Photos of Sukkur, Sindh, Pakistan.
Editor’s Note: Rare black & white photos of Sukkur dating back to 1840s are in the last portion of this page.
Brief History: Sukkur (formerly Aror, Alor and Bakar) is the capital of Sukkur District. It is the third largest city of Sindh province, situated on the west bank of Indus River. Sukkur is called Sakharu in Sindhi language which means “superior”. The spelling of the city’s name in Sindhi suggests that it is the origin of the name. Sukkur is nicknamed as ” (the Gift of River), as without the Indus the city would be a desert. The district of Sukkur was constituted in 1901 out of part of Shikarpur District. Sukkur saw a significant socio-economic uplift after the 1930s, when the British built the world’s largest barrage here on the Indus River.
Sukkur has been an important strategic centre and trading route from time immemorial. Alor (or Aror, Sukkur) held the status of capital under the reign of Musikanos, when Alexander invaded the region in 326 BC. The ruins of this ancient town still exist, 8 km east of Rohri, in Sukkur district. The Rai Dynasty built a huge temple of Shiva. In 711 AD, the Arabs invaded Sindh, led by 17-year-old Muhammad bin Qasim, and Sukkur (including all of Sindh and lower Punjab) became part of the Umayyad Caliphate.
Later Mughals and many semi-autonomous tribes ruled over Sukkur. The city was ceded to Mirs of Khairpur between 1809 and 1824. In 1833, Shah Shuja (a warlord of Kandahar, Afghanistan) defeated the Talpurs near Sukkur and later made a solemn treaty with the Talpur ruler, by which he relinquished all claims on Sindh. In 1843, Sukkur, along with the rest of Sindh, came under British rule until the independence of Pakistan in 1947.
Lansdowne Bridge Rohri/Sukur. Lansdowne Bridge, linking Sukkur and Rohri, was inaugurated on March 27, 1889. The bridge provided the railway link between Lahore and the port of Karachi. Later, the arched Ayub Bridge was inaugurated on May 6, 1962 and railway traffic was shifted there. About a hundred feet apart, the two bridges seem like one from a distance.
Ayub Bridge (Ayub Arch) at Sukkur. Ayub Bridge (Ayub Arch) is a railway bridge over the Indus river between Rohri and Sukkur in Sindh province, Pakistan. This steel arch bridge was inaugurated by President Muhammad Ayub Khan on 6 May 1962. The Ayub Bridge became the world’s third longest railway arch span and the first railway bridge in the world to be slung on coiled wire rope suspenders. On its completion railway traffic was transferred to Ayub Bridge from the adjacent Lansdowne Bridge.
Inauguration of Ayub Bridge (Ayub Arch) at Sukkur, 1962. President Muhammad Ayub Khan is inaugurating Ayub Bridge at Sukkur on May 6, 1962.
Railway Bridge Across Indus River, Connecting Rohri and Sukkur through Bukkur Island Fort. Photo by msb1606.
Bukkur Island and the Three Bridges on Indus River at Sukkur. In this photo, one can see on the right the arched Ayub Bridge and Lansdowne Bridge connecting Rohri to Bukkur Island, shown in the middle of the photo. The island of Bukkur has an old historical fortress which is currently being used by Army. On the left side of the photo, one can see the bridge connecting Bukkur island to Sukkur city.
Army Barracks at Bukkur Island, Sukkur
An Aerial View of Rohri and Sukkur after Floods in the Indus River. Ayub Bridge and Lansdowne Bridge connecting Rohri to Bukkur island are visible in the middle distance. A smaller bridge connecting Bukkur island to Sukkur city is also visible. Photo by Jahangir Khan.
Sukkur Barrage (Lloyd Barrage), Opened in 1932. Sukkur Barrage (formerly called Lloyd Barrage) was built over Indus River near Sukkur during British Raj and was inaugurated by Lord Willingdon, the Viceroy of India, on 13 January 1932. The scheme had been launched by the Governor of Bombay, Sir George Ambrose Lloyd for whom it was named. It was the largest irrigation project ever undertaken, and irrigates the farmlands through its seven large canals. Some of the canals are larger than the Suez Canal.
