Larkana history

Larkana, located in the Sindh province of Pakistan, is a relatively young city whose history is closely interwoven with the agrarian and administrative development of the region during the colonial era. Despite its youth, the city is situated in the immediate vicinity of Mohenjo-Daro—the ruins of one of the largest centers of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization—which gives this area a special historical significance.

Foundation and First Mentions

Modern Larkana began to take shape during the period of British rule in India. The city officially celebrated its centenary in August 2000, placing its foundation at the beginning of the 20th century. It is believed that the city's name is derived from the local Larak tribe that resided in the area. In earlier periods, this territory was known as Chandtka. The development of the city was inextricably linked to the construction of the irrigation system and railways.

Key Factors of Establishment

The growth and development of Larkana were driven by several key factors:

• Geography and Irrigation: A decisive role in the city's establishment was played by the construction of the Ghar Canal, branching off from the Indus River. This transformed the surrounding lands into a fertile oasis, often referred to as the "Eden of Sindh," and created the foundation for a thriving agricultural sector.
• Trade and Transport: The inclusion of Larkana in the North-Western Railway route provided a powerful impetus for economic development. The city became an important transport hub for the export of agricultural products, such as fruits, vegetables, and sugarcane.
• Administrative Center: With the growth of its economic importance, Larkana acquired the status of the administrative center of the district of the same name, strengthening its role in the governance of the region.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

From the very beginning, Larkana's economy was predominantly agrarian, which is still reflected today in its specialization in growing guava, mangoes, and other crops. The city quickly became an important center of Sindhi culture, as well as a notable point on the political map of the province, playing an active role in various social movements of the early 20th century.

Key Dates in the History of Larkana

The history of Larkana is inextricably linked both with the ancient civilization of the Indus Valley and with key events in the political life of modern Pakistan.

• Circa 2600 BC — Mohenjo-Daro, one of the largest centers of the Indus Valley Civilization, emerges near the site of the modern city.
• Circa 1900 AD — During the period of British rule, the modern city of Larkana is founded, quickly developing as an agrarian and transport hub.
• 1922 — Indian archaeologist Rakhaldas Banerji discovers the ruins of the ancient city of Mohenjo-Daro, which becomes a global sensation.
• January 5, 1928 — Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, the future President and Prime Minister of Pakistan, is born in Larkana.
• 1947 — Following the partition of British India, the city of Larkana becomes part of the newly formed state of Pakistan.
• 1967 — Zulfikar Ali Bhutto founds the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), which gains significant influence in the region.
• 1971–1973 — Zulfikar Ali Bhutto serves as the President of Pakistan, implementing a series of national reforms.
• April 4, 1979 — Following a military coup, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto is executed, marking a turning point in the country's history.
• 1980 — The archaeological complex of Mohenjo-Daro is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, confirming its global significance.
• December 2, 1988 — Benazir Bhutto, daughter of Zulfikar, becomes the Prime Minister of Pakistan, the first woman to hold this post in a Muslim country.
• August 2000 — Larkana officially celebrates the centenary of its foundation.
• December 27, 2007 — After her assassination in Rawalpindi, Benazir Bhutto is buried in the family mausoleum in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh, near Larkana.

The city of Larkana, located in the Sindh province of Pakistan, has passed through several key stages of development that have shaped its modern appearance. The city's history is closely connected with both ancient civilizations and significant events of the modern era.

Major Milestones in Larkana's History:

• Ancient Heritage: Although Larkana itself is a relatively young city, its significance is defined by its proximity to Mohenjo-Daro, one of the largest centers of the Indus Valley Civilization, which emerged around 2600 BC. This archaeological site, a UNESCO World Heritage property, makes the region one of the most important historical centers in South Asia.
• Foundation and Development in British India: The city was officially founded in the early 20th century. During the colonial period, Larkana became an important administrative, trade, and craft center. The development of irrigation systems, such as the Sukkur Barrage network, and the construction of the railway contributed to transforming the city into a hub of the agrarian economy.
• Agrarian Center: Thanks to the fertile lands of the Indus Valley, Larkana has earned a reputation as one of the main agricultural districts of Pakistan. The city and its surroundings are famous for the cultivation of rice and guava, which form the backbone of the local economy.
• Political Capital: In the second half of the 20th century, Larkana gained national fame as the home of the influential Bhutto political dynasty. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, a former President and Prime Minister of Pakistan, was born here, which attracted significant investment to the city and contributed to its development.
• Modern Growth: In recent decades, the city has experienced active population growth and the expansion of urban infrastructure. New educational institutions and medical centers are opening, strengthening its status as an important regional center of the Sindh province.

