Historical Background of Chhapri Otaro
Sukkur, a prominent city in Sindh, rose to prominence during the British era in 1838 as “New Sukkur.” During this period, the British army established a presence in Sukkur to prepare for the First Anglo-Afghan War. Before their arrival, a port for boats existed along the Indus River, locally referred to as “Chhapri Patan.” Sindhi: ڇپري پتڻ Small huts and shops were set up around this port, leading to the area being called Chhapri Bazaar.
With the arrival of the British, developmental works began in Sukkur. After capturing Bukkur Fort, the British stationed their troops on the hills and lower areas of Sukkur, transforming the city into a cantonment. They constructed embankments along the river to protect the city and initiated settlements on cultivable lands. Among these lands were those owned by Syed Muhammad Shah Al-Musavi, whose followers, known as Bhattas, cultivated the area. When the waters of Abkalani flooded the land, it was used for seasonal farming.
Syed Muhammad Shah had established the otaro before the British arrival, where he initiated the tradition of the Muharram taziya procession, a practice that remains unbroken to this day.
Syed Muhammad Shah Al-Musavi and Chhapri Otaro
Among these lands was property belonging to Mirak Mahmood, also known as Syed Muhammad Shah Al-Musavi, son of Syed Murand Shah, whose lineage traces back through:
Syed Muhammad Shah → Syed Murand Shah → Syed Muhammad Baqar → Syed Muhammad Afzal → Syed Muhammad Akram → Syed Muhammad Azam → Mirak Mahmood → Mirak Abdul Awwal → Syed Muhammad Abdullah → Syed Mir Abdul Baqi Purani (d. 1019 Hijri)
Syed Muhammad Shah passed away on 29 Muharram 1284 AH (2 June 1868 CE) and, as per his will, was buried at Chhapri Otaro, where his father, Syed Murand Shah, was also laid to rest. A caretaker of the otaro, Joot Ali Faqir, installed a marble headstone at his grave, inscribed with the date of his passing. While the headstone records his father’s name as Mehr Shah Al-Musavi, genealogical records confirm it as Syed Murand Shah.
Syed Muhammad Shah had no male heirs but left behind two daughters. One was married to Syed Fateh Muhammad Shah Shirazi, and the other to Mirak Sachal Shah Musavi (d. 16 Jamadi-ul-Awwal 1330 AH, 4 May 1912 CE), son of Syed Dittal Shah Musavi.
Muharram and the Taziya Tradition
Chhapri Otaro holds immense significance during Muharram, particularly for its taziya procession on the 10th of Muharram, considered Sukkur’s oldest such tradition. Initially, the procession was known as the “Kari Masjid” taziya, established by Ustad Muhammad Usman Bhatti, who was 95 years old in 1930. Today, a new matam (mourning ritual) has been introduced, performed annually on the 10th of Muharram.
The otaro is currently managed by Anjuman Hyderi, which also oversees a mosque and a madrasa on the premises. These institutions serve as centers for religious and community activities in the area.
Cultural and Social Significance
Chhapri Otaro is not only a religious site but also a symbol of Sukkur’s cultural and social evolution. It reflects the city’s historical transformation during the British era, with the establishment of shops, huts, and subsequent developmental works. The otaro’s role in hosting Muharram rituals and its association with Anjuman Hyderi fosters unity and solidarity within the local community.
The site stands as a testament to Sukkur’s rich history, blending its pre-colonial roots with the changes brought by British rule, making it a focal point of both spiritual and cultural heritage.
References and Sources
Based on oral history shared by Sayed Imdad Hussain Shah Rizvi of Kotai, Rohri
Books:
1. Rohri joon Sadhiyoon Tee Soraiteen Sadiyoon by Sayed Abdul Hussain Shah Musavi (Local Rohri history).
2. History of Sukkur by Maulana Din Muhammad Wafai, Published by Sindhi Adabi Board, 1985.
3. Cultural History of Sindh by Dr. Nabi Bux Baloch, Published by Sindhi Adabi Board, 1990.
Links:
1. Sindh Cultural Heritage (Accessed: September 2025).
Post: Sayed Sajjad Hussain Musavi
© 2025 Discover Rohri The Ancient City of Sindh
Chhapri Otaro, Sukkur, History, Culture, Anjuman Hyderi, Syed Muhammad Shah
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