When Bukkur Became Sher Garh: The Epic Tale of Humayun's Exile and Sher Shah Suri's Conquest in Sindh

Introduction to a Forgotten Chapter in Sindh's History

Bukkur Fort – Island Fortress of Rohri & Sukkur used Ai for Colour

Where time flows with the river ancient walls stand watch as boats drift past Sukkur’s enduring bridge. A timeless glimpse into Sindh’s riverfront legacy.

Bukkur Fort’s ancient gateway stands watch over the Indus, facing Khwaja Khizr’s sacred shrine a timeless meeting of fort and faith.

 In the annals of medieval Indian history, the region of Sindh often emerges as a crossroads of empires, where Mughal grandeur clashed with Afghan ambition. One such pivotal moment occurred in the 16th century when the island fortress of Bukkur, nestled between the towns of Sukkur and Rohri in modern-day Pakistan, was temporarily renamed Sher Garh. This renaming symbolized the brief but impactful conquest by Sher Shah Suri's forces, marking a shift in power during Humayun's tumultuous exile. "Bukkur Sher Garh" and "Sher Shah Suri conquest" highlight this era's significance for history enthusiasts searching for insights into the Mughal Empire in Sindh. Bukkur Fort, an oval-shaped limestone stronghold measuring approximately 800 yards long and 300 yards wide, has stood as a sentinel on the Indus River for centuries. Its strategic location made it a prized asset in regional conflicts. During the 1540s, as Humayun fled from defeats at the hands of Sher Shah Suri, Sindh became a refuge and a battleground. This article delves into the events leading to Bukkur's renaming, the key figures involved, and the broader historical context, aiming to boost traffic through targeted niches like "Humayun in Sindh" and "Haibat Khan Niazi." To visualize this historic site, here's an image of Bukkur Fort showcasing its vintage architecture amid the Indus River. 

Where river meets rampart this timeless fort watches the Indus with weathered walls and palm-lined grace. A glimpse into Sindh’s riverine heritage and architectural resilience.

Bukkur - Wikipedia

Satellite view of Bukkur Island (بکر جو جزيرو) in the Indus River, located between Rohri and Sukkur in Sindh, Pakistan. The image shows dense urban structures, bridges connecting to the mainland, and the historic fort’s central position in Sukkur district.

Bukkur Fort island (بکر جو جزيرو) in the Indus River, between Rohri and Sukkur, Sindh. Historic fortress with bastions, palm trees, and pathways, central to Sukkur district heritage.

Bukkur Fort stands timeless by the Indus its bastions guarding centuries of Sindh’s riverine legacy. From stone walls to distant hills, this view echoes history in every curve of the land.

Bukkur Fort, 1885 where Mughal heritage met colonial industry. John Jacob’s gunpowder factory rose over the governor’s residence, later transformed into a workshop during Lansdowne Bridge’s construction. The telegraph tower, one of four installed in 1860, carried Britain’s wireless lines across the Indus, marking a turning point in Sindh’s history of communication and engineering.

Where stone meets silence this riverside bastion watches the Indus flow, cradled by trees and time. A timeless view of Sindh’s fortifications and natural grace.

The Rise of Sher Shah Suri and His Clash with Humayun

Sher Shah Suri visionary ruler, fierce warrior, and architect of Hindustan’s Grand Trunk Road. His legacy lives on in every stone, every reform, and every mile of empire he shaped.

Sher Shah Suri, born Farid Khan around 1472 or 1486 in Sasaram, Bihar, rose from humble origins to challenge the Mughal throne. Son of Hasan Khan Sur, a Pashtun noble, Sher Shah earned his moniker after slaying a tiger bare-handed, an act that impressed the Sultan of Bihar. His early life was marked by family disputes, leading him to seek fortune elsewhere. By the 1530s, he had consolidated power in Bihar and Bengal, implementing innovative administrative reforms that later influenced Mughal governance.

Emperor Humayun, the visionary Mughal ruler, portrayed in regal attire with jeweled turban and embroidered robes. A timeless symbol of South Asian imperial heritage and artistic grandeur.

Sher Shah's encounters with Humayun, the second Mughal emperor born in 1508, were defining. Humayun inherited a vast empire from Babur but struggled with internal rebellions and external threats. In 1539, at the Battle of Chausa, Sher Shah decisively defeated Humayun, forcing him to flee across the Ganges River. The following year, on May 17, 1540, at the Battle of Kannauj, Sher Shah routed Humayun again, compelling the Mughal emperor to abandon India and seek refuge in Sindh.

