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Monday, April 28, 2008

Historical Places in KARACHI, PAKISTAN
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City Tower (1867)

Karachi is the largest city in Pakistan and the capital of the province of Sindh. A native of Karachi is referred to as a Karachiite.

Karachi is the financial and commercial hub of Pakistan and an important port in the region. The city is located on the coast of the Arabian Sea, northwest of the delta of the Indus River. It accounts for the lion's share of Pakistan's GDP and generates 65 percent of the national revenue. It is the nucleus of regional business and technological activities and has one of the highest literacy rate in the country. It is also the home of distinguished academic and research institutions. With a population that is unofficially estimated at approximately 14 million, Karachi is the most populous city of the country and one of the largest cities in the world.

Pakistan Railways provides an important mode of Transportation in the farthest corners of the country and brings them closer for Business, sight seeing, pilgrimage and education. It has been a great integrating force and forms the life line of the country by catering to its needs for large scale movement of people and freight.
The possibility of Karachi as a sea port was first noticed in the mid of 19th century and Sir Henry Edward Frere who was appointed Commissioner of Sind after its annexation with Bombay in 1847 sought permission from Lord Dalhousie to begin survey of sea port. He also initiated the survey for Railway line in 1858 . It was proposed that a railway line from Karachi City to Kotri, steam navigation up the Indus /Chenab upto Multan and from there an other railway to Lahore and beyond be constructed.
It was on 13th May,1861 that first railway line was opened for public traffic between Karachi City and Kotri, the distance of 105 miles. The line between Karachi City and Keamari was opened on 16.6.1889.By 1897 the line from Keamari to Kotri was doubled.
The railway line from Peshawar to Karachi closely follows Alexander’s line of march through the Hindu Kush to the sea. Different sections on existing main line from Peshawar to Lahore and Multan and branch lines were constructed in the last quarter of 19th century and early years of 20th century.
The 4 sections i.e.Scinde railways, Indian Flotilla company Punjab railway and Delhi railways working in a single company were later on amalgamated into Scinde, Punjab & Delhi railways company and was purchased by the Secretary of State for India in 1885 and in January, 1886 it was named North Western State Railways which was later on renamed as North Western Railways.
At the time of partition, North Western Railway’s 1847 route mile was transferred to India leaving route miles 5048 to Pakistan. In 1954 The railway line was extended to Mardan and Charsada section and in 1956 Jacababad-Kashmore 2’-6’’ line was converted into broad gauge. Kot Adu-Kashmore line was constructed between 1969 to 1973 providing an alternate route from Karachi to up country.

KMC Head Office

The most impressive Anglo-Mughal edifice that Karachi acquired was the Karachi Municipal Office building completed in 1931. The building was designed by 'James S. C. Wynnes, FRIBA, of Edinburgh, who used a sufficient number of domes and arched forms to give the building an air of Muslim architecture. Mercifully, possibly in deference to the twentieth century Modern Movement, Whnnes did not employ too elaborate a fairy-tale profusion of domes and cupolas as Mant and some others had done earlier. Following Witter's use of Jodhpur stone in the Judicial Commissioner's Court, Whnnes also decided to construct the building in the same pink stone.
To reduce cost, however, Jodhpur stone was used for the impressive front facade and decorative mouldings, while local Gizri stone was employed internally and in the rear.
The 'U' shaped building is three storeys high, with each corner capped by large domes while the central part is taken up in the form of a tower carrying a clock visible from a long distance. The largely solid ends are in marked contrast to the arcading which gives it rather transparent feeling, in spite of the fact the verandah opening have been mostly colosed-in today. The skill of the local craftsmen has been well utilized and the detailing in various parts of the buildings is meticulous.
Even though the building is clotaed in the Anglo-Mughal Steve through the use of local elements such as cupolas and arches, the influence of Renaissance massing can be detected in the organization of the facade elements and the 'U' shaped plan form, seen also in Hatfield House, England (1607-11). The composition incorporation the tal tower in the middle which accentuates the entrance, and high corners, capped by domes, recalls the massing of Queen's College, Oxford (1710-19). The building took a long time in the making. The foundation stone for a Karachi Municipal Office building had been laid as early as 1895, by 'His Excellency the Right Honorable Lord Sandhurst, G.C.I.E., Governor of Bombay, at a different site on Bunder Road. Unfortunately, construction could not be carried out at the time, and the present site of the building was later selected and the foundations completed according to Wynes' design in 1915. The War itself, and a lack of funds, may have been the reasons for an incordinate delay in the work. Finally on November 5, 1927, work was recommenced and the building completed on December 31, 1931 at a total cost of Rs. 1775,000/=.
Measham Lea, after whom the 'Lea Market' of Karachi is named supervised the work on the foundations in his capacity as Chief Engineer of the Karachi Municipal, while the superstructure was supervised by Jehangir Setna, Executive Engineer A. H. Agha, who was employed as 'Surveyor' in the Municipal is reputed to have designed this building however, this plaques on the building.
The plaque at the entrance states the 'the consecration ceremony of the building was performed on 7th January 1932 in the presence of citizens of Karachi - May all be blessed in this city.' The building was completed during the tenure of Jamshad Nusserwanjee as President of Karachi Municipality, who declared at the opening ceremony.' I consider the Municipal Office as a temple for the service of the poor' (Minwalla et al, 1954:16).
With the growing needs of the Municipality, all the building's spaces and even verandahs have been converted into office spaces. The building is in a fair state of preservation; however, this impressive structure needs a greater effort to restore it to its original glory