Sukkur Barrage has 7 Canals. Left Bank canals are Nara Canal, Mirwah Canal, Rohri Canal, Abul Wah and Right Bank canals are Dadu Canal, Rice Canal and Kirthar Canal.
In November 2004, the government of Pakistan initiated a rehabilitation project to revitalize its water storage capacity and distribution efficiency. The project was completed in July 2005. The experts claim that the rehabilitation of the barrage has increased its life for another 60 to 70 years.
Night View of Sukkur Barrage (Lloyd Barrage). Photo by by Engr. HaMza NiaZi.
Stamp Issued by Pakistan Post on Golden Jubilee of Sukkur Barrage (Lloyd Barrage), 1982
Lloyd Barrage, Sukkur, 1935
Stamps Showing Llyod Barrage issued on 14 August 1948
Inauguration of Lloyd Barrage at Sukkur (The Daily Gazette, Edition of 14 January 1932). This rare edition of The Daily Gazette (later became The Sind Gazette) shows the Viceroy of India, Lord Willingdon, who inaugurated the Lloyd Barrage (built over Indus River near Sukkur) on 13 January 1932. It was later named as the Sukkur Barrage. The scheme had been launched by the Governor of Bombay, Sir George Ambrose Lloyd for whom it was named.
Plaque at The Lloyd Barrage Sukkur, also known as Sukkur Barrage. Photo by Danyal Gilani.
Lloyd Barrage Museum, Sukkur. Photo by usman_gooner.
Entrance to Dadu Canal, Sukkur Barrage. Dadu Canal is one of the three canals emanting from Sukkur Barrage on the western bank of Indus River. Photo by msb1606.
Three Canals Emanating from Sukkur Barrage at the Right Bank of Indus River. These three canals are Dadu Canal, Rice Canal and Kirthar Canal. Photo by Jahangir Khan.
An Aerial View of Three Canals at Sukkur
Nara Canal, Rohri, Sukkur Barrage. Photo by Skybolt.
A Night View of River Indus and Sukkur City
War Mubarak Shrine in Rohri City. The Shrine of War Mubarak is located near Rohri Railway station towards Sukkur. This Shrine holds a holy Hair of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH). A building was erected around 1545 AD (952 AH) by Mir Muhammad, the then reigning Kalhora Prince, for the special reception of a holy Hair. Photo by SaffyH – Uploading Iceland Photo’s.
Interior view of War Mubarak Shrine in Rohri City. A casket crusted in Gold and silver enshrines the hair of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). Photo courtesy Olaf Kellerhoff.
Remains of Muhammad Bin Qasim Mosque. The Muhammad Bin Qasim Mosque was built at Arore, near Sukkur, on top of a mound by the first Muslim man to step in the region, Muhammad Bin Qasim, in 711 AD.
Minar-e-Masumi and Faiz Mahal at Sukkur. The minaret of Syed Nizam-ud-Din Mir Muhammad Masum Shah (a governor of Mughal Emperor Akbar) is the most conspicuous structure of Sukkur town which can be seen from a far distance. It is called ‘Mir Masum Shah Jo Minaro’ in Sindhi language.This conical shaped minaret was built around 1607 AD (26 metres in circumference, 31 metres in height with 84 steps to the top). Photo by SaffyH – Uploading Iceland Photo’s.
Sateen Jo Aastan, “The Tombs of Seven Sisters” at Rohri. Sateen Jo Aastan is located on the left bank of the Indus River near Rohri on a small hill. A building on the southern side of the hill is called Satbhain (Seven Sisters). According to folklore seven unmarried female friends resided here who veiled themselves from all males. But for the fear of a tyrannical Raja, they disappeared in a cave in the side of a hill. Thus they became satti. Probably this folklore has its origins in the Hindu ritual of satti, where widows burnt themselves on their dead husband’s pyre. In reality, however, this is the burial-place of a ruler from Sukkur, Mir Abu Al-Qasim Namkeen (961 A.H, 993 A.H).