The architectural landscape of Larkana and its surroundings represents a unique combination of ancient urban planning heritage and later architectural layers. Although the city itself is relatively young, its history is inextricably linked to one of the greatest monuments of world architecture.

Ancient Heritage: Mohenjo-Daro

The region's main architectural asset is the ruins of the ancient city of Mohenjo-Daro, located nearby. This city, which emerged around 2600 BC, is a prime example of the advanced urban culture of the Indus Valley Civilization. It is distinguished by a near-perfect layout with streets intersecting at right angles and a clear division into a "Citadel" and a "Lower Town." Fired brick was used as the primary building material, indicating a high level of technology. Surviving structures, such as public baths and granaries, demonstrate a functional and thoughtful approach to urban planning that was ahead of its time.

Colonial and Modern Periods

Larkana itself began to develop actively during the British India period. The architecture of this time is represented mainly by functional buildings in the Indo-European style, characteristic of the colonial administration in Pakistan. These include administrative buildings, railway infrastructure facilities, and residential houses that formed the initial city center.

Modern architecture in Larkana is predominantly utilitarian in nature, reflecting its status as an agrarian and administrative center. However, one of the most significant modern architectural objects in the city's vicinity is the Mausoleum of the Bhutto Family in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh. This monumental structure made of white marble, which incorporates elements of traditional Sindhi architecture in its design, has become not only a place of pilgrimage but also a striking example of modern memorial architecture in Pakistan.

Distinguished Personalities Associated with Larkana

The city of Larkana and its surroundings are the birthplace of many iconic figures in the history of Pakistan, particularly in the political and cultural spheres. The region gained its greatest fame through the Bhutto family, who have had a tremendous influence on the life of the country.

• Sir Shahnawaz Bhutto (1888–1957)

  The patriarch of the influential political dynasty, a prominent politician, and landowner during the British India period. He served as the Prime Minister of the princely state of Junagadh and was a key figure in Sindh politics. His activities laid the foundation for the political careers of his descendants.

• Zulfikar Ali Bhutto (1928–1979)

  Son of Shahnawaz Bhutto and one of the most significant figures in Pakistan's history. Born in Larkana, he held the posts of President and Prime Minister of the country. He founded the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), implemented a series of socio-economic reforms, and played a key role in foreign policy, notably signing the Simla Agreement with India. He is buried in the family mausoleum near Larkana.

• Benazir Bhutto (1953–2007)

  Daughter of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, who continued his political legacy. Although she was born in Karachi, her life and career were inextricably linked to Larkana. Benazir Bhutto became the first woman to head a government in a Muslim country, serving twice as the Prime Minister of Pakistan. She was a charismatic leader and a symbol of democratic transformation. She is buried next to her father in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh.

• Murtaza Bhutto (1954–1996)

  The eldest son of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, a politician and founder of the organization "Al-Zulfiqar." After his father's execution, he led an active political struggle from abroad, and later returned to Pakistan, where he was elected to the Provincial Assembly of Sindh.

• Sobho Gianchandani (1920–2014)

  A distinguished Sindhi writer, intellectual, and social activist. He was one of the pioneers of the Marxist movement in Sindh and dedicated his life to fighting for the rights of peasants and workers. Gianchandani was educated in Larkana and passed away in the same city, leaving behind a rich literary and political legacy.

• Abida Parveen (born 1954)

  A world-renowned Pakistani singer and one of the greatest performers of Sufi music. Born in Larkana, her unique vocals and deep understanding of Sufi poetry have earned her international acclaim and numerous awards. Abida Parveen is considered a cultural asset of Pakistan and one of the most influential figures in the world of music.