Jamia Mosque Rohri: A Mughal Architectural Gem in Sindh, Pakistan

Jamia Mosque Rohri: A Historical Jewel of Mughal Architecture in Sindh

Introduction

Jamia Mosque Rohri, also known as Akbari Mosque, is located on the banks of the Indus River in Rohri, Sindh, Pakistan. Built in the late 16th century during the reign of Mughal Emperor Akbar, this mosque is not only a place of worship but also a significant reflection of Mughal architectural grandeur and Sindh’s cultural heritage. Its historical significance and aesthetic design make it a must-visit site for tourists and history enthusiasts.

Historical Background

The pulpit, made of marble stone, appears in this 1936 photo of the mosque, shared by the late Maulana Muhammad Shafi.

This 1936 photograph of the mosque was shared by the late Maulana Muhammad Shafi.

Historical records indicate that Jamia Mosque was constructed in 992 Hijri (1584 CE) by Nawab Fatah Khan, who served as the governor of Bukkur (Bakkar) from 1578 to 1586 CE. Fatah Khan, an Afghan Pathan, was a key figure in the Mughal court and built this mosque as a testament to Islamic architecture and for spiritual reward. His tenure as governor spanned from Rajab 986 Hijri (1578 CE) to 12 Rabi-ul-Awwal 994 Hijri (1586 CE).

However, some sources attribute the mosque’s construction to Abdur Rahim Khan-e-Khana, one of Akbar’s nine jewels (Navratnas) and a renowned poet and military commander, dating it to around 1588 CE. Despite this discrepancy, the inscription on the mosque confirms the date of 992 Hijri, aligning with Fatah Khan’s governorship.

Aspect	Details
Construction Year	992 Hijri (1584 CE)
Builder	Nawab Fatah Khan (some sources attribute to Abdur Rahim Khan-e-Khana)
Era	Mughal Emperor Akbar’s reign
Location	Rohri, Sindh, Pakistan, on the banks of the Indus River

Architecture

Photo of the construction of the mosque, taken by the late Maulana Mohammad Shafi.

Jamia Mosque is constructed with red bricks and features three domes, a defining characteristic of Mughal architecture. Its walls and courtyard floor are decorated with intricate blue kashi tiles, showcasing detailed patterns reminiscent of other Mughal mosques, such as the Shah Jahan Mosque in Thatta. The mosque comprises a large prayer hall and a spacious courtyard designed to accommodate a significant number of worshippers.

A Persian inscription at the main entrance praises Emperor Akbar and mentions Fatah Khan, providing valuable insight into the calligraphy and language of the era. Quranic verses, such as “Qul Hu Allahu Ahad” and “Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Raheem,” are inscribed in Thuluth script on the walls. The mihrab, originally made of marble, is no longer present.

Inscription

The Persian inscription at the main entrance reads:

Khusrau Din Panah Akbar
Keh bood taj bakhsh mulk shahan
Shah anjum sipah charkh sareer
Hami shar’a muqtada-e-zaman
Bandagansh cho Qaisar o Faghfoor
Chakransh cho Tughral o Khaqan
Sarwari nek raay darya dil
Manba-e-jood majma-e-ahsan
Fatah Khan aankeh tegh khoonrez
Kard bunyad zulm ra veeran
Masjid-e-Jamia az baraye sawab
Pur umeed sakhteh qasr-e-janan
Fal kusha hamcho masjid-e-Kaaba
Jan faza hamcho rauza-e-Rizwan
Ta bood gunbad-e-falak barbad
Baad salim az aafat-e-dauran
Saal-e-tarikhish az khurd justam
Masjid-e-Khan beguft kard rawan
Year 992 Hijri

The Sindhi translation, derived from local traditions, is as follows:

“When Khusrau Din Panah Akbar, who bestows crowns and subjugates kingdoms, whose armies are as numerous as the stars in the sky and whose throne is as lofty as the heavens, is the protector of the law and the leader of the era. His servants are equal to Caesars and Emperors. O King, your humblest servant, who is like Jamshid, the throne-bearer and noble, is Fatah Khan, wise-hearted and as generous as the sea, a pillar of free thought and a source of benevolence. With his blood-shedding sword, he uprooted injustice. He built this Jamia Mosque for divine reward, hoping God would grant him a place in paradise. It is as heart-soothing as the Kaaba’s mosque and as delightful as the Garden of Eden. May it remain safe from the ravages of time and stand forever. I asked my heart for a phrase to mark its date, and it promptly replied: Khan built this mosque and departed from the world. Year 992 Hijri.”

Current Condition

Over the centuries, the mosque has undergone several renovations. In 1902 CE, during British rule, Mirza Qalb Ali, the Mukhtiarkar of Rohri, oversaw its repair during King Edward’s coronation. However, the rising level of the Indus River causes water to enter the mosque during the flood season, damaging its structure. The mosque remains in use for worship, with a caretaker appointed by the Auqaf Department, described as a lively individual with an interest in poultry farming. Many kashi tiles are missing, and inscriptions have faded, highlighting the urgent need for restoration. Experts like Yasmeen Lari, Pakistan’s first female architect and founder of the Heritage Foundation of Pakistan, could restore the mosque to its original splendor. Her work on sites like Makli and Lahore Fort demonstrates her capability.

Restoration Potential

Yasmeen Lari, born in 1941, is Pakistan’s first female architect and became a member of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) in 1969. After retiring from professional practice in 2000, she focused on heritage conservation and humanitarian projects through the Heritage Foundation of Pakistan. She received the Fukuoka Prize in 2016 and the RIBA Royal Gold Medal in 2023. Her expertise makes her an ideal candidate to lead the restoration of Jamia Mosque Rohri.

Similarly, Ishtiaque Ansari, though less known, may be a local expert who could contribute to this project. With the support of the Sindh government, these experts could restore this historic mosque to its original form.

Conclusion

Jamia Mosque Rohri is more than a place of worship; it is a vital symbol of Sindh’s historical and cultural heritage. Its Mughal architecture, blue kashi tiles, and historical inscription make it a unique monument. Urgent restoration efforts are needed to preserve its beauty, and experts like Yasmeen Lari could help ensure its legacy endures for future generations.

References

• Rashid, Salman. Jamia Masjid Akbari, Rohri.
• Rohri, Akbari Mosque
• War Mubarak

Book Title	Author(s)	Publisher	Year	Relevance to Jamia Mosque Rohri
A History of Sindh	Suhail Zaheer Lari	Oxford University Press	1995	Provides general history of Sindh, likely includes region
Mughal Architecture: An Outline...	Ebba Koch	Prestel	1991	Covers Mughal architecture, may mention similar Sindh sites
Discovering Sindh’s Past	Michel Boivin et al.	Various	Various	Collection of articles, potential regional insights
Rohri’s Three and a Half Glorious Centuries	Syed Abdul Hussain Musavi, Imdad Hussain Shah Kotahi	Local Publisher	2013	Likely covers local history, possibly in Sindhi/Urdu

Post: Sayed Sajjad Hussain Musavi

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