On one of the smaller hills that arises out of the river bank on the south has a leveled platform on which there are many carved gravestones. The principal grave is that of Mir Kasim one of the Sabzwari Shahids dated 1018 AD. This was probably the grave that sanctified the place, and the lamp-post and lamp that were placed in front of it are still there; and it gives the name of Than Kasim Shah to the hill. But the name by which it is more generally known is the Hill of the Seven Virgins.
Another View of Seven Sisters Graveyard at Rohri. Ayub Bridge and Lansdowne Bridge are visible in the background. Photo by Jahangir @.
A Closer View of Seven Sisters Graveyard at Rohri. Photo by mianaamir.
Jamia Masjid, Sukkur. Photo by NAJAMUDDIN BHATTI.
Eidgah Masjid in Rohri City. Eidgah Mosque in Rohri city dates back to 1593. Photo by SaffyH – Uploading Iceland Photo’s.
Clock Tower at Ghanta Ghar Chowk, Sukkur. Photo by uMa|r.
Sukkur Clock Tower (Ghanta Ghar) during Night
Pir Ilahi Baksh Tower (Ilmi Tower), Sukkur. Pir Illahi Bakhsh Tower (also called ‘Ilmi Tower’) is located on a hill near State Bank of Pakistan, Sukkur. It is 110 feet high and 66 feet wide. The tower was founded by Pir Illahi Bakhsh, minister for education in May 1939 and completed in 1940. Photo by By bukhaari.
Sukkur Railway Station. Photo by Ghilzai.
Railway Heritage Museum at Sukkur. Railway Heritage Museum was established in 2005 at Sukkur Railway Station. An old steam engine and a few coaches were brought from Mirpur Khas section. Antiques were collected from almost 60 stations of Sukkur and displayed inside the coaches. Photo by Commoner28th.
River Indus at High Floods at Sukkur. Photo by Rahmat akhund.
Sukkur Airport Terminal Building. Photo by Rahmat akhund.
Entrance of Lab-e-Mehran Park in Sukkur. Lab-e-Mehran is famous garden in Sukkur, located on Bandar Road, adjacent to the Indus River. There is a separate family area with a small hotel. There is also boat riding facility. Photo by SAN Group 2k.
A Globe near Lab-e-Mehran Park, Sukkur
Hockey Stadium, Sukkur. Built at old Railway Ground.
High Rise Buildings at the Bank of Indus River, Sukkur
A View of Congested City of Sukkur with Indus River in the Background
Night View of Icon Departmental Store near Minar-e-Masumi, Sukkur
Day View of Icon Departmental Store, Sukkur
Interior View of Icon Departmental Store, Sukkur
Long Stone Bridge, Rohri. Photo by Rahmat akhund.
Photos of Sukkur: Civil Hospital, Sukkur
Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital, Sukkur
Photos of Sukkur: Government Islamia Science College, Sukkur
Photos of Sukkur: IBA (Institute of Business Administration), Sukkur
Photos of Sukkur: St. Mary’s High School, Sukkur. St. Mary’s School was started in 1881. But it was not recognized till 1888. It was initially for the children of railway personnel, but in 1897 it was opened to all local people. It was housed in a railway bungalow and shifted to its own building on 23 May 1911. Photo shows St. Mary’s School and church. Photo by SAN Group 2k.
School website: http://www.geocities.ws/uzairarain/School.htm.
Photos of Sukkur: Saint Mary’s Catholic Church at Sukkur. St. Mary’s Church was built in early 1850s. In February 2006, a mob destroyed the church and was rebuilt and opened in 2009. This photo was taken in 1992. Photo by Francis Hannaway.
Photos of Sukkur: Saint Saviour’s Church, Sukkur
Photos of Sukkur: Sadh Belo, A Sacred Place for Hindu in an Island at Sukkur. Downstream of the island of Bukkur, and separated from it by a short stretch of river, is the small island of Sat, or Sadh Belo. On it is a Hindu religious establishment found in AD 1823 by Swami Bakhandi Maharaj Udasi. It is a sacred pilgrimage place for Hindus throughout Sindh and even in India. The island has two inlets, Sadh Belo and Din Belo. To visit Sadh Belo one requires a permission from the department of Auqaf to go there.
