Conquest of Sindh: Key Events in the Early 19th Century

Early 19th Century British Interests in Sindh Trade

• In the early 19th century, the English started to show an interest in Sindh where they enjoyed some trade facilities authorised by a farman of the Mughal Emperor in 1630.
• The farman provided the English with such privileges in the ports of Sindh which they enjoyed elsewhere.

Rise of Talpuras Amirs in 18th Century Sindh

• In the eighteenth century, prior to the rule of Talpuras Amirs, Sindh was ruled by the Kallora chiefs.
• In 1758, an English factory was built at Thatta, owing to a parwana given by the Kallora prince, Ghulam Shah.
• In 1761, Ghulam Shah, on the arrival of an English resident in his court, not only ratified the earlier treaty, but also excluded other Europeans from trading there.
• This advantage was enjoyed by the English up to 1775 when a not-too-friendly ruler, Sarfraz Khan, made the English close their factory.

Arrival and Rise of the Talpura Tribe in Sindh

• In the 1770s, a Baluch tribe called Talpuras, descended from the hills and settled in the plains of Sindh.
• They were excellent soldiers as well as adapted to hard life.
• They acquired great influence and soon usurped power in the new region.
• In 1783, the Talpuras, under the leadership of Mir Fath (Fatah) Ali Khan, established complete hold over Sindh and sent the Kallora prince into exile.
• The then Durrani monarch confirmed the claims of Mir Fath Khan and ordered the latter to share the country with his brothers (Mir’s brothers, popularly known as ‘Char Yar’).

Division of Kingdom and Expansion under the Amirs of Sindh

• When Mir Fath died in 1800, the Char Yar divided the kingdom among themselves, calling themselves the Amirs or Lords of Sindh.
• These amirs extended their dominion on all sides.
• They conquered Amarkot from the Raja of Jodhpur, Karachi from the chief of Luz, Shaikarpur and Bukkar from the Afghans.