Shikarpur is located in northern Sindh, Pakistan. It is the administrative headquarter of the Shikarpur district and is 29 km off the Indus river. The region is almost 500 km from the provincial capital, Karachi, and shares borders with neighboring Larkana, Khairpur, Jacobabad.
The town is rich in culture, architecture, and educational establishment. The city is as well known as Paris of East for its perfume industries and French-style buildings. Historic buildings and infrastructure in the city resemble the early European style, suggesting that the city was once among the world’s vibrant economic hubs.
The region has always been vital as a trade center and a gateway to the outer areas because of its strategic location. This article contains every detail about the city, including Shikarpur History.
| Title | Description |
|---|---|
| Information | |
| Location: | Pakistan |
| In Urdu: | شڪارپور |
| City Council: | Municipal Committee |
| Type: | Capital of Shikarpur District |
| Local Language Name: | Sindhi |
| Province: | Sindh |
| Coordinates : | 27°57′N 68°39′E |
| District: | Shikarpur District |
| Region: | Sindh |
| Elevation: | 13 m (43 ft) |
| Language | |
| Official Language: | Urdu |
| Native Language: | Sindhi |
| Other Languages: | Urdu, Sindhi, English |
| Government | |
| Government Type: | Municipal Committee |
| Area | |
| Total Area: | 2,640 km2 (1,020 sq mi) |
| Population | |
| Density: | 510/km2 (1,300/sq mi) |
| Total Population: | 155,400 (2009) |
| Time zone | |
| Time zone: | PST (UTC+5) |
| Codes | |
| Postal code: | 78100 |
| Dialing code: | 726 |
| Vehicle registration: | Three letters beginning with S and random four numbers |
Table of Contents
Shikarpur History
Amir Bahadur Khan
Shikarpur is a historical place, and historians describe that it was initially founded by Amir Bahadur Khan Abbasi of the Daudpota dynasty in 1617. Kalhoras later reconstructed the city. Both Daudpotas and Kalhoras were of two family-branches of Abbasid Caliph, Amir Muhammad Chani Khan Abbasi.
Kalhora Rule
During the Kalhora rule, the town was economically significant and regarded as central Asia’s financial hub. In 1743, Talpur Mirs defeated the Kalhora dynasty in the Battle of Halani. Some historians believe that the town was famous for hunting, and Talpurs used to stopover this region for hunting (Shikar) and named it Shikarpur, meaning Hunting Place.
Both Daudpota and Kalhora were of Arab origin, Islam flourished in this region, and during the independence movement, the people of the town supported Muhammad Ali Jinnah. After the partition of the sub-continent, most local Hindu families migrated to India, and large numbers of Muslim refugees from India emigrated to this town.
Geography
On the geographical coordinates system, the city is situated at 25°57′N (latitude) and 68°39′E (longitude), and its elevation above sea level is 43ft. (13m). The total area of the city is 2640 km2 (1640.41 mi2) in length.
Shikarpur Weather
The climate of the city is similar to other parts of the province of Sindh that observes all four seasons. The summers, which last for usually three months, are hot, humid, clear. The average temperature may rise as high as 44°C. Throughout the year, the temperature may change from 7.77°C to 44.44°C.
Winters are short and usually last for almost 2.4 months, with an average temperature of 15°C. The rainy period approximately lasts for 1.6 months, producing a moderate yearly rain of 20.32 mm.
Population
The city is home to 195,437 people, according to the 2017 census, and is the 42nd largest city by population in Pakistan. The population density of the district is 470/km2 (292/mi2).
Shikarpur Culture
The people of the city are friendly, straightforward, hospitable. Because of its historical nature as being a trade center, multiple communities are settled here. Despite multicultural diversity, traditional Sindhi culture and customs are dominant. Locals cherish and celebrate all the festivals and festivities together, such as Sindhi-Topi-and-Ajrak day and Urs of Sufi saints, etc.
Poets
Renowned poets such as Shaikh Ayaz, Saami, and Bedal Masroor were born here. There are many centers in the town for cultural shows, music, and drama.
Food
Ramchand’s historical restaurant, Hathidar Road, are famous food spots. Sweets of Deewan, Pickles of Mohammad Qasim, and Mola Bukhsh Memon and are famous all over Pakistan. Hathidar Road is well-known for Samosa. Designs on handicrafts and embroidery depict typical Sindhi culture.
Shikarpur Education
According to the survey conducted by Pakistan Social And Living Standards Measurement (PSLM), the district’s overall literacy rate is approximately 50%. Public and private sector educational institutes are thriving. Some of the institutions imparting primary, secondary, and tertiary level education include:
- Army Public School & College
- C&S Govt. Degree College
- District Montessori School
- Galaxy Model School and Collage
- Govt High School No 2
- Govt Higher Secondary School
- Hira Secondary School
- Hitech Public School
- Indus Public High School
- Public School and College
- Shah Latif academy
- The British School
- The City Kehkashan School
- The Kehkashan School & College
- The New Beacon School
- The Smart School
- Victor Public Secondary School Hathidar
Sports
Natives like to play and watch:
- Cricket
- Football
- Hokey
Economy
Mills, factories, and various industrial units located in the industrial state provide work opportunities to the locals and pay to the national exchequer. Revenues received from farming are similarly helpful in the complete economic progress and GDP of Pakistan.
Industry
The industrial state of the city was established in industries in 1985-86 on a total area of 51.2 acres. Industrial units
- Carpet Manufacturing
- Cloth Manufacturing
- Cotton Mills
- Embroidery
- Flour Mills
- Juice Machine Manufacturing
- Marble Factories
- Metal and Brass Goods Manufacturing
- Pottery Manufacturing
- Rice Mills
- Textile Mills
Agriculture
The land is fertile due to its proximity to the river Indus. The climate and well-established irrigation system support cotton, rice, sugarcane, rapeseed, gram, and wheat.
Tourism
Travel guides suggest May to October as the best time of the year to visit the town. Tourist attractions include:
- Ayub Gate
- Bukkur Island
- Hyderi Masjid
- Jinnat Building
- Ladies and Children Hill Park
- Minaret of Masum Shah
- Qasim Park
- Shrine of Pir Sadardin
- Shrine of Qazi Baba
- Syed Mukhdoom Shah Badshah Tomb
- Thermal Power Station Sukkur
- Tomb of Abdul Baqi Purani
Other attractions nearby the town include:
- Lansdowne Bridge Rohri
- Sadh Belo Temple
- Shah Khairuddin Jillani Tomb
- Shrine of Syed Sadar-Un-Din Shah
- Sukkur Barrage
Shikarpur Languages
The majority of the locals can speak and understand:
- Sindhi
- Urdu
Travel
National highway N-55 provides connectivity with outer regions for by-road travelers. Several transport facilities such as buses and omnibuses are operative for this area. Travelers and tourists from all over the country can reach the town by opting for one of these services.
Railroad network and train services are also available in the town and are connected with almost all the major cities. Shikarpur railway station is located just 2 km from the central city for inbound and outbound trains. The city is connected with an air route as well, and a domestic Shikarpur Airport (SWV) is located 30.2 km (18.77 mi) from the central city.
Other air routes to the nearby airports include:
- Sukkur Airport (SKZ), Mirpur Khas, 29.75 km
- Moenjodaro Airport (MJD), Moenjodaro, 83.69 km
- Shaikh Zaid Airport, (RYK), Rahim Yar Khan, 168.43 km
Shikarpur Postal Code
Postal Code: 78100
Area Code: 0726