a square grid and domes atop, it has a distinctive floor plan. These square kiosks have four sides of openings, lime mortar plastered on top, and domes on top. Decorative ribs further accentuate their exteriors. 

The primary tomb features deep recesses on each inner wall and is octagonal in design. On the western side is a mihrab, a niche that indicates the direction in which one should pray. The main entrance faces east, while arched apertures at lower levels provide natural ventilation and light on other sides. Glazed tiles with lovely geometric motifs cover these rectangular panels.  

The tomb’s interior displays exquisite artistry. Rectangular panels frame full-height arched niches, which are capped with pointed arches. Plaster ribs and nested cross-arches adorn the arches themselves. There is a significant relationship between the decorative features and overall architectural style in Timurid/Central Asian architecture. 

 

Historical Significance

 

The district known as Jhal Magsi, after the tribal centre, was formerly under the jurisdiction of the Kachhi Plains administration of the Kalat State. This region of Balochistan shares a history with the neighbouring state of Sindh. Gandawah and Jhal Magsi, the two tehsils that make up the district, each have a distinct history.

 

A Historical Overview of Gandawah

Nestled in the Kachhi Plains, Gandawah is a historic town with a rich history. In the seventh century AD, it was the headquarters of Rai Chach and was formerly known as Kandabil.

When Arab influence first appeared in 644 AD, the word Kandabil changed to Gangaaba, then to Gandawah. Nevertheless, the Chach Dynasty continued to control the area after the brief Arab occupation. After Sindh was conquered by the Arabs in 712 AD, the Kachhi region, which included Gandawah, was ruled by several different people. Sindh was ruled by the Soomras (1024–1351 AD) and the Sammas (1351–1524 AD). 

The Baloch people arrived around the fifteenth century. A fabled 30-year struggle between two leaders, Mir Chakar Khan Rind and Gwahram Lashari, became a recurring motif in Baloch classical poetry.

The Afghan Arghuns aided the Rinds, and the Samma king of Sindh provided help for the Lasharis. In the end, this protracted battle weakened both sides, giving the Arghuns more power. The Rinds and Lasharis finally withdrew under pressure from surrounding kings; the Rinds moved towards Multan, while the Lasharis moved towards Thatta. 

When Gandawah was incorporated into the newly established Kalat State in 1666, its historical significance further grew. Throughout the state’s existence, it functioned as the Khans’ winter house and the centre of the Kachhi subdivision. It’s interesting to note that during the British Colonial Era, Gandawah replaced Kandabil/Gangaaba as the official name.

 

Jhal Magsi Tehsil

The Baloch people have a rich history entwined with Jhal Magsi tehsil. Jhal Magsi is the result of the Magsi tribe, a subset of the Lasharis, settling in the Kachhi “waterway” region (Jhal). During British administration, this region was still governed by the Kalat State and then the Kachhi district.

The administrative environment changed in 1947 after the country gained independence. Originally, Gandawah was the seat of the Kalat district tehsil. Subsequently, Kachhi gained independence and had Gandawah as its tehsil. Jhal Magsi also advanced through the ranks, becoming a tehsil in 1989 after beginning as a sub-tehsil in 1958.

At last, the district of Jhal Magsi was established in 1992, with its headquarters located in Gandawah. Jhal Magsi tehsil is renowned for its historical monuments, such as tombs, shrines, and archaeological sites, in addition to its administrative past. Notably, pilgrims seeking religious comfort and purported therapeutic benefits from the region’s hot springs flock to the shrine of Pir Lakha.

 

Topography

Pakistan’s Jhal Magsi area in Balochistan offers an enthralling combination of disparate landscapes. Approximately 80% of the district is made up of gently sloping plains that are flat and run downhill from north to south. The height above sea level varies from 40 metres to 1544 metres at its highest point.

A striking mountain range appears on the western side of the Jhal Magsi area, standing in stark contrast to the plains. One of the most well-known mountain ranges in Balochistan, the Kirthar Mountain Range, is extended by these summits. These mountains, which range in height from 300 to 1200 metres, give the entire scene a sense of grandeur. 

 

Climate

The Jhal Magsi district’s climate is characterised by various seasons. The summer months of April through October are intensely hot and arid. June takes the title of being the hottest month, with typical highs of 44°C (111°F) and lows of 29°C (84°F).

Winter brings nice weather from November to mid-March, a much-needed break. With average highs of 23°C (73°F) and lows of 8°C (46°F), January is the coldest month. The district receives very little rain—only 110 mm (4.3 inches) on average annually—and it is dispersed unevenly.

 

Seismic Activity

According to Pakistan’s seismic zone map, the Jhal Magsi district is located in Zone 3. This classification suggests that moderate to severe earthquake damage could occur in the area. It’s an important consideration for regional infrastructure planning and construction.

This was all about Jhal Magsi. For more details, visit Graana.com.