Sahibaan Mahal, Badin – The Taj Mahal of Sindh

If the Taj Mahal is recognized worldwide as a symbol of love, the Sahibaan Mahal holds a similar emotional and cultural significance in Sindh. This elegant palace was built in the 1940s by Mir Khuda Bakhsh Talpur, a wealthy zamindar from Tando Bago, in loving memory of his beloved wife. The palace was named Sahibaan Mahal in her honor and stands as a rare architectural expression of devotion and remembrance in southern Sindh.

Location and Accessibility

Sahibaan Mahal is located on the outskirts of Badin district, in Tando Bago (Deh Nar), near Khadahro village, Sindh. Though relatively lesser known, it remains one of the most unique heritage structures in the region.

Distance from Badin city: approximately 25 km
Distance from Hyderabad: approximately 85 km
Distance from Thatta: approximately 120 km
Distance from Karachi: approximately 200 km

The site can be accessed by road via Hyderabad–Badin route, and is best visited during daylight hours due to limited local facilities.

Architecture of Sahibaan Mahal

Sahibaan Mahal is a three-storey architectural masterpiece, reflecting a blend of local craftsmanship and artistic ambition uncommon in rural Sindh. The palace has five entrances and is crowned with six minarets, two on each level, giving it a distinctive skyline.

Each floor contains a central room opening onto a terrace decorated with vibrant stained glass, which casts colorful patterns inside the rooms when sunlight passes through. The building also features two wide terraces on three sides, offering open views of the surrounding landscape.

Swimming Pool and Surroundings

At the front of the palace lies a round-shaped swimming pool, an unusual feature for its time and location. This element further highlights the palace’s elite character and the refined lifestyle of its builder. The surrounding area was once landscaped, though much of it has now faded with time.

Cultural and Historical Importance

Beyond its physical beauty, Sahibaan Mahal is remembered as a symbol of personal love rather than royal power. Unlike forts and palaces built for defense or administration, this structure exists purely as a tribute to affection, making it emotionally comparable to the Taj Mahal, though far more intimate in scale.

Today, Sahibaan Mahal stands quietly, largely unknown to mainstream tourism, yet it remains one of Sindh’s most poignant and visually striking heritage sites.

Visiting Sahibaan Mahal

Visitors interested in Sindh’s history, architecture, and lesser-known monuments will find Sahibaan Mahal a rewarding stop, especially when combined with visits to Badin, Tando Bago, and the coastal belt of lower Sindh.

Note: As the site is not fully maintained, visitors are advised to respect the structure and surroundings.

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