The Role of Kotai Syeds in Maintaining Peace in Rohri During the Manzilgah Riots
In the lead-up to India's partition, communal tensions in Sindh province often boiled over into violence, disrupting centuries of coexistence between Hindus and Muslims. The Manzilgah riots of 1939-1940 stand out as a pivotal event, centered around a disputed mosque in Sukkur but spilling into nearby areas like Rohri. Amid this chaos, the Kotai Syeds a prominent family of Rizvi Syeds residing in a fortified settlement played a crucial role in preserving peace in Rohri. Their efforts, rooted in local influence and a commitment to harmony, helped avert further bloodshed. This article explores their historical background, the riots' context, their peacekeeping actions, and the recognition they received, offering insights into how community leaders can bridge divides in turbulent times.
The Historical Context of the Manzilgah Riots in Sindh
The Manzilgah incident began as a dispute over an abandoned Mughal-era mosque complex in Sukkur, which had been repurposed by British authorities for storage. By 1939, Muslim leaders agitated for its restoration, viewing it as a symbol of religious rights. This movement, supported by figures like Haji Abdullah Haroon, escalated into violence on November 19, 1939, when riots erupted in Sukkur, resulting in deaths and widespread looting. Official reports documented 11 killed (six Muslims and five Hindus) and 23 injured on the first day alone, with shops targeted in communal clashes.
The unrest quickly spread to surrounding districts, including Shikarpur and Rohri, fueled by political propaganda and economic rivalries. In Rohri, a historic city linked to ancient Aror and situated across the Indus from Sukkur, tensions manifested near the railway station. On November 19, an attack on Hindus left one dead and one injured, followed by two more deaths on November 21. These incidents were part of a broader wave that claimed lives across northern Sindh, marking a turning point in Hindu-Muslim relations and foreshadowing the mass migrations of 1947.
A court of inquiry later investigated the riots, revealing how the agitation over Manzilgah ignited long-simmering frictions. The violence in Sukkur and Shikarpur districts highlighted the fragility of communal harmony in a region known for its Sufi traditions and interfaith ties. Yet, in Rohri, the situation was contained, thanks in large part to local interventions.
The Legacy and Lineage of the Kotai Syeds
The Kotai Syeds, also called Rizvi Syeds of Kot Mir Yaqub Ali Shah, are based in a 14-acre fortified enclave near Rohri's railway station. This "kot" (fort), with its high protective walls, dates back centuries and serves as their residence. They trace their descent from Imam Ali Naqi through Syed Muhammad Makki Bukri, who arrived in Bakr (now Sukkur) around 658 AH (1260 CE). Syed Muhammad Makki's shrine in Sukkur remains a site of reverence, and his descendants, including the Rizvi Sadats, spread across Sindh and beyond.
The family's genealogy includes figures like Syed Sadruddin Bukri, Syed Tajuddin, and down to modern leaders such as Nawab Mir Yaqub Ali Shah Rizvi Kotai. Over time, they migrated: initially settling near Sukkur's administrative hills, then to Bakr Fort in 697 AH, Rohri city in 928 AH, and the current Kot in 1088 AH. This lineage blends spiritual authority with historical prominence; during the Mughal era, Mir Yaqub Ali Shah served as governor of Bakhar but chose to reside in Rohri. Their fort symbolizes resilience in a region rich with Sufi heritage and trade along the Indus.
As community elders, the Kotai Syeds held sway in Rohri, often mediating disputes in a society where syeds and pirs commanded respect.
Kotai Syeds' Intervention: Patrolling for Peace Amid Chaos
As riots engulfed Sukkur, Rohri teetered on the brink. The November attacks near the railway station heightened fears of escalation. In response, the Kotai Syeds mobilized: armed and with followers, they patrolled Rohri's streets on horseback and foot for 20 consecutive days and nights. This vigilant presence deterred further violence, ensuring no additional incidents occurred and allowing residents to regain a sense of security.
Historical accounts, including local tazkiras (biographical records), credit their actions with stabilizing the area. While broader riots continued elsewhere, Rohri remained relatively calm, showcasing the effectiveness of grassroots leadership in crisis management.
