Soomra Dynasty
Encyclopedia
The Sumra dynasty (also written Soomra dynasty or Soomro Dynasty) was established by Rajput
Soomro tribe of Sindh
. They were the first Emir
s and ruled Sindh from their vibrant capital Mansura. Mansura was the largest and most wealthiest inhabited city of its time. According to Colonel Walker Yaduvanshi Ahirs claim descent from Soomra dynasty.
The Sumra ruled Sindh
from 1026-1351. Their first ruler is named Khafif The dynasty had both Arab
and local Sindhi heritage. However the overwhelming majority of the Soomro
are Sunni.
The Sumra shifted their capital to Tharri
, nearly 14 km eastwards of Matli
on the Puran
. Puran was later abandoned due to changes in the course of Puran river. Then Thatta
was the capital for about 95 years until the end of their rule in 1351 AD. Khudabadi Sindhi Swarankar
Community and other Hindu
s who had not converted to Islam
under the Samma
moved from Sindh
to Vegh Kot and Lakhpat
(Kutch) around 1028 AD, to avoid sectarian violence and live under a Hindu
ruler. During this period, Kutch was ruled by the Samma Dynasty, who enjoyed good relations with the Sumras in Sindh. Today the Soomro clan is settled in large parts of Sindh
and southern Punjab
.
The Sumra is a Muslim community of Gujarat named after Samara, a place in Iran
, where their ancestor, a Hindu convert, Mohamed Haneef Ali had settled. They had converted from the Parmar Rajputs of Mallani and Rajaputana communities. They had migrated to Kutch and then to Saureshtra in Sindh. Stories of their migration are recalled in their folk lore and oral traditions.
They speak Kutchi and Gujrati
. Traditionally they were warriors but at present they are involved in business, agriculture, government and private service.
came during the reign of Soomra Dynasty from 1011 AD and onwards, whereas in Europe
renaissance came first in Italy
during 1340-1540 AD.
In 1011 AD, the first Soomra
King Sardar Khafif Soomro conquered Sindh
after utterly defeating the last Arab
ruler of Ali bin Umar of Habbari dynasty
. King Khafif Soomro and his successor kings Soomar, Bhoongar and Dodo-1, established their rule from the shores of the Arabian Sea
to Multan
, Bahawalpur
, Sadiqabad
and Uch
in the north and in the east to Rajistan and in the west to Balochistan
.
The Renaissance started from 1092 AD when Princess Zainab Tari Soomro
became the sovereign Queen of Sindh
. As a first step, attention was paid to Sindhi language
, which had remained dominated by Arabic during the last three centuries. Not only reforms were made in promoting Sindhi language
for good governance, but fast progress was made in Arts and Crafts, Architecture, Agriculture and music, both instrumental and vocal. Sports like horse and camel races, wrestling known “Mulluh” and other marshal sports were patronized.
had a poetic
start, so in Sindh
also, the Minstrels and Bards made great strides in Sindhi
Folk poetry. They composed their poetry
around popular myths, folk tales, historical events and romances
. A minstrel
named SUMANG CHARAN stands prominent among all other minstrels and bards of the early period.
In this period, “Doha (couplets)”, “Gaha”, “Geech (marriage songs)” “Gaya (songs of Soomra
women)”, forms of Sindhi poetry
developed as a part of dramatic narration. Later on new dimensions were brought to Sindhi poetry
, after the battle of Dodo Chanesar, the Soomra
kings with the armies of Sultan Allauddin of Dehli, in 1313 AD near the city of “Thaar Banghar” which gave rise to Epic form of poetry
in Sindh
.
A minstrel
named Bhagu Bhan, also a court poet of Soomra
Kings, was renowned as composer and singer of Epic poetry
. He was an expert in playing local musical instruments, especially “Surando”. This instrument could be called the violin
of the East.
There were other master musicians and singers as Chand Fakir, Bahiro Mangto, Lado Bhag and many others from Charans, Mangtas and Manganhars tribes. From the women poets, Mai Markha Shaikh was a remarkable poet of that time. They all played their part towards poetical progress in Sindhi literature
during the rule of Soomra Dynasty in Sindh
.
The great historical dramatic romances
that took place in the reign of the last few Soomra
kings were Lila Chanesar
, Umar Marvi
and Momal Rano
. Earlier than this, the love tales of Sassi Punnun
, Sohni Mahiwal
and Sorath-Raidiach were narrated in melodious poetry by minstrels and bards in public musical evenings patronized by the Soomra Kings.
Centuries afterwards, the tales of these historic romances became the subject matter of Sufistic poetry by the famous Sufi poet of Sindh
, Hazrat Shah Abdul Latif Bhita'i, who immortalized these tales. He transformed these tales into different Surs i.e. musical composition with classical norms. Since then great Sindhi
, master musicians and singers keep singing these soulful melodies even in this 21st.
http://sumrafamily.blogspot.com/
were also the sons of desert. Arabs were nomad tribes of the Arabian desert
which comprised vast areas of huge sand dunes, dry hills and rugged mountains with no rivers of sweet water flowing anywhere. Scattered oasis and wells were the only source of water for them. Similarly, Soomras were also the desert people of Thar Desert
of Sindh
, but they had the advantage of the waters of the mighty River Indus
which then flowed along the western ridge of the Thar Desert.
The Arabs and the Soomras had the temperament of desert people and were great warriors.
The Arabs conquered Sindh in 711–712 AD from Hindu
Rajas and established the rule of Sharia of Islam
, throughout Sindh. A vast majority of Sindhis who were idol worshippers, embraced Islam
and those who chose to follow the religion of their forefathers, were allowed to do so but according to Sharia
, they had to pay Jazia which was a tax for their protection etc.
Many Rajput
clans who became Muslims, intermarried their sons and daughters in Arab families. The women of these families, along with their Muslim names, called their children with local Sindhi
names also.
The Arabs ruled Sindh from 711 AD to 1011 AD, albeit a much smaller area than today's Sindh province of Pakistan. Their rule was well established. They had built their capital city and named it Mansoora. They built mosques, Madarsas, Qazi Court for rendering justice, Army Garrisons, roads and Caravanserais etc. They built sea ports and improved agricultural system. The foreign and local trades flourished.
