Tomb of Bibi Jawindi

February 9, 2014

The Tomb of Bibi Jawindi in Uch Sharif, Pakistan, is a culturally significant monument with a rich history. It is one of the five monuments in Uch Sharif currently on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Built-in 1493 by Dilshad, an Iranian prince, the tomb was dedicated to Bibi Jawindi, the great-granddaughter of the famous Sufi saint Jahaniyan Jahangasht.

Situated in the southwest corner of Uch, a city founded by Alexander the Great, in Punjab province's Bahawalpur state, the tomb is a prime example of the region's vibrant "shrine culture." Uch Sharif is renowned for its numerous monuments and shrines, and the Tomb of Bibi Jawindi stands out as an architectural masterpiece.

The exterior of the tomb is octagonal in shape and consists of three tiers. The top tier supports a dome, while the interior features thick angled walls, creating a circular space that spans two stories in height. The tomb is adorned with intricate decorations, including Islamic scriptures, carved timber, and vibrant blue and white mosaic tiles called faience.

Supported by eight tapering towers at each corner, the base tier is surrounded by a compound that has been preserved in its original desert-like state, with most of the area covered by cemented graves. The tomb is surrounded by green vegetation, thanks to nearby river tributaries and canals.

Along with the Tomb of Bibi Jawindi, the proposed property in Uch Sharif includes four other remarkable monuments. Among them is the tomb and mosque of Jalaluddin Bukhari, a 14th-century Central Asian Sufi. The brick-built tomb boasts intricate wooden pillars supporting a flat roof adorned with glazed tiles featuring floral and geometric designs. The adjacent mosque features a spacious hall with wooden pillars and a flat roof decorated with enameled tiles both inside and outside.

Connecting these structures are a series of domed tombs. The first tomb, built by Jahaniyan Jahangasht for Baha’ al-Halim, features three tiers, an octagonal base, and a dome. Similarly, the second tomb, constructed for Bibi Jawindi around 1494, and the third tomb, dedicated to the architect, showcase elaborate architectural elements such as carved timber, cut and molded brickwork, and blue and white faience mosaic tiles. These tombs' basement walls taper and are supported by eight engaged tapering corner towers, adding to their grandeur.

Despite erosion over time, the distinct profile, construction techniques, and decorative interiors of these three tombs remain visible, offering a glimpse into their historical and artistic magnificence.

In conclusion, the Tomb of Bibi Jawindi and the accompanying monuments in Uch Sharif are invaluable cultural treasures. Their exceptional architectural design, craftsmanship, and historical significance make them deserving candidates for recognition as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.