VISIT REPORT OF SATIAN JO AASTHAN

ROHRI

By; ALI HYDER

A. Historic Importance of Property: The protected monument of Satyan-Jo-Astan (the seat of the
chaste women) is very well known situated on the eastern
bank of Indus just below Bukkur Island. Rohri or Lohri, said
to be the ancient Loharkot, is situated Rohri in latitude 270-
41 north and longitude 68-55 east. It stands on the eastern
bank of the river Indus on a rocky eminence of limestone
interspersed with flint which is terminated abruptly on the
western side a precipice 40 feet high rising from the bank
of the river, which during the inundation attains a height
there of 16 feet above its lowest level. When seen from
Sukkur on the right bank or from the island of Bukkur in the
middle of the Indus facing Rohri, the town presents a most
striking and pleasing appearance the houses being lofty,
frequently four or five stories high with flat roofs
surrounded with balustrades and standing boldly up to the
river bank. But when the interior of the town is reached,
the pleasing impression is some what dissipated, while the
streets are in several parts very narrow and also very steep,
and the air is in consequence close. The interest of the
town lies mainly in its antiquities. Rohri and its
neighborhood was one of the earliest Stone Age sites in
this part of the world, and many artifacts of the Stone Age
have been unearthed in the locality. It seems that for a very
long time mankind has made an abode near Rohri and it is
very likely that the site has been occupied continuously
since Stone Age days.
On one of the little hills that rise out of the river bank on
the south there is a level platform on which are many
carved gravestones like those of the Makli Hills at Thatta
with chain ornament and panels of Arabic quotations from
the Holy Quran. The whole space between the graves is
paved and a flight of steps leads up to the platform from
the south side. Enamelled tiled work is freely used on these

B. Material Construction:
C. Extent of Deterioration:
tombs, most of which are dated from 1018 to 1301 A.H.
that is between 1609 and 1883 A.D. The principal grave is
that of Mir Qasim one of the Sabzwairi Sayids dated 1018
A.H. This was probably the grave that sanctified the place,
and a lamp post and lamp are placed in front of it still, and
it gives the name of Than Qasim Shah to the hill. But a
name by which it is more generally known is the hill of the
Seven Virgins, from the building on the south side called
Satbain, which consists of a row of shallow rooms
connected by a long passage cut partly out of the rock and
ornamented externally with coloured tiles. These cells are
said to have been occupied by seven virgins, who had taken
a vow never to look upon the face of man. Sir Richard
Burton, however, maintains that this derivation is wrong,
ignorant people having perverted Satyun-Jo-Astan or seat
of the Satis (i.e. celibate women) into something which
means seven.
Veterans tell about this historic place that when Raja Dahar
and Mohammad Bin Qasim had engaged in a bloody war, in
those days seven sisters resorted to suicide for saving their
honour. However, there is no description of this statement
in the annals of history; there is a mention about the graves
of Mir Abul Qasim Namkin and his family members
belonging to Mughal Emperor Akbar’s Era. When in 1018
A.H, Mir Abul Qasim was murdered; he was laid to rest at
this place near Satyun-Jo-Astan. During his life time Mir
Abul Qasim Namkin used to hold mehfils of Rag Rung at the
time of full moon nights at this place
The monument with core structure built in brick tile in lime
and chiroli mortar and is lined on exterior with alternatively
laid fine red brick and turquoise blue glazed terracotta
strips courses in lime and chiroli mortar. The walls of the
main structure are of glazed terracotta tiles both
geometrical and floral design in lime mortar.
The monument of Satyun-Jo-Astan, a brick edifice that
once stood magnificently and presented an amazing display
of glittering tiles in multifarious designs and motifs that had
been become traditional with the artists and artisans of
Sindh for the past few centuries, is now merely a creek of
its past grandeur. The tide of time combined with natural
hazards has played havoc to this monument of national
importance. The structure has shown great depredation in
its core. The chief binding mortar used in the construction
of the monument is gypsum (chiroli) that too, with the
passage of time, has lost its adhesiveness.
Remnants of an intricate ceramic mosaic skillfully shaped
and assembled on the exterior fabric with a multicolored
band of tiles at the junction of the main entrance ceiling
validate the significance of its tile-work decoration Colors
employed to form a rhythm of forms and patterns on the
building’s surface include turquoise, blue, white, green, and
yellow. Today, the tile-work decoration is a shadow of its
former self, much of it having been lost with the passage of
time. Even a cursory examination suffices to show that only
about 20 percent of the original complete tiles survive. The
deterioration is wide-ranging, extending from localized de
lamination of the glaze layer to significant losses of entire
sections of the tile-work. With limited studies carried out
and little information available on the original character of
this work, not much has been attempted aside from
routine measures to prevent further degradation.