Old Photos of Sukkur: Sadhu Bela, Sukkur, 1920
Old Photos of Sukkur: Shrine of Zinda Pir, Sukkur, in 1926. The shrine of a saint Khawaja Khizar, known as ‘Zinda Pir’ (also called “Jind Pir”) was built around 925 AD on a small island called “Hajee ka Tau” located north of Bukkur island fort, Sukkur. Unfortunately except the island, nothing much remains of this structure today.
Old Photos of Sukkur: A Bungalow on the Bank of River Indus, Sukkur, 1924. A guard is standing outside a bungalow close to railway line and Indus River in Sukkur. It is probably at the construction site of Llyod Barrage (Construction started in 1923 and inaugurated on 13 January 1932). Photo by Abaraphobia.
Old Photos of Sukkur: Under Construction Bungalow at the Site of Lloyd Barrage, Sukkur, 1924. Photo by Abaraphobia.
Old Photos of Sukkur: Minaret of Mir Masum Shah, Sukkur, 1910
Old Photos of Sukkur: Lansdowne Railway Bridge, Sukkur, in 1897. A view of Indus River with the Lansdowne Railway Bridge at Sukkur in the background. The Bukkur Fort is also visible on the left.
Old Photos of Sukkur: Shrine of Zinda Pir, Sukkur, in 1897. The photograph taken by Henry Cousens shows the shrine of a saint Khawaja Khizar, known as ‘Zinda Pir’ (also called “Jind Pir”). The shrine was built around 925 AD on a small island called “Hajee ka Tau” located north of Bukkur island fort, Sukkur. Unfortunately except the island, nothing much remains of this structure today.
Old Photos of Sukkur: Minaret and Tomb of Mir Masum Shah at Sukkur, 1896
Old Photos of Sukkur: The Lansdowne Bridge at Sukkur in 1895. Members of World Transportation Commission on an inspection trolley at the Lansdowne Bridge at Sukkur in 1895. Photo by an American photographer William Henry Jackson.
Old Photos of Sukkur: Shrine of Seven Sisters (“Sathbahin” Monument) in Rohri, 1890s. A view across the Indus River from Sukkur, with “Sathbahin” Monument (Shrine of Seven Sisters) at Rohri in the middleground.
Old Photos of Sukkur: Men and Women Screening Tobacco in Sukkur, 1890
Old Photos of Sukkur: Rare Photo of Lansdowne Bridge Over Indus River at Sukkur, 1890
Old Photos of Sukkur: Lansdowne Bridge, 1890. Bukkur Fort is visible on the left side of the bridge.
Old Photos of Sukkur: Inauguration Ceremony of Lansdowne Bridge at Sukkur in 1889. Lansdowne Bridge was inaugurated on March 27, 1889.The chief guest was Lord Reay, Governor of Bombay who was deputising for Lord Lansdowne, the Viceroy of India.
Old Photos of Sukkur: Inauguration Plaque of the Lansdowne Bridge, Sukkur, 1889. Inauguration Plaque of the Lansdowne Bridge. It was inaugurated by H. E. Lord Reay (Governor of Bombay) on 27 March, 1889 along with Lt. Col. Conway Gordon (Director General Railways) and Col. W. A. J. Wallace (Director North Western Railway).
Old Photos of Sukkur: Rare Photo of General View of Sukkur City, 1860s
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Thank you uploading such rare photos. Sukkur is my hometown. I was born there and lived there for thirteen years. I live in Hyderabad Sindh now and visit Sukkur often.