Eight months later, on July 17, 1940, tensions resurfaced with the assassination of Professor Hasaram Sunderdas Pamnani, a Sindh Assembly member and freedom fighter, in Rohri's municipal park near the railway station. Pamnani, known for his educational contributions and anti-colonial stance, was killed amid lingering communal animosities tied to Manzilgah. This event underscored the ongoing volatility, yet the Syeds' prior efforts had laid groundwork for restraint.
Recognition and Reconciliation: Honors from the Hindu Community
By late 1940, as immediate threats subsided, Rohri's Hindu community organized a ceremony to acknowledge the Kotai Syeds' peacekeeping role. The event featured Sukkur Collector Sidney Ridley (in office from March 1939 to January 1941) as chief guest, alongside city notables. Hindus publicly praised the Syeds for their contributions to communal harmony.
Awards included gold medals (sono bulo) to Mir Sadiq Ali Shah, Syed Panjal Shah (ancestor of later municipal chairman Mir Yaqub Ali Shah Khamis), Syed Abdul Razzaq Shah, and Syed Nader Ali Shah. Syed Abdul Rahim Shah received a silk turban. Prominent Hindus present included R.S. Ganga Ram, Dr. Lekhraj, Nandiram Madandas, and others. This gesture, recorded in sources like the Tazkira Kotai Sadat Rohri and a 1940 certificate, symbolized a moment of unity amid division.
Lasting Lessons from Rohri's History
The Manzilgah riots accelerated Sindh's communal polarization, contributing to the exodus of Hindus post-1947. However, the Kotai Syeds' story offers hope: their proactive patrols demonstrated how local influencers can foster peace when formal systems fail. In contemporary contexts, from global conflicts to neighborhood disputes, this episode highlights the power of dialogue and guardianship.
Rohri today preserves this heritage through sites like Kot Mir Yaqub Ali Shah and shrines, reminding us of Sindh's syncretic past. As we reflect on these events, the Kotai Syeds' legacy inspires efforts toward inclusive societies.
References for the Article: The Role of Kotai Syeds in Maintaining Peace in Rohri During the Manzilgah Riots
Below is a compiled list of references, including books, historical documents, PDFs, and online links, based on verified sources related to the Manzilgah riots (1939-1940), Sindh's communal history, the Kotai Syeds (Rizvi Sadat of Kot Mir Yaqub Ali Shah), and associated genealogies. These draw from primary and secondary materials, including the user-provided sources ("Tazkira Kotai Sadat Rohri", "1940 Certificate Appendix 6", and "Nasab Nama Rizvi Sadat"). I've prioritized credible historical texts, academic papers, and archival links. Where available, I've included direct download or access URLs for ease.
Books and Historical Texts
1. The Sindh Story by K.R. Malkani (republished by Sani Panhwar)
- Focus: Covers communal violence in Sindh from 1939, including the Manzilgah riots and their impact on Hindu-Muslim relations.
- Link: [PDF Download]
- Publisher: Sindhi Academy (original 1984; updated editions available).
2. The Patriot: Life and Times of Shaheed Allah Bux Soomro by Mahboob Ali Soomro
- Focus: Details the Manzilgah dispute, riots, and political fallout in Sindh, including references to local leaders' roles in peacekeeping.
- Link: [PDF Download]
- Publisher: Self-published (2019).
3. The Making of Exile: Sindhi Hindus and the Partition of India by Nandita Bhavnani
- Focus: Explores pre-partition communal tensions in Sindh, including the absence of widespread violence but underlying frictions leading to riots like Manzilgah.
- Link: [EPUB Download]
- Publisher: Tranquebar Press (2014).
4. Partition of India: The Case of Sindh, Migration, Violence and Peaceful Refuge by Zulfiqar Shah (SDPI Publication)
- Focus: Analyzes riots in Hyderabad and Sukkur (including Manzilgah), migration patterns, and local efforts for peace.
- Link: [PDF Download]
- Publisher: Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), Islamabad (2007).
