Tharparkar
Encyclopedia
Tharparkar is one of twenty three districts of Sindh
province in Pakistan
. Its headquarter is Mithi
. It is the only fertile desert in the world. The District derives its names from Thar and Parker. The name Thar is from Thul, the general term for sand region or sand ridges and parker literary latter become “to cross over” it was earlier known as Thar and Parker District, letter become one word. District Tharparkar comprises four Talukas (tehsils):
having population of 914291 souls, as per census 1998, is spread over an area of 4,791,024 acres (19,638sq. km). This District with present boundary has come into existence on 02-12-1990 as Thar. Prior to this the present geographical area was a sub-division of old District Tharparkar (Mirpurkhas) it was bifurcated into 2 Districts i.e. Mirpurkhas & Thar. The head quarter of this District Mithi which is situated at distance of 150 km. South / East of Mirpurkhas. It is situated in 24-26 North latitude and 69-51 East Longitude. The boundaries of this District are as under:
The Thar Region forms part of the bigger desert of the same name that sprawl over a vast area of Pakistan & India from Cholistan to Nagarparkar in Pakistan and from the south of the Haryana down to Rajistan in India.
This district is mostly deserted and consists of barren tract of the send dunes covered with thorny bushes. The ridges are irregular and roughly paralleled that thy often closed shattered valleys which they raise to a height to some 46 meters. When there is rain these valleys are moist enough admit cultivation and when not cultivated they yield luxuriant crops of rank grass. But the extra ordinary salinity of the subsoil land consequent shortage of portable water renders many tracks quite picturesque salt lakes which rarely a day up.
The only hills a Nagarparkar, on the Northern edge of the Runn of Kutchh belongs to quite a different geological series. It consist Granite rocks. Probably an outlying mass of the crystalline rocks of the Arravelli range. The arravelli series belongs to Archean system which constitutes the oldest rocks of the earth crust. This is a small area quite different from the desert. The tack is flat a level expect close to Nagarparkar it self. The principle range Karoonjhar is 19 km in length and attains a height of 305 m. smaller hills rise in the east, which is covered with sars jungle and pasturage and gives rise to two springs named Anchlesar & Sardhro as well as temporary streams called Bhatyani & Gordhro after the rain.
5 of population by religious are as under:-
1. Muslims 59.4
2. Hindus 39.55
3. Qadiani/ Ahmedis 0.04
4. Others 0.01
COAL:
Thar coal field is largest lignite (Coal) deposit in the world which constitute about 80% of coal deposited of country. Coal in Tharparkar is discovered in the year 1991 during joint survey of Pakistan and other countries. Coal deposits are in up to meet fuel requirement of the country for centuries as open by experts. Work is initiated on exploiting energy potential of coal reserves of Thar which will start producing electricity within two years, enough for next 40 years, without any single Second of Load Shedding. These reserves of coal worth US $ 25 trillion can not only cater the electricity requirements of the country for next 100 years but also save almost four billion dollars in staggering oil import bill. Renowned nuclear Scientist Dr. Samar Mubarak Mand said if all the oil reserves of Saudi Arab & Iran put together, these are approximately 375 Billion Barrels,but a single Thar coal reserve of Sindh is about 850 Trillion Cubic Feet,which is more than oil reserves of Saudi Arab & Iran. He mentioned that these reserves estimated at 850 trillion cubic feet (TCF) of gas, are 30 times higher than Pakistan ‘s proven gas reserves of 28 TCF. Dr. Samar Mubarak Mand said that just 2% usage of Thar coal can Produce 20,000 Mega Watts of electricity, adding if the whole reserves are utilized, then it could easily be imagined how much energy could be generated. The coal power generation would cost Pakistan PKR 5.67 per unit while power generated by Independent Power Projects cost PKR 9.27, he went on to add. He was of the view that it requires just Rs. 420 Billion initial investment,whereas Pakistan receives annually Rs. 1220 Billion from Tax Only. He said federal government has released Rs 984.9 million for Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) schemes being undertaken in Block V of Thar. The scheme is aimed at producing coal gas for power generation he said, adding UCG is the most important clean coal technology
of the future with worldwide application and a substitute for deep mining of coal for power generation. Dr. Samar elaborated that the technology is based on an easy and simpler method of producing of coal gas instead of the difficult and time-consuming process of mining of coal lying in the depth of the deposits.
