List of watering troughs in Karachi

In the early 19th century, Karachi's watering troughs were recognized for their architectural significance.[1][2] These structures were primarily constructed from Gizri stone, a material no longer commonly used.[3] They reflected various European architectural styles prevalent in Karachi during its annexation period.[1]

Initially, these troughs played a crucial role in the city's infrastructure.[1] They provided water access to low-income workers and the general populace.[1] However, with technological advancements such as electrical pumps and the shift to motorized vehicles, there was a reduced reliance on animal-drawn carts. Consequently, the water troughs' relevance diminished.[1]

At least 30 watering troughs were built during British Raj.[2] Some of these structures have been demolished.[1] Below is a list of watering troughs located in Karachi:

List

Name Photo Coordinates Location Notes
Watering Trough I Shahrah-e-Iran, Karachi [4]
Watering Trough II Adams Road, Karachi [5]
Watering Trough III Harding Bridge, Karachi
Watering Trough IV 24°50′51″N 66°59′43″E / 24.847622222°N 66.995166667°E / 24.847622222; 66.995166667 M.A. Jinnah Road, Karachi [6]
Thakur Morarji Shiv Boda Watering Trough Near Pakistan Chowk It was built by Thakur Valamji Morarji in memory of his father Thakur Morarji Shiv Boda.[7][8]
Pahlajrai Revachand Panjabi Watering Trough Near Merewether Tower, Karachi It was donated by Pahlajrai Revachand Panjabi.[9]
Byram Edulji Watering Trough Near Guru Mandir, Karachi It was built in 1893 by Byram Edulji.[10]
Diwan Dayaram Chellaram Mirchandani Watering Trough 24°51′27″N 67°00′38″E / 24.857391667°N 67.010638889°E / 24.857391667; 67.010638889 Mission Road, near the Civil Hospital, Karachi It was built in 1927 by Shrimati Aplibai, in memory of her husband, Diwan Dayaram Chellaram Mirchandani.[11][12]
Framroze E. Punthakey Watering Trough Soldier Bazaar, Karachi It was built in 1924 and is named after Framroze E. Punthakey who was served as the Honorary Secretary General of SPCA between 1878 and 1921.[2]
Bahadur Nusserwangi Metha Watering Trough Borapir, Karachi It was built in 1934 by the staff of the Nusserwangi Company and is named after Bahadur Nusserwangi Metha.[13]
Napier Mole Watering Trough Napier Mole Bridge, Karachi It was built in 1900 by Byram Edulji.[13]
Nanakwara Garden Watering Trough Nanakwara Garden, Karachi It was gifted by the Dumb Animals Fund.[13]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f Laiq, Architect Wajeeha (2022). "An Approach for Documenting Historic Drinking Water Troughs of Karachi, Pakistan". In Vujicic, Miroslav D.; Kasim, Azilah; Kostopoulou, Stella; Chica Olmo, Jorge; Aslam, Mohamed (eds.). Cultural Sustainable Tourism. Advances in Science, Technology & Innovation. Cham: Springer International Publishing. pp. 155–168. doi:10.1007/978-3-031-07819-4_14. ISBN 978-3-031-07819-4.
  2. ^ a b c "Once upon a time, Karachi cared for its animals". The Express Tribune. February 6, 2019.
  3. ^ "Karachi's Disappearing Troughs". arifhasan.org. Retrieved 2024-01-22.
  4. ^ List of Heritage Buildings pg 11 Sindh Building Control Authority, Government of Sindh. Retrieved 14 June 2014
  5. ^ List of Heritage Buildings pg 10 Sindh Building Control Authority, Government of Sindh. Retrieved 14 June 2014
  6. ^ "Water Trough M.A. Jinnah road". doam.gov.pk.
  7. ^ "The Water Troughs of Karachi". Pakistan Chowk Community Centre. June 10, 2022.
  8. ^ "Before derelict heritage turns to dust, Karachi needs a history lesson". www.geo.tv. Retrieved 2024-01-22.
  9. ^ "City Landmarks – The water trough near Merewether Tower". The Karachi Walla. 2018-07-18. Retrieved 2024-01-22.
  10. ^ "City Landmarks – Byram Edulji Water trough, Guru Mandir". July 25, 2019.
  11. ^ "KARACHI: Neglected trough gets facelift". DAWN.COM. January 15, 2007.
  12. ^ "Diwan Dayaram Chellaram Mirchandani Trough".
  13. ^ a b c "Karachi's Disappearing Troughs".