FAIZ MAHAL A symbol of peace and tranquillity

The splendour of Khairpur is beyond its political landscape. The famous date-producing city stretching over 15,910 square kilometres has always been a prominent district of the southern province of Pakistan. The district is rich in political and religious history and remarkable cultural architecture. The famous Pir Pagara Family, Sachal Sarmast, the fort of Kot Digi, and majestic Faiz Mahal are the symbols of Khairpur Mir.

Faiz Mahal is a specimen of King of Talpur Dynasty that Mir Sohrab Talpur had it built in 1789, as a symbol of the sovereign court of the dynasty ruling in Sindh. It is now the residence of His Highness Mir Murad Ali Khan Talpur ll, together with his sons Prince Abbas Raza Talpur and Prince Mehdi Raza Talpur. The glamour and fascination that the Mahal holds is nondescript.

Turning a steep curve on the gravel-shorn road that must have previously been ornamented by royal cars transporting even more regal way brings Faiz Mahal in all its refurbished splendour into view.

The building’s history and architectural characteristics were not considered until quite recent times despite being an important edifice. A meticulous restoration project has brought the Faiz Mahal back to life after it had been abandoned for many years. The once decaying structure, now stands with grace.

The inside of this palace is adorned with paintings of flowers in various arrangements. The artistic sensibilities of the palace’s original functions are reflected in the combination of painted wood and little mirrors that cover the ceilings. The main room of the palace is additionally embellished with lacquer pillars that have been painted.

The white dignitary hall of the Talpurs is easily recognizable by its stucco work, which is also one of its defining characteristics.

Intricate carvings adorn the surface of the wooden doors as well. Mural paintings adorn the walls of almost every palace built by Talpur family built in the Khairpur State. Wellpreserved hunting of Lion by Talpur Kings during 1919 is the semblance of Kings’ hobby for hunting.

In addition to Faiz Mahal, Shahi Mahal, and White guest house that are reserved for special dignitaries, the palace of Bali, also known as the Bali Jo Bungalow, is another architectural masterpiece created by the Talpur dynasty.

Bungalow of Bali

Within walking distance of Khairpur Town’s train station is where you’ll find the Bungalow of Bali.

Mir Ali Nawaz Khan Talpur, who reigned from 1921 to 1935, was said to have built it as a tribute to his devoted wife Bali, Iqbal Begum, at that time. Mir Sahab had married Bali, a singer from Lahore and had brought her to live with him. His affection for her surpassed to the point that he preferred spending time with her rather than do rituals of the working day. It was known that Mir Sahab and Bali would often go on boat rides to enjoy sunset.

Mir Ali Nawaz Khan Talpur was known as a generous soul who greatly supported arts and architecture. During his brief reign of just 14 years, he was responsible for the construction of several tombs, palaces, and schools, of which some continue to dominate the topography of Khairpur Town.

Taking permission from the attendants before visiting the Mahal is necessary, serving tea and cookies to visitors has been a norm by the attendants and administration of Faiz Mahal.

Entering the main hall of the Mahal gives an omen of the opulence and charisma of the Talpur Dynasty.

The ceiling of the hall is a panorama of intricate hand-painted motifs and the splendour of glasses add to the beauty of the Mahal. Placed on the four sides of the Hall, glass-packed boxes show the collage of historical images and treaties that the Talpur Kings had with the other kings of India and beyond.

palace in its original form. These relics consisted of letters written in long hands, signed treaties, photographs of royal weddings, and some pictures of elegantly dressed women which seemed to be a tribute to the status of women in days when their visibility would have been a rare feat.

The courtyard of the Mahal is an excellent depiction of the opulence of art and architecture of the 18th century. It is a rare space that shows love for nature and gardening by the royal kings in the 18th century.

The acreage of land in Faiz Mahal has relics speaking of the glory of the Talpur Dynasty. The antique gun mounted within the compound is an excellent depiction of Talpur’s reception for dignitaries and other kings.

On the left side of the courtyard at the corner, beautiful and soothing sounds of birds are heard even today. The melody of sound is enjoyable and soul soothing that gives an omen of peace and tranquillity. The raconteurs of Faiz Mahal share that the Talpur kings used to sit in the courtyard in the evening times and spent time with those birds, fed them, and used to enjoy the melody of those birds.

On the right side of the white florescent and well-adorned Mahal, there exists a courtyard where different breeds of horses are domesticated. Interestingly, a descendant of family servants of the Talpur dynasty told that the lineage of horses is the same as it was during the 18th century. The beautification and shining white colour branded horses speak of the wonder majesty and wonderfulness of the Taj Mahal.

Sitting in the courtyard, listening to the melody of birds, and looking at the haughty movements of horses has a bracing effect for the visitor.

About the Writer

Abdul Ghani is a journalist and a graduate of School of Economics, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad. Ghani is an independent researcher and columnist based in Islamabad. His interests include studying the political economy, history, culture and politics of national and international affairs.