GRANITE STONE AND CHINA CLAY:
Granite rock foundation is found in Nagarparkar region of Million tons Granite is available at pockets spread over an area of 125 km2. It is beautiful and costly stone of brownish color. But due to no communication facilities it is taken in limited quantity. According to opinion of expert, China like Clay is found in Nagarparkar is comparable in all respect to the imported one China like Clay deposit is estimated over 4 Million tons. A part from this, salt mines are in Diplo Tehsil which has best deposits of raw salt.
BIRDS: Peacock, Cock, Crow, Partridge, Pigeon, Eagle, Hobara, Bustard
, Pakistan
to Bhagat Ki Kothi
, India
. Six kilometres apart, Munabao
and Khokhrapar
are the two last railway stations of the India-Pakistan border. Jamrao, Mirpur Khas
, Shadi Pali, Saeendad, Barmer
, Pithoro, Dhoro Naro, and Chhore are some of the stations. Bhagat ki Kothi is a train station 5 km from Jodhpur Railway Station.
This is known as gateway of the Desert. This town has a fort of Talpur period, which has build in the year 1814 by Mir Ali Murad Talpur, which exists in original shape Talpur also has build fort in Islamkot Singaro & Mithi which are not prominent as of the Naukot.
MITHI:
Mithi is Head Quarter of district Tharparkar with a population of about 20,000is the biggest town in the desert and famous centre for Thari Handicrafts, applicants, bed sheets, embroidered shirts, shawls, babies hats, wall hangings, horse and camel trapping, silver jewelry and old carved, wooden chairs, and boxes. The goods are for sale in private houses and in town’s bazaar.
Hindu and Muslim live peace fully side by the side in the desert. And in Mithi even enjoy other festivals. There are a numbers of Hindu temples in the town. The temple of Nag Dev the snakes have its festival in June. The Muslims Shrine of Syed Ali Shah, an 11th Century Arab shelter, celebrates its Uris (Death Anniversary) on 27th day of Ramzan.
Beyond Mithi the real feeling of desert begins, sandy tracks weaves between the dunes covered with low flowering shrubs, vultures buzzards, eagles kites and many spices of small scavenge in the villages, some of the remoter Hindus villagers keep tame peacock is considered sacred extinction where noted protected.
Mammals are more difficult to spot, Indian and red foxes, jackels, gerbils, mongoose and Squirrels are fairly common, but you are unlikely to see a pangolin, porcupine, desert hare, wolf of hyena, desert cat, jungle cat and lynx pelts for sale Rawalpindi And Karachi bazaars, so presumably they are to be found some where in the desert.
DIPLO:
It is an ancient town of Taluka Headquarter. Diplo is situated at distance of 40 km from Mithi. This town is famous when Memon Community born and brought up. Majority of Memon Community is well educated. Late Mohammad Usman Diplai a famous writer of Sindhi hails from this town. Diplo is also famous for handicrafts and especially hand made durable and beautiful carpets.
CHACHRO:
It is Taluka headquarter and biggest Taluka at a distance of 70 km from Mithi has never really recovered from its year long occupation by the Indian Army in 1971. A table in Chachro Guest house claims the town was retaken from the occupation by the enemy in January 1973. Some 4000 Hindus and tribal are said to have fled to India during the occupation, to day the gradual depopulation of the Thar area continues, as Hindus filter across the border into Rajistan and Muslims leave to find work in Karachi.
GORHI-JO-MANDIR (TEMPLE)
This is an ancient temple situated some fourteen miles away in the north west of Virawah in Thar. It was several times plundered due to its popularity for abundance in wealth. It was a symbol of unique ancient construction.
BHALWA:
This village is attributed to a native village of “Marvi” the most cherished and respected daughter of this land, who is symbol of patriotism and chastity, who did not succumb to any pressure or lure. On the contrary she preferred to accept a pure Thari life, full of poverty and problems, instead of becoming a queen. This area is historical known as “Malir”, whereas present name Bhalwa becomes popular, when Bheels settled at this village and name it as Bhalwa.
