Friday, May 18, 2007

Final resting place of Pakistan’s Founder


One of the must places for anyone visiting Karachi is Mohammad Ali Jinnah, Pakistan Founder and its first Governor General’s Mausoleum.

Located in one of the original (old) localities of the city, Jinnah Mausoleum is an architectural wonder. Constructed on a hill, the tomb is surrounded by lush green gardens landscaped in a form that represents an Islamic configuration while numerous fountains of various designs intercept it at different angles.

The cubic shaped monument with a dome atop is constructed entirely with white marble, which is not only unique to the Indian subcontinent but is also considered as one the precious ‘natural construction’ material.

Based on an award-winning design of an Indian architect, which was part of an international competition, the idea behind the building’s foundation was to construct a single but a strong monument reflecting the strong and powerful personality of the great leader. Even the title given ‘Quaid-e-Azam’ bestowed on him by his grateful followers, reflects this, which literally means ‘Great Leader’.

With four steep-arched doorways leading to the main grave - which itself is buried eight metres deep from the ground level - is enclosed in iron grill to prevent damage by people visiting.

While atop the giant stairs, a visitor can, on a clear sunny day, can experience a panoramic 360-degree view of the surrounding localities which once consisted of the whole of Karachi – before Pakistan existence.

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