Humayun in Sindh

Humayun's exile was a period of hardship and wandering. Arriving in Sindh in 1541 with a large entourage, including 200,000 troops and civilians, he faced famine and resistance from local ruler Shah Hussain Arghun. In Rohri, Humayun established camp, even having his name recited in the Friday prayers at the local mosque. However, Arghun fortified Bukkur Fort by demolishing nearby structures and seizing boats on the Indus to starve out the Mughals. Despite gifts and alliances, Humayun endured five months of scarcity before moving to Sehwan, where he besieged the fort for seven months without success

During this time, personal milestones occurred: Humayun married Hamida Banu Begum in Pat, and their son Akbar was born in Umarkot on October 15, 1542. Bairam Khan joined him, facilitating a truce with Arghun, who provided supplies for Humayun's journey to Persia. Humayun's 15-year exile ended in 1555 when, with Safavid aid, he reclaimed Delhi after Sher Shah's death in 1545.

Haibat Khan Niazi's Conquest and the Renaming of Bukkur

As Humayun plotted in Sindh, Sher Shah Suri, alarmed by potential alliances against him, dispatched his trusted commander Haibat Khan Niazi to secure the region. Haibat Khan, an Afghan from the Niazi tribe, had proven his mettle in earlier campaigns, including the subjugation of Punjab and Multan. In November 1543, he arrived in Sindh, capturing Bukkur Fort from Arghun forces.

Upon conquest, Haibat Khan issued coins in Sher Shah's name and renamed the area encompassing Bukkur and Sukkur as Sher Garh, honoring his sovereign. This act symbolized Afghan dominance in upper Sindh, extending as far as Sehwan. The fort, already reinforced with double walls and a circumference of about 1875 yards (as per historical records, though 1912 surveys note 292-255 square yards), became a military outpost.

Haibat Khan's rule extended beyond conquest; as Punjab's governor, he settled thousands of Niazi tribesmen in areas like Mianwali, suppressing local Jat and Baloch revolts led by figures like Fateh Khan Jat. Sher Shah bestowed upon him the title "Azam Humayun" for his loyalties. However, upon learning Humayun had fled to Persia, Haibat Khan withdrew, and the renaming was short-lived, reverting to Bukkur.

Another key figure was Khawas Khan Marwat, a junior commander under Sher Shah, who pursued Humayun after Chausa and later governed Rohtas Fort. His efforts forced Humayun's hasty retreat from Lahore to Sindh.

Here's another glimpse of the fort's remnants, highlighting its enduring presence in Sukkur's landscape.

Broader Impacts on Sindh and Medieval India

The events surrounding "Bukkur Sher Garh" reflect the fluid power dynamics of the era. Sher Shah's Sur Empire (1540-1555) introduced reforms like the Grand Trunk Road and revenue systems, influencing later Mughal administration. Humayun's return in 1555, after Sher Shah's accidental death during the siege of Kalinjar, restored Mughal rule, but he died soon after in 1556.

In Sindh, these conflicts disrupted local dynasties like the Arghuns, leading to famines and migrations. Sukkur, with its "Gate of Sindh" status due to the gorge formed by Bukkur and nearby hills, evolved from a trading hub to a colonial center under British rule. Today, landmarks like the Lansdowne Bridge and Sukkur Barrage stand as testaments to its layered history.

Conclusion: Lessons from History

The story of when Bukkur became Sher Garh encapsulates ambition, exile, and resilience in medieval India. For those searching "Sukkur history" or "Mughal Empire in Sindh," it offers a niche glimpse into how regional conquests shaped empires. This narrative, drawn from verified sources, underscores the importance of strategic fortresses like Bukkur in historical traffic routes.

References

• Wikipedia: Bukkur - Detailed fort history.
• Wikipedia: Sher Shah Suri - Biography and conquests.
• Wikipedia: Humayun - Exile details.
• Wikipedia: Sukkur - Regional context.
• Book: "The Mughal Empire" by John F. Richards - For broader Mughal history.
• Book: "A History of Sindh" by Suhail Zaheer Lari - Local perspectives on Sindh events.
• Sayed Imdad Hussain Shah Rizvi. Personal communication or unpublished record.

All links active as of december 05, 2025.

Post: Sayed Sajjad Hussain Musavi

© 2025 Discover Rohri The Ancient City of Sindh

Sindh History, Humayun Exile, Sher Shah Suri, Bukkur Fort, Medieval India

#SindhHistory #MughalEmpire #SherShahSuri #BukkurFort #HumayunExile