I LIKE MY NETIVE PLACE AND WRITE THE HISTORY OFF PLACED
I am proud to be of Sukkur. I lived at Queens Road, my uncle Late Mr. Abdul Rauf was a leading Advocate of Sukkur. I studied at the famous Modern High School of Mr. Abdul Samad Khan. Beside the great Mr. Khan I was taught by Late Franklin Minhas, Badruddin Farooqui, Latafat Husain Qureshi and Abbas Ahmed. They all were my mentors. Whatever I am today it was just because of them. During education days we played hockey at Manzilgah ground. I was from Olympia Hockey Club, players like my cousin Abdullah Talat, late Sabir Siddiqui. Amil Shamsi, Asifuddin Khan, Javed Emad, Saadat Ali Khan, Ch. Idris, and many more. I still remember late Shahid Thanvi, my neighbour, his father who always guided me in knowing Islam. My school friends Tarique Naseer, Jawaid Shabbir, Yousuf Ismail, Nasim Ghori, Zeba Kidwai, Rahat Qureshi, Yasmin Hafeez were those whose name I remember, May God bless them all.
I am an old St. Mary’s pupil having Matriculated in 1958. My father was Station Master at Rohri Railway Station. He hrelped in the extension of Rohri Railway Station. With the other three in the family we used to travel by train to School from Rohri to St Mary’s School Sukkur. Sister Mathilda,Sister Rose in succession were the Principals. Amonst the teachers I remember were, Mr Finnimore (English), Father Trinidad, Father Colaco(Civics),Mr Sonpar (Maths), Mr Samad (Maths|),Mr Subhan Yusufzai. (Urdu & Maths), Mr Maroof was the Science Master he was son in law of Mr Lodhi a famous lawyer of Sukkur. I am greatly indebited to all of them
I am a Nephrologist (Kidney Specialist) and live in London. I am proud of my school teachers who gave me good solid foundation.
Dr Rasheed Ahmad. MBBS.,DTM.,M.Sc(Med).,FRCP.,LL.M
Today I am very happy to see my birthplace and memories of my childhood and also my educational institution Islamia College Sukkur. Now feeling young again.
Picture captioned ‘Civil Hospital Sukkur’ is actually an external photo of Larkana’s Railway Station. Please correct that!
I am very happy to see old pictures of my beloved province Sindh. It is nice effort that the editor has undertaken. May He in His infinite mercy bless you all and your family.
Very good work but some of the ancient pictures have been missed, like park of Hira Chand 8 storey building. It is near old Sukkur, these pictures are important to the youth of Sukkur and I have these pictures and will upload these vey soon.
My grand father Nana was also one of the contractors onthe bridge. M. Abdul khaliq.
Honey Dhalor house ki pic nahi hai yahan?????? Woh bhi Sukkur mein hai, Barrage Colony mein ….
Commendable work by the editor. He re-vitalised my memories of my hometown. May I know his name and e-mail. I attended Government Primary School , Old Sukkur, 1955-59, Railway High School and Islamia College. I bear the distinction of being the first thorough Sukkur bred youth to get commission in Pakistan Air Force, wherefrom I retired as Air Commodore. Amongst many people in Sukkur, I do think about a great Doctor Heera Nund. Any of his children reading this mail, Plz respond.
Before British Empire got embroiled in 1st Great War, it intended to establish a big international rail terminal at RUK for trains to Middle East , Europe, UK and even to USSR. The project was shelved because of the Great War and the indigenous freedom movement. Let share info about our beloved city. SHAMIMUL HASAN
Assalamo Alaikum
I saw your post and recalled you, I studied in Railway High School 1956-1966 than Islamia College 1966-1968, probably I was one year junior to you. I did my F.Sc from Islamia College in 1968 and then engineering from UET Lahore 1972 , worked in Lahore over 25 years in various position and became General Manager Production Control in Millat Tractors Lahore, later moved to USA and presently in USA (Virginia).
I was searching old memories of SUKKUR via internet and noticed this website, I still remember those golden days and sincere friends and teaches at Railway High School , and Islamia college particularly the teachers like Ahmad Ali in Railway School, and Professor like Saulat Hassan Rizvi in Islamia college, I cannot forget those memorable days.
Yes I do remember Dr. Heera Nand and if you recall Dr. Hafeezullah, I still remember Purana SUKKUR, Frier Road, Chowk Ghanta Ghar.