PARINAGAR:
It was an International Sea Port established in 100 A.D. Its Population was over 50 thousand, mostly Jain and Oswarhs. The city reached its Zenith and glory within short time, ship wreckage remains which are still found stand witness to it. Conquers of Delhi during annexation in 1226 A.D. ruined the city when it was ruled by Herbhem Sodho son of Deepo Sodho leading to complete anarchy. After this destruction, business class of Parinagar established themselves in Bhodesar and then in 1388 A.D. they again migrated to kutchh, Jam Nagar and Halar. These migrations halted the commercial glamour of Parinagar.
VIRAWAH:
About 22 km (13.7 mi) from Gori, is the last town before the sand dunes end and the pinkish hills of Nagarparkar rise up like and island between the desert and the sea. The bricks ruins of the old city of Parinagar are on the west side of Virawah and overlook the completely flat plain bellow. When a channel of the Runn of Kutchh was actually navigable, more than 1000 years ago, Parinagar was a sea port. The town decline in the sixth centaury A.D. when the port silted up, and today a small stone temple is all that remains. Beyond Virawah the sand becomes firmer because of a greater availability of well water, the desert ends. At Virawah there is an Indus Rangers check post, where tourists without permit are likely to be turned back. The Indian border area is sensitive for security reasons because of the existence of lucrative smuggling rackets.
BHODESAR:
Bhodesar is situated 02 miles away in the North West of Nagarparkar, beneath the Karoonjhar hills, this town happened to be the prosperous and affluent city of the time, which is eminent from the ancient construction still found there. This place Bhodesar was formally known as Bhodesar Nagri. There lived one Queen Bhodi. She had constructed a beautiful pond having metal led base. According to historians, on his way back tom Ghaza Sultan Mehmood Ghaznavi after the conquest of Somnath 1026, decided to pass through this desert. During this journey he lost the track and in the search of water he arrived at this pond. Subsequently he constructed a memorial at this place, which was later converted into Mosque by Sultan Mehmood Begra. Bhodesar was inhabited by Sodhas and Khosas who were the famous bandits and the court of Tughlaqs in Delhi, resultantly sultan Mehmood Begro Lead his expedition to Parkar in 1504 and rent back. Later his mother was again looted at the same place along with other he came in 1505 with full preparations and fought a bloody war at Bhodesar and constructed a beautiful Mosque at this place. Due to Earthquake on 26-01-2001, the Mosque has collapsed.
NAGARPARKAR:
Nagarparkar is at distance of 150 km from Mithi town. This town is just in the foot of high heightening Karoonjhar Hills. It is situated at a distance of about 15 km from Indian Border. Town ancient places of India Worship i.e. Sardharo, Anchlesar and Jain Temple are situated there. Reported it was the part of the Sea, which was to be crossed therefore it was named as “Parkar” Literally it means to cross over. Nagarparkar has on its North Taluka Chachro and on West Taluka Mithi of District Tharparkar, while on east of it lies Jodhpur (Rajistan) and on its South Run Katchh. The surrounding of Nagarparkar city comprises 24 miles is named as Parkar which is a rocky belt and the remaining part is sandy area. Climatically the small rocks and sandy Dunes (Bhits) both become extreme Cold in winter and Hot in summer. The Karoonjhar hills are circularly surrounding the Nagarparkar for 16 miles. The granite stone of this mountain is used for making Tiles. In summer different sounds are audible from the rock due to sulphur deposits. It is saying that Karoonjhar hills emit 1-1/4 Kilo gold every day in the shape of granite stone, china clay and honey etc. The population of Taluka is 153,106 souls out of which 62,213 are Muslims while 90,893 non-Muslims. There is one Rest house beneath Karoonjhar Mountain giving classis and beautiful look. It is to be reserved through Mukhtiarkar Nagarparkar. At present the same collapsed due to Earthquake 2001.
ANCHLESAR:
Three km away in the hills, there is sacred Hindu water where women bath as a cure for infertility. In nearby Sardharo Hindu thought the ashes of their dead into the water. A walk up to “Tyrwhitt Thulho” the smooth flat platform on top of the highest hill (356 meters 1168 feet above sea level) takes a couple of hours and gives view across the salt flats the Runn of Kutchh. This is where Colonel Tyrwhitt political Superintendent from 1860 to 1873 sat in judgment at the Local assizes. The flat rocks on top, apparently smoothed by the sea centuries ago, make a superb place for a picnic.