Peeling or Delamination of the Glaze;

Observed delamination of the glaze layer was suggestive of
a weak glaze/body interface, possibly arising as a result of
an inappropriate glaze recipe or the incompatibility of the
glaze and the body type. Daily temperature variations and
the related unequal expansion or contraction of tile strata
could also cause the glaze layer to flake. A strongly
probable reason for the “peeling” of the glaze is salt action.
Salts in the render, carried by rain water or by capillary rise,
may have seeped into the porous body of the tiles,
recrystallized, and exerted pressure on the glaze/body
interface to cause delamination of the glaze layer. This
effect can be substantiated if the surfaces are constantly
monitored over time and samples from the likely affected
areas on the monument are made available for
examination.
Glaze Imperfections;
Polluted atmospheric conditions, together with such
environmental factors as heavy seasonal rains, wind, and
accompanying airborne particles, may have resulted in
erosion and caused the chromatic changes seen on some of
the tiles. Oddly, most of the white glazes were substantially
discolored in comparison with glazes of other colors,
perhaps because of compositional variations. Pitting found
on a large number of the extant tiles, regardless of glaze
color, implies that flawlessness in individual pieces was not
a consideration in their use. It was the holistic harmonious
look presented by the entire composition that mattered.
Surface Deposits;
Soil accumulation on the tile-work is inevitable, as one
would expect in a dusty environment, hiding few details
and making the work less aesthetically appealing, especially
when viewed close-up. In places, thicker deposits of dirt
and grime were found to have formed hard encrustations
on the glaze surface. Inexpert use of material in
interventions had resulted in drips and overfills that partly
obscured the glaze. Tiles near structural cracks were found
to be unstable and in danger of falling off. The deposition
of organic matter in crevices had provided a substrate for
the growth of shrubs and trees that have the potential to
damage surface embellishments, especially those in a
weakened state of adherence. Pigeons seen resting in
niches and in areas where the tile-work had been lost had
caused further loss to unstable surfaces and some degree
of disfigurement through their droppings. Insensitive
visitors and limitations in site monitoring also contributed
to the deterioration of the tiles.
D. Main Causes of Decay & Deterioration: The Satyun jo Astan located on the brow of the hillock, is
exposed to many hazards, both natural as well as man-
made. The agencies of decay active on this monument
have generated problem ranging from general state of
disrepair to conditions leading to collapse. Brick tile lined
structures are in an advance state of decay and
disintegration whilst many of the structural elements are
in urgent need of repair and consolidation.

Wind Action: Exposure to winds, due to its high location has

contributed too many implications for the monument.
Wind is the commonest dynamic load experienced by the
structures. Rapidly applied load such as winds, would
result in subjecting the structure to much greater stresses
than the same loads applied slowly.

Rain water: Penetration of rain water into the interior of the building
causes several types of decay. After saturation of the
bricks or stones surfaces, water streams down vertical
surface and wind pressure will force this through cracks or
through the material itself.

E. Treatment Required for Elimination of the Main Causes of Decay & Deterioration:
Implications for Conservation;
The primary objective of this report is to identify
conservation measures required to arrest deterioration
and minimize further loss of the tiles. A secondary purpose
is to gather technical information for the restoration or
reconstruction of tile-work. The intended aims are to be
achieved by systematic mapping, assessment, and
analytical studies. Much is still needed, however, before
conservation treatments can be implemented. Following
the documentation, the rate of deterioration of the
surviving tiles can be tracked by monitoring them over
time, using the detailed graphical recording as a basis for
comparison. Such monitoring would continue to be a
useful tool for evaluating the effectiveness of proposed
conservation treatments. Close-up visual examination has
helped to identify reasons for deterioration, a few of
which can be dealt with through appropriate maintenance
and conservation procedures, while others require further
investigation. The next phase of work would focus on
determining methods and materials for conservation.
Materials to be used would interact well with the original
materials and be resilient enough to withstand adverse
environmental conditions. Immediate measures, such as
temporary consolidation and eradication of bio-growth,
would be carried out until time-treatment trials are
evaluated. Inferences from analytical studies, together
with ethno-archaeological research, would be used to
develop the technology for fabricating replacement tiles
as close as possible to the originals. Such reconstructed
tiles could be used as part of an overall management plan.

1. The brick lining of the monument has gone from bad to

worse due to tropical condition of the area, mostly the
kashi and brick tile facing being comparatively more fragile
could not with stand contraction and expansion due to
constant change from wet to dry and from cool to hot.
This whole process helped in developing pores and
cavities in the body of the structure that absorbed
moisture the humid winds that carries salts also with itself
which accelerated the disintegrating effects considerably.
2. The brick tile flooring of the Satyun-Jo-Astan has been
damaged due to natural wear and tear and have
developed deep depressions and cracks which causes
percolation of rain water and dampness in the structure.
3. The petty and urgent repairs should also be carried out
all over the monument.
4. Keeping in view the importance of the monument, the
conservation and restoration work is a highly technical
work and requires the necessary know how before its
execution. The contractors are usually interested in the
speedy progress of the work to effect higher saving. This
trend proves counterproductive as far as conservation
 work is concerned. The scaffolding material is an essential
requirement for the restoration of the original features by
employing labour on daily wages. So its provision for
purchasing scaffolding material has been proposed in the
request accordingly.