However gradually their hold on Sindh became weaker and weaker due to the constant invasions of Hindu tribes to get rid of the Arabs and stop the flow of grains, cattle and other commodities to Arabia.
Ultimately Sardar Khafif Soomro, a great Muslim Rajput warrior, took over Sindh by defeating the last Habari Arab ruler son of Ali bin Umar in 1011 AD and became the first king of Soomra Dynasty of Sindh.
Most of the system of government already established by Arabs remained intact except that the Soomra kings had realised that the people of other religions i.e. Hindus, Budhists
, Jains
and the people of other cults needed relaxation as minorities. Sindhi was re-instated as the national language as Arabic language favored the Arabs in every field of life. The decisions of Panchaits (system of justice) and similarly the decisions taken by Jirga
s of Muslim tribes were respected and accepted.
These efforts brought peace and tranquility among the populace.
For the women, it was their golden period as they enjoyed all the rights under Islamic Sharia
and were revered as mothers, daughters, sisters and housewives. The women of the Royal families were educated especially in Arabic, Sindhi
and in local dialects. They were trained to rule and fight in wars to defend their Country. Even the common women were sturdy and brave, helped the warriors in the battle and treated the wounded. They excelled in Arts and Crafts. The government protected their property, trade and merchandise. They were bestowed with the highest honours when we find that the Princess Zainab Tari
was made the first ever Muslim Queen of Soomra Dynasty of Sindh, when her father King Asamuddin Daula Dodo-I retired from kingship to live a pious peaceful life.
Queen Zainab Tari Soomro
ruled Sindh wisely and bravely as an independent sovereign queen for 10 years without any interruption. In the subsequent period also, there were Soomra queens who held the reins of the kingdom for short periods and they ruled with the assistance of their kinsmen and the council Ministers.
The Sindhi
women were undaunted, brave and patriotic. They maintained their high moral standards. They stood side by side with men in every walk of life and never shrank from their duties and sacrificed their lives for their families and their Country.
Since those times, Sindhi
women have never enjoyed such freedom, power and reverence under the rule of any subsequent ruling Dynasty of Sindh, even up to this most civilised 21st century they do not have the absolute independent equality with men in Sindh and elsewhere in the Islamic World.
In the history of Sindh, the period of the Islamic Kingdom of Soomra Dynasty, was, therefore the golden period for the women of Sindh.
Sardar Khan Dodo Bin Khafef Soomro III
was a great warrior in the history of the Malikate of Sindh
Muslims. They are very old Feudals
. They are found throughout Sindh
and are the Princes of Peace, a title given to them by the British.
Soomra are well-known all over Pakistan
, as it is a large Sindhi
Wadera tribe.
, involved in the Politics
, at both Central and Provincial Level, after the Bhutto
family.
Umer Soomro, President, Soomra National Council - Pakistan, Karachi
Rajput
A Rajput is a member of one of the patrilineal clans of western, central, northern India and in some parts of Pakistan. Rajputs are descendants of one of the major ruling warrior classes in the Indian subcontinent, particularly North India...
Soomro tribe of Sindh
Sindh
Sindh historically referred to as Ba'ab-ul-Islam , is one of the four provinces of Pakistan and historically is home to the Sindhi people. It is also locally known as the "Mehran". Though Muslims form the largest religious group in Sindh, a good number of Christians, Zoroastrians and Hindus can...
. They were the first Emir
Emir
Emir , meaning "commander", "general", or "prince"; also transliterated as Amir, Aamir or Ameer) is a title of high office, used throughout the Muslim world...
s and ruled Sindh from their vibrant capital Mansura. Mansura was the largest and most wealthiest inhabited city of its time. According to Colonel Walker Yaduvanshi Ahirs claim descent from Soomra dynasty.
The Sumra ruled Sindh
Sindh
Sindh historically referred to as Ba'ab-ul-Islam , is one of the four provinces of Pakistan and historically is home to the Sindhi people. It is also locally known as the "Mehran". Though Muslims form the largest religious group in Sindh, a good number of Christians, Zoroastrians and Hindus can...
from 1026-1351. Their first ruler is named Khafif The dynasty had both Arab
Arab
Arab people, also known as Arabs , are a panethnicity primarily living in the Arab world, which is located in Western Asia and North Africa. They are identified as such on one or more of genealogical, linguistic, or cultural grounds, with tribal affiliations, and intra-tribal relationships playing...
and local Sindhi heritage. However the overwhelming majority of the Soomro
Soomro
Soomro or Soomra is a Sindhi tribe in Sindh, Punjab and Balochistan, Pakistan.- History and origin :The Soomra Dynasty was established by the Soomro tribe of Sindh. The Soomra ruled Sindh from 750-1351. Following the 985 CE expulsion of the Qarmatian Muslim sect from Iraq and Egypt, the...
are Sunni.
The Sumra shifted their capital to Tharri
Tharri
Tharri is a town in the Larkana District in Sindh, Pakistan. The city is well connected with the other large cities like Karachi, the provincial capital and Larkana. The city is located at 26°57'10N 67°38'30E with an altitude of 24 metres ....
, nearly 14 km eastwards of Matli
Matli
Matli is the largest taluka of Badin District in the Sindh province of Pakistan, it is administratively subdivided into 12 Union Councils....
on the Puran
Puran
Puran Puran Tehsil is a sub-division and tehsil of Shangla District in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan....
. Puran was later abandoned due to changes in the course of Puran river. Then Thatta
Thatta
Thatta is a historic town of 220,000 inhabitants in the Sindh province of Pakistan, near Lake Keenjhar, the largest freshwater lake in the country. Thatta's major monuments especially its necropolis at Makli are listed among the World Heritage Sites. The Shah Jahan Mosque is also listed...
was the capital for about 95 years until the end of their rule in 1351 AD. Khudabadi Sindhi Swarankar
Khudabadi Sindhi Swarankar
The Khudabadi Sindhi Swarankar is a Kshatriya Hindu cultural group of India, historically associated with the city of Khudabad as well as city of Hyderabad of Sindh region of modern Pakistan prior to the Partition of India...