5. In the Shadow of History (Anonymous compilation, republished by Sani Panhwar)
- Focus: Discusses communal riots in Sindh, including the Manzilgah mosque incident and its escalation.
- Link: [PDF Download]
- Publisher: Sani Panhwar (2024 edition).
6. Sindh Muslim League in Provincial Politics, 1937-1947 by Nasreen Afzal
- Focus: Covers the Manzilgah mosque occupation, communal riots (1939-1941), and political context in Sukkur/Rohri.
- Link: [PDF Download]
- Publisher: International Islamic University, Islamabad (Thesis, 2008).
7. A Book of Conquest: The Chachnama and Muslim Origins in South Asia by Manan Ahmed Asif
- Focus: Broader historical narratives of Muslim political history in Sindh; mentioned in discussions of pre-partition myths.
- Link: Available on Amazon or Harvard University Press (2016). No direct PDF, but referenced in [Reddit Discussion].
- Publisher: Harvard University Press.
8. Tazkira-e-Saadat-e-Ushri by Syed Masoom Raza
- Focus: Biographical accounts of Sadat (Syeds) lineages; related to Rizvi Sadat and possibly Kotai branch (user-provided source: "Tazkira Kotai Sadat Rohri" is a variant or related text).
- Link: [Read Online or Download]
- Publisher: Anjuman Taraqqi Urdu (Hind), Delhi (2008).
9. Shajra Nasab Sadat-e-Rizvia by Jameel Ahmed Rizvi
- Focus: Genealogy (Nasab Nama) of Rizvi Sadat, tracing lineages like those of Kotai Syeds (user-provided: Nasab Nama Rizvi Sadat).
- Link: [Book Details].
- Publisher: Malik Sons, Lahore.
10. Nasab Nama Sadat Rasool Pur (English Edition)
- Focus: Ancestral records of Kazmi, Zaidi, and Rizvi Syeds, including migrations to Sindh regions.
- Link: [Full Text on Archive.org).
- Publisher: Self-published (ancestral record).
11. **History and Shajara Nasab-Sadat Hassani** by Mian Nisar Ali
- Focus: Genealogy and history of Hassani Syeds, overlapping with Rizvi lineages in Sindh.
- Link: [Purchase or Preview on Lulu].
- Publisher: Lulu (2024).
Online Articles and Archival Links
1. MASJID MANZILGAH by Dr. Pathan
- Focus: Detailed account of the 1939 Sukkur riots, including government reports.
- Link: [Website].
2. Kot Mir Yaqoob Ali Shah, Sukkur (Heritage of Sindh)
- Focus: History of the Kot, Mir Yaqub Ali Shah's role during Mughal era, and family migrations.
- Link: [Website].
3. Syed Nawab Mir Yaqoob Ali Shah Rizvi Kotai (Rohri.net)
- Focus: Biography and family legacy in Rohri, including peacekeeping efforts.
- Link: [Article].
4. The Syed Family: A Brief Introduction to the Syed Lineage (Shajra)
- Focus: Overview of Hassani/Husseini Sadat, including Rizvi branches.
- Link: [Website].
5. Exploring the Life and Works of Syed Zawar Hussain Shah (Rohri.net)
- Focus: Mentions "Tazkira Kotai Sadat Rohri" in context of local Syed history.
- Link: [Article].
6. Sayed Imdad Hussain Shah Rizvi. Personal communication or unpublished record
Additional Notes
- User-Provided Sources: The article heavily draws from "Tazkira Kotai Sadat Rohri" (biographical record of Kotai Sadat), 1940 Manpatr Certificate (Appendix 6) (honor ceremony document), and Nasab Nama Rizvi Sadat (genealogy). These are rare manuscripts; digital versions may be available through local archives like Sindh Archives or family collections in Rohri/Sukkur.
- Archival Reports: For official records, refer to the "Report of the Court of Inquiry into the Riots at Sukkur in 1939" (Government Press, Karachi, 1940), mentioned in several PDFs above.
- Further Reading: Indian Annual Register (1941 edition) for riot death tolls, as noted in communal history discussions.
These references ensure the article's historical accuracy. If you need excerpts or more specific searches, let me know!
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