F. Scope of Restoration Work (to be documented):

The restoration of the monument to its original grandeur

involves:

1. Firstly, there has been proposed to restore and

preserve the outer brick lining and kashi tiles in its original
form. In most of the parts, the Kashi tiles, both mosaic and
plain have been found missing or either damaged. A few
existing panels are also surviving in dilapidated condition.
The missing and decayed patches of Kashi tiles should be
carefully re-laid with (1:1) lime chiroli mortar. Besides this
the flat Kashi tiles flooring should be laid in lime chiroli
mortar (1:1:1) over ¾” thick bed of lime chiroli mortar.
2. Secondly, there is a fear of irreparable loss if the top of
the plat form flooring did not consolidate, and made it
watertight. Keeping in view the condition explained earlier
above, it has been proposed to consolidate and water
tight the bed of the flooring before laying of tile flooring.
3. Edging of loose and damaged glazed tiles.

4. Since the main structure is situated on the hillock and

there is no working space available so the purchase of
scaffolding material is utmost essential to be procured for
the proposed job.

2. Community Need:

The present request is motivated by a conviction that “in a

society where living conditions are changing at an
accelerated pace, it is essential for man’s equilibrium and
development to preserve for him a fitting setting in which
to live, where he will remain in contact with nature and
the evidence of civilizations bequeathed by past
 generations, and that, to this end, it is appropriate to give
the cultural and historical heritage an active function in
community life and to integrate into an overall policy the
achievements of our time, the values of the past”.

A.Why this project is needed:
Inattention to the deterioration of the monument and to
its causes will lead to further damage to the monument.
The most severely deteriorated Terracotta glazed tile work
of the monument, if not attended immediately, will
collapse and disappear forever.

B. Addressing needs identified in existing city plans:

The existing city plans will also attempt to conform fully the
3. Community Support:
pattern of economic and social development of the area.
Conservation of cultural heritage, as understand, must
never be an impediment in the struggle for better
conditions of human existence. Rather it will enhance
existence by investing it with that additional dimension of
cultural richness and identity which is indispensable for a
good life in the fullest sense of the term. In addition,
conservation of monument will create substantial
economic benefits because it preserves and enhances
features which are important attractions for tourists.
The people of area have time and again been demanding
of the concerned authorities for taking necessary
measures for the restoration of the monument to its
former state.

4. Timeline: The initial documentation work is expected to take 4 -6

weeks. However, the physical conservation work is
expected to be completed in 12 months.

5. Success Factors: If funding for the implementation of the project is

approved, the preservation and restoration work can take
place in a time frame that will prevent more damage to
the Monument.

6. Budget:
 Survey & Documentation
Mortar Analysis and Replication
Preparation of detail cost estimate
Preventive conservation
Preservation
Consolidation
Restoration (includes scaffolding)
Reconstruction
Presentation
Total
Consultancy @ 2.5 % of the project
Advertisement charges,
Equipment’s, Stationary, etc
Grand Total Rs. 15.00 Million

7. Other Funding: No other source of funding has been identified for this
project.

8. Maintenance: After restoration work the monument will be maintained by the

Culture Department from out of its own resources.

9. Documentation: Notice inviting consultants will be written so that only

consultant with appropriate and extensive experience will
be eligible to submit proposal. Experience and
recommendation will be carefully checked before a
consultant team is chosen.

10. Appropriate Professional Standards:

The conservation of Cultural property is multi-disciplinary
and inter professional in practice. The prior in-depth study
of monuments forms a necessary pre-requisite of
conservation. The study of the monuments covers many
aspects relating to its history, architecture, decorative
elements, and inscriptions. Causes of decay and remedial
measures are studies by Archaeologists, Conservators and
Architects. Since the conservation and restoration has to
be on original pattern in original material the
archaeologists and conservators play a vital role. Similarly
craftsman well versed in, original techniques have to be
 employed many specialists are thus involved in a single
project concerning the conservation of historical buildings.
As stated above the conservation/restoration of the
cultural property requires sufficient knowledge about the
materials and structures and of how these affected by the
various environmental factors that individually, or in
consort tend to bring their destruction. In the modern
world many techniques have been perfected to cover the
requirements and a very noble profession has developed
out of all this, securely based as matter of course on
science and offering the services of personnel trained in
conservation and expert to a degree determined by the
knowledge, skill and experience.
Scientific preservation is very essential for preventing their
degradations, if not taken immediately and remedial
steps, the monument is likely to sustain irremediable loss
within the next few years. In view of the above it is our
common responsibility to preserve the Satyun-Jo-Astan,
Rohri in its original form.

11. Additional Community Benefits: Preservation and Restoration of the Satyun jo Astan is
important to the image of the monument will attract
more tourists to the place which will in turn benefit the
local community engaged in hotel, transport and
handicrafts business.