Type: Monument - Tomb
Province: Sindh
District: Thatta
Period: Historic
Relative Chronology: 14th-16th Century CE
Description: It is located inside the Makli Hill necropolis near the tomb of Jam Nizamuddin.The tomb of Jam Nizam-ud-Din Nindo is an impressive stone structure with fine ornamental carving similar to the 15th-century Gujrat style. It has been restored but suffers from cracks and wall distortions caused by rough weathering and erosion of the slope on which it stands. It is square in the plan but the dome was never constructed, work stopped when the walls reached the springing line. On the exterior of the building there are twelve bands of decoration running around the building from top to bottom comprising diamonds, lotuses, Quranic inscriptions, and geometric patterns. There are two unusual features: the mihrab in the interior and the corresponding balcony on the exterior. This type of balcony recalls those in Gujarat therefore it is possible that craftsmen from Gujarat were responsible for construction of this tomb. There are richly carved balconies in the western façade and the bands of decorative carving along the wall. The right side balcony except the brackets is broken, however, it is showing similar approach of workmanship, as can be observed in the case of left side balcony. The idea of balcony can be observed for the first time during the Samma period. In this connection, the false balconies at Makli Hill, appeared for the first time on the jambs of the entrance to the Madrasah pavilion of Sheikh Hamad Jamali 1392 CE, whereas, its more developed stance can be observed in the tomb of Jam Nizam-ud-Din Nindo 1508 CE. However, during the Tarkhan period, the false balconies have been provided to the Jan Baba’s tomb complex. These are exhibiting its continuation from the early traditions. However, later on, this gem of architecture has been exquisitely carved out in the tomb of Isa Khan Tarkhan II.
The tomb of Jam Nizam-ud-Din Nindo, is exhibiting lotus flowers both at the inner and outer sides of this magnificent tomb complex. This splendid mausoleum is also representing different categories of sunflower. Archaeologists opine that Jam Nizamud-Din Nindo might have invited the carvers from the Indian states, such as Gujarat and Ahmadabad, where this design was deeply rooted. The sunflower appears for the first time in the Madrasah pavilion of Shiekh Hamad Jamali at Makli Hill and later in the tomb chamber of Jam Nizam-ud-Din Nindo. This fabulous funeral structure is possessing a variety of sunflowers such as, half sunflowers, single, double and triple tiered medallions, have been carved in low as well in high relief. Besides, three tiered sunflower has been appeared for the first time in the tomb of Jam Nizam-ud-Din Nindo carved exquisitely in high relief. Further, the earliest specimen of the half palmette can be observed in the Madrasah pavilion of Sheikh Hamad Jamali 1388-92 CE, while it also appears in the tomb of Jam Nizam-ud-Din Nindo, where this motif has been executed very exquisitely in high relief. It is equally important to make a mention here that besides, the exhibition of half palmettes on the stone surface, this element has also been illustrated in the enameled ceramic tiles. It is appearing for the first time in the funeral enclosure of Sheher Bano 1542 CE. In this process, it is pertinent to discuss further, that the mehrab of this enclosure wall is possessing half palmettes.
Besides, the depiction of various floral medallions, the introduction of spoke wheel pattern in the inner and out surface of the merhab, adorned with half and full spoke wheel design in the tomb complex of Jam Nizam-ud-Din Nindo is significant, apart from the another significant decorative elements, David star. The David stars are filled inside by smaller size stars or floral patterns. Beautiful calligraphic specimens in both thulth and Naskh in the Jam Nizam-ud-Din Nindo Tomb appears to be work of the best calligraphers of the time. The tomb of Jam Nizam-ud-Din Nindo is possessing the earliest examples of both small and bold naskhi at Makli Hill. Most exquisitely conceived pilarettes can also be seen in the tomb of Jam Nizam-ud-Din Nindo.
According to Ali Ahmad Brohi the tomb of Jam Nizam-ud-Din Nindo was constructed from the dismantled material of a Hindu temple, located in the vicinity, which was called “Mahā Kālī” This notion appears to be based on hypothesis, because the indigenous chronicles and the archaeological survey reports are absolutely silent regarding the existence of Mahā Kālī temple in the region.
(Samma Dynasty 14th-16th Century CE).
Latitude: 24.775969444
Longitude: 67.903686111
Ownership: Federal Government
Legal Status: Protected by The Antiquity Act 1975 (As amended in 1992)
Title of Publication: Inventory of Cultural Property in the Province of Sindh, Pakistan, 2015
Published In: Government of Sindh, Vol 4
Year of Publication: 2015
Bibliography/Reference: Jansen, Michael, Yasmeen Lari
