May 08, 2018 - June 10, 2020
Makli: Symphonies in Stone
Symphonies in Stone focused on one of the six World Heritage sites in Pakistan, Makli in Thatta, just a couple of hours drive from Karachi.
According to the historian, Mir Ali Sher Qani (1760 CE), Makli is one of the largest necropolises in the world along with Wadi us Salaam in Najaf, Iraq. Its architecture bears testimony to decorative styles and ornamentation in both brick and stone that are largely indigenous but have drawn inspiration from the wider region, Iran, Central Asia and Gujarat. As such, the exhibition is a testament to cosmopolitan history created through the exchange of cultures and ideas.
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In view of the difficulties of transporting objects from Makli, the Museum chose to utilize contemporary technology to transform the Museum experience. Upon entering the gallery, the viewer was greeted with a panoramic view of the necropolis at Makli, with various tombs of important rulers, including that of Jam Nizamuddin Samo (1590 CE). This impressive panorama continued with more detailed displays of monuments such as that of Isa Khan Tarkhan II. Each of these images showcased intricate lace work in stone and the borrowing of techniques from different areas such as Fatehpur Sikri, Gujarat and Baku in Azerbaijan.
The exhibition shed light on one of the most enigmatic archeological sites in Pakistan.
