Monday, April 12, 2010

Remains of ancient Bhanbore in ruins

By Amar Guriro

KARACHI: The ruins of centuries-old city of Bhanbore - associated with the historical Arab Prince Muhammad Bin Qasim and the legendary love-story of Sassui-Punhoon - are gradually being worn down due to the increasing sea-level in the area as well as the decreasing river-flows.

In the Sindhi culture, this city is famous for the love-story of Sassui-Punhoon.

Sassui was one of the seven great women about whom Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai had sung in his poetry.

She was born in a king’s home, but was thrown in the River Indus in a wooden chest since pundits had predicted a bad fate for her. A washerman in Bhanbore found her and adopted her.

When she grew up, she fell in love with Punhoon who was the prince of Makran, Balochistan. However, his brothers did not allow them to marry and took him away from her. She followed him and her journeys became a folk-story.

Some historians believe that it was the same port city of the famous Debal Bunder where Raja Dahir was ruling when Qasim had attacked in AD712 and conquered the city. “It might be the same city of Debal Bunder as there is no mark of any other town in the area,” said Masood Lohar, National Coordinator for United Nations Development Programme’s Small Grants Programme. He added that the historical city had great importance and the ruins might be protected.

Around 50 kilometres from Karachi on Thatta-bound National Highway, located on the right side of the Gharo Creek - one of the 19 creeks of the River Indus - the ruins of Bhanbore face high risks of sea intrusion and the reducing river-flows. In 1958, the excavation of the site had revealed the ruins of this great city. Though a road connects the ruins with the National Highway, there are no proper on-site arrangements for the tourists. The public park is in a deplorable condition as the grass has completely dried up. There are no proper arrangements for drinking water or other basic facilities.

An enormous natural lake beside the ruins, which was once used for potable water, has completely dried up.

Some of the local residents told this scribe that until last few years, the lake was filled with water, but due to the continuous supply of freshwater, it has dried up. They also suggested that the government could fill the lake and introduce some boats for tourists to attract more people to visit the site. In May 1967, the government had established a museum in which glass, stone, pottery, ivory and different objects found from the ruins were put on display.

Some of the jewelleries that were used in ancient times, armours, coins, toys and other daily-use items were also displayed.

Since the river-flows decreased, the seawater started flowing upstream in the Gharo Creek, after which the environmentalists fear that the seepage of seawater would destroy the ruins of this historical town.

“We have recently observed that the seawater has badly affected the ruins and if it continues, the ruins would be destroyed,” said Mehran Humanitarian and Development Organisation Chairman Hamsafar Gadahe. His organisation is working in Bhanbore on eco-friendly stove and has built public restrooms for tourists. He demanded the government to initiate a programme for the protection of the site.

Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk

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