Jamia Masjid Khudabad, District Dadu, Sindh.
Khudabad:
The city of Khudabad was the capital of the Kalhora rulers from 1719 to 1768 AD. The Kalhoras ruled Sindh for about 82 years from 1701 to 1783. During this time, 12 rulers of the Kalhora family continued to rule in different periods. During the Mughal period, Mughal prince Muazuddin, the governor of Multan, attacked the main village of the Kalhoras in 1700 AD, “Gadhi”, which is located in the present Tehsil of Khairpur Nathan Shah, to subdue the Kalhora rulers. A bloody battle took place at “Khor” on the banks of the Gaj River, in which generals from both sides were killed.
Mian Din Muhammad Kalhoro was captured and killed along with 28 workers in Multan, while his younger brother Mian Yar Muhammad Kalhoro took refuge with the Khan of Kalat.
In 1701, Mian Yar Muhammad Kalhoro returned to Sindh and sat in the village of Gaha (Tehsil Johi) and activated the Mianwal movement and extended his influence in the areas of Samtani, Markhpur and Fatehpur. Mian Yar Muhammad also convinced the Mughal emperors with strategy. The Mughal government gave him the title of ‘Khudayar’ and entrusted him with the government of Sindh.
Mian Yar Muhammad Kalhoro took possession of the village of Panhwar tribe and established a new city called “Khudabad” there and made it the first headquarter of his government. In Khudabad, Mian Yar Muhammad laid the foundation of the Jamia Masjid, the construction of which was completed by his son Mian Noor Muhammad Kalhoro.
Jamia Masjid Khudabad
Jami Masjid Khudaabad is located on the Indus Highway in Khudabad, District Dadu. The three century old Khudabad Mosque is a masterpiece of architecture. This Mosque was built in such a way that it was also used as a fort during the war. The secret passages in the walls are proof of the skill of the craftsmen who built the Khudabad Mosque, through these secret passages military support was obtained during the war. This mosque is built on a wide platform which is 8 feet high from the ground. The platform is 92 feet long and 85 feet wide. This Mosque consists of three parts. The first part is the central hall with a three-domed roof. The thickness of the walls of the mosque is approximately 7 feet which is a symbol of the strength of this building. Main dome is bigger than the two lateral domes. The second part of the mosque is its veranda. Its length is 25 feet and width is 83 feet. There are three gates in this section, on which the fresco art of lotus flowers can also be seen. The outer wall of the veranda is covered with 3 types of tiles including white, blue and green 8 by 8 inch square bricks, which add to the beauty of the mosque. Apart from this, in this part, small bricks have been mixed together and pasted on the wall and excellent carvings have been done. The third part of this mosque is a large and spacious courtyard, in which approximately 1500 people can easily pray simultaneously. The yard is 90 feet long and 90 feet wide. The main entrance of the mosque is made of wood and is very spacious with a height of 8 feet. It has 10 stairs. A few years ago, the repair work of this mosque was done. “Mihrab Masjid” built in “Halani” city in Nowshahrofiroz district is built on the pattern of Khudabad Mosque which was idea of Mir Mehrab Khan. It can also be called as a replica of Khudabad Masjid.
Tourists traveling to Sindh on the Indus Highway must visit this mosque. In September 2019, during Explore Sindh Bike Rally for World Tourism Day Celebratuion while moving from Gorakh Hill to Sehwan Sharif, Ranikot Fort and Jamshoro.
Dr. Syed Muzamil Hussain
Wasib Explorer
Al Masoom Manzil, St 11, Usman Town, Multan 60000.
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