I use to go see Sir Saulat Hassan in Purana Sukkur a lot.
Shafiq A Mian
My grandfather Syed Mehdi has served in Railway Boys School as headmaster.
Syed Mehdi was one of my teachers at Railway High School , I was student in that school in 1956-1966, later he became Head Master.
I live in London and have got my father’s baptism certificate which says Assumption Church Sukkur. He has sadly passed away so cannot ask him. Does anyone know anything about this church? I would be most grateful for any help in finding out about my family roots.
Dear Linda!
I know only two churches exist in Sukkur. the one is in my neighborhood inside the Saint Mary’s High School and the other one is inside the Saint Savior’s High School.
Thank you so much Faraz, are they on the website? Perhaps I could contact them directly to see if they are or were the Assumption Church. My dad and granddad and great grandfather also worked in the railways.
My grandfather and father have also served in Railway after Independence. the both churches don’t have any website but I know many Christian people there because I have worked 2 years with them in Saint Mary’s High School.
I Googled about the “Assumption Church” and I got the same church info that is in my neighborhood inside the School. You can connect with the principal of Saint Mary’s via Facebook.
Thank you for your valued time.
There are two churches i know in sukkur. 1 is saint mary church and other is saint saviours church.
My ancestors were from Rohri…really feeling great to see that place…I don’t know when will Pakistan and India become one.
my grandfather lived in Rohri and was the Chief Engineer for the Sukkur barrage. My father was the principal of V.J.T.I. institute in Sukkur. VJTI may have been renamed as I cannot find it in Google maps. Does anyone know the new name. I was born in Sukkur. I migrated to india when i was 6 years old but I do have memories. would like to communicate with some one from that era.
It is indeed an effort where I am short of words to appreciate it. May Allah Bless you for all this effort.
Add some pictures of the area of Golimar, the Industrial Estate of Sukkur. In this area there was an Army set up, virtually a company strength under a TYRANT commanding officer who would not allow us to work in our small set up. He would not allow us to mix up with people, to see the places your good has shown me to-day.
In one comment I was reading, “If Pakistan is safe”. Yes, it is very much safe and we pray it remains safe for all humanity. We welcome all to come to Pakistan, visit us, stay with us, be our guest and see as many places that you want to see and take pictures of your parents’ HOME.
Last time when I visited this place was in 1978 and today I wish to see it again because you had incited me to visit it again.
I appreciate all those who have appreciated this page of history.
Amir Babiwal
Thank you so much Amir. My father was born in Sukkur and I have many relatives theere, although I do not know who, I am trying to trace them now. I live in London and my brother is hoping to visit Sukkur to see where our father and grandparents and their parents etc. were born and died and buried. We are both so excited for his visit and I hope that he meets some very kind warming people like you when he gets there.
God Bless for your greetings.
Linda
Brilliant work…. very much appreciated!!
It’s amazing effort done by you, definitely a great research was conducted. Some very rare historical picture are shown here, but two known places were missed; one is Saint Saviour School and adjacent church and another is walking track.
Dear Mr. S. Mustafa,
The photo of Saint Saviour’s Church has been added now.
The pics of Saint Saviour’s School and walking track are not available. If you find these, please send at the following email address:-
nativepakistan@gmail.com
Sukkur is a very good place to live.
Sukkur is still like a living museum but it’s originality and culture is being damaged by new high rise buildings. Increase in population of the city is increasing toxication in the river which is backbone of Pakistan’s economy.
Hi,
I like the beautiful buildings of Sukkur. I am inspired by IBA building. If I get time I will visit Sukkur. I think people are also loving.
I also love my educational cities i.e. Sukkur and Rohri as I spent 24 years of my life in RCW.
AOA,
I am from Faisalabad and I love to see Sukkur.
Walaikum salam.
Sukkur is a lovely place, dear. I live in Karachi but my heart is in Sukkur!!
Such a nice Post!!!
I am native of Sukkur, the places shown in above pictures, at present most of them are still in same look with slight degradation in condition due to weathering effects.
I love this beautiful city.