Empress Market (1889)

The Impress Market , Situated at saddar Karachi was built in 1889 and was named in honor of Queen Victoria , the impress of the British Empire in South Asia. The Impress market is a fine example of British Colonial architecture. It is the central shoping area of Karachi and has immense character as a result of being situated in the heart of saddar Bazaar ; the hub of all business activities in Karachi.

Mothatta Palace

Mohatta Palace is located in Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan. It was used as the residence of Fatimah Jinnah, the sister of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan. It was occupied by Fatimah Jinnah after the formation of Pakistan for a long period after which it fell a victim of neglect and decay. The government of Karachi recently conducted extensive restoration work on the property, and it now houses a museum dedicated to preserving the history of Sindh.

Ghandi Garden -Zoo (1861)

Our information about the history of Karachi Zoo is based on the administrative report of 1949 of the corporation of the city of Karachi. Accordingly it was commonly known as Mahatma Gandhi Garden. It was transferred by the government to the municipality in the year 1861 on the condition that it shall never be sublet or transferred. The Zoo has an interesting history as it forms a part of the ground where the old East India Companies factory was situated. 1833 as it was marked on a map prepared by commander Charles, who described it as surrounded by trees, giving a look of garden. In 1878, the Municipality after considering various suggestions for improving the Zoo, places it under a trust to be maintained out of public subscription. The present Zoo started in a better way by donation in 1881. in 1953 KMC decided to create the post of full time curator, a qualified veterinary doctor, to keep the animals in good health. Presently, total sanctioned strength of Karachi Zoo is 242 staff including 6 technical staff and the rest skilled or semi skilled workers/staff.

Karachi Port Trust (1915)

This Renaissance Style building, designed by G. Wittet, Consulting Architect to the Government of Bombay, is located opposite Qamar House, a short distance away from Merewether Tower. Completed in 1915 at a cost of Rs. 9,74,990 it was inaugurated by Lord Willingdon, Governor of Bombay on Jan 5, 1916. A month later it was converted into a 500-bed military hospital for British forces engaged in World War I and was named No.1 Indian General Hospital. From May 6, 1919 when the military vacated the premises, it was reconverted to its original use. Three storeys in height, the ground floor has channeled masonary walls , while the two upper storeys, treated in continuity, are adorned with architraves, friezes and cornices.

Sind High Court (1929)

This magnificent redstone structure built in the Renaissance Style is among the most imposing buildings of Karachi. With its magnificent cupolas, balconies and tall Roman style columns it was built at a cost Rs. 3 million in 1929. High and massive planth, the flight of steps in front of the building leading upto the first storey and the characteristic façade, impart great dignity to this building. The whole structure appears to be a combination of local and Roman styles of architecture.

Hindu Gymkhana (1925)

With its carved cupolas and the miniaturized magnificence of a Rajasthani place the Hindu Gymkhana has almost been adwarfed into invisibility by indiscreet development. Constructed in 1925 on a plot of land measuring 47,000 sq. yds. The Seth Ramgopal Goverdhandas Mohatta Hindu Gymkhana was the first public building in which the sub-continental style of architecture rather than the commonly used European-style was used by its architect Mr. Agha Ahmed Hussain. The stones, for its two feet thick walls, were brought from Bajapur. Its cupolas and balustrades and its scale are directly infliuenced and derived from the Mughal-Hindu mixed style which characterizes Akber's Fathepur Sikri. It is perhaps the only example of its type left in Karachi.

