Past Watch Site

Founded in 1617, Shikarpoor quickly became the principal city on the trade route between central Asia and India during the 18th and 19th centuries due to its strategic location. In the mid-18th century, Afghans took complete control of the city, which was predominately Muslim, and urged Hindu merchants to settle and carry on trade through Afghanistan to Central Asia and India. The enormous bazaar in the center of Shikarpoor spans 2,400 feet (730 meters) and is thought to be the oldest and largest in the region of Sindh. The surviving brick and mud-plaster houses and their rich timber and wrought iron finishes reflect the faded prominence of the city. Shikarpoor went into a gradual decline after the construction of railways toward the end of 19th century, and finally due to the mass exodus of its Hindu community resulting from India-Pakistan divide in 1947.

Shikarpoor was listed on the Watch in 2008, drawing attention to the cultural significance of the city and its compromised state. The nominating institution, NED University of Engineering and Technology in Karachi has furthered its efforts by initiating a comprehensive inventory documentation of heritage properties and the urban fabric of Shikarpoor. Limited resources and technical support remain challenges, and supporters hope to incorporate existing efforts into a conservation plan for revitalization of its center, adaptive reuse of historic buildings, and training of local professionals.