The Suhagan and Duhagan Tombs (also spelled Sohagan and Dohagan) stand as remarkable examples of ancient funerary architecture in Pakistan. Located in Deh Arore (Aror), Taluka Rohri, District Sukkur, Sindh, these twin tombs showcase exquisite cut and dressed brickwork that highlights the region's rich historical legacy.
History and Legends
Popular folklore links the names to two sisters: "Suhagan" meaning a married woman whose husband is alive (symbolizing happiness), and "Duhagan" meaning a widow or one with an unhappy marriage (symbolizing sorrow). However, historical accounts suggest these are likely the graves of Sufi saints, possibly Shaikh Shakarganj (Suhagan) and Khatal-ud-Din or Qutb Shah (Duhagan). Urs celebrations were once held here, indicating their spiritual significance.
The site lies in the historically vital Aror area, a pre-Islamic capital conquered by Muhammad bin Qasim in the 8th century. Nearby ruins include remnants of ancient mosques and Hindu temples, reflecting Sindh's layered cultural history.
Architectural Features
These tombs exemplify exposed brick architecture, a style using precisely cut and dressed bricks without plaster covering. This technique, rare in Sindh but more common in Balochistan (e.g., Mithri tombs from the 11-12th century), Afghanistan, southern Punjab, and regions associated with the Ghurid period (pre-Mughal era), demonstrates advanced masonry skills.
The twin structures, spaced about 450 feet apart, feature geometric brick patterns and domed designs typical of early Islamic funerary monuments in the region. Similar examples in Sukkur District include:
- Pir Bachayo Tomb (also known as Sher Shah Tomb) near Shah Shaker Shrine, Arore.
- Tombs of Shaikh Lalu (dated around 967 AH/1560 AD) and Pir Baid Ahmed Sultan in Pano Aqil.
This style represents pre-Mughal funerary architecture, blending local traditions with influences from Central Asia and Persia.
Location and How to Reach
Nestled near the ancient ruins of Aror once the capital of Sindh during the reign of Raja Dahir the tombs sit on the Adhi Hills. Their GPS coordinates are approximately 27.650412, 68.93464. Easily accessible by road from Sukkur (about a 30-60 minute drive), they make an ideal day trip for history enthusiasts exploring Sukkur tourism spots.
Open the location in Google Maps: View on Google Maps
Preservation and Visiting Tips
Visiting Timings and Entry
- Entry Fee: Free (no official ticket required).
- Timings: Open site with no fixed hours, visit anytime from sunrise to sunset.
- Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak heat. The ideal season is October to March (winter months) when the weather is pleasant. Avoid summers due to extreme heat.
Visiting Tips
- The road from Sukkur may be rough in places; use a sturdy vehicle, private car, or taxi.
- Carry plenty of water, a hat/cap, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes, there are no shops, shade, or facilities on site.
- Respect the heritage: Do not climb on the structures or cause any damage.
- For safety and more enjoyment, visit in a group.
- Combine with nearby sites like the ruins of Muhammad bin Qasim Mosque, Kalka Devi Cave Temple, or the broader Aror archaeological area for a full day of exploration.
Combine your visit with nearby attractions like the ancient Muhammad bin Qasim Mosque ruins, Kalka Devi Cave Temple, or the broader Aror historical site for a full immersion in Sindh's ancient heritage.
Preservation Efforts
The tombs have faced threats from stone quarrying and erosion, but recent restoration work by the Endowment Fund Trust for Preservation of Heritage of Sindh (EFT Sindh) and other organizations has helped preserve them.
If you have more knowledge about this topic, we warmly invite you to share it with us. You can contribute book references, images, or videos to enrich this heritage story.
References and Further Reading
Photo Credit: Endowment Fund Trust
Endowment Fund Trust for the Heritage of Sindh (EFT Sindh): Suhagan Duhagan Tombs Page
Saving the Naked Brick Widow-Wife of Aror by Mahim Maher, The Friday Times (2017)
- Information drawn from "Sukkur: Nostalgia of Things Past" by Momin Bullo, as cited in heritage documentation.
- 1. چچ نامو (فتح نامہ سندھ)
- 2. تحفت الڪرام (مير علي شير قانع ٺٽوي)
- 3. تاريخ معصومي (مير معصوم بکري)
- 4. The Archaeological Site of Aror: A Research Report by Mastoor Fatima Bukhari
- 5. A History of Sindh by Suhail Zaheer Lari
- 6. Alor and the Ancient Capitals of Sindh, Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan by James Tod
- 7. Islamic Architecture in Pakistan يا Alor: Pre-Islamic and Islamic Architecture in Sindh by Ahmad Nabi Khan
- 8. Sindh jo Sair يا بدر ابڙي جا ڪتاب
- 9. Explorations in Sindh by N.G. Majumdar اروڙ جي کوٽائي رپورٽ.
All links active as of december 21 2025.
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Post: Sayed Sajjad Hussain Musavi
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