Clifton Promenade (1920)

Access to the sea at Clifton is provided by the terraced Parade known as the Jehangir Kothari Parade. The site, owned by Mr. Jehangir H. Kothari, an eminent Karachi citizen, who gifted it alongwith a handsome donation Rs. 300,000 to the Municipality for the development of recreational facilities. The foundation stone was laid by the Governor of Bombay, Sir George Lloyd on 10th February, 1919 and formally opened by Lady Lloyd on 5th January, 1920. The Lady Lloyd Pier was also opened by her on 21st March, 1921. The Kiosk at one end of the parade, with its elliptical roof structure, built in Jodhpur stone, has an octagonal seat in the center and was used as a Bandstand in yester-years. A temple of Shiva lies below the Parade, with rock gardens on both sides. The pier is 1300 ft long, 15 ft wide and ends in a 70 ft by 50 ft sea-side Pavilion constructed on piles. Gizri limestone and Jodhpur stone were used for its construction.

New Sind Assembly (1942)

Located diagonally opposite the Sind High Court Building, this imposing structure was built in the year 1942 and serves as a meeting place for the elected members of the provincial parliament. It is simple and straight forward in its architectural design and shows influences of the colonial style. After independence the constituent assembly of Pakistan met in this building. The Quaid-e-Azam was speaker of this constituent assembly. An objective resolution moved by shaheed-e-Millat Liaquat Ali Khan was passed in this building. It was here that the National Standard was also presented and approved by the constituent assembly. The constitutions of 1954 and 1956 were adopted here before the capital was shifted to Islamabad, three years later.

Mazaar of Quaid-e-Azam (1970)

Located in the heart of the City, this mausoleum harbours the mortal remains of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, Founder of the Nation. Completed in 1970, it is the design of Architect yahya Merchant. From a total reserved area of 131.58 acres an enclosed quadrangular area of about 61 acres is occupied by the main mausoleum building which is placed on an elevated 90 ft square platform. Its massive tapered walls are crowned at the top by a semi-circular dome, 70 ft in diameter. The size of the podium at the base is 300 x 275 ft and the total height of the mausoleum from podium to the top of the dome is 106 ft 6 inches. An 80 ft long chandelier in four tiers and with 48 lights gifted by the Peoples Republic of China, decorates the interior. Graves of our other great leaders, Quaid-e-Millat Liaquat Ali Khan, the First Prime minister of Pakistan, Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah (Quaid-e-Azam’s sister), Sardar Abdur Rab Nishtar and Mr. Noorul Amin are also located nearby.

Sind Madressah-Tul-Islam (1885)

The Sind Madressah-Tul-Islam, an Alma Mater of the Father of the Nation and dozens of other national leaders, who played prominent roles in the creation of Pakistan, is located on Shahra-e-Liaquat and was the first Muslim educational complex built in Sind. The Madressah (school) was initiated on 1st Sept. 1885 in a rented two storied building near Boulton Market by K.M. Hassanally Effendi. Upon completion of this building on 14th Nov. 1890, the Madressah moved to the current premises and has functioned uninterruptedly since then. The current site itself was previously a Municipal camel camping ground (carvansarai) which was bestowed by the Karachi Municipality to the Madressah Board. The building was designed by James Strachen according to the sketches of K.B. Wali Mohammad and its foundation stone was laid by Lord Duffering on 14th Nov.1887. The total cost of construction of the main Madressah building came to Rs. 1,97,188.

Ghulam Hussain Khalikdina Hall (1906)

