Field guides / Sindh / Mir Masum's Minar & Tomb
Field guide · Heritage
Mir Masum's Minar & Tomb
The most outstanding monument built at Sukkur during the Mughal period, is the high minaret of Mir Masum.
Its construction started in 1595 CE. Masum Shah was a famous scholar, poet, historian and a brave soldier who compiled his Tarikh-e-Masumi in 1600 CE. In recognition of his bravery, Emperor Akbar awarded him large jagirs in the surrounding of Sukkar and was bestowed with the title of Amin-ul-Mulk in 1606 CE. Built of burnt bricks, this Minar or tower is about 30 m high and 19.5 m in circumference at the base. It is surmounted by a dome to which access is provided by an internal staircase. The graves of Mir Masum and his family members are located under canopies. The canopies bear Persian inscriptions and verses from the Holy Quran. The inscription on the grave of Mir Masum indicates his date of demise as AH 1014 (1605-06 CE).
Why go
- ✦The outstanding Mughal monument of Sukkur
- ✦A brick tower about 30 metres high, 19.5 metres round at the base
- ✦Internal staircase climbing to the dome
- ✦Built for a soldier who was also a poet and historian
- ✦Family graves under canopies inscribed in Persian and Quranic verse
History
Masum Shah compiled the Tarikh-e-Masumi, a history of Sindh, in 1600. Akbar rewarded his service with large jagirs around Sukkur and the title Amin-ul-Mulk. He began the minar in 1595; it stands about 30 metres high and 19.5 metres round at the base, of burnt brick, with an internal staircase climbing to a dome. He and his family are buried under canopies at the foot of it, inscribed in Persian and with verses from the Quran.
Historical Significance
The outstanding Mughal monument of Sukkur, and a rare case of a scholar-soldier building his own memorial and writing the history that records it.
Architecture
The high minaret of Mir Masum is the most outstanding monument built at Sukkur in the Mughal period, begun in 1595.
Why Visit
Climb the stair inside the tower — it was built to be gone up — and read Sukkur and the Indus from the top.
Interesting Facts
- Mir Masum wrote the Tarikh-e-Masumi, still a primary source for the history of Sindh
- Akbar gave him the title Amin-ul-Mulk and large estates around Sukkur
- The tower is about 30 metres high with an internal staircase to the top
- He built his own tomb and tower, and then wrote the history that records them
Planning tip
Best Time to Visit, November to February. Upper Sindh summers are extreme.
Getting there, Sukkur is on the N-5 and the main railway line, about 470 km north of Karachi. Bakhar island and Rohri sit together on the Indus at the city's edge.
Allow, Two to three hours for the riverside monuments; a half day for Sukkur as a whole.
What to Do
Make Mir Masum's Minar & Tomb Part of a Trip
GreenPak resorts within reach, and the journeys that travel this region.
Nearby
Straight-line distance from Mir Masum's Minar & Tomb, within 30 km.
