HIRABAD: glimpses of history

HIRABAD: sketches of history

By Habiba Amin

Hyderabad is the second biggest city of Sindh, was founded by Kalhora rulers. Today though its is not capital of the province but culturally and educationally is equally important. Known as city of breeze, has many historical places which tell the history. 

Hirabad was a posh area of pre partition days. Name of Hirabad was derived from a man namely "Hira Lal".  This posh area of past consists three main roads, now named as Jail Road, Bhurgari Road, and Prince Ali Road.

The Jail road has a very old tree "Peepal ka Darkht", which is  gained popularity to identify the locations and stop for local transport and helps wayfarers to locate the place. Bhurgari Road has historical place of Talpur’s Tombs called as "Mir Ja Quba".

Today Hirabad has been much commercialised but still demanding area of the city mostly by businessmen to settle a better business there. Old Hirabad had very traditional houses with unique wooden work on stairs, windows, galleries and doors. These houses have colourful and unique tiles with work of stone carvings.

Houses at Hirabad have much similarity in construction. They have unique "Roshandan" which give look of antiquity and show how the dwellers used the technique for enjoying the windy city. Many houses had servants quarters which are now used as car porches.

The architecture of the houses is being ruined because of ignoring the historical perspective due to new construction and the builders are trying to construct apartments.  Many people desire to reside in the area which prompted  builders to construct flats so plazas are being  constructed in the area. 

After inception of Pakistan Hirabad was turned into commercial area. Doctors lane was here, which was later shifted to Sadder. However many medical stores are still there. Now identity of Hirabad has been changed.

Hirabad have got very excellent sewerage system. We never saw a stuck water on roads and lanes. 

It is responsibility of government as well as dwellers to preserve the historical places and try to know the importance of the places. Hirabad no doubt possess historical traces which reflect the prosperous look of past. 

October 16, 2012