KASBO:
This is a small village situated at 14 km in the south of Nagarparkar. This area occupied by the “Thakurs” (Sodhas) who migrated to India during 1971 War. The prominence of this area is only because it provide suitable soil climate for agriculture forming. This soil is alone extremely suitable for vegetables especially for onion. Beside sweet water easily available at the depth of 25 to 40 feet according to experiment each well can irrigate at least four acres of land.
Sindh
Sindh historically referred to as Ba'ab-ul-Islam , is one of the four provinces of Pakistan and historically is home to the Sindhi people. It is also locally known as the "Mehran". Though Muslims form the largest religious group in Sindh, a good number of Christians, Zoroastrians and Hindus can...
province in Pakistan
Pakistan
Pakistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is a sovereign state in South Asia. It has a coastline along the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman in the south and is bordered by Afghanistan and Iran in the west, India in the east and China in the far northeast. In the north, Tajikistan...
. Its headquarter is Mithi
Mithi
Mithi is the capital of Tharparkar District in the Sindh province of Pakistan. The town is located at 24°20'0N 69°1'0E with an altitude of 2 metres , lying 300 kilometres from Karachi and is located in a beautiful desert area....
. It is the only fertile desert in the world. The District derives its names from Thar and Parker. The name Thar is from Thul, the general term for sand region or sand ridges and parker literary latter become “to cross over” it was earlier known as Thar and Parker District, letter become one word. District Tharparkar comprises four Talukas (tehsils):
- Chachro
- DiploDiplo, PakistanDiplo is a town in the Sindh province of Pakistan. It is located at 24°28'0N 69°35'0E with an altitude of 26 meters . It is located in Thar desert....
- MithiMithiMithi is the capital of Tharparkar District in the Sindh province of Pakistan. The town is located at 24°20'0N 69°1'0E with an altitude of 2 metres , lying 300 kilometres from Karachi and is located in a beautiful desert area....
- Nagarparkar
having population of 914291 souls, as per census 1998, is spread over an area of 4,791,024 acres (19,638sq. km). This District with present boundary has come into existence on 02-12-1990 as Thar. Prior to this the present geographical area was a sub-division of old District Tharparkar (Mirpurkhas) it was bifurcated into 2 Districts i.e. Mirpurkhas & Thar. The head quarter of this District Mithi which is situated at distance of 150 km. South / East of Mirpurkhas. It is situated in 24-26 North latitude and 69-51 East Longitude. The boundaries of this District are as under:
- North: Mirpurkhas & Umerkot Districts
- East: Barmer & Jessalmer District of India
- West: District Badin
- South: Runn of Kuchh
Historical Background
It was in 1843 when Sir Charles Napier became victor of Sindh and this part was merged into Katchh political agency in Hyderabad collect-orate, later on in 1858 the entire area became part of Hyderabad. Subsequently in 1860 it was renamed as “Eastern Sindh frontier” with its Head Quarter Umerkot, controlled by Political Superintendent. In 1882 it was renamed as district and its administrative head was Deputy Commissioner. Lastly in 1906 Head Quarter of the district was shifted from Umerkot to Mirpurkhas. Until 1990 the present district of Tharparkar , Umerkot and Mirpurkhas comprised one separate district in 1990 i.e. Mirpurkhas and Thar established the town on Mithi as the new head quarters of the Tharparkar district, while Umerkot was bifurcated on 17 April 1993.Geographical Features
(i) There is no stream fresh river in the district. However, in Nagarparkar there are two perennial spring namely Anchlesar & Sardhro as well as temporary streams called Bhatuyani River and Gordhro River which flow during the rainy season. (ii) There are some hilly tracks called Parkar. The Granite Marble has been found there. “Karoonjhar Mountain” is near to Nagarparkar. (iii) There is no lake, Glacier, plains etc. in the district. (iv) Mostly this district is desert area. (v) Topography.The Thar Region forms part of the bigger desert of the same name that sprawl over a vast area of Pakistan & India from Cholistan to Nagarparkar in Pakistan and from the south of the Haryana down to Rajistan in India.
This district is mostly deserted and consists of barren tract of the send dunes covered with thorny bushes. The ridges are irregular and roughly paralleled that thy often closed shattered valleys which they raise to a height to some 46 meters. When there is rain these valleys are moist enough admit cultivation and when not cultivated they yield luxuriant crops of rank grass. But the extra ordinary salinity of the subsoil land consequent shortage of portable water renders many tracks quite picturesque salt lakes which rarely a day up.