Community and other Hindu
Hindu
Hindu refers to an identity associated with the philosophical, religious and cultural systems that are indigenous to the Indian subcontinent. As used in the Constitution of India, the word "Hindu" is also attributed to all persons professing any Indian religion...
s who had not converted to Islam
Islam
Islam . The most common are and . : Arabic pronunciation varies regionally. The first vowel ranges from ~~. The second vowel ranges from ~~~...
under the Samma
Samma
The Samma Dynasty ruled in Sindh and parts of Punjab and Balochistan from 1335-1520 AD, with their capital at Thatta in modern Pakistan before being replaced by the Arghun Dynasty. The Samma dynasty has left its mark in Sindh with magnificent structures including the necropolis of kings and...
moved from Sindh
Sindh
Sindh historically referred to as Ba'ab-ul-Islam , is one of the four provinces of Pakistan and historically is home to the Sindhi people. It is also locally known as the "Mehran". Though Muslims form the largest religious group in Sindh, a good number of Christians, Zoroastrians and Hindus can...
to Vegh Kot and Lakhpat
Lakhpat
Lakhpat fort town is a small town in Kachchh district of Gujarat, India within the fort walls of the 18th-century Lakhpat fort. The literal meaning of Lakhpat is the city of millionaire, however today it is sparsely populated Ghost town, a city of ruins of buildings and a magnificent fort...
(Kutch) around 1028 AD, to avoid sectarian violence and live under a Hindu
Hindu
Hindu refers to an identity associated with the philosophical, religious and cultural systems that are indigenous to the Indian subcontinent. As used in the Constitution of India, the word "Hindu" is also attributed to all persons professing any Indian religion...
ruler. During this period, Kutch was ruled by the Samma Dynasty, who enjoyed good relations with the Sumras in Sindh. Today the Soomro clan is settled in large parts of Sindh
Sindh
Sindh historically referred to as Ba'ab-ul-Islam , is one of the four provinces of Pakistan and historically is home to the Sindhi people. It is also locally known as the "Mehran". Though Muslims form the largest religious group in Sindh, a good number of Christians, Zoroastrians and Hindus can...
and southern Punjab
Punjab (Pakistan)
Punjab is the most populous province of Pakistan, with approximately 45% of the country's total population. Forming most of the Punjab region, the province is bordered by Kashmir to the north-east, the Indian states of Punjab and Rajasthan to the east, the Pakistani province of Sindh to the...
.
The Sumra is a Muslim community of Gujarat named after Samara, a place in Iran
Iran
Iran , officially the Islamic Republic of Iran , is a country in Southern and Western Asia. The name "Iran" has been in use natively since the Sassanian era and came into use internationally in 1935, before which the country was known to the Western world as Persia...
, where their ancestor, a Hindu convert, Mohamed Haneef Ali had settled. They had converted from the Parmar Rajputs of Mallani and Rajaputana communities. They had migrated to Kutch and then to Saureshtra in Sindh. Stories of their migration are recalled in their folk lore and oral traditions.
They speak Kutchi and Gujrati
Gujarati language
Gujarati is an Indo-Aryan language, and part of the greater Indo-European language family. It is derived from a language called Old Gujarati which is the ancestor language of the modern Gujarati and Rajasthani languages...
. Traditionally they were warriors but at present they are involved in business, agriculture, government and private service.
Renaissance
Renaissance in SindhSindh
Sindh historically referred to as Ba'ab-ul-Islam , is one of the four provinces of Pakistan and historically is home to the Sindhi people. It is also locally known as the "Mehran". Though Muslims form the largest religious group in Sindh, a good number of Christians, Zoroastrians and Hindus can...
came during the reign of Soomra Dynasty from 1011 AD and onwards, whereas in Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
renaissance came first in Italy
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
during 1340-1540 AD.
In 1011 AD, the first Soomra
Soomro
Soomro or Soomra is a Sindhi tribe in Sindh, Punjab and Balochistan, Pakistan.- History and origin :The Soomra Dynasty was established by the Soomro tribe of Sindh. The Soomra ruled Sindh from 750-1351. Following the 985 CE expulsion of the Qarmatian Muslim sect from Iraq and Egypt, the...
King Sardar Khafif Soomro conquered Sindh
Sindh
Sindh historically referred to as Ba'ab-ul-Islam , is one of the four provinces of Pakistan and historically is home to the Sindhi people. It is also locally known as the "Mehran". Though Muslims form the largest religious group in Sindh, a good number of Christians, Zoroastrians and Hindus can...
after utterly defeating the last Arab
Arab
Arab people, also known as Arabs , are a panethnicity primarily living in the Arab world, which is located in Western Asia and North Africa. They are identified as such on one or more of genealogical, linguistic, or cultural grounds, with tribal affiliations, and intra-tribal relationships playing...
ruler of Ali bin Umar of Habbari dynasty
Habbari dynasty
The Habbari dynasty ruled Sindh from 841 to 1024 C.E. Sindh was a province of Abbasid Caliphate. During the struggle for dominance of the Islamic world between the Abassid and Fatimid Caliphate, Sindh became semi-independent under the Arab ruler Aziz al-Habbari in 841 CE, though nominally remaining...
. King Khafif Soomro and his successor kings Soomar, Bhoongar and Dodo-1, established their rule from the shores of the Arabian Sea
Arabian Sea
The Arabian Sea is a region of the Indian Ocean bounded on the east by India, on the north by Pakistan and Iran, on the west by the Arabian Peninsula, on the south, approximately, by a line between Cape Guardafui in northeastern Somalia and Kanyakumari in India...
to Multan
Multan
Multan , is a city in the Punjab Province of Pakistan and capital of Multan District. It is located in the southern part of the province on the east bank of the Chenab River, more or less in the geographic centre of the country and about from Islamabad, from Lahore and from Karachi...
, Bahawalpur
Bahawalpur
Bahawalpur , located in the province of Punjab, is the twelfth largest city in Pakistan. The city was once the capital of the former princely state of Bahawalpur. The city was home to various Nawabs and counted as part of the Rajputana states...
