THE tide may be turning on Sindh’s syncretic heritage. But its fortunes will be difficult to change if decades of prejudice and decay have not left a loud message – symbols of history are not subservient to faith. Last week, Sindh’s chief secretary said that attempts to preserve and protect Hindu and Buddhist sites were underway to draw tourists, and the fact that Sindh was home to some 369 multicultural sites was shared by the culture secretary. The province has historically held Hindu, Sikh and Buddhist emblems close, as seen in Bhambore where ruins reveal a confluence of Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam. At present, Sindh’s age-old, unfairly overlooked bond with Jainism, visible across Thar’s plains, Karoonjhar hills and Nagarparkar, has crystallised into beautiful carcasses of Hindu shahi and Jain temples. From the grand stupa at Mohenjodaro, Thul Hairo Khan in Johi, Kahu jo Daro in Mirpurkhas, Sudheran jo Thul near Hyderabad, Thul Rukan in Moro to the remains of a Buddhist township at Siraj ji Takri along the Rohri hills and Kirthar range, Sindh’s Buddhist inheritance began with the Rai dynasty and throve under the Soomra dynasty.

Although it took an economic meltdown for Sindh’s officials to recognise the value of heritage, it is a much-awaited step forward. However, authorities must be clear that while religious and cultural tourism may be a path to diversify the economy and accruing generous gains, the abandonment of inclusiveness remains an impediment. Heritage places should be showcased along with festivals and customs to endorse a tolerant Pakistan for pilgrims and tourists. The ambitious project will require relaxed visa policies, safe transport, tour guides and a network of rest houses or small hotels, supported by local and international promotion. Competing histories hamper a nation’s cultural and societal growth and damage its economy. After all, heritage is not confined to monuments. It has multiple purposes, most significantly social subtext and the sanctity of humanity.

Published in Dawn, July 3rd, 2023