Daily Times

RANIKOT: Ranikot familiarly known as the ‘’Great wall of Sindh’’ is world’s largest fort.The mysterious fort is located 35 kilometers far from Sann town in district Jamshoro.

Although it is considered as the biggest fort of the world, yet some archaeologists differ the opinion. a When asked Sarang Joyo-an archaeologist, he responded  that ,undoubtedly, Ranikot possesses  historic significance  and has very ancient history but it is no more  the biggest fort of the world. He argued that,  the fort of Rani Kampa “Kumbhalgarh” in Rajasthan (India)  is widely spread over 36 kilometers, and now it is considered as the biggest fort.

I was astonished when I visited this mysterious fort. I wanted to explore the historical background of this fort.

A research scholar Aziz Kingrani quoted in his abstract that, it is found that Ranikot fort was built for the purpose of defense and residence. The rulers of different times lived here and this was the center of political activities of many ancient leaders of Sindh. Archaic coins, terracotta of Indus Civilization, engraved sign of swastika, leaf of papal tree, peacock, sunflower, lotus flower, remains of Zoroastrians and Buddhists, arrows of different kinds have been found here.  But, who did build it? And when it was built? These unanswered questions still baffle us.

In view of some scholars, it was built by by Talpur rulers of Sindh in 1800s. While on account of explored above mentioned old symbols and things, most scholars are of the opinion that the fort is built before Kalhora and Talpur rulers. Thus, the mystery can be solved by radiocarbon dating. Paolo Baigi and Renato Nisbet had taken samples of charcoal for radiocarbon dating in 2009 from an outer pillar near Sann Gate which is anyway not a part of original construction of Ranikot Fort.

The sample must be taken from Shah-Pere Gate where outer repaired wall has become crumbled and actual ancient inner wall of the fort is appeared. While taking samples of charcoal from Shah-Pere Gate, the genuine radiocarbon dating test must be applied. A great wall of Sindh needs genuine radiocarbon dating and authentic scientific research. By applying, genuine radiocarbon dating or other scientific techniques for dating, this precious and astonishing heritage will receive its authentic historical period and recognition.

Notable scholar and Noor Ahmed Janjhi shared that it’s great wall of Sindh and built many centuries ago to check foreign intrusion, also it was repaired and reconstructed during succession eras. Moreoover, from Sun Gate to Mohan Gate it presents strategic locations. Shahgarh is its main elevated tower. Mirikot is a small residence at the center of Ranikot.

Ranikot is a changed version of Neeronkot, it has its own historical significance great misunderstanding to attribute Neeronkot to Hyderabad.

Government and Department of Culture and Tourism , Sindh needs to facilitate researchers to explore the actual history of this fort and it also should take steps to preserve this historical site to make it tourism hub of Sindh.