, Sadiqabad
Sadiqabad
Sadiqabad or Sadiq Abad or Sadik Abad or Sadikabad is a city in Punjab, Pakistan. Sadiqabad is also the administrative centre of Sadiqabad Tehsil, which is a sub-division of Rahim Yar Khan District....
and Uch
Uch
Uch or Uch Sharif ) is located in 75 km from Bahawalpur in Bahawalpur District, South Punjab, Pakistan Uch is an important historical city, being founded by Alexander the Great. Formerly located at the confluence of the Indus and Chenab rivers, it is now removed to Mithankot, some 100 km...
in the north and in the east to Rajistan and in the west to Balochistan
Balochistan (region)
Balochistan or Baluchistan is an arid, mountainous region in the Iranian plateau in Southwest Asia; it includes part of southeastern Iran, western Pakistan, and southwestern Afghanistan. The area is named after the numerous Baloch tribes, Iranian peoples who moved into the area from the west...
.
The Renaissance started from 1092 AD when Princess Zainab Tari Soomro
Zainab Tari
Zainab Tari Soomro ruled as the Queen of Sindh for ten years from 1092 AD. She was the only queen who have ever ruled Sindh as an absolute ruler.-History:...
became the sovereign Queen of Sindh
Sindh
Sindh historically referred to as Ba'ab-ul-Islam , is one of the four provinces of Pakistan and historically is home to the Sindhi people. It is also locally known as the "Mehran". Though Muslims form the largest religious group in Sindh, a good number of Christians, Zoroastrians and Hindus can...
. As a first step, attention was paid to Sindhi language
Sindhi language
Sindhi is the language of the Sindh region of Pakistan that is spoken by the Sindhi people. In India, it is among 22 constitutionally recognized languages, where Sindhis are a sizeable minority. It is spoken by 53,410,910 people in Pakistan, according to the national government's Statistics Division...
, which had remained dominated by Arabic during the last three centuries. Not only reforms were made in promoting Sindhi language
Sindhi language
Sindhi is the language of the Sindh region of Pakistan that is spoken by the Sindhi people. In India, it is among 22 constitutionally recognized languages, where Sindhis are a sizeable minority. It is spoken by 53,410,910 people in Pakistan, according to the national government's Statistics Division...
for good governance, but fast progress was made in Arts and Crafts, Architecture, Agriculture and music, both instrumental and vocal. Sports like horse and camel races, wrestling known “Mulluh” and other marshal sports were patronized.
Language and literature
As everywhere in the world, the literatureLiterature
Literature is the art of written works, and is not bound to published sources...
had a poetic
Poetic
Poetic may refer to:* Poetry, or a relation thereof.* Too Poetic, a deceased rapper and hip hop producer....
start, so in Sindh
Sindh
Sindh historically referred to as Ba'ab-ul-Islam , is one of the four provinces of Pakistan and historically is home to the Sindhi people. It is also locally known as the "Mehran". Though Muslims form the largest religious group in Sindh, a good number of Christians, Zoroastrians and Hindus can...
also, the Minstrels and Bards made great strides in Sindhi
Sindhi people
Sindhis are a Sindhi speaking socio-ethnic group of people originating from Sindh, a province Formerly of British India, now in Pakistan. Today Sindhis that live in Pakistan belong to various religious denominations including Islam, Zoroastrianism, Hinduism, Sikhism and Christianity...
Folk poetry. They composed their poetry
Poetry
Poetry is a form of literary art in which language is used for its aesthetic and evocative qualities in addition to, or in lieu of, its apparent meaning...
around popular myths, folk tales, historical events and romances
Romances
Romances is the fifteenth studio album by Mexican singer Luis Miguel, released on August 12, 1997, by Warner Music Latina. It is the third album of the Romance series, in which Miguel covers Latin songs from 1940 to 1978...
. A minstrel
Minstrel
A minstrel was a medieval European bard who performed songs whose lyrics told stories of distant places or of existing or imaginary historical events. Although minstrels created their own tales, often they would memorize and embellish the works of others. Frequently they were retained by royalty...
named SUMANG CHARAN stands prominent among all other minstrels and bards of the early period.
In this period, “Doha (couplets)”, “Gaha”, “Geech (marriage songs)” “Gaya (songs of Soomra
Soomro
Soomro or Soomra is a Sindhi tribe in Sindh, Punjab and Balochistan, Pakistan.- History and origin :The Soomra Dynasty was established by the Soomro tribe of Sindh. The Soomra ruled Sindh from 750-1351. Following the 985 CE expulsion of the Qarmatian Muslim sect from Iraq and Egypt, the...
women)”, forms of Sindhi poetry
Sindhi poetry
Sindhi language poetry continues an oral tradition of a thousand years. The verbal verses were based on folk stories. Sindhi is one of the oldest languages of the Indus Valley having own literary colour both in poetry and prose. Sindhi poetry is very rich in thoughts as well as contain variety of...
developed as a part of dramatic narration. Later on new dimensions were brought to Sindhi poetry
Sindhi poetry
Sindhi language poetry continues an oral tradition of a thousand years. The verbal verses were based on folk stories. Sindhi is one of the oldest languages of the Indus Valley having own literary colour both in poetry and prose. Sindhi poetry is very rich in thoughts as well as contain variety of...
, after the battle of Dodo Chanesar, the Soomra
Soomro
Soomro or Soomra is a Sindhi tribe in Sindh, Punjab and Balochistan, Pakistan.- History and origin :The Soomra Dynasty was established by the Soomro tribe of Sindh. The Soomra ruled Sindh from 750-1351. Following the 985 CE expulsion of the Qarmatian Muslim sect from Iraq and Egypt, the...
kings with the armies of Sultan Allauddin of Dehli, in 1313 AD near the city of “Thaar Banghar” which gave rise to Epic form of poetry
Epic poetry
An epic is a lengthy narrative poem, ordinarily concerning a serious subject containing details of heroic deeds and events significant to a culture or nation. Oral poetry may qualify as an epic, and Albert Lord and Milman Parry have argued that classical epics were fundamentally an oral poetic form...
in Sindh
Sindh
Sindh historically referred to as Ba'ab-ul-Islam , is one of the four provinces of Pakistan and historically is home to the Sindhi people. It is also locally known as the "Mehran". Though Muslims form the largest religious group in Sindh, a good number of Christians, Zoroastrians and Hindus can...
