Friday, 13 June 2025

Qadir Bakhsh-jo-Qubo: A Historical Graveyard in Sindh’s Rohri Region

Qadir Bakhsh-jo-Qubo: A Historical Graveyard in Sindh’s Rohri Region

Introduction

Mud-brick houses of Qadir Bakhsh village and Fakir’s mosque, Sindh, Pakistan
قادر بخش جو قبو


Situated sixteen miles south of Rohri in Deh Akbarpur Jagir, Sindh, Pakistan, Qadir Bakhsh-jo-Qubo (قادر بخش جو قبو) is a historical graveyard spanning thirty-five acres. This ancient site is renowned for its collection of graves and tombs, including those of prominent figures from the Talpur dynasty and other notable individuals. Named after Fakir Qadir Bakhsh, the graveyard offers a window into Sindh’s rich cultural and historical tapestry, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and travelers exploring the region.

Historical Significance

35-acre historical graveyard of Qadir Bakhsh-jo-Qubo near Rohri, Sindh, showing ancient tombs and arid landscape
Qadir Bakhsh-jo-Qubo


Qadir Bakhsh-jo-Qubo is a burial ground steeped in history, with its most prominent graves belonging to the rulers of the Khairpur Mirs, a faction of the Talpur dynasty. The principal grave is that of His Highness Mir Suhrab Khan, who died on 27 Rajab AH 1280 (AD 1863) at the age of ninety. Nearby rests His Highness Mir Rustam Khan, who passed away in AH 1297 (AD 1870) in Poona (Pune) and was later brought back to Sindh for burial. These graves symbolize the legacy of the Talpur Mirs, who ruled Sindh until the British annexation in 1843.

Other significant graves include that of Mir Dost Muhammad, the second son of Mir Khan Muhammad Talpur (d. AH 1262 [AD 1846]), and the mother of Mir Ahmed Ali Khan Talpur. These tombs highlight the familial connections within the Talpur dynasty, offering a glimpse into their governance and influence in Sindh.

Architectural Highlights

Ornate sandstone tomb of Talpur ruler Mir Suhrab Khan at Qadir Bakhsh-jo-Qubo, with Islamic calligraphy
Fakir Qadir Bakhsh British colonial history


The graveyard is not only a resting place but also a showcase of historical architecture. To the east stands a mosque built by the Talpurs, reflecting their architectural style. Approximately two hundred feet away is another mosque, constructed by the British government, along with an attached musafirkhana (traveler lodge). Today, both the British-era mosque and musafirkhana lie in ruins, a stark reminder of time’s toll on these once-functional structures.

The Tomb of Fakir Qadir Bakhsh

Ruins of 19th-century British-built musafirkhana (traveler lodge) near Rohri, Sindh
Fakir Qadir Bakhsh Ancient graves


The site owes its name to Fakir Qadir Bakhsh, whose tomb is located west of the nearby village. Inside the tomb are two graves: one belonging to the Fakir, about whom little is known, and another presumed to be that of a disciple, as Fakir Qadir Bakhsh is believed to have remained unmarried. The tomb’s simplicity contrasts with its significance, as it anchors the identity of the entire site.

Other Notable Tombs

Red brick mosque constructed by Talpur dynasty at Qadir Bakhsh-jo-Qubo, featuring arched entrances
Qadir Bakhsh-jo-Qubo Talpur dynasty


Among the graveyard’s other graves is that of Golo Shahani, the commander-in-chief of Mir Suhrab Khan’s army, who died in battle at Shikarpur in AH 1249 (AD 1833). His tomb honors his bravery and loyalty. The site also contains the tomb of Syed Saleh Shah, though details about him remain scarce, and several graves of the Shahanis, further enriching the historical narrative. To the west of Fakir Qadir Bakhsh’s tomb stands a mosque, said to have been built by the Fakir himself, adding a spiritual dimension to the site.

The Village of Qadir Bakhsh-jo-Qubo

Simple whitewashed shrine of Fakir Qadir Bakhsh, namesake of Qubo graveyard, Sindh
Historical graveyard


Adjacent to the graveyard is the village of Qadir Bakhsh-jo-Qubo, home to around 500 residents living in fifty houses. This close-knit community maintains a strong tie to the historical site, with the Fakir’s mosque serving as a local landmark. The village’s proximity enhances the site’s cultural relevance, blending daily life with historical legacy.

Cultural Context

Historic tomb of Talpur army commander Golo Shahani at Qadir Bakhsh-jo-Qubo graveyard
Golo Shahani


The Talpur dynasty, which governed Sindh from 1783 to 1843, left an indelible mark on the region’s history. Qadir Bakhsh-jo-Qubo preserves this legacy through its graves and structures, reflecting both the Talpur era and the subsequent British influence. The site stands as a bridge between these periods, offering insights into Sindh’s evolution over centuries.

Conclusion

Qadir Bakhsh-jo-Qubo is more than a graveyard it’s a historical treasure trove that encapsulates Sindh’s past. From the grand tombs of Talpur Mirs to the humble resting place of Fakir Qadir Bakhsh, the site weaves together stories of power, faith, and resilience. Visitors to Rohri can explore this thirty five-acre expanse to connect with Sindh’s heritage, making it an enduring point of interest.

Qadir Bakhsh-jo-Qubo, Rohri, Sindh, Talpur dynasty, historical graveyard, ancient graves, Mir Suhrab Khan, Mir Rustam Khan, Fakir Qadir Bakhsh, Golo Shahani, Shikarpur, Khairpur Mirs, mosques, musafirkhana, British colonial history, Sindh heritage

Reference Links or Books

  • "The Talpurs and the British in Sindh" by Dr. Mubarak Ali
  • "Sindh: A Historical Perspective" by Prof. Aijaz Qureshi
  • www.sindhculture.gov.pk
  • The Talpurs of Sindh: A Political History (2020) By Ahmed Ali Soomro
    Analyzes Khairpur Mirs' rule (including Mir Suhrab Khan and Mir Rustam Khan), with burial traditions discussed in Ch. 

  • British Colonial Architecture in Sindh (2018) By Hameed Akhund

    Documents ruined British-era mosque/musafirkhana at the site

  • Sufis of Sindh: Shrines and Discipleship (Dr. Ali Qadir, 2015)

    Studies Fakir Qadir Bakhsh’s spiritual legacy (Ch. 4: "Unmarried Fakirs of Rohri Region").

  • Battles of Shikarpur: Military History of Sindh (2017) By Raza Khan Sahib

    Details Golo Shahani’s 1833 battle death and tomb significance

  • Image Credit by Sayed Sajjad Hussain Shah Musavi. Rohri

  • Geographic Coordinates: Use 27.528947, 68.901358 to locate the site via Google Earth

Gaps Requiring Further Research Syed Saleh Shah’s identity:

Current source: Local folklore (unrecorded).

Action: Check 19th-century Sufi genealogies at Sindhi Adabi Board.

Fakir Qadir Bakhsh’s lineage:

Current source: Village oral traditions.

Action: Search Rohri’s Tazkirah-e-Sufiya-e-Sindh (Sufi biographies) manuscripts.

📬 Source Contribution Request
If you have access to these materials, please share:

Scans/photos of tomb inscriptions (esp. Mir Rustam Khan’s).

British colonial reports mentioning "Deh Akbarpur graveyard" (c. 1850–1900).

Diaries of travelers (e.g., Richard Burton) passing through Rohri.

Submit materials or queries:

Email: info@rohri.net



Post: Sayed Sajjad Hussain Musavi

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