MITHI, Oct 7: Scores of historical sites including monuments, mosques, temples and other structures of ancient times situated in Thar and particularly in taluka Nagarparkar are on the brink of collapse owing to the apathy of Auqaf and Culture departments which have failed to take required measures for the renovation and repairs of these worth-preserving structures.
Thar is very rich in historical and cultural ruins as a number of these elaborately constructed ancient buildings are situated here.
These sites are visited by hundreds of visitors from country as well as abroad every year but they are disappointed to see these prestigious structures in pathetic state and crumbling condition.
Details about some of these crumbling heritage sites are as under.
BHODESAR MOSQUE: This mosque is situated at a distance of about six km in the north of Nagarparkar town.
According to historians, Mehmood Ghaznavi, who passed from Thar after the conquest of Somnath in 1026 AD, had got constructed a memorial at this site, which was later turned into a mosque by Mehmood Begra, the king of Gujrat, in 1505 AD when he attacked and defeated the Khosos and Thakurs, then famous bandits of Parkar, who had looted a caravan of his mother.
Built from white and brown stony slabs, this mosque was in good condition till last year but the terrible earthquake of January 26 has badly damaged it.
The pillars of main gate in the east have developed huge cracks and the western portion of the mosque including Mehrab has completely crumbled.
The residents of the nearby villages, who have no or little knowledge about the history of mosque, have been stealing the fallen material for construction purposes.
BHODESAR TEMPLE: An ancient Jain temple constructed at a raised platform at a distance of about one furlong in the south-west of Bhodesar mosque, offers a deserted look.
Its roof and walls have been badly damaged by the earthquake. If the concerned quarters do not take immediate measures for reconstruction and repair of this temple, it is most likely to cave in anytime.
BHODESAR TALAU: This large swimming pool of 400X200 feet size was built by queen Bhodi and it had a metalled base.
This water reservoir is situated near the Bhodesar mosque and is used to retain rainwater for several months.
It has also developed cracks and there is little water in it at present. It also needs immediate repairs.
MARVI JO KHOOH: This well is another worth visiting historical site situated at the distance of about 120 km from Mithi.
It signifies the history of Thari woman Marvi who used to water her goats and sheep at this well and was kidnapped by Umer Soomro, the king of Umerkot from here.
The well is in shambles and should be repaired before Marvi’s Mela to be held next month at this well.
GORI JO MANDIR: According to historians this temple was built by Jainists in 1376 AD.
It has circular ceiling and number of cells beside a cave in the east. It is also in bad shape.
Besides, several Jain temples at Nagarparkar, Kasbo and other places are facing neglect and decay as nobody seems to look after them.
SUICIDE: A 20-year old youth committed suicide here the other day by jumping into a well.
The body of Vinjho Meghwar was taken to the civil hospital, Tharparkar for a post-mortem examination.
The cause of his suicide could not be ascertained immediately.