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Golra Sharif Railway Museum: a treasure of memorable artifacts
Golra Sharif Railway Museum, also known as Pakistan Railways Heritage Museum, located near Sector E-11 of the federal capital of Islamabad, is the site of a venerated railway museum housing relics and memorabilia associated with railways dating back to the days of British Raj.
The railways station with its museum is one of the major attraction sites for tourists, locals and railway enthusiasts alike in the country. Actually, it is a junction station in Rawalpindi Division of Pakistan Railways, located at 1,994 feet above the sea level, in the southeast of Margalla Hills and east of the cradle of Gandhara civilization, the ancient city of Taxila. The junction is full of memories, explaining the hustle and bustle of more than hundred years, which inspires history lovers and explorers.
The station was established in 1882 during the British rule and upgraded as junction in 1912. It was the logistics artery of British India during the Afghan military campaigns at the turn of 20th century. It has since become an important trade route which protrudes into Afghanistan through the famous Khyber Pass.
The Railway Heritage Museum was established in October 2003. From relics dating back to the inception of railways in the subcontinent by the British to memorabilia depicting the creation of the museum are housed and preserved in this heritage site.
The Rail Heritage Museum is housed in three different halls to contain artifacts reflecting history of railway over a period of more than 150 years including almost 100 years of undivided India.
Talking to APP, Mohammad Aslam, an official of Pakistan Railway said that around 20 trains used to pass through this junction everyday when it was operational during the British Raj time. He said that the junction also served as Royals passage for holidays when they used to come to Hills of the present-day Islamabad.
As a part of the museum, there is a big yard where cranes, trolleys, saloons, locomotives, coaches and tracks are marshaled impressively, portraying the railway’s march forward through time. The museum houses a blend of artifacts covering many facets of the railways systems.
Mechanical models, signaling systems, communication tools and evolution of operational protocols are preserved and chronologically displayed in the museum.
The museum also displays the social impact and anthropological implications of railways on human geography of multi-racial subcontinent. The open yard displays a wide array of relics which have become extinct on the railway lines around the world.
The steam and electric locomotives, a German postal car, a saloon car used by the last Indian viceroy, Lord Mountbatten, and another saloon car belonging to the Maharaja of Jodhpur from the Jodhpur railways given as a wedding present to his daughter are a few examples.
The museum was envisioned by Ishfaq Khattak, the then DS of Rawalpindi Division. In late 2002, the Headquarters issued instructions to all the divisions of Pakistan railways to scrap all the old items including crockery, furniture, locomotives, and saloons for narrow gauge lines.
Ishfaq Khattak saw it an opportunity accumulate all the relics and create a heritage site. By the end of 2003, this feat was achieved mostly due to the diligence of officers working on the project without any funding from the government.
It was the unabated love for the railways which had been the major driving force towards the completion of this project. Though the museum was inaugurated officially on 5 March 2007, it had already opened its doors to the public on 26 September 2003.
An official of the Railways while sharing his views about its opening has said that a number of government and foreign officials alongside a huge crowd of public graced the place and made the event memorable. He said that whether it is the saloon cars of yore or the long-forgotten steam locomotives; this museum has got it all. “Everything has been fully preserved within the limited resources of the organization. A new building has been constructed on the premises which would be converted into an art gallery and a Café”, he added.
The setting-up of the Railway Museum was an attempt to preserve and display vintage items and artifacts related to the history of railways at the Heritage Point. Places like Golra Railway junctions are not only an attraction for tourists but also narrates stories of the past with historical importance.
Ranikot Fort, often dubbed as the “Great Wall of Sindh,” is one of Pakistan’s most fascinating and enigmatic historical landmarks. Situated near the town of Sann in Jamshoro District, Sindh, the fort is recognized as one of the largest in the world, with a perimeter of around 32 kilometers (20 miles). Despite its immense size and strategic location, much about its origins remains a mystery, adding to its allure and significance as a cultural and historical monument.
Historical Background
Ranikot Fort is believed to have been originally constructed in the first half of the 17th century, though there are varying accounts about its exact origins. Some historians suggest that it may date back even further, to the reign of the Sassanian Empire or earlier. It was later renovated and expanded during the rule of the Talpur Mirs in the early 19th century, as they sought to fortify their domain against external threats.
The purpose of the fort, however, remains unclear. While some believe it was built as a defense against invasions, others argue that it was a means of securing trade routes or serving as a safe haven for local rulers. The lack of any major historical records associated with significant battles or sieges at Ranikot adds to the ambiguity surrounding its function.
Architectural Marvel
The scale of Ranikot is staggering, covering an area of approximately 32 square kilometers. The fort’s massive walls snake across the barren landscape, resembling the Great Wall of China, with which it is often compared. Constructed from limestone and sandstone, the fort’s walls rise up to 6 meters (20 feet) in height and are punctuated by several bastions and watchtowers.
Ranikot has four main gates: Sann Gate, Amri Gate, Shah-Pere Gate, and Mohan Gate, each offering access to different sections of the fort. The Sann Gate, located on the eastern side, is the main entrance and is notable for its intricate design and stonework.
Within the fort’s vast expanse lies another fortification known as the “Meeri” or “Mirikot,” a small fort within the larger walls that served as the residence of the Talpur Mirs. This inner fort has its own gates and walls, adding an additional layer of defense. The Meeri Fort is perched on a hill, providing a commanding view of the surrounding landscape.
The Great Wall of Sindh
The fort’s walls, stretching across the arid hills, resemble a smaller version of the Great Wall of China. This feature has earned Ranikot the nickname “The Great Wall of Sindh.” The zigzagging walls extend for miles, blending into the rocky terrain, and are a stunning sight, especially at sunrise or sunset when the golden light casts long shadows over the surrounding desert.
Unlike the Great Wall of China, however, Ranikot is not located in a highly populated or strategically important area. Its remote location has contributed to the fort’s air of mystery, as well as its relative obscurity in the global historical and architectural landscape.
Mysteries and Theories
The true purpose of Ranikot Fort is still shrouded in mystery. Scholars and historians have proposed various theories about why it was built, ranging from a defense structure against invasions from Central Asia to a royal retreat for the Talpur dynasty. Some suggest that it was intended to protect the local population from bandits and raiders, while others believe it may have been a strategic point for controlling trade routes passing through the region.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Ranikot is the lack of significant historical records or evidence of major battles taking place there. Its size and scale suggest that it must have had some important function, yet it remains an enigma to this day.
Cultural Significance
Ranikot Fort is not only an architectural marvel but also a cultural treasure. It stands as a testament to the rich history of Sindh, a region that has been home to ancient civilizations, including the Indus Valley Civilization. The fort’s design reflects the influences of various dynasties and cultures that have ruled over Sindh, from the Greeks and Mauryas to the Mughals and Talpurs.
In modern times, Ranikot has gained recognition as a symbol of Sindh’s historical heritage. The fort has been nominated for inclusion in UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites list, which would help preserve and promote this incredible site on a global stage.
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