MULTAN: The tombs of Leghari chiefs in Choti Zareen, Dera Ghazi Khan, are in a state of utter dilapidation, disrepair and degradation.

There are three tombs that are located in a historical graveyard, one kilometre north of the town.

Because of the construction of a road, the graveyard has been divided into two parts. Two tombs are located in the northern side of the graveyard and one in its southern side. One tomb on the northern side has one grave while the other one has two graves.

The oldest tomb is of Mir Rindo Khan Leghari which is an example of early Mughal architecture. The tomb with one grave is of Nawab Muhammad Khan. In the other tomb one grave is of Tagia Khan, the uncle of Nawab Muhammad Khan, while the other grave is of the forefather of Tagia Khan.

Punjab Archeology Department in charge Malik Ghulam Muhammad said that the ruined domed building of the tomb of Rindo Khan is square in plan measuring 35.6 feet from outside and 24 feet from inside; however, the grave of the personage buried in the tomb could not be traced out.

“The thickness of the walls is 5.9 feet. The arched entrance is from east and south while similar arched entrances on north and west are blind. Tomb has been constructed with small sized burnt bricks. It was originally decorated with glazed tiles patterns. The 2nd octagonal storey was raised on squinches. Below the squinches wood was used to strengthen the structure. Glazed tiles forming geometrical and floral design were used for external facing of the first storey. The structure of the tomb is externally faced with cut and dressed bricks.

The structure presently is 25 feet from the adjoining ground level. The dome, most of the structure of second storey, has disintegrated.

He said the tomb of Nawab Muhammad Khan Leghari, who died in 1896 (date of death carved on marble cenotaph) is of square in plan measuring 22.3 feet from outside and 15 feet from inside.

“Its present height is 16 feet from the adjoining ground level. The monument has four entrances on each side. One blind arch was provided on each side of the entrances. Flat wooden roof of the tomb has exquisite geometrical and floral painted designs. The tomb is square in plan measuring 22.3 feet from outside and 15 feet from inside. Its present height is 16 feet from the adjoining ground level. The monument has four entrances, one on each side. One blind arch was provided on each side of the entrances. Flat wooden roof of the tomb has exquisite geometrical and floral painted designs. The tomb is externally provided with minarets on all four corners. Outer facade of the walls is decorated with glazed tiles in geometric and floral patterns,” he said.

He said that the tomb as indicated by an inscription was constructed by mason Khair Muhammad, of Multan. The grave and the floor inside the tomb are laid with white marble. The exterior lower portions or the tomb are undermined and decayed due to salts emerging on the surface from sub soil water.

He said that the tomb in which Tagia Khan is also buried is of square in shape exterior of which was finished with cut dressed brick and three blind arches had been provided while over arches three glazed tiles rectangular panels had been provided.

“Four corner turrets have been provided up to parapet without domelets. Parapet has been finished with lime plaster. Flat wooden roof of the tomb has exquisite geometrical and floral painted designs. The interior walls of the tomb are covered with fresco panels of floral design but are salt affected. White marble has been used for both graves and the floor of the tomb. The exterior brick work is undermined and decayed due to salts emerging on the surface from subsoil water. The roof of the tomb is also in much depilated condition,” he said.

He said that all the three tombs are still unprotected and to save them for coming generations there was a need to protect them under Special Premises (Preservation) Ordinance of 1985.

Published in Dawn, July 25th, 2021