.
A minstrel
Minstrel
A minstrel was a medieval European bard who performed songs whose lyrics told stories of distant places or of existing or imaginary historical events. Although minstrels created their own tales, often they would memorize and embellish the works of others. Frequently they were retained by royalty...
named Bhagu Bhan, also a court poet of Soomra
Soomro
Soomro or Soomra is a Sindhi tribe in Sindh, Punjab and Balochistan, Pakistan.- History and origin :The Soomra Dynasty was established by the Soomro tribe of Sindh. The Soomra ruled Sindh from 750-1351. Following the 985 CE expulsion of the Qarmatian Muslim sect from Iraq and Egypt, the...
Kings, was renowned as composer and singer of Epic poetry
Epic poetry
An epic is a lengthy narrative poem, ordinarily concerning a serious subject containing details of heroic deeds and events significant to a culture or nation. Oral poetry may qualify as an epic, and Albert Lord and Milman Parry have argued that classical epics were fundamentally an oral poetic form...
. He was an expert in playing local musical instruments, especially “Surando”. This instrument could be called the violin
Violin
The violin is a string instrument, usually with four strings tuned in perfect fifths. It is the smallest, highest-pitched member of the violin family of string instruments, which includes the viola and cello....
of the East.
There were other master musicians and singers as Chand Fakir, Bahiro Mangto, Lado Bhag and many others from Charans, Mangtas and Manganhars tribes. From the women poets, Mai Markha Shaikh was a remarkable poet of that time. They all played their part towards poetical progress in Sindhi literature
Sindhi literature
Sindhi literature is very rich and is generally considered to be among the world's oldest. Its writers have contributed extensively in various forms of literature both in poetry and prose.- Sufi literature and poetry :...
during the rule of Soomra Dynasty in Sindh
Sindh
Sindh historically referred to as Ba'ab-ul-Islam , is one of the four provinces of Pakistan and historically is home to the Sindhi people. It is also locally known as the "Mehran". Though Muslims form the largest religious group in Sindh, a good number of Christians, Zoroastrians and Hindus can...
.
The great historical dramatic romances
Romances
Romances is the fifteenth studio album by Mexican singer Luis Miguel, released on August 12, 1997, by Warner Music Latina. It is the third album of the Romance series, in which Miguel covers Latin songs from 1940 to 1978...
that took place in the reign of the last few Soomra
Soomro
Soomro or Soomra is a Sindhi tribe in Sindh, Punjab and Balochistan, Pakistan.- History and origin :The Soomra Dynasty was established by the Soomro tribe of Sindh. The Soomra ruled Sindh from 750-1351. Following the 985 CE expulsion of the Qarmatian Muslim sect from Iraq and Egypt, the...
kings were Lila Chanesar
LiLa Chanesar
-Introduction:Lilan Chanesar, is included in seven popular tragic romances from Sindh and Baluchistan. The other six are Momal Rano, Umar Marvi, Sohni Mahiwal, Noori Jam Tamachi, Sassi Punnun and Dhaj, Ror Kumar commonly known as Seven Queens of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai...
, Umar Marvi
Umar Marvi
Umar Marvi or Marui is a Sindh love story that appears in Shah Jo Risalo. It is a love story set in Sindh, Pakistan. Umar Marui is included in seven popular tragic romances from Sindh and Baluchistan...
and Momal Rano
Momal Rano
Momal Rano is one of the historical romantic tale from Pakistan. It is included in seven popular tragic romances from Sindh and Baluchistan. The other six are Umar Marvi, Sohni Mahiwal, LiLa Chanesar, Noori Jam Tamachi, Sassi Punnun and Dhaj, Ror Kumar commonly known as Seven Queens of Shah Abdul...
. Earlier than this, the love tales of Sassi Punnun
Sassi Punnun
Sassi Punnun ; is one of the seven popular tragic romances from Sindh and Baluchistan. The other six are Umar Marui, Sohni Mehar, Lila Chanesar, Noori Jam Tamachi, Momal Rano and Dhaj, Ror Kumar commonly known as Seven Queens of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai...
, Sohni Mahiwal
Sohni Mahiwal
Sohni Mahiwal and is included in seven popular tragic romances from Sindh and Baluchistan. The other six are Momal Rano, Umar Marvi, LiLa Chanesar, Noori Jam Tamachi, Sassi Punnun and Dhaj, Ror Kumar commonly known as Seven Queens of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai...
and Sorath-Raidiach were narrated in melodious poetry by minstrels and bards in public musical evenings patronized by the Soomra Kings.
Centuries afterwards, the tales of these historic romances became the subject matter of Sufistic poetry by the famous Sufi poet of Sindh
Sindh
Sindh historically referred to as Ba'ab-ul-Islam , is one of the four provinces of Pakistan and historically is home to the Sindhi people. It is also locally known as the "Mehran". Though Muslims form the largest religious group in Sindh, a good number of Christians, Zoroastrians and Hindus can...
, Hazrat Shah Abdul Latif Bhita'i, who immortalized these tales. He transformed these tales into different Surs i.e. musical composition with classical norms. Since then great Sindhi
Sindhi people
Sindhis are a Sindhi speaking socio-ethnic group of people originating from Sindh, a province Formerly of British India, now in Pakistan. Today Sindhis that live in Pakistan belong to various religious denominations including Islam, Zoroastrianism, Hinduism, Sikhism and Christianity...
