THE shared heritage site of Jhulelal/Uderolal is located in Matiari about 50km from Hyderabad. The shrine is one of the oldest in Sindh and attracts thousands of devotees and tourists from all over the world every year.

The heritage site is now in danger due to the damage caused by the heavy monsoon rains last year. The shared site is of great cultural and historical significance not only for the people of Sindh, but also for the entire South Asian region.

It is a symbol of religious harmony and cultural diversity, reflecting the rich traditions of the Sindhi community. The site is believed to be the place where the Sindhi community first came together, and it has played a vital role in shaping the cultural and religious identity of the people of Sindh.

However, the recent collapse of the Jhulelal/Uderolal shrine due to heavy rains has put the heritage site at risk. The damage caused to the shrine has raised concerns about the preservation of Sindh’s oldest heritage, which needs urgent action by the Endowment Fund Trust for Preservation of the Heritage of Sindh, and the provincial Culture, Tourism and Antiquities Department.

Preserving the shared heritage is not only a matter of cultural and historical importance, but also of harmony in the province.

As the site attracts thousands of visitors every year, including tourists from all over the world, it is essential that urgent action is taken to preserve the heritage.

The relevant authorities should take immediate steps to repair the damage and ensure that the site is protected from natural disasters any further.

This should include the restoration of the shrine, the preservation of the surrounding area, and the development of sustainable tourism, that will ensure the site’s long-term viability.

Dr Syed Muhbat Ali Shah
Department of Anthropology & Archaeology
University of Sindh
Jamshoro

Published in Dawn, April 25th, 2023