Banbhore

Banbhore, also known as Bambhore, Bhanbhore, or Bhambhore, is an ancient city located in modern-day Sindh, Pakistan. Its history goes back to the 1st century BCE, a time when many great civilizations were beginning to flourish. The ruins of Banbhore sit near the N-5 National Highway, just east of the busy city of Karachi.

During different periods, Banbhore was ruled by various groups, including people from the Scytho-Parthian era and later by Muslims from the 8th to the 13th century. After that time, the city was left abandoned, but many important remnants of its past still remain. One of the most interesting discoveries there is the remains of one of the earliest known mosques in the region, which was built around the year 727 AD.

In 1958, researchers began carefully digging at the site to uncover more about its history. This important work, led by F. A. Khan, continued until 1964. Later, in 2004, the Department of Archaeology and Museums of Pakistan asked UNESCO to consider Banbhore as one of the world's important World Heritage Sites, recognizing its value to history and culture.

Location

Bhanbhore is found on the north side of Gharo creek, around 65 kilometers (40 miles) east of Karachi in the Thatta District of Sindh, Pakistan. The old city ruins sit on the N-5 National Highway between Dhabeji and Gharo.

History

The city of Bhanbhore dates from the 1st century BC to the 13th century AD. It had three main periods: from the Scytho-Parthian time (1st century BC to 2nd century AD), a Buddhist period (2nd century AD to 8th century AD), and an early Islamic period (8th century AD to 13th century AD). The city was left empty after the 13th century because the Indus river changed its path.

Some believe Bhanbhore might be the old city of Debal, taken over by the Arab leader Muhammad bin Qasim around 711–712 after he defeated Raja Dahir, the last Hindu ruler of Sindh. However, this is not fully proven, even though many studies and digs have tried to connect the two cities. Researchers have explored the area since 1928.

Bhanbhore might also have been called Barbari or Barbaricon by the Greeks, but this is still not certain.

Ruins

Archaeological discoveries show that Banbhore was a city with a stone and mud wall around it. Inside the wall, the area was split into two parts by another stone wall. In the eastern part, there are ruins of a mosque from the year 727 AD. This mosque is one of the oldest examples found in the region. The ruins of houses, streets, and other buildings have been found inside and outside the wall. Excavations also uncovered three gateways to the city and other important buildings like a temple and a large stone structure.

Bhanbhore Port

Bhanbhore was an important medieval port city. It made its money from trading things like ceramic and metal goods, and it had its own industries too. The city was located right at the mouth of the Indus, which helped it connect with traders from the Indo-Scythians and Indo-Parthians and people all around the Indian Ocean.

Archaeologists found parts of an old anchorage, half under water, with strong stone foundations. This might have been where ships stopped to load and unload cargo. But the port was left empty when the Indus river changed its path and the water near the port became too shallow with sand and dirt.

World Heritage Site

The Port of Bhanbhore was suggested to become a World Heritage Site by the Department of Archaeology and Museums of Pakistan in January 2004. It is now on a special list, waiting to be considered under certain cultural rules.