The only hills a Nagarparkar, on the Northern edge of the Runn of Kutchh belongs to quite a different geological series. It consist Granite rocks. Probably an outlying mass of the crystalline rocks of the Arravelli range. The arravelli series belongs to Archean system which constitutes the oldest rocks of the earth crust. This is a small area quite different from the desert. The tack is flat a level expect close to Nagarparkar it self. The principle range Karoonjhar is 19 km in length and attains a height of 305 m. smaller hills rise in the east, which is covered with sars jungle and pasturage and gives rise to two springs named Anchlesar & Sardhro as well as temporary streams called Bhatyani & Gordhro after the rain.
Geography
Tharparkar district is located at the extreme South East corner of the province. It is one of the poorest and under develop district in Sindh. It is flanked by Mirpurkhas and Umerkot district, the most prosperous on its Northern side, on the west by Badin district, on the East by Bharmar & Jaisalmer district of India and on thed South of Runn of Kutchh. District is approximately 250 km across having in area of 19389 sq: km. The district is divided into three ecological zones, the South Eastern is hilly rich in mineral deposits the central area is Thar which sandy dunes and on the western side (very small portion) of barrage area and fertile. During summer climate is hot and dry while winter is some what mild. The rain fall varies from year to year. Most of the rain fall in moon soon period between June & September and the winter rain are in significant.Economy
Tharparkar is arid area here is no water for cultivation, hence peoples depends on moon soon rains. Main economy of the people depend cattle breeding when there are no rains, human being and cattle both begin to pie and strive, because weather crops grow noty grosses comes out. When there are plenty rains in desert, Bajra, Gowar, Moong, Jouwar, crops grow in abundance. In the Parkar area even Wheat grown on rain soaked lands. Vegetables & Fruits are also growing on wells at “Kasbo” in Taluka Nagarparkar, Castor oil seed grow in Parkar area. Small No. of industries (Carpet Centre & Sah lakes) are locate in Diplo & Mithi Taluka. While I Barrage is Sugar Cane, Wheat is main crops. District Tharparkar severely lakes adequate faculties of communication mainly cane wheat are main crops. There is severely lakes adequate faculties of communication mainly road. I the whole district paved road is about 300 km transportation depend on 4wheels drive on back of animal and foot.Demography
The population of District according to 1998 census is 914291, with population density of 47, persons per sq. km 95.65% population is classified as per rural and 4.35% as urban. The total urban population i.e. 39827 is located in three main towns i.e. Mithi, Islamkot and Diplo and the rest of rural population is scattered among 2321 villages, rural locality ranging from less than 50to over 2000, persons5 of population by religious are as under:-
1. Muslims 59.4
2. Hindus 39.55
3. Qadiani/ Ahmedis 0.04
4. Others 0.01
Business
The Handicraft of a country is culture. This district is rich in this field where “Shawls” (Silk, Wool, Cotton etc.) hand made bed sheets, hand makes “Khes” of goat and camel hair skin. Very beautiful embroidery of all kind like as “Gajs”, Blanket made from sheep wool and “Rallies” (Quilt) are main artisans skills available in this district, also Silver/Gold armaments very beautiful hand made carpets of export quality at price from 200sq: feet to Rs. 500/-per Sq: feet single and double knotted are made and sold at Karachi and also exported top foreign. No Scientific study, patronage from Government has been provided. It warrants special attention of Government to promote this sector. The business of Livestock is the main source of the income generation of the people of this area.Climate and Rainfall
The district has a tropical desert climate. In summer when it is too hot during day time, the nights are remarkably collar. April, May and June are the hottest months during the day. December, January and February are the coldest months. There is wide fluctuation in the amount of rainfall from year to year and the yearly average for some areas is as 100m.m. Most of the rainfall between July and September during the south west moon soon is often concentrated in a period of two to three days.Major Crops
In desert the main crops are “Bajra” and “Gowar”. In some parts wheat too is cultivated. In Kasbo and Nagarparkar Caster Seed, Oil Seeds, Vegetable and Fruits are also cultivated on well. The Barrage and desert crops are: Cotton, Bajra, Sugar Cane, Gowar, Wheat, Moong, Chilies, Moth, Gardens, Sesame seeds, Castor Seed.Minerals
The district is very rich in minerals resources like China Clay, Granite, Coal and Salt.COAL:
