Chaukundi – The Mysterious Sandstone Graves of Karachi

Located just 27 kilometers from downtown Karachi and about 10 kilometers from Jinnah International Airport, Chaukundi is an ancient Muslim graveyard dating from the 15th to 18th centuries. It is a historical treasure of Sindh, showcasing remarkably intricate sandstone tombs rich with symbolism, artistry, and history.

A Landscape of Symbolic Carvings

Chaukundi’s tombs are carved from yellow sandstone, each featuring distinctive designs and symbolic elements. These include:

Swastikas (a pre-Islamic Hindu symbol)
Stars of David
Crosses
Sunflowers, fish, snake skin patterns, and floral vines

Male graves are marked with carved turbans, while female graves are adorned with depictions of necklaces, bangles, and anklets. The tombs are often elevated on platforms and arranged in family clusters.

Graves with Inscriptions & Poetry

Some tombs at Chaukundi bear poetic Persian and Arabic inscriptions. A few even display humor — one famously reads:

“Here lie I, you look at me; I wish one day you lie here, and I look at you.”

Notable Graves at Chaukundi

Among the thousands of graves, several stand out due to their craftsmanship and historical relevance:

Jamal Bin Nanda: A prominent grave featuring detailed geometric and floral carvings.
Pepe Fatima: A rare feminine tomb with rich ornamentation representing Sindhi jewelry.
Ustaad Inayatullah: Though the name is masculine, this tomb is feminine in its carvings, possibly left by the sculptor as a signature.
Horse Rider Tomb: An unusual grave depicts a warrior on horseback, with a servant holding a huqqa (hubble bubble), reflecting elite status and lifestyle.
Lai Mehdi Bin Malik Doda: A well-preserved grave with detailed inscriptions and symbols.
Graves of the Jaam Bijar Family: These showcase the refined style of Sindh’s noble class with elegant domed structures and inscriptions.

Architecture and Heritage

Chaukundi is believed to house the tombs of tribal chiefs, warriors, and local elites, mostly from the Jokhio and Baloch families. It reflects a blend of Islamic architecture and Sindhi tribal art, and is often referred to as one of the earliest forms of Islamic funerary architecture in South Asia.

Plan Your Visit

The site can be easily accessed as a short drive from Karachi. Better yet, you can include it in a Thatta tour with Travel & Culture Services, which includes several historical attractions like: