Brief Introduction to the Kalhoro Dynasty
The Kalhoro Dynasty holds an important place in Sindh's history, ruling from 1701 to 1783. This family originally belonged to the Baloch tribe but rose in Sindh through a blend of spirituality and political power. Mian Yar Muhammad Kalhoro laid the foundation of this empire, which governed the northern and central regions of Sindh under the Mughal Empire. The Kalhoro rulers developed agriculture, canals, and cities in Sindh, with Umrkass Wah being a prime example.
During the Kalhoro era, Sindh witnessed economic and cultural progress. They were spiritually inclined and called themselves "Mian," equivalent to "Hazrat" or "Sahib" in Sindhi. However, family disputes weakened the empire. Mian Noor Muhammad Kalhoro (reign: 1719-1753) was a great ruler who stabilized Sindh, but after his death, a power struggle erupted among his sons. This conflict lasted from 1756 to 1758, culminating in the "Battle of Umrkass Wah."
Construction and Importance of Umrkass Wah
Mian Noor Muhammad Kalhoro, during his reign, constructed a canal from the Indus River within Rohri city, naming it Umrkass Wah. The canal's width was 15 feet, and its length approximately 5 miles. It passes northeast of Kot Mir Yaqub Ali Shah, over the ancient Multan-Sindh royal route. Umrkass Wah was built to supply water to agricultural areas, evidencing the Kalhoro rulers' agricultural policies. Today, it remains part of Sindh's irrigation system, irrigating areas around Rohri.
Historically, this canal was not only economically significant but also strategic. The Kalhoro family built numerous canals in Sindh, boosting agriculture and empire revenue. The area around Umrkass Wah was an open field, suitable for military strategies. In 1878, during the British era, a railway line was laid through this open field, which still exists and extends to the railway yard. Beyond that, a mountainous range begins, serving as a natural defensive line.
Background of the Battle: Family Dispute
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| Umarkas Wah Battlefield Plain – Sindh’s Historical Landscape |
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| Historic Plain Above Umarkas Wah – Rohri’s Cultural Landscape |
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| Historic Plain near Hasil Shah Graveyard – Umarkas Wah, Rohri |
After Mian Noor Muhammad's death, a power tussle began among his sons. Mian Muhammad Ghulam Shah Kalhoro, his fifth son, assumed power in 1757. However, his brothers Mian Atar Khan and Mian Ahmad Yar Khan challenged him. This dispute had been ongoing since 1756, filled with court intrigues and alliances. Ghulam Shah was elected as the Nawab of Sindh by tribal leaders, but his brothers rebelled.
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| Ghulam Shah Kalhoro – Sindh’s Noble Legacy in Miniature Art |
According to historical documents, this battle occurred on Wednesday, June 7, 1758, near Umrkass Wah in Rohri. The location was north of Kot Mir Yaqub Ali Shah, an open field ideal for warfare. Mian Atar Khan and Ahmad Yar Khan allied against Ghulam Shah, but Ghulam Shah defeated them and gained full control of the empire. This victory was recognized by Ahmad Shah Abdali in 1761.
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| Mir Sadiq Ali Shah – Sindh’s Noble Legacy (1669–1738) |
There are some varying traditions about the battle's location. Mir Gul Hassan Khan Talpur wrote in his manuscript "Tazkira-e-Talpuran" (April 2, 1907) that the battle took place near Kot Mir Sadiq Ali Shah. However, it is possible that Kot Mir Yaqub Ali Shah and Kot Sadiq Ali Shah are different names for the same place, as it was called Kot Sadiq Ali Shah during the British era. Some traditions point to Syed Pur (old name of Pano Aqil) near Baiji Road, where Rizvi Syeds owned lands. But most historical sources confirm Rohri and Umrkass Wah as the central location.
Details and Outcomes of the Battle
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| Hasil Shah’s Hilltop Shrine – Umarkas Wah, Rohri |
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| Hasil Shah’s Shrine – Rohri’s Spiritual Heritage |
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| Graves of Devout Women near Hasil Shah’s Shrine – Rohri’s Spiritual Folklore |
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| Graveyard on Hasil Shah’s Hill – Rohri’s Spiritual Heritage |
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| Ancient Multan–Sindh Route near Hasil Shah’s Hill and Kot Mir Yaqub Ali Shah |
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| Ancient Route North of Kot Mir Yaqub Ali Shah – Incorporated into 1677 Fort Boundary |
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| Ancient Passageway – Rohri’s Historic Route |
The Battle of Umrkass Wah was the climax of the Kalhoro family's internal strife. Ghulam Shah's army defeated the combined forces of his brothers. The battle was short but intense, resulting in many casualties. Near the area, on a hillock, there is "Hasil Shah Cemetery," with numerous graves. Traditions say these graves belong to a wedding party looted and killed by bandits, but it's possible that battle martyrs are also buried here. In ancient times, cemeteries were often built on high grounds to protect from floods.
After Ghulam Shah's victory, he stabilized Sindh. He founded the city of Hyderabad (in 1768) and expanded the empire. However, the Kalhoro dynasty lost to the Talpurs in 1783 at the Battle of Halani, where the Talpurs emerged victorious. Ghulam Shah's reign (1757-1772) is considered a golden era in Sindh's history, where architecture, agriculture, and culture flourished.
Historical Significance and Lessons
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| Ruins of Kot Sadiq Ali Shah – Baiji Road, Pano Aqil |
This battle exemplifies family disputes in Sindh's history that weaken empires. It teaches us how lack of unity can destroy great kingdoms. Today, Rohri city is an important historical site in Sindh, with landmarks like Lansdowne Bridge and Sukkur Barrage. Umrkass Wah still provides water to agricultural areas, a legacy of the Kalhoro era.
Further research is needed to clarify the exact location and details of the battle. This is an interesting topic for students of Sindh's history.
References and Further Reading
- Tarikh-e-Kalhoro Volume 2
- Tazkira-e-Talpuran (Manuscript) – Mir Gul Hassan Khan Talpur
- Ghulam Shah Kalhoro - Wikipedia
- Studies in Kalhora History, Economy and Architecture – Zulfiqar Ali Kalhoro
- Birth of A Great Poet (Kalhora Period) – Rasheed Bhatti
- The Kalhora Dynasty: Rise, Rule, and Decline – ResearchGate
- Sayed Imdad Hussain Shah Rizvi. Personal communication or unpublished record.
All links active as of december 03, 2025.
Post: Sayed Sajjad Hussain Musavi
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Kalhoro Dynasty, Rohri Battle, Umrkass Wah, Sindh History, Mian Ghulam Shah Kalhoro, Mian Atar Khan, Sindh Nawabs, Historical Battles
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This article is based on original research and available historical sourc