Thar coal field is largest lignite (Coal) deposit in the world which constitute about 80% of coal deposited of country. Coal in Tharparkar is discovered in the year 1991 during joint survey of Pakistan and other countries. Coal deposits are in up to meet fuel requirement of the country for centuries as open by experts. Work is initiated on exploiting energy potential of coal reserves of Thar which will start producing electricity within two years, enough for next 40 years, without any single Second of Load Shedding. These reserves of coal worth US $ 25 trillion can not only cater the electricity requirements of the country for next 100 years but also save almost four billion dollars in staggering oil import bill. Renowned nuclear Scientist Dr. Samar Mubarak Mand said if all the oil reserves of Saudi Arab & Iran put together, these are approximately 375 Billion Barrels,but a single Thar coal reserve of Sindh is about 850 Trillion Cubic Feet,which is more than oil reserves of Saudi Arab & Iran. He mentioned that these reserves estimated at 850 trillion cubic feet (TCF) of gas, are 30 times higher than Pakistan ‘s proven gas reserves of 28 TCF. Dr. Samar Mubarak Mand said that just 2% usage of Thar coal can Produce 20,000 Mega Watts of electricity, adding if the whole reserves are utilized, then it could easily be imagined how much energy could be generated. The coal power generation would cost Pakistan PKR 5.67 per unit while power generated by Independent Power Projects cost PKR 9.27, he went on to add. He was of the view that it requires just Rs. 420 Billion initial investment,whereas Pakistan receives annually Rs. 1220 Billion from Tax Only. He said federal government has released Rs 984.9 million for Underground Coal Gasification (UCG) schemes being undertaken in Block V of Thar. The scheme is aimed at producing coal gas for power generation he said, adding UCG is the most important clean coal technology
Clean coal technology
Clean coal technology is a collection of technologies being developed to reduce the environmental impact of coal energy generation. When coal is used as a fuel source, the gaseous emmissions generated by the thermal decomposition of the coal, include sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, carbon...
of the future with worldwide application and a substitute for deep mining of coal for power generation. Dr. Samar elaborated that the technology is based on an easy and simpler method of producing of coal gas instead of the difficult and time-consuming process of mining of coal lying in the depth of the deposits.
GRANITE STONE AND CHINA CLAY:
Granite rock foundation is found in Nagarparkar region of Million tons Granite is available at pockets spread over an area of 125 km2. It is beautiful and costly stone of brownish color. But due to no communication facilities it is taken in limited quantity. According to opinion of expert, China like Clay is found in Nagarparkar is comparable in all respect to the imported one China like Clay deposit is estimated over 4 Million tons. A part from this, salt mines are in Diplo Tehsil which has best deposits of raw salt.
Flora and Fauna
ANIMALS: Camel, Cow, Buffalo, Horse, Goat, Sheep, Donkey and DeerBIRDS: Peacock, Cock, Crow, Partridge, Pigeon, Eagle, Hobara, Bustard
Transportation
Thar Express is an international train that connects KarachiKarachi
Karachi is the largest city, main seaport and the main financial centre of Pakistan, as well as the capital of the province of Sindh. The city has an estimated population of 13 to 15 million, while the total metropolitan area has a population of over 18 million...
, Pakistan
Pakistan
Pakistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is a sovereign state in South Asia. It has a coastline along the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman in the south and is bordered by Afghanistan and Iran in the west, India in the east and China in the far northeast. In the north, Tajikistan...
to Bhagat Ki Kothi
Bhagat Ki Kothi
Bhagat Ki Kothi is a place in the Rajasthan, near Jodhpur. Bhagat Ki Kothi is more over famous for the Thar Express. This station connects India and Pakistan ....
, India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
. Six kilometres apart, Munabao
Munabao
Munabao is a village in the Barmer district in Rajasthan in India bordering Pakistan.- Transport :In February 2006, the two nations reopened the railway line, the Thar Express that used to connect Rajasthan in India with Sindh in Pakistan...
and Khokhrapar
Khokhrapar
Khokhrapar or Khokhropar is a border town located in Sindh, Pakistan.It is also last railway station on the way to Rajasthan in India....
are the two last railway stations of the India-Pakistan border. Jamrao, Mirpur Khas
Mirpur Khas
Mirpur Khas is a city in the province of Sindh in Pakistan. It is the fifth largest city in the province with an estimated population of 488,590...
