The tradition of brick domed mausolea originated with 12th century tomb of Ali Bin Karmakh near Kabirwala (earliest known Muslim funerary memorial in Indian subcontinent)
It further developed into the styled tombs of Bahauddin Zikriya and Shah Rukn e Alam in Multan

Kamil Khan Mumtaz and other architect historians believe the domed tombs in Uch are an extension of Multan chapter
The tombs with an octagonal base dotting South Punjab are the prototypes, the first ones to be built in the subcontinent

this brings us to the domed tombs of Uch

The Tourist Face of Uch
Bibi Jawindi
___
This is the face of Uch Sharif to have decorated postcards, corporate calendars and books
In the north-west corner of Uch, the fired brick domed tombs stand in an old burial ground dotted with humble graves plastered with clay

The main structure and the most ornate of all is attributed to one Bibi Jawindi (meaning 'lady blessed with eternal life' we don't know if this indeed was the actual name)
She was the great-granddaughter of Makhdum Jahanian Jahan Gasht
The tomb we are told was constructed in 1494

This magnificent fired brick structure stands on an octagonal base with turrets decorating each corner
Another narrower octagonal drum rises above the turrets that has arched windows on each side
Atop this drum an imposing dome is raised

The tomb exterior is an elegant panorama of glazed tiles in different hues of blue & white
Square terra-cotta tiles painted in hues of Persian blue & white
Rectangular terra-cotta tiles with foliage design in high relief
Terra-cotta plugs cut in recess to join geometric patterns

Now if one decides to takes 360⁰ panoramic walk around this structure is bound to catch some grief
Around mid 19th century indifferent currents of Chenab flowing beside the high mound where Uch tombs stood sliced away, almost in a symmetry the one halves of each of these tombs

What once was the western façade of this magnificent structure is completely gone, with it the burial chamber
A spider web of infinite iron scaffolding intimidates a present day visitor
There was once financial aid from World Monument Fund, New York for preserving Uch Monuments

With some primary work of restoration completed, the funds soon dried up
Mai Jawindi could only secure some bricks with plaster as consolation
This, dear reader, is the true embodiment of our love towards our heritage "Work In Progress Since 1997"
convenient, isn't it!

this was the tomb of Bibi Jawindi as we conclude our threads on Uch
June was the month of #Uch_Sharif and somewhere during July I should compile the story of Uch Sharif on "Mani Junction"

... only if I could write more and procrastinate less