, master musicians and singers keep singing these soulful melodies even in this 21st.
http://sumrafamily.blogspot.com/
Golden period of Sindhi women
Like Arabs, SoomrasSoomro
Soomro or Soomra is a Sindhi tribe in Sindh, Punjab and Balochistan, Pakistan.- History and origin :The Soomra Dynasty was established by the Soomro tribe of Sindh. The Soomra ruled Sindh from 750-1351. Following the 985 CE expulsion of the Qarmatian Muslim sect from Iraq and Egypt, the...
were also the sons of desert. Arabs were nomad tribes of the Arabian desert
Arabian Desert
The Arabian Desert is a vast desert wilderness stretching from Yemen to the Persian Gulf and Oman to Jordan and Iraq. It occupies most of the Arabian Peninsula, with an area of...
which comprised vast areas of huge sand dunes, dry hills and rugged mountains with no rivers of sweet water flowing anywhere. Scattered oasis and wells were the only source of water for them. Similarly, Soomras were also the desert people of Thar Desert
Thar Desert
The Thar Desert |Punjab]] province. The Cholistan Desert adjoins the Thar desert spreading into Pakistani Punjab province.-Location and description:...
of Sindh
Sindh
Sindh historically referred to as Ba'ab-ul-Islam , is one of the four provinces of Pakistan and historically is home to the Sindhi people. It is also locally known as the "Mehran". Though Muslims form the largest religious group in Sindh, a good number of Christians, Zoroastrians and Hindus can...
, but they had the advantage of the waters of the mighty River Indus
Indus River
The Indus River is a major river which flows through Pakistan. It also has courses through China and India.Originating in the Tibetan plateau of western China in the vicinity of Lake Mansarovar in Tibet Autonomous Region, the river runs a course through the Ladakh district of Jammu and Kashmir and...
which then flowed along the western ridge of the Thar Desert.
The Arabs and the Soomras had the temperament of desert people and were great warriors.
The Arabs conquered Sindh in 711–712 AD from Hindu
Hindu
Hindu refers to an identity associated with the philosophical, religious and cultural systems that are indigenous to the Indian subcontinent. As used in the Constitution of India, the word "Hindu" is also attributed to all persons professing any Indian religion...
Rajas and established the rule of Sharia of Islam
Sharia
Sharia law, is the moral code and religious law of Islam. Sharia is derived from two primary sources of Islamic law: the precepts set forth in the Quran, and the example set by the Islamic prophet Muhammad in the Sunnah. Fiqh jurisprudence interprets and extends the application of sharia to...
, throughout Sindh. A vast majority of Sindhis who were idol worshippers, embraced Islam
Islam
Islam . The most common are and . : Arabic pronunciation varies regionally. The first vowel ranges from ~~. The second vowel ranges from ~~~...
and those who chose to follow the religion of their forefathers, were allowed to do so but according to Sharia
Sharia
Sharia law, is the moral code and religious law of Islam. Sharia is derived from two primary sources of Islamic law: the precepts set forth in the Quran, and the example set by the Islamic prophet Muhammad in the Sunnah. Fiqh jurisprudence interprets and extends the application of sharia to...
, they had to pay Jazia which was a tax for their protection etc.
Many Rajput
Rajput
A Rajput is a member of one of the patrilineal clans of western, central, northern India and in some parts of Pakistan. Rajputs are descendants of one of the major ruling warrior classes in the Indian subcontinent, particularly North India...
clans who became Muslims, intermarried their sons and daughters in Arab families. The women of these families, along with their Muslim names, called their children with local Sindhi
Sindhi people
Sindhis are a Sindhi speaking socio-ethnic group of people originating from Sindh, a province Formerly of British India, now in Pakistan. Today Sindhis that live in Pakistan belong to various religious denominations including Islam, Zoroastrianism, Hinduism, Sikhism and Christianity...
names also.
The Arabs ruled Sindh from 711 AD to 1011 AD, albeit a much smaller area than today's Sindh province of Pakistan. Their rule was well established. They had built their capital city and named it Mansoora. They built mosques, Madarsas, Qazi Court for rendering justice, Army Garrisons, roads and Caravanserais etc. They built sea ports and improved agricultural system. The foreign and local trades flourished.
However gradually their hold on Sindh became weaker and weaker due to the constant invasions of Hindu tribes to get rid of the Arabs and stop the flow of grains, cattle and other commodities to Arabia.
Ultimately Sardar Khafif Soomro, a great Muslim Rajput warrior, took over Sindh by defeating the last Habari Arab ruler son of Ali bin Umar in 1011 AD and became the first king of Soomra Dynasty of Sindh.
Most of the system of government already established by Arabs remained intact except that the Soomra kings had realised that the people of other religions i.e. Hindus, Budhists
Buddhism
Buddhism is a religion and philosophy encompassing a variety of traditions, beliefs and practices, largely based on teachings attributed to Siddhartha Gautama, commonly known as the Buddha . The Buddha lived and taught in the northeastern Indian subcontinent some time between the 6th and 4th...
, Jains
Jainism
Jainism is an Indian religion that prescribes a path of non-violence towards all living beings. Its philosophy and practice emphasize the necessity of self-effort to move the soul towards divine consciousness and liberation. Any soul that has conquered its own inner enemies and achieved the state...
and the people of other cults needed relaxation as minorities. Sindhi was re-instated as the national language as Arabic language favored the Arabs in every field of life. The decisions of Panchaits (system of justice) and similarly the decisions taken by Jirga
Jirga
A jirga is a tribal assembly of elders which takes decisions by consensus, particularly among the Pashtun people but also in other ethnic groups near them; they are most common in Afghanistan and among the Pashtuns in Pakistan near its border with Afghanistan...
s of Muslim tribes were respected and accepted.
These efforts brought peace and tranquility among the populace.