, Shadi Pali, Saeendad, Barmer
Barmer, Rajasthan
Barmer is the headquarters of the Barmer district in the state of Rajasthan, India. It is a city and a municipality.-Origin of name:...
, Pithoro, Dhoro Naro, and Chhore are some of the stations. Bhagat ki Kothi is a train station 5 km from Jodhpur Railway Station.
Famous Historical Places
NAUKOT:This is known as gateway of the Desert. This town has a fort of Talpur period, which has build in the year 1814 by Mir Ali Murad Talpur, which exists in original shape Talpur also has build fort in Islamkot Singaro & Mithi which are not prominent as of the Naukot.
MITHI:
Mithi is Head Quarter of district Tharparkar with a population of about 20,000is the biggest town in the desert and famous centre for Thari Handicrafts, applicants, bed sheets, embroidered shirts, shawls, babies hats, wall hangings, horse and camel trapping, silver jewelry and old carved, wooden chairs, and boxes. The goods are for sale in private houses and in town’s bazaar.
Hindu and Muslim live peace fully side by the side in the desert. And in Mithi even enjoy other festivals. There are a numbers of Hindu temples in the town. The temple of Nag Dev the snakes have its festival in June. The Muslims Shrine of Syed Ali Shah, an 11th Century Arab shelter, celebrates its Uris (Death Anniversary) on 27th day of Ramzan.
Beyond Mithi the real feeling of desert begins, sandy tracks weaves between the dunes covered with low flowering shrubs, vultures buzzards, eagles kites and many spices of small scavenge in the villages, some of the remoter Hindus villagers keep tame peacock is considered sacred extinction where noted protected.
Mammals are more difficult to spot, Indian and red foxes, jackels, gerbils, mongoose and Squirrels are fairly common, but you are unlikely to see a pangolin, porcupine, desert hare, wolf of hyena, desert cat, jungle cat and lynx pelts for sale Rawalpindi And Karachi bazaars, so presumably they are to be found some where in the desert.
DIPLO:
It is an ancient town of Taluka Headquarter. Diplo is situated at distance of 40 km from Mithi. This town is famous when Memon Community born and brought up. Majority of Memon Community is well educated. Late Mohammad Usman Diplai a famous writer of Sindhi hails from this town. Diplo is also famous for handicrafts and especially hand made durable and beautiful carpets.
CHACHRO:
It is Taluka headquarter and biggest Taluka at a distance of 70 km from Mithi has never really recovered from its year long occupation by the Indian Army in 1971. A table in Chachro Guest house claims the town was retaken from the occupation by the enemy in January 1973. Some 4000 Hindus and tribal are said to have fled to India during the occupation, to day the gradual depopulation of the Thar area continues, as Hindus filter across the border into Rajistan and Muslims leave to find work in Karachi.
GORHI-JO-MANDIR (TEMPLE)
This is an ancient temple situated some fourteen miles away in the north west of Virawah in Thar. It was several times plundered due to its popularity for abundance in wealth. It was a symbol of unique ancient construction.
BHALWA:
This village is attributed to a native village of “Marvi” the most cherished and respected daughter of this land, who is symbol of patriotism and chastity, who did not succumb to any pressure or lure. On the contrary she preferred to accept a pure Thari life, full of poverty and problems, instead of becoming a queen. This area is historical known as “Malir”, whereas present name Bhalwa becomes popular, when Bheels settled at this village and name it as Bhalwa.
PARINAGAR:
It was an International Sea Port established in 100 A.D. Its Population was over 50 thousand, mostly Jain and Oswarhs. The city reached its Zenith and glory within short time, ship wreckage remains which are still found stand witness to it. Conquers of Delhi during annexation in 1226 A.D. ruined the city when it was ruled by Herbhem Sodho son of Deepo Sodho leading to complete anarchy. After this destruction, business class of Parinagar established themselves in Bhodesar and then in 1388 A.D. they again migrated to kutchh, Jam Nagar and Halar. These migrations halted the commercial glamour of Parinagar.
