British Military Camp North of Rohri City in 1846: A Historical Scene from Sindh

Points in Artical

In 1846, British forces established a major camp north of Rohri city in Sindh to counter Sikh threats during the First Anglo-Sikh War, as described by explorer Richard Francis Burton in his book Scinde or the Unhappy Valley.

The site, now overlaid by modern developments like the Sukkur Barrage road and industrial areas, hosted around 13,000 troops in a vast tent city, blending military precision with the Indus River's strategic landscape.

This event built on the 1843 British conquest of Sindh under Charles Napier, highlighting Rohri's role as a northern frontier hub; while the advance toward Multan was halted short of victory, it shaped colonial control in the region.

For students at Government High School Rohri, this history underscores local heritage, from ancient irrigation canals like Amarkhas Wah (built in the 1700s) to 20th-century landmarks like the 1938 cement factory.

Introduction

Northern Rohri – Site of the 1846 British Military Encampment

Rohri, an ancient and sacred city in Sindh, with a history spanning thousands of years, has often been a witness to historical events. Particularly during the British era, when the British seized control of Sindh, the Rohri region became a center for military operations. Following the conquest of Sindh in 1843, a large British military camp was established north of Rohri city in 1846 due to the threat from the Sikhs. This event is vividly described by the famous British officer and writer Richard Francis Burton in his book Scinde or the Unhappy Valley. This article, aimed especially at students of Government High School Rohri, illuminates this historical event while discussing the transformations in the region, such as the Umrak Canal, Newyard Colony, and the Cement Factory. Our goal is to help students connect with their city's history and learn factual insights.

Historical Background: British Conquest of Sindh

The British conquest of Sindh occurred in 1843 under the leadership of Sir Charles Napier, who defeated the Talpurs in the Battle of Miani. Napier's force, consisting of approximately 2,800 soldiers, spread across various parts of Sindh, including the Rohri area. Although the Battle of Miani took place near Hyderabad, after the victory, military detachments were established in other areas, such as Rohri. This region, located on the banks of the Indus River, was crucial for military supplies and patrols. In 1843, Napier's army also camped in the Rohri area, in the vicinity where modern day lands and constructions stand near the barrage road.

In 1846, when the Sikh army crossed the Sutlej River, the British government sensed the danger of war. The Governor of Sindh ordered the army to be stationed in a plain north of Rohri city. This plain, now the area from Newyard to the Cement Factory, was previously settled on the Umrak Canal with orchards and gardens. This region, irrigated by the Umrak Canal built during the time of Noor Mohammad Kalhoro, was ideal for a military camp.

Description in Burton's Book: Detailed Scene of the Military Camp

Richard Francis Burton, a renowned 19th-century British officer, novelist, and travel writer, provides a lively account of this military camp in his book Scinde or the Unhappy Valley, published in 1851. Burton writes: "In all Sindh, near Rohri, a large army camp was assembled due to the Sikh threat." The camp resembled "a town of glittering white tents, laid out in mathematical streets and squares."

The army numbered 13,000, including British and Asian (Indian) soldiers. Various regiments were present: engineers, artillery, cavalry, infantry, armed and semi-armed detachments, and 800 horsemen. Under the command of an experienced general, this fully armed force included a brigade of three regiments advancing toward Multan.

According to Burton, the camp's scene was "a most picturesque spectacle." Fourteen artillery soldiers patrolled, with separate posts for sentinels and patrols. The army was housed in gardens, some stationed on the Indus banks for patrols. Supply troops accompanied the force. Every night, the trumpet sounded "Strike your tents, and march away," creating a buzz: horses neighing, infantry chattering, camels roaring.

Burton notes in his personal observations that the camp was full of laughter, where even stumbling into a hole elicited loud laughter. However, due to the Governor-General's peaceful policy, the advance was halted, turning the return journey into a "dismal scene." The 600-mile retreat in the heat led to diseases like dysentery and ophthalmia, causing deaths among soldiers and animals.

Historical Transformations of the Region: Before and After

Before 1846, this area, settled on the Umrak Canal, was developed during the era of Noor Mohammad Kalhoro (1698–1755), who ruled as Subahdar of Sindh from 1719 to 1737 under the Mughals. The Kalhora dynasty, ruling Sindh in the 18th century, established an irrigation system through canals and rivers. The Umrak Canal, drawn from the Indus near Rohri, created orchards and settlements, making the area fertile.

During the British era, after 1890, Newyard Colony was constructed under British administration for landowners and officials. This colony, north of Rohri city, still exists today, where former gardens have been replaced by houses and roads. In 1938, the Associated Cement Companies established the Rohri Cement Factory, a symbol of Sindh's industrial progress. This factory, producing 200 tons of cement daily, significantly improved the local economy.

Today, this area, once a military camp, is filled with barrage roads, farmlands, constructions, Newyard Colony, the Cement Factory, and remnants of the Umrak Canal. The Sukkur Barrage, built in 1932, is also nearby, regulating the Indus waters.

Educational Significance: For Government High School Rohri

Students of Government High School Rohri, connected to their city's history, can learn from this event how history brings changes. The 1846 military camp, through Burton's descriptions, informs students about British colonial military life, the region's feudal past, and modern development. In school, discussions on this topic, marking on maps, or studying Burton's book can enhance historical awareness.

However, it should be remembered that British conquest imposed an unnecessary burden on Sindhi culture, leading later to independence movements. This history serves as a lesson from the past for students.

Conclusion

The British military camp north of Rohri in 1846 is not just a military event but an important chapter in Sindh's history. Through Burton's vivid descriptions, Napier's conquest, Kalhora canals, Newyard Colony, and the Cement Factory, this region bears witness to transformations. Rohri's students, by understanding this history, can gain better training for the future.

References:

• Burton, Richard Francis. Scinde or the Unhappy Valley (1851). Documentary PDF: Sani Panhwar.
• Wikipedia: British Conquest of Sindh.
• Wikipedia: Noor Mohammad Kalhoro.
• Rohri.net: Rohri Cement Factory History.
• Imdad Hussain Shah Rizvi Rohri

Northern Rohri Riverside, Historic British Military Outpost

Rohri Cement Factory Area – Site of the 1846 British Military Encampment

Post: Sayed Sajjad Hussain Musavi

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