Ismaili.NET - Heritage F.I.E.L.D.

Imam Hasan Ali Shah arrived in India in 1842. His son and successor, Imam Aga Ali Shah joined him in Bombay in 1852. Imam Hasan Ali Shah had consigned the office of the Piratan to his son in 1853, which he executed for 28 years till 1881. He used to visit lower Sind on hunting expeditions from Karachi. He visited Jerruk and the location of Amir Pir, where he found the tradition of Amir Pir Mela. He liked its climate and stayed there for many days. Like his father, he also realized that the assemblage of the Ismailis once a year would solve their social and religious problems, therefore, he is said to have told to continue the fair as usual and enter into matrimonial and business relations with one another.

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In 1853, he built his residence lying behind the present Jamatkhana on hilltop. Its marble plate reads: “H.R.H. The Aga Khan II Aga Aly Shah Palace, 1853.”

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The Ismailis of lower Sind and Karachi visited the place for change of climate and it was a kind of get-to-gather assembly, but few among them visited the cave. The residence of Imam Aga Ali Shah was later renovated in 1984 and 1996.