Thul Hairo Khan (Buddhist Stupa)

According to some accounts Buddhism spread in Sindh in 3rd century BCE during the period of Emperor Ashoka of Maurya Empire.[4][5] Chandragupta Maurya was founder of Maurya Empire who was supported by kingdoms of Sindh and Punjab, defeated Greek dominance there.[6] Sindh became division of Maurya Empire in 305 BCE; and during Maurya Empire Buddhism thrived in Sindh at large, particularly through the realm of Ashoka the Great.[4][5] During the time of Mauryan rule Sindhi monks (Bhikshus) had attended the second and third Buddhist councils held in 278 BC and 253 BC.[7] Faxian who came to Sindh in 641 CE[8] and had recorded eighty-eight thousands stupas up to borders of Sindh. Sindh was hub of Buddhism during Rai Dynasty.[9] Chach was a pioneer of Brahman dynasty of Sindh. His brother Chandra was Buddhist. According to Chach Nama, a first written source material on history of Sindh, during the monarchy of Rai kings together with Brahmans, Buddhiya country (division) was part of Sindh,[10] which indicates to Buddhism as dominant religion in Sindh. Buddhism remained and grew in every part of Sindh till 13th century CE[11] in Soomra dynasty of Sindh. Stupas were considered as sacred and religious remains of Buddhism.[12]

The construction of Thul Hairo Khan is a rectangular type. The measurement of round shaped top of stupa is 5’-11" while the measurement of circumference is 14’0". The baked bricks used in stupa are of 11"x 6"x 2" size. Whereas, the baked bricks used in round shape like circle at the top of stupa are 11.6"x 2"x 5" in size.[2]

Thul Hairo Khan is located towards west of village Hairo Khan at walking distance and it is situated towards north of village Haji Khan Laghari in (Kachho) Taluka Johi, Dadu District of Sindh [13] at distance of 10 kilometers and towards north-east of Johi Town at distance of 15 kilometer; at Latitude: 26°49'40.3", Longitude: 67°28'28.81.