Sukkar is the third largest city of the province of Sindh situated on the west bank of the Indus River in Pakistan. One of the most prominent features of this historic city is a phenomenal historic structure. This historic building is associated with the number “84”. How? It is an amazing fact!

This is a fantastic Minaret (tower) made of red bricks. This is the tower of Masum Shah. The Masum Shah Minaret is the oldest and tallest historic building of Sindh. The tower is named after Syed Nizam-ud-Din Mir Muhammad Masum Shah who was the governor of Bhakkar during the reign of the Mughal Emperor “ Jalal u Din Muhammad Akbar”.  Masum Shah was a famous historian and writer of his time.  An ancient necropolis is also adjacent with this fantastic structure which consists of the graves of Syed Masum Shah and his family members.

Masum Shah Minaret of Sukkar. Photo by Nazir Ahmed Shah

Masum Shah took his special interest in building of this wonderful Minaret. The construction of Masum Shah Minaret of Sukkar took almost 23 years and it was completed in 1605. Special stones were brought from the Indian pink city Jaipur. The minaret was built on the same pattern on which the Qutab Minaret of Delhi ( India ) was constructed. The walls , dome and  inner structure also consists of beautiful calligraphic art. This all reminds us the glorious Mughal Era.

The Octangular hall and tomb adjacent to Masum Shah Minaret. Photo: Jun Liu

Now – it’s the time to tell the answer of the earlier asked question. The depth, height and the diameter of the Masum Shah Minaret is of 84” feet each. Eighty Four stairs lead towards the top of the Minaret. Masum Shah Minaret of Sukkar was constructed as  a watch tower to keep an eye on the then Bhakkar State. The tower provides a splendid view of the city of Sukkar.