Ayoub Bridge: A Marvel of Engineering and History in Pakistan

The Ayoub bridge is a railway bridge over the River Indus between Rohri and Sukkur in Sindh, Pakistan. It was inaugurated by President Ayub Khan in 1962, and it is the world’s third longest railway arch span and the first railway bridge in the world to be slung on coiled wire rope suspenders. The bridge is about 806 feet long, 247 feet high and cost 21.6 million PKR. It has served for 50 years by providing a strong link for rail traffic.

The bridge was designed by David B. Steinman, a renowned American engineer who also reconstructed the Brooklyn Bridge in New York. The contractor was Dorman Long Gammon of London, famous for the Sydney Harbour Bridge in 1932. The construction of the bridge was challenging, as the river bed had rocks that did not allow the pillars to withstand the constant flow and pressure of water. Therefore, four huge cemented abutments were made on each side of the river banks, and then the steel arch was lifted and fixed on them with the help of cranes and cables.

The bridge is a symbol of engineering excellence and national pride for Pakistan. It also has historical and cultural significance, as it replaced the old Lansdowne Bridge that was used for boat and bicycle transport between Sukkur and Rohri. The bridge offers a spectacular view of the river and the surrounding landscape, especially at sunset. You can watch a video of the bridge from a train journey here

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Raja Dahir: The Last Hindu King of Sindh and His Heroic Resistance Against the Arab Invasion

 Raja Dahir, a Hindu king of the Brahmin lineage, was the last ruler of Sindh before it was conquered by the Arabs. Sindh is now a part of Pakistan, but at that time it also included parts of Afghanistan, Baluchistan, Pakistan and Iran. Raja Dahir was born in 663 CE and ascended the throne in 695 CE.

In 711 CE, his kingdom was invaded by the Arab Umayyad Caliphate, led by Muhammad bin Qasim. The invasion was triggered by a pirate raid off the coast of Debal, which resulted in the loss of gifts to the caliph from the king of Serendib (modern Sri Lanka)

Raja Dahir fought bravely against the invaders, but was killed in the Battle of Aror near the Indus River. His wife and other women of his household committed Jauhar (self-immolation) to avoid capture by the enemy. His daughters, Surya Devi and Preamala Devi, were taken as prisoners and buried alive in a wall. 

Raja Dahir is regarded as a national hero by some Shia and Sunni Muslims of Sindh, as well as by some Hindus. He is remembered for his courage, generosity and secularism. He is also seen as a symbol of resistance against foreign aggression and religious persecution.

Rohri Saaten jo Aashan: The Legend and History of the Seven Sisters’ Shrine in Sindh

 Rohri Saaten jo Aashan (Sindhi: روهڙي ستين جو آستان) is a historical site in Sindh, Pakistan, where the graves of seven women are located. According to legend, these women were part of the army of Muhammad bin Qasim, who invaded Sindh in the 8th century.

They chose to live in a cave on the bank of the Indus river, and prayed to God to protect their honour from the Hindu ruler Raja Dahir. God answered their prayers and buried them alive in the cave. 

Their graves are now revered as a sacred place, especially by women who seek healing and blessings from the Seven Sisters There are different versions of this story, and some historians doubt its authenticity. Some say that the women came before Muhammad bin Qasim, and others say that they were not related to him at all. Some also suggest that the story is influenced by the Hindu practice of sati, where widows burned themselves on their husbands’ funeral pyres.

The site is also known as the tomb of Mir Abu al-Qasim Namkeen, a ruler of Sukkur who built the complex in the 16th century. He used ochre stone and blue tiles to decorate the graves and the mosque. He also made rooms for travellers and students, and entertained his guests with music and fruits on full moon nights. He and his son Mir Abu al-Baqa Amir Khan are also buried there. The site is a popular tourist attraction and a cultural heritage of Sindh. Many people visit the site to admire its architecture and learn about its history. Some also believe that the site has mystical powers and can cure illnesses and grant wishes. Women are allowed to enter the cave and pray at the graves of the seven sisters, while men are not

Ghanta Ghar Sukkur: A Clock Tower with a History

 Ghanta Ghar Sukkur, also known as Clock Tower Sukkur, is a historical landmark in the city of Sukkur, Sindh province, Pakistan. It was built in 1922 to commemorate the silver jubilee of King George V, the former ruler of the British Empire. The tower is 90 feet high and has four clocks on each side, which used to ring every hour. The tower is located in the center of a busy roundabout, surrounded by shops, markets, and restaurants. It is a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike, who visit the tower to admire its architecture, shop for souvenirs, and enjoy the local cuisine.

The tower is also a symbol of the cultural heritage and diversity of Sukkur, which is the third largest city in Sindh and the 12th most populous city in Pakistan. Sukkur is situated on the western bank of the Indus River, opposite the city of Rohri. The city has a rich history and is home to many historical and archaeological sites, such as the Lansdowne Bridge, the Sukkur Barrage, the Tomb of Seven Sisters, and the Masoom Shah Minaret. Sukkur is also known for its festivals, such as the Sindhi Cultural Festival, the Urs of Khwaja Khizr, and the Cheti Chand. The city is a hub of trade and commerce, as well as education and health.

Ghanta Ghar Sukkur is a remarkable example of the colonial architecture and the legacy of the British rule in Pakistan. It is a reminder of the past, as well as a witness of the present and the future of Sukkur. It is a place where people can connect with their history, culture, and identity, as well as enjoy the beauty and vibrancy of the city.

Railway Junction

 Rohri Junction railway station is a major railway station in Rohri, a city in the Sukkur district of Sindh province, Pakistan. It is located on the eastern bank of the Indus River, across from Sukkur, the third largest city in Sindh. The station was built around 1887 during the British era, and serves as a junction between the Karachi–Peshawar Railway Line and the Rohri–Chaman Railway Line. The station is a stop for all express trains, and has four platforms, a large warehouse, and an iron bridge. The station is also a shopping destination for many women, who buy clothes, shawls, and Sindhi caps from the stalls on the platforms. 

http://pakrail.gov.pk/ 

Rohri: A City of History, Culture, and Archaeology

Rohri is a city of Sukkur District, Sindh province, Pakistan. It is located on the east bank of the Indus River, across from Sukkur, the third largest city in Sindh1 Rohri has a long history dating back to the 5th century BCE, when it was founded by Raja Dhaj and ruled by the Ror dynasty

It was also the capital of the Sauvira Kingdom, an important trading center in early Buddhist literature.

 Rohri is known for its archaeological sites, especially the Paleolithic sites of the Rohri Hills, where chert tools and blades were manufactured and used by the Harappan culture.

The Rohri Hills are also home to the Sateen Jo Aastan shrine, the Lansdowne Bridge, and the Ayub Bridge, which are some of the landmarks of the city.

Rohri: A City with a Rich and Ancient History

 Rohri is a city of Sukkur District, Sindh province, Pakistan. It is located on the east bank of the Indus River, located directly across from Sukkur, the third largest city in Sindh. Rohri town is the administrative headquarters of Rohri Taluka, and tehsil of Sukkur District with which it forms a metropolitan area. The city has a rich history, dating back to the ancient Indus Valley Civilization. It was built by Raja Dhaj in 5th BCE and was ruled under the Ror dynasty (450 BC to 489 AD). Rohri is 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) west of the ancient city of Aror. The city's history prior to the Arab invasion in the eighth century is not well-known, but Aror was the capital of the A- Ror dynasty, which was followed by Rai dynasty and then the Brahman dynasty that once ruled northern Sindh. In 711 CE, Aror was captured by the army of Muslim general Muhammad bin Qasim. In 962 CE, a massive earthquake struck the region, causing the course of the Indus River to shift. Aror was re-founded as Rohri afterwards. Rohri served as a busy port along the Indus by the 1200s, and was a major trading centre for agricultural produce. The city has a hot desert climate with extremely hot summers and mild winters. Rohri is very dry, with the little rain it receives mostly falling in the monsoon season from July to September. The average annual rainfall of Rohri is 105.8 mm as per 1991-2020 period. The highest annual rainfall ever is 669.4 mm, recorded in 2022 and the lowest annual rainfall ever is 0 mm as it was a record dry period in the city in 1941.

Source: YouTube