Ancient Map of Bukkur, Sukkur, and Rohri: A Historical Treasure

Hidden within the pages of the Proceedings of the Asiatic Society of Bengal (January–December 1895) lies a fascinating account of an ancient map of Bukkur, Sukkur, and Rohri, documented by Mr. T. D. La Touche, an officer of the Geological Survey. This map, preserved by Mir Yaqub Ali Shah, a descendant of the Kotai Sayyeds of Rohri, offers a rare glimpse into the historical landscape of these Sindh cities along the Indus River.

A Window to the Past

The map, as described by La Touche, captures the layout of Bukkur, Sukkur, and Rohri, showcasing significant landmarks and structures from a bygone era. It was reportedly commissioned under Mughal Emperor Akbar’s orders and held by Mir Yaqub Ali Shah’s ancestor, who served as a deputy governor of Bukkur during Akbar’s annexation of Sindh (1591–92). However, historical analysis suggests the map likely dates to the early 18th century, possibly post-1704, during the reign of Emperor Aurangzeb, as it references a mosque built by Sheikh Inayat Allah, a dismissed darogha from Aurangzeb’s later years.

Key Features of the Map

The map meticulously details the urban and cultural landscape of the region. Notable features include:

• Bukkur Fort and Island: The map depicts Bukkur’s island fortress, with landmarks like the Kcri Gate Bazaar, Kalhori Gate, and the residences of Afghan notables.
• Sukkur’s Landmarks: Mir Muhammad Masum’s iconic minaret and chowkandi, along with tombs like those of Hasan Ali and Khan Mahmud, are highlighted.
• Rohri’s Kot Mir Yaqub Ali: The map includes “Great Kot,” a settlement linked to Mir Yaqub Ali Shah, though his grand mosque (often misattributed as Aurangzeb’s Mosque) is notably absent.
• Indus River Features: A vanished structure on a rock in the river, possibly a khanqah, and fishing practices using nets and clay pots are illustrated, reflecting the region’s riverine culture.
• Cultural Observations: The map curiously omits camels but depicts three elephants, an unusual sight in modern Sindh, and lacks the distinctive Sindhi topi, suggesting it was a later introduction.

Historical Context and Misconceptions

La Touche’s account, while valuable, contains inaccuracies. The claim that the map was created under Akbar’s orders and that Mir Yaqub’s ancestor was Bukkur’s deputy governor during Akbar’s time is incorrect. Historical records confirm Mir Yaqub Ali Shah served as a military commander (faujdar) under Aurangzeb. The map’s reference to Sheikh Inayat Allah’s mosque further anchors its creation to the early 18th century, making it a post-Akbar artifact. Despite these discrepancies, the map remains a unique historical document, offering insights into the region’s urban planning and cultural practices.

Significance of the Map

This ancient map is more than a geographical record; it’s a cultural and historical treasure. It preserves the memory of structures lost to time, like the khanqah in the Indus, and highlights the region’s Mughal-era prosperity. The map’s second copy, reportedly sent to Delhi, remains untraced, adding to its mystique. For historians and enthusiasts, it serves as a primary source for understanding the evolution of Bukkur, Sukkur, and Rohri.



A Cartographic Legacy: The Indus River Cities in 19th-Century Sindh







Translation of La Touche’s Letter

Below is a translated excerpt from La Touche’s letter, as presented in the Proceedings:

“I am sending you, by post, a copy of an ancient map of the island of Bukkur, including portions of Rohri and Sukkur, which may be of interest to some members of the Society… The owner of the map is a Sayyed named Yaqub Ali, whose ancestor was deputy governor of Rohri during Akbar’s annexation of Sindh… The map was prepared by an unknown artist under Akbar’s orders, with one copy sent to Delhi and the other preserved by the governor’s family.”

Acknowledgments

Special thanks to Mr. Tariq Lashari for providing access to this rare document, enabling its study and dissemination.

Reference: 

• La Touche, T. D. (1895). “An Ancient Map of Bukkur, Sukkur, and Rohri.” Proceedings of the Asiatic Society of Bengal, January–December 1895.
• Information sourced from local historical accounts by Sayed Abdul Hussain Shah Musavi, Rohri.



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