Shikarpur, Pakistan

Shikarpur (, ) is the capital of Shikarpur District in Sindh province of Pakistan. It is situated about 29 km west of the right bank of the Indus, with a railway station, 37 km north-west of Sukkur.

Shikarpur is famous for its Aachar (pickles) and sweets from Mola Bukhsh Memon. It has a large market and manufactures of cotton, cloth and pottery. Because of its rich history, Shikarpur used to be called "Paris of East" because of its modern buildings and its (Ittar) industry.

History

According to a few historians the city of Shikarpur was revived during the Kalhorra rule and that was what brought about a turnaround in making it the financial capital of not only north-west India but also of Central Asia. Some people think that the city was founded by Kalhoras' cousins Daudpotas --- and it was named Shikarpur because the Talpur Mirs were fond of shikar (hunting). Another school of thought believes Shikarpur was admittedly there before the shikar-loving Talpurs arrived on the scene; for another, Shikarpur has always been a trading centre, and never a hunting lodge. Also, the Muslims named their cities as "Abad" --- and never "Nagar" or "Pur". These experts think that Shikarpur is really Shakaripur --- the "town founded by the vanquisher of the Shakas", the Scythians.

Shikarpur, the seat of civilisation, culture, trade and commerce acquired political and economic importance because of...
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