Bhambore (Sindhi: ?????) is the ruins of the ancient port city of Debal from the 7th century, located near modern Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan, at the base of the Indus River. The ruins are located approximately 60 km between Dhabeji and Gharo on the N-5 National Highway. Its population was mainly Hindu with a Buddhist minority. It is largely known for the ruins of a castle destroyed by Muhammad bin Qasim during the invasion of Sindh and—on a different note—the legendary love story of Sassi Punnun.
Bhambore signifies the trading links between Arab and South Asian nations of its times. The new city of Bhambore came into being because pirates had kidnapped a ship. A plea was filed with the Arab rulers in Baghdad (then a major economic and military power) to rescue the people from the kidnapped ship. When diplomacy failed to release those people, an expedition was sent to the area under the command of Muhammad bin Qasim. With superior military might and planning he was able to make an amphibious landing and establish his presence here. One of the reasons cited for the success of this expedition is the unhappiness of the Buddhist population; it is believed they may have helped the coming invaders.
Bhambore was later abandoned due to a change in the river''s course. Evidence of earthquakes and regional invaders is also cited as an explanation for the population''s movement away from the area and the crumbling of the castle. The former river delta is now a creek.

Bhambore

© Hanif Bhatti (website)

Bhambore, a

by Hanif Bhatti (few years ago!) / 1295 views