VIRAWAH:
About 22 km (13.7 mi) from Gori, is the last town before the sand dunes end and the pinkish hills of Nagarparkar rise up like and island between the desert and the sea. The bricks ruins of the old city of Parinagar are on the west side of Virawah and overlook the completely flat plain bellow. When a channel of the Runn of Kutchh was actually navigable, more than 1000 years ago, Parinagar was a sea port. The town decline in the sixth centaury A.D. when the port silted up, and today a small stone temple is all that remains. Beyond Virawah the sand becomes firmer because of a greater availability of well water, the desert ends. At Virawah there is an Indus Rangers check post, where tourists without permit are likely to be turned back. The Indian border area is sensitive for security reasons because of the existence of lucrative smuggling rackets.
BHODESAR:
Bhodesar is situated 02 miles away in the North West of Nagarparkar, beneath the Karoonjhar hills, this town happened to be the prosperous and affluent city of the time, which is eminent from the ancient construction still found there. This place Bhodesar was formally known as Bhodesar Nagri. There lived one Queen Bhodi. She had constructed a beautiful pond having metal led base. According to historians, on his way back tom Ghaza Sultan Mehmood Ghaznavi after the conquest of Somnath 1026, decided to pass through this desert. During this journey he lost the track and in the search of water he arrived at this pond. Subsequently he constructed a memorial at this place, which was later converted into Mosque by Sultan Mehmood Begra. Bhodesar was inhabited by Sodhas and Khosas who were the famous bandits and the court of Tughlaqs in Delhi, resultantly sultan Mehmood Begro Lead his expedition to Parkar in 1504 and rent back. Later his mother was again looted at the same place along with other he came in 1505 with full preparations and fought a bloody war at Bhodesar and constructed a beautiful Mosque at this place. Due to Earthquake on 26-01-2001, the Mosque has collapsed.
NAGARPARKAR:
Nagarparkar is at distance of 150 km from Mithi town. This town is just in the foot of high heightening Karoonjhar Hills. It is situated at a distance of about 15 km from Indian Border. Town ancient places of India Worship i.e. Sardharo, Anchlesar and Jain Temple are situated there. Reported it was the part of the Sea, which was to be crossed therefore it was named as “Parkar” Literally it means to cross over. Nagarparkar has on its North Taluka Chachro and on West Taluka Mithi of District Tharparkar, while on east of it lies Jodhpur (Rajistan) and on its South Run Katchh. The surrounding of Nagarparkar city comprises 24 miles is named as Parkar which is a rocky belt and the remaining part is sandy area. Climatically the small rocks and sandy Dunes (Bhits) both become extreme Cold in winter and Hot in summer. The Karoonjhar hills are circularly surrounding the Nagarparkar for 16 miles. The granite stone of this mountain is used for making Tiles. In summer different sounds are audible from the rock due to sulphur deposits. It is saying that Karoonjhar hills emit 1-1/4 Kilo gold every day in the shape of granite stone, china clay and honey etc. The population of Taluka is 153,106 souls out of which 62,213 are Muslims while 90,893 non-Muslims. There is one Rest house beneath Karoonjhar Mountain giving classis and beautiful look. It is to be reserved through Mukhtiarkar Nagarparkar. At present the same collapsed due to Earthquake 2001.
ANCHLESAR:
Three km away in the hills, there is sacred Hindu water where women bath as a cure for infertility. In nearby Sardharo Hindu thought the ashes of their dead into the water. A walk up to “Tyrwhitt Thulho” the smooth flat platform on top of the highest hill (356 meters 1168 feet above sea level) takes a couple of hours and gives view across the salt flats the Runn of Kutchh. This is where Colonel Tyrwhitt political Superintendent from 1860 to 1873 sat in judgment at the Local assizes. The flat rocks on top, apparently smoothed by the sea centuries ago, make a superb place for a picnic.
KASBO:
This is a small village situated at 14 km in the south of Nagarparkar. This area occupied by the “Thakurs” (Sodhas) who migrated to India during 1971 War. The prominence of this area is only because it provide suitable soil climate for agriculture forming. This soil is alone extremely suitable for vegetables especially for onion. Beside sweet water easily available at the depth of 25 to 40 feet according to experiment each well can irrigate at least four acres of land.