For the women, it was their golden period as they enjoyed all the rights under Islamic Sharia
Sharia
Sharia law, is the moral code and religious law of Islam. Sharia is derived from two primary sources of Islamic law: the precepts set forth in the Quran, and the example set by the Islamic prophet Muhammad in the Sunnah. Fiqh jurisprudence interprets and extends the application of sharia to...
and were revered as mothers, daughters, sisters and housewives. The women of the Royal families were educated especially in Arabic, Sindhi
Sindhi people
Sindhis are a Sindhi speaking socio-ethnic group of people originating from Sindh, a province Formerly of British India, now in Pakistan. Today Sindhis that live in Pakistan belong to various religious denominations including Islam, Zoroastrianism, Hinduism, Sikhism and Christianity...
and in local dialects. They were trained to rule and fight in wars to defend their Country. Even the common women were sturdy and brave, helped the warriors in the battle and treated the wounded. They excelled in Arts and Crafts. The government protected their property, trade and merchandise. They were bestowed with the highest honours when we find that the Princess Zainab Tari
Zainab Tari
Zainab Tari Soomro ruled as the Queen of Sindh for ten years from 1092 AD. She was the only queen who have ever ruled Sindh as an absolute ruler.-History:...
was made the first ever Muslim Queen of Soomra Dynasty of Sindh, when her father King Asamuddin Daula Dodo-I retired from kingship to live a pious peaceful life.
Queen Zainab Tari Soomro
Zainab Tari
Zainab Tari Soomro ruled as the Queen of Sindh for ten years from 1092 AD. She was the only queen who have ever ruled Sindh as an absolute ruler.-History:...
ruled Sindh wisely and bravely as an independent sovereign queen for 10 years without any interruption. In the subsequent period also, there were Soomra queens who held the reins of the kingdom for short periods and they ruled with the assistance of their kinsmen and the council Ministers.
The Sindhi
Sindhi people
Sindhis are a Sindhi speaking socio-ethnic group of people originating from Sindh, a province Formerly of British India, now in Pakistan. Today Sindhis that live in Pakistan belong to various religious denominations including Islam, Zoroastrianism, Hinduism, Sikhism and Christianity...
women were undaunted, brave and patriotic. They maintained their high moral standards. They stood side by side with men in every walk of life and never shrank from their duties and sacrificed their lives for their families and their Country.
Since those times, Sindhi
Sindhi people
Sindhis are a Sindhi speaking socio-ethnic group of people originating from Sindh, a province Formerly of British India, now in Pakistan. Today Sindhis that live in Pakistan belong to various religious denominations including Islam, Zoroastrianism, Hinduism, Sikhism and Christianity...
women have never enjoyed such freedom, power and reverence under the rule of any subsequent ruling Dynasty of Sindh, even up to this most civilised 21st century they do not have the absolute independent equality with men in Sindh and elsewhere in the Islamic World.
In the history of Sindh, the period of the Islamic Kingdom of Soomra Dynasty, was, therefore the golden period for the women of Sindh.
Warriors
Soomra were great warriors during and after their reign, they defeated and killed many of their enemies and other calumniators.Sardar Khan Dodo Bin Khafef Soomro III
Dodo Bin Khafef Soomro III
Dodo Bin Khafef Soomro III urdu دودو بن خفيف سومرو سوم: Dodo Soomro Was the famous ruler of Sindh.- History :It has been mentioned in a previous chapter that in the year 720 A.H. , Ghází Malak took the army of Sind and Multán to Dehlí, dethroned Khusró Khán the last of the Ghazní kings and...
was a great warrior in the history of the Malikate of Sindh
History of Sindh
Sindh is one of the provinces of Pakistan. Sindh was home to one of the world's oldest civilizations, the Indus Valley civilization.-Paleolithic and Mesolithic era:...
Soomro as a tribe (in modern era)
Soomro tribe is an important tribe amongst SindhiSindhi people
Sindhis are a Sindhi speaking socio-ethnic group of people originating from Sindh, a province Formerly of British India, now in Pakistan. Today Sindhis that live in Pakistan belong to various religious denominations including Islam, Zoroastrianism, Hinduism, Sikhism and Christianity...
Muslims. They are very old Feudals
Feudalism in Pakistan
The feudal archetype in Pakistan consists of landlords with large joint families possessing hundreds or even thousands of acres of land. They seldom make any direct contribution to agricultural production. Instead, all work is done by peasants or tenants who live at subsistence level...
. They are found throughout Sindh
Sindh
Sindh historically referred to as Ba'ab-ul-Islam , is one of the four provinces of Pakistan and historically is home to the Sindhi people. It is also locally known as the "Mehran". Though Muslims form the largest religious group in Sindh, a good number of Christians, Zoroastrians and Hindus can...
and are the Princes of Peace, a title given to them by the British.
Soomra are well-known all over Pakistan
Pakistan
Pakistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is a sovereign state in South Asia. It has a coastline along the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman in the south and is bordered by Afghanistan and Iran in the west, India in the east and China in the far northeast. In the north, Tajikistan...
, as it is a large Sindhi
Sindhi people
Sindhis are a Sindhi speaking socio-ethnic group of people originating from Sindh, a province Formerly of British India, now in Pakistan. Today Sindhis that live in Pakistan belong to various religious denominations including Islam, Zoroastrianism, Hinduism, Sikhism and Christianity...
Wadera tribe.
Political Status
Soomro family is the largest family in PakistanPakistan
Pakistan , officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan is a sovereign state in South Asia. It has a coastline along the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman in the south and is bordered by Afghanistan and Iran in the west, India in the east and China in the far northeast. In the north, Tajikistan...
, involved in the Politics
Political families of Pakistan
This is a partial listing of prominent political families of Pakistan.Royal families are not included, unless certain later descendants have played political roles in a republican structure.- Bhutto family :The members of Bhutto family in politics:...
, at both Central and Provincial Level, after the Bhutto
Bhutto
Bhutto is a Sindhi, Rajput tribe settled in Sindh, Pakistan.-Bhutto tribe:The Bhutto tribe is a Rajput tribe that has been settled in Sindh for over two centuries, occupying part of Balochistan in Kachhi, Sibi, Dera Murad Jamali, Bhag and Mithri, having migrated to Sindh from Jaiselmere in India...
family.
Notable Soomra
- Sardar Khan Dodo Bin Khafef Soomro IIIDodo Bin Khafef Soomro IIIDodo Bin Khafef Soomro III urdu دودو بن خفيف سومرو سوم: Dodo Soomro Was the famous ruler of Sindh.- History :It has been mentioned in a previous chapter that in the year 720 A.H. , Ghází Malak took the army of Sind and Multán to Dehlí, dethroned Khusró Khán the last of the Ghazní kings and...
