AllCIiAEOLOGICAL STUDY OF DECOllATED GRA YES OF KIRTIiAIl IlANGE AT KAIlACIiI

Abstract

It is fact that Sindh has been th e cradle of ditlerent civilizations since antiquity. Natura lly, the culture of Sindh has been very diverse since the vcry beginning. And, its medieval und modern history is no exception in this regard. 'nilS diversity of nft, arc hitecture, archaeology, literature and even the buria l systems provides a vast ground for research. The speci fi c area i.e. the burial SystClll has attracted gro ups of researchers over the centuries to conduct studies. The old graveyards, shrincs and buildings in Thalia, Hyderabad and scattered grnves of Kirthar range in Karachi show how the people of previous tillle used decorat ive designs 10 ex press their beliefs and ritua ls at that time. That is the very reason that these sites have got the attcntion of many scholars to conduct researches and reconstruct the history with their good work. The origin or scattered graves or Kirthar range ut Karachi dates back to 15th- 16th century, situated in districts along with National Highway. TIlese graves arc decorated with motifs, jewellery, symbols, turbans and crocodiles etc. 11lcse are the similar graveyards as Chaukhalldi which WIIS first noticed by the British offi cer J.P. Voge l in the eurly 20th century.