The book is first of its kind, which has unfold many an unknown facets, of Chaukhandi tombs. These tombs are otherwise well known for their unusual style of architecture and profuse surface decoration in coutless varieties of decorative motifs. Each Chapter of the book, based on historical, epigraphical and ethonological studies, is fully documented and provides well researched information about the discovery and origin of Chaukhandi tombs, meaning of 'Chaukhandi' and its connotation, evolution of Chaukhandi style of architecture and its special characteristies.
The study has revealed that the heavy concentration of Chaukhandi tombs is in round Thatta, Malir Valley and Hub river basin. According to the author, this region, in all probability, is the place of origin of Chaukhandi style of architecture, where seen for its initial planning was sown, place of origin of Chaukhandi style of architecture, where seed for its initial planning was sown, place of origin of Chaukhandi style of architecture, where seed for its initial planning was sown, germinated and developed.
The book, inter-alia, contains details about (a) structural components of the graves crowned by canopies and their external ornamentaion (b) persons lying buried in various Chaukhandi tombs and their ancestry and (c) the time-frame of the construction of Chaukhandi tombs. The book provides fascinating study on such themes a figural representation and its significance, curious motifs, arms and armour and jewellery, as are depicted on the grave-stones. The book also brings into lime-light the pastimes of the people and the costumes worn by them, as could be ascertained from the hunting and other pictorial scenes carved on the tombs. The book spreading over 21 Chapters contains 107 illustrations in black and white and 16 colour plates.
Born on 4th April, 1929, Shaikh Khurshi Hasan holds a post-graduate degree in history. He joined the Federal Department of Archaeology on 17th April 1953. He received in-service as well as specialised training abroad in various disciplines of archaeology.
UNESCO sponsored a study tour (1976) for Mr. Hasan which enabled him to visit various Archaeological Training Institutes, museums and monuments in Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Italy, France and U.K. Mr. Hasan served in the Department of Archaeology in various capacities, namely Assistant Director, Deputy Director, Director, and Director-General.
According to a senior archaeologist, if the rise of a Government Institution such as the Department of Archaeology from its humble beginning after independence to its present eminence and importance can be attributed to the efforts of single individuals, Mr. Hasan's name can be safely placed at the top of the list.
His field of specialisation is Islamic art and Architecture. He has to his credit many research articles published in journals of international repute both at home and abroad. He is co-author of the book, "Mohenjo-daro: a 5000-year old legacy," published by UNESCO (1980). The book played a key role in creating international interest in the ancient metropolis, and international sympathy for financial aid to Pakistan to save the famed archaeological remains for posterity. He is also co-author of a catalogue of the Travelling Exhibition of the relics of Quaid-e-Azam, published by the Department of Archaeology (1976).
In 1985 UNESCO deputed Mr. Hasan as its Consultant to Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to advise the concerned agaencies on the preservation of their cultural heritage. The report of his mission was rated by UNESCO as a work of high professional standard and excellent example to be emulated by othe UNESCO specialists and consultants.
Mr. Hasan was associated with many Commissions and Committees set-up by the Government of Pakistan. He served as Secretary, Quaid-e-Azam Relic Commission (1969); Secretary, National Committee For The Preservation And Presentation of Manuments And Articles of National Value (1993); In-charge, Coordination Committee, International Symposium of Mohenjo-dero (1973): and Rapporteur, International Symposium on Indus-Valley Civilisation, Karachi (1978) among others. Valley Civilisation, Karachi (1978) among others.
He actively participated in the organization of many cultural exhibitions held in Pakistan. Besides he served as member of the Committees to visualize, plan and organize the exhibition of Gandhara Art of Pakistan in Japan (1984), the Indus Civilisation on Osaka, Japan (1986), the Indus Civilization of Pakistan in West Germay and several other European countries.
Mr. Hasan was associated with many projects for the conservation of historical monuments and archaeological sites like Mehenjo-daro, Lahore Fort, Shalamar Garden, etc, and also with the establishment of Historic House Museums at Quid-e-Azam House, Karachi, Ziarat Residency Residence of Allama Iqbal, Lahore, as well as the expansion of the National Museum of Pakistan, Karachi, Mughal Galleries in Lahore Fort, Quaid-e-Azam's birth place in Karachi, etc. He also collaborated with the various archaeological msissions working in Pakistan.
He is a fellow of the Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain, member of the Executive Committee of the Pakistan Historical Society and Institue of Central and West Asian Studies, Karachi. In recognition of his contribution to the field of archaeology, the Government of Italy confered upon him the Knight of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic, in 1993.
Mr. Hasan is presently working as Honorary Archaeological Advisor, Aiwan-e-Nawadarat, Quaid-e-Azam Mazar Management Board, Karachi.
We feel pleasure to introduce ourselves as Printers , Publishers, Distributors and Exporters of the Holy Arabic text, commentary and translation in English and of publications of Islam and Islamic studies in order to propagate Teachings of Islam.