Ruins of Bhambore - The Gateway of Islam
Bhambore is a city that lies in ruins today was previously known as Debal, a thriving Hindu stronghold ruled by Raja Dahir in 712 AD and before. Strategically located, Bhambore is believed to be some 2,100 years old costal town on the Arabian Sea.
Its location even prompted Caliph Umar (RA) to send his forces from Oman to attack Sind and other adjoining areas. However, it was Muhammad Bin Qasim, a young man of barely 17 years, who came with a Muslim army, invaded Debal and defeated Raja Dahir and his forces. Although the city was heavily guarded and protected, many believe that one of the reasons for the success of this expedition is the unhappiness of the Buddhist people and it is believed they helped the coming invaders. From here, Muhammad Bin Qasim made inroads to interior Sind and onwards to Multan and spread the torch of Islam.
As per historians, the city had been inhabited by the Scytho-Parthians, followed by the Buddhists and Hindus - eventually falling to the Muslims. The city remained intact till the 13th century, when due to the changing course of the river Indus, it was ruined and ceased to exist.
Today, the museum at Bhambore has on its display many pieces of earthwork, figurines and pottery, in use of the people who once lived here. The finely polished pottery is believed to from the first century Scytho-Parthian occupants of Bhambore.
