Share Our Heritage with the World

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Hundreds of years ago, at the edge of a desert in Sindh, the Talpurs constructed a pompous fort atop a hill. This emblematic fort, dominating the town of Kot Diji in Khairpur district and known as Kot Diji Fort, was built between 1785 to 1795.

Driving towards Khairpur district from the National Highway, it is hard to miss this fort's opulence, breaking the monotony of the skyline.

I remember my excitement and disbelief all at once when I first saw this mammoth construction. I could not wait to get a closer look and to step inside to explore it properly.

It took us approximately eight hours to reach Khairpur district from Karachi. On our way we made pitstops for tea and food. By the time we got to Kot Diji fort, I knew I had very little time to explore this place and that I had to rush since the sun was about to set soon, leaving us with very little light for shooting photos. It was built in Khairpur Mirs in 1798 as the principal building serving as the sovereign's court for the royal palace complex of Talpur monarchs of the Khairpur dynasty. Originally it included the ruler's chambers along with 16 waiting rooms for courtiers and guest rooms for royal guests alongside the durbar and dining halls. Additionally there was the Hathi Khana for the royal elephant and the horses stables where today there is a mango orchard.

[Source: Khairpur Jewel & Crown of Sindh by Momin Bullo | Coordinates: EFT]

Open in Google Map: 27.34551903, 68.70690579

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