Late. Ghulam Hussain donated Rs. 18,000/= to spend on some useful public objects. KMC added Rs. 15,000/= and erected Khalik Dina Hall for the purposed to general library and meeting hall in 1906. This buildings was used for the trial of late. Mulana Muhammad Ali Jauhar for Terrorism in connection with Khalifat Movement. The All India Khalifat Conference held in Karachi on 9th July, 1921 and passed the following resolution; 'This meeting of the all India Khalift Conference heartily congratulates Mustafa Kamal Pasha and the angora government upon their magnificent victories and the success of their most desperate (Self Sacrificing) endeavors in up-holding the laws of Islam and this meeting prays to Almighty God that they may soon succeed in expelling the whole of the armies of the foreign government from every nook and corner of the Turkish Empire. In addition to this meeting clearly 'Proclaims that it is every way religious unlawful for a Mussalman at the present moment to continue in the British Army or to enter the Army or to induce the others to join the Army'. and it is the duty of all the mussalmans in general and the Ulama in particular to see that the the religious commandment are brought home to every Mussalman in the Army.Further more, this meeting also announces that if the British Government were to take any military measures against the Angora Government directly or in-directly openly or secretly then the mussalmans of India will be compelled the commence breaking the laws that is civil disobedience with the concurrence of the Congress and to proclaim in the forthcoming Annual Session of the Congress. Maulana Muhammad Ali in the Khalik Dina Hall trial said ' I do not want any of defence I have no defence to offer and their is no need of defence, for it is not whole system of the public prosecution, the entire provision of law that or on trial'. Hence this building became a symbol of Muslim struggle movement in the Sub-Continent. Now Karachi Metropolitan Corporation has completed the renovation work with a estimated cost Rs. 13.641 million. The building is fully renovated and could be re-opened for the public. The hall is 95 feet in length by 45 in width and 32 in height and is capable of seating from 600 to 700 persons. The front portico has an area of 52½ feet by 32½ and a ten foot verandah runs round the sides of the hall. Efforts are being made to make full use of this hall. In this connection two points of views were conveyed by the relevant people. 1- To convert this hall into a Karachi Museum. 2- It may be restored into the same position as it was during the case of Maulana Muhammad Ali Jauhar with addition of an upto date small library, with books, videos, Audio visual on Karachi and Khilafat Movement.

Flag Staff House (1865)

Flag Staff House was purchased by the Father of Nation, Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah in 1947 from its owner Sohrab Katrak, a leading citizen of Karachi. Designed by Engineer Moncriff for the Karachi Brigade Commander, it was built in the colonial style with buff stone in fine ashler masonry around the year 1865. This approximate date is recorded from the tiles used on the roof which bear the inscription Patent Basel Mission Tile Works, 1865. Upon construction it was used as the residence of Gen. Douglas Gracy, Commanding Officer of Sind Area, i.e. it was the official Residence of the GOC and hence it was known as the Flag Staff House. The 10, 214 sq yd plot of land and the House are now owned by the Federal Ministry of Culture which plans to convert it into a Museum-cum-Library in memory of the Quaid-e-Azam. It is presently being restored.

Balauch Graveyard (15th Century)

Located in deh khorkara, near Murad Memon and Malir, this graveyard is the resting place of Balauch tribesmen who came to sind in the 15th century and gradually developed, by the 6th century, into a respected warrior class. Their tombs have carvings similar to those at Chaukhandi, but these carvings are restricted to the upper slab of the tomb (which itself is generally below the ground).

Max Denso Hall (1886)

Venetain Gothic in style, this building was constructed to honour Max Denso, a prominent citizen of Karachi and six times president of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (1870-1886) Designed by municipal architect James Strachan it includes an entrance hall, library, reading room and some small rooms on the ground floor. The upper floor is a large hall (60 ft x 30 ft) accommodating about 500 persons and was used for different types of social gatherings. Its salient features include decorative columns and elements reflecting the Venetian Gothic period. An illuminated clock on its front façade was gifted by a leading citizen of the times, Rao Sahib Ramdas Morarji. In 1969 Denso Hall was used as a gallery for the art treasures of Fayzee Rahamin, the the painter husband of Attiya Fayzee, two story-book characters of Karachi.

Parsi Dare Meher (1875)

With a façade similar to the Zoroastrian Temples in Iran, Karachi’s Parsi Dare Meher (or Fire Temple), was once known as Camp Agiary. It was erected in 1875 as a gift of the Behrana Family to the Parsi Community of Karachi and was constructedby the Trust created in 1873 by the widow of Seth Hirji Bhai Jamshedji Behrana. The present site is directly opposite the original temple premises, which was inaugurated in May 1849 by the Seth. The Sacred Fire ( an emblem of the Divinity and the visible earthly symbol of God), is kept enternally burning in the Temple.Originally, a single storey structure, this temple has undergone many renovations and additions. During the last major change in 1918, the first floor was added by architects Mistri and Bhedwar with generous donations from the Parsi Community of Karachi.

