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While
travelling on the national highway, 17 miles from Karachi, one can
see clusters of unusual graves in the shape of stepped rectangles.
Built between the 15th and 19th centuries by Balochis and Burpats
the tombs are of various sizes and designs but fall into two basic
types. One which support roofs on pillars while other which consist
of solid oblong pyramids standing two to four meters high and
competely covered with finely carved geometric designs. The stone of
these graves are exquisitely carved in relief with intricate motifs.
The small rosette is a frequent motif that may have some forgotten
connection with pre-islamic sun-worship, as may the sunflowers
wheels and chrysanthemums, which also suggest the sun. Squares,
diamonds, triangles, zigzags and crosses are also used in every
possible combination.
Chaukundi
means four cornered and thus the site became famously known as
chaukundi. The distinguishing feature of these graves is the superb
carving and engraving on the slabs with various designs of jewelry;
floral patterns, horses and even their riders. The tomb slab of a
woman's grave is embellished with designs of jewelry, necklace,
earrings and rings resembling those still worn today. The men's
graves bears stylised stone turban on top, carvings of weapons of
war or animal heads, horses and riders. This design may have
originated in the Rajput custom of temporarily burrying a fallen
soldier in the battlefield and marking his grave with his upright
sword crowned with his turban.
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