The Tomb of Mian Ismail Baba at Khost in District Harnai

A Fresh Discovery

Abstract

The province of Balochistan (Pakistan) is vastly enriched with monumental tombs spanning diverse cultures, including Zoroastrian, Muslim, and Hindu, from the Early to Late Medieval periods. These tombs, varied in construction techniques and decorative styles that reflect the region's rich cultural heritage. Harnai District, like other parts of Balochistan, holds cultural treasures from prehistoric to historic periods, yet it remains largely undocumented, especially its monumental structures. The tomb of Mian Ismail Baba at Khost in Harnai is a notable example of this architectural continuity. Further, this research aims to document the tomb's building and emphasize its historical significance within the region. The tomb, nearly square in shape, features a veranda at its entrance and a striking hemispherical dome atop. It was likely constructed during the reign of Ahmed Shah Durrani, when he passed through the region on his way to India in the mid-eighteenth century CE.