Victoria Museum 1887-97 (Old State Bank Building)

Victoria Museum, built in the Colonial style, was the first public museum constructed in the territory now constituting Pakistan. Built to honour the reign of Queen Victoria, it’s foundation stone was laid by the Duke of Connaught in 1887, and inaugurated on 21st May, 1982. After Independence it has housed the State Bank of Pakistan.

karachi Central Jail (1960)

Once located at the northern edge of the city, the Karachi Central Jail, completed in 1906, now lies almost in the heart of city. Orginally a 13 ft high wall enclosed an area of 10,889 square yards and was planned on what was then considered the modern cubicle design. It was meant to house 325 male and 17 female prisoners. The Karachi Jail has housed many prominent leaders of the Pakistan Freedom Movement, including Maulana Mohammad Ali Johar who in September 1921 was sentenced to two years rigorous imprisonment here. During his stay in Karachi Jail, he wrote his famous autobiography my life: A Fragment.

St.Patrick's Chruch (1845)

The first catholic church in Sindh, St. Patrick’s was established in 1845 at a cost of Rs. 6,000 raised through public subscription. A fine example of Gothic style, it was designed by Father Wagner, Brother Kluver and Brother Lao (Members of the Society of Jesus). Its lofty and spacious interior, with a capacity of 1500 worshippers, is lavishly decorated and is enhanced by carrying the vault of the nave in a single stretch from the portal through the transept to the peak of the apse 70 ft tall and 70 ft wide. An interesting feature of this Church is the use of stained glass windows. The Church with its board front, and two striking corner spires is further enhanced by a grand marble monument (erected 1931) to perpetuate the memory of the Jesuit Mission in Sind (1858-1935) and dedicated to Christ, The King, and is inscribed with the words. 'Thou art Peter, and upon that rock, I will build my church'. In a chamber underneath this monument were displayed models of heaven and hell.

Holy Trinity Church (1855)

Resembling more like a battlement tower than a House of God, this is the oldest and largest protestant Church in Sind. It was begun in 1852 and consecrated in 1855. Designed by Capt. John Hill, to accommodate 800 worshippers, its square tower once rose to about 250 ft. In 1905 when the foundations showed signs of weakness, the upper portion was reduced to a height of 110 ft. The tower was also used in the past as a beacon tower, clearly visible to ships approaching the Karachi harbour.

Frere Hall (Liquat Hall) (1865)

Raised in memory of Sir Bartle Frere (Commissioner of Sind 1851-1859, this Venetian Gothic style building was designed by Colonel Clair Wilkins whose proposal was selected from 12 entries, in what was perhaps the first recorded architectural design competition for a public building in Sind. Completed in 1865 at a cost of Rs.1,80,000 out of which Rs. 22,500 was raised for the memorial through public donations, the building was officially inaugurated by Commissioner Mansfield on 10th Oct. 1865. The gardens around the building were added in 1887-88 by Mr. Benjamin Flinch. Originally the statues of Queen Victoria and King Edward (both of which have now been removed), adorned the garden. The upper floor of this two storied yellowish Karachi limestone building, consists of a 70 ft x 24 ft hall and an orchestral gallery. In yesteryears this building was the hub of Karachi’s socio-cultural activities and also served as a Town Hall with regular public meetings, concerts and theatrical performances. The ground floor is now occupied by the Liaquat Municipal Library

City Court - Old Jail (1868)

Located on the site of an old jail (1847-1906), the City Courts have functioned from this premises since the early part of this century, when the jail was shifted from here (1906). The jail was built in 1847 and after numerous additions, it was completed in 1868. Later it was reconverted into the present City Courts in 1906.

Dayaram Jethmal Science College (1887)

Inaugurated as Sind Arts College by Lord Reay, Governor of Bombay on 17th January, 1887 and renamed D.J. Science College (upon completion of the present structure), on 15th October, 1982 this building is amongst James Strachan’s finer architectural works in Karachi. Located in the heart of old Karachi, the foundation stone for this building was laid on 19th November, 1887 by Lord Dufferin, Viceroy of India. The college is named after Diwan Dayaram Jethmal its main benefactor. The cost of construction is reported to have been Rs.1,86,514 out of which the Government contributed Rs. 97,193, the balance being raised through public donations. This majestic two storied structure, in the Italian architectural style, has graceful domes, massive pillars, and a 431 ft long façade resting on a 5 ft high plinth, which also supports an open arcade of dressed stone running along the entire elevation.

Wazir Mansion (1860 -70)

This is the birth place of the Father of the Nation, Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah. A three- storied structure, built on three-storied structure, built on an area of 125 sq yds and located in one of the oldest commercial/residential centers of Karachi, this building and its surroundings have been planned in the typical late 19th century provincial urban style. Now operating as a Museum and owned by the Quaid-e-Azam Academy, some of the relics used by the Founder of the Nation are displayed here.