Dear all,
Thank you for the great pictures. My grandmother was from Sukkur. I heard a lot from my father about his nana’s (grandfather) sweet shop named as “Kaka Ram Punjabi Halwai” in Panchayati Tala area. My father has very blink memories of visiting Sukkur, the shop was near Hanuman Temple.
Do you remember a family by the name of Jiggins? My Dad was born in Sukkur in 1933. My grandfather was also in the Railways. My Dad had two older brothers and a sister.
My father was born in 1924. May be they even saw each other! Please write more about your family, I love reading about Sukkur and Rohri. My husband was born in Sukkur. His father Kanayalal Sahijwani was a mechanical plumbing contractor in Sukkur.
Looking at these pics Sukkur seems to be a nice place and it is very painful that we even not bother to visit even our own Pakistan, what a sorrow. I am from Lahore and I love to visit my country as it is the best and I am proud of been a Pakistani no matter how hard the situation.
Assalam O ALikum,
I love Sukkur because its my birth place and want to go back there again. Now-a-days we live in Peshawar because basically we are Pashtoon and our home town in Sawabi. In Sukkur we lived near Takri Peer Cement Factory Colony, in 1999 that factory was closed and my father took a golden-hand shake and then we left Sukkur on 22nd of Oct 1999. Till today I never forget that place and want to again go back there. I pray to ALLAH that give me a chance to go back there again. Ameen-sum-Ameen.
Hi, I am a television and cinema writer director in India. The internet would give you an information on me. We recently produced films like ‘Tanu weds Manu’ and the recently released ‘Raanjhana’ directed by my brother Anand Rai. We are Sindhis and actually Raisinghani. My father was from Naushero Feroze and my mother is from Karachi. I am writing a novel, a love story based in Sukkur between a Sindhi girl and a Muslim boy next door. The story begins in 1944 and ends in 1954. A time when the Muslim League and Indian National Congress were at the logger heads and how 1947 tore them apart. But in all this process I am trying to bring back Sindh alive once again. If any of you would want to contribute anything with schools, names of the institutions, streets, hospitals, shops, bakeries, sweet marts, in Sukkur, Rohri, Karachi, Shikarpur, Lahore, Sialkot etc., please let me know. Thanks and regards.
My email address is ravirai25@hotmail.com
My mother’s family is originally from Rohri and Dad’s family from Karachi. Nani (grandmother) would have recognized the places if she was alive today. Mom keeps saying that Sukkur bridge is famous and in history books. I will show her the photos and see if she recognizes them.
Sure she will, although she would have been a child when she left Rohri. I have emailed these wonderfully evocative pics to my relatives and my husband’s relatives so they can relive, or live vicariously a time and place we lost.
My father Vishin Ochiram Menghani (shortened to Meghani when he crossed over to India in October 1947) was born in Rohri on Jan 12, 1924. He lived in Takkar ki Galli. He attended DJ Sindh College and the law college in Karachi. He was then Junior to Pirzada. He used to tell me stories about how he would cross the Lansdowne Bridge every day, half way by tonga, and then walking to get to Pirzada’s office in Sukkur. He was very sorry to leave Sindh. His family and he were assisted in leaving Sindh by their Muslim neighbors. In Bombay most of his clients were Muslims and he used to like them personally too. My Dad spoke fluent Urdu. I remember they were the most loyal clients. When my Dad fell ill and was unable to practice for several months, most of them refused to take back their files but preferred to wait until Dad was able to get back on his feet.
Towards the end of his life he kept asking to go back to Sukkur. He missed especially the railway station which was a social gathering spot!
He would tell my secretary, who is from Karachi, to go to Mohammed Moosa’s shop behind the Municipal Corporation, to get him shoes or clothes(I forget now which).
When my husband visited Pakistan on work sometime in 2008, he made a trip to Rohri and my Dad followed him on the telephone at 3 am US time, while directing him to go to his home in Takkar ki Galli. He was thrilled to hear his home was still standing.
My husband brought back photos of Rohri, Sukkur(where my husband was born), Landowne bridge and also soil (matti) from Rohri and Sukkur. I still treasure the soil of my father’s youth and hope to see his ancestral home some day. Jiye Sindh.