- Allah Bux SoomroAllah Bux SoomroAllah Bux Muhammad Umar Soomro , or Allah Baksh Soomro, was a zamindar, government contractor, Indian independence activist and politician from the province of Sindh in British India. He is considered to be amongst the best premiers of the province...
, was elected as the Chief Minister of SindhChief Minister of SindhThe Chief Minister of Sindh is elected by the Provincial Assembly of Sindh to serve as the head of the provincial government in Sindh, Pakistan. The current Chief Minister is Qaim Ali Shah, who belongs to Pakistan Peoples Party...
, twice - Sardar Mohammad Usman Soomro, was M.L.A in 1937-45 from Thatta District
- Rahim Bux SoomroRahim Bux SoomroRahim Bux Soomro was a politician in Sindh, Pakistan. Rahim Bux Soomro was leader of the Soomro tribe and as the last surviving member of the 1946 Sindh assembly, the son of Allah Bux Soomro who was the first premier of Sindh after provincial autonomy was attained in 1935...
, Minister, Sindh - Elahi Bux SoomroElahi Bux SoomroElahi Bux Soomro or Illahi Bukhsh Soomro , is a Pakistani Senior Politician and legislator. He was the 16th Speaker of National Assembly of Pakistan. He is from the most influential political family of Sindh...
, Former Minister and Speaker, National Assembly of Pakistan - Mohammad Khan Soomro, Ex-MNA & MPA and Former Provincial Minister in 1970-77
- Mohammad Mian Soomro, Former Governor of SindhGovernor of SindhThe Governor of Sindh is the appointed Head of State of the provincial government in Sindh, Pakistan. The governor is designated by the Prime Minister and is normally regarded a ceremonial post...
and Chairman Senate of PakistanSenate of PakistanThe Senate of Pakistan is the upper house of the bicameral Parliament of Pakistan. Elections are held every three years for one half of the senate and each senator has a term of six years...
, - Dr. Abdul Wahid Soomro, MNA in 2008 from Thatta and Former Provincial Minister in 1996
- Mr. Justice Ghulam Nabi Soomro, Hon'ble Justice, High Court of Sindh, Presently Chairman of Sindh Services Tribunal
- Justice Muhammad Afzal Soomro, Chief Justice, High Court of Sindh
- Ayaz Soomro, Minister for Law, Sindh
- Jameel Ahmed Soomro, Minister, Sindh
- Dr Saeed Ahmed Soomro, Registrar University of Sindh, Oldest University of Sindh
- Fayaz Ahmed Soomro, Mechanical Engineer
- Mehfooz Ahmed Soomro, Chemical Engineer
- Kashif Saeed Soomro, Businessman and Intelectual
- Ghulam Farooq Soomro, Businessman, Electrical Engineer, and notable Lobbyist.
- Faisal Saeed Soomro, Electronics Engineer
- Shafqat Saeed Soomro, Banking and Finance Intelectual
- Muhammad Usman soomroMuhammad Usman SoomroMuhammad Usman Soomro. Ustad Muhammad Usman Soomro was son of Hadi Dino Soomro, born in Ranipur town District Khairpur Mirs Sindh in 1907. He remained as teacher and Head Master of Government High School Ranipur, Murad High SchoolGambat and Naz High School Khairpur. He died in 1946 at Gambat,...
educationists - Sardar Haji Abdul Karim Soomro, Chief of Soomro Tribe, Thatta District
- Sardar Sajjad Hussain Khan Soomro, Leader of Soomro Tribe, Soomro Itehad
- Muhammad Azam Soomro Electrical and Control Engineer
- Maj.Muhammad Tariq Soomro
- Sanaullah Soomro, PPP Leader District Thatta.
Umer Soomro, President, Soomra National Council - Pakistan, Karachi
- Shafqat Hussain Soomro, Proffessor of the college of MARI GAS Daharki Graduate from Quaid-e-Azam University & Agha khan University.
- Yasir Hussain Soomro, Professional Engineer Chemical at ODICO/ODECO KSA Graduate from Bahauddin Zakarya University.
Sources
- A History of Europe, by H.A.L. Fisher.
- Chronoligical dictionary of Sindh by M.H. Panhwar. 1983.
- An Illustrated Historical Atlas of Soomra Kingdom by M.H. Panhwar.
See also
- RajputRajputA Rajput is a member of one of the patrilineal clans of western, central, northern India and in some parts of Pakistan. Rajputs are descendants of one of the major ruling warrior classes in the Indian subcontinent, particularly North India...
s - History of RajputsHistory of RajputsThe Rajput are a ruling class of the Indian subcontinent and south east Asia. In the Hindustani language, those belonging to the Kshatriya Varna of Hindus are generally referred to as "Rajputs"...
- SoomroSoomroSoomro or Soomra is a Sindhi tribe in Sindh, Punjab and Balochistan, Pakistan.- History and origin :The Soomra Dynasty was established by the Soomro tribe of Sindh. The Soomra ruled Sindh from 750-1351. Following the 985 CE expulsion of the Qarmatian Muslim sect from Iraq and Egypt, the...
- Dodo Bin Khafef Soomro IIIDodo Bin Khafef Soomro IIIDodo Bin Khafef Soomro III urdu دودو بن خفيف سومرو سوم: Dodo Soomro Was the famous ruler of Sindh.- History :It has been mentioned in a previous chapter that in the year 720 A.H. , Ghází Malak took the army of Sind and Multán to Dehlí, dethroned Khusró Khán the last of the Ghazní kings and...
- Hazrat Pir Shamsuddin Sabzwari Multani
- The Soomras of Sindh: their origin, main characteristics and rule
- KhafifKhafifKhafif was the ruler of Mansurah in Sindh who was defeated by Mahmud Ghazni Khafif is also identified with Dodo .According to Ahmad Hasan Dani , Khafif was the founder of the Soomra Dynasty who ruled for 15 years from his new capital at Tharri in Matli Taluka .Scholars concur that Khafif was an...