Photo: Department of Archaeology & Museums, Government of PakistanField guides / Sindh / Hyderabad / Old office of Mirs
Field guide · Heritage
Hyderabad
Hyderabad District · Sindh, Pakistan
Old office of Mirs
Five halls in Hyderabad's Pucca Fort that held the Talpur Mirs' offices and treasury, now a museum of Muslim-period finds.
The hall was originally meant for the offices of the Mirs and their treasury. Each hall covers an area of about 12 x 6 m. It was used as Land Record Office during the British period. It was repeatedly renovated and mosaic flooring has recently been provided and all the chambers are white washed. Presently a museum has been established in these halls to accommodate Muslim period artifacts from Bambhore, Mansurah, Alor, Hyderabad, etc.
Why go
- ✦Five spacious chambers beside the Talpur harem in Pucca Fort
- ✦Originally the Mirs' offices and treasury
- ✦Land Record Office under the British
- ✦Now a museum of Muslim-period artefacts
History
The chambers held the Mirs' offices and their treasury. After the British annexation of 1843 the building was turned to colonial use as the Land Record Office, and it has been repeatedly renovated since. It now houses a museum of Muslim-period artefacts drawn from Bambhore, Mansurah, Alor and Hyderabad.
Historical Significance
Three administrations in one building: a Talpur treasury, a colonial record office, and now a museum of the province's Islamic past.
Architecture
A complex of five spacious chambers east of the harem of the Talpur Mirs inside Pucca Fort, each about 12 by 6 metres. The halls were built to hold the Mirs' offices and their treasury, served as the Land Record Office during the British period, and have been repeatedly renovated since — recently given mosaic flooring and whitewashed throughout.
Why Visit
The collection — material from Bambhore, Mansurah and Alor gathered under one roof, in the room where Sindh's treasury once sat.
Interesting Facts
- It became the Land Record Office under British rule after 1843
- It now holds finds from Bambhore, Mansurah, Alor and Hyderabad
- Each of the five halls covers about 12 by 6 metres
Planning tip
Best Time to Visit, October to March. Hyderabad is very hot from April onwards.
Getting there, Hyderabad is roughly 160 km from Karachi on the M-9 motorway. The Pucca Fort monuments sit together in the old city and are walkable as one visit.
Allow, Two to three hours for the Pucca Fort complex; a half day including the Talpur and Kalhora tombs.
What to Do
Nearby
Straight-line distance from Old office of Mirs, within 5 km.