My ancestors were from Narnol city, they migrated to Sukkur, sindh after the independence. The “Takkar Gali” is the place where I have spent almost 18 years near that place. Still there are many Hindu people living in that area.
Thank you so much. Is it possible to take photos of the street and email or post on this website? My father lived in the house with a door from Rajasthan. In the photo my husband took the house walls were broken and it appeared to be under construction. I will download and send you the photo.
Mr. Faraz Shah,
It would be great if you could give me more info on Takkar ki Gali and send any pics if possible. My Dad kept speaking about the place before he passed away in 2010. It would be wonderful to see pics and read and connect with the place. If it had been safe for me to travel I would have made a trip just to see his native home.
Vinaya Saijwani,
It is safe for everyone, don’t depend on media, they always bark. I have many Hindu friends in Sukkur they are living happily. Theere will eb no problem for you in Sukkur, and Sukkkur is the safest city among all. Currently I am studying in Hyderabad. I will go to Sukkur after my exam. I can send you the photos after that but if you connect with me on any social networking site it will be great. This will remind me to take photos for you.
Hi. Faraz thanks I am on Facebook. Are you? It would be great to take pics.
Hi too! yup I am! But I can’t give you link of my profile here. You can send yours at: farazshah06@gmail.com
i didn’t get your email yet!
I just saw this, Sorry. You can go to my Facebook page and click Request Friend.
Vinaya Saijwani
Mumbai, India
Hi Vinaya,
Was your Dad married in the Gandhi family of Rohri? Bhag was my Bua. She passed away last year.
Both the photos given in this blog and informative data provided here not only are exclusively great, interesting and astonishing, but also memorable inheritance from our ancestors. Great thing have been done on this page for public to remind our past. All the great effort of displaying and the things shown are great fully admirable especially the Lansdowne Bridge.
Consulting my 1939 copy of “The Railway Gazette”, March 24, pp. 509-11 I found an article treating the “Jubilee of the Landsdowne Bridge” – a structure I had never seen before nor have I ever been to Pakistan. I have learned that British Imperialism has left many traces worth while visiting as well as the actual two cities of Rohri and Sukkur on the Indus river. Thanks for your documentation and the insight into today’s Pakistan.
Can u send me history of landsome bridge from railway gazette
Very informative, rare pictures of Lansdowne Bridge. I am hungry to visit this place soon. Specially information about 7 canals, and comparison with Suez Canal and others. Good job done. Hope we can make any historical documentary about this place.
So amazing, thank you for sharing this archive.
Beautiful city of my beautiful country. Pakistan Zindabad
Wow!! Great knowledge about my native city.
It was indeed a pleasure to see the pictures of the famous Lansdowne Bridge and Sukkur Railway Station. My father was Station Master at Rohri Junction (1954-58). I and my brothers and sisters had the pleasure of travelling daily by train to St Mary’s High School Sukkur. The train went over Lansdowne Bridge at a restricted speed of 10 MPH because the bridge had outlived its age. In 1962 they built another one alongside the Lansdowne Bridge named Ayub Bridge.
Please refer to the above photo captioned, “Under construction Bungalow at the Site of Lloyd Barrage, Sukkur, 1924”.
I think my mother was born in the building on the right in 1930. Was it called Indus Side? She is the daughter of the late Sir Arnold Musto who was an engineer working on the Barrage.
Hi, Heather Brown,
I am MZ Major, I have some relationship with Sukkur too, contact me: mzmajor_00@hotmail.com
My Grandfather Mr Tekchand Gandhi also worked as an engineer during the construction of the Barrage. The family lived in Rohri, where he had built a seven storey residence, the tallest in Rohri, I have been told.
Can u send me history of landsome bridge from railway gazette
Tekchand park and tekchand chari is here in sukkur in name of your grand father
Thank you for reviving old memories. After the Partition of 1947, my father who was in Railways was posted to Rohri. I along with my two sisters attended St. Mary’s School at Sukkur.