Sindh Ja Aguna

Note: This is a translation of the first chapter of the book “Sindh Ja Aguna Hindu” (Olden Hindus of Sindh) written in Sindhi language by Mr. Teckchand Nawalrai Tarachandani in 1966. This book is reputed to be authentic and this chapter has been translated as faithfully as possible.

CHAPTER 1: SINDH

Sindh is a small state just west of India. The state is named for the river Sindhu (called Indus in English), which passes through the middle of the state and flows into the Arabian sea in the south. According to historians, Aryans called the river “Sindhu” when they established settlements there. The river is wide and flows all year around. Apparently, the word originated from the Sanskrit word “Sindh” which means flowing.

Each region of Sindh has a different name. The southeast region is called Thar, which originated from Thal, which means dry. In this region there is no river or canal; there are only sand dunes. So, people of Thar depend on rain for cultivation. The southwest region is called Lar, and it is at a low altitude. The river Indus makes a turn in this region and then flows into the Arabian Sea. The central region of Sindh, east of the Indus River is called Sahiti. Originally, Sahita people used to live there and the name is apparently derived from them. On the west side of the Indus River, there is a valley next to Kherthar mountain and the valley is called Kachho. There is no river or canal in the valley and cultivation depends on rain. The region north of the central Sindh is called Saro. In that region, Larkana and surroundings are called Chandka, because Chandya community used to live there. A leader of the Chandya community, Ghaibi Khan Chandyo lived there. The northern boundary of Sindh is called Sarhad (which means boundary). The region between central Sindh and the northern boundary is called Uttar Sindh, which means north Sindh.

People in each region were named after the region they lived in. People in Thar were called Thari. Even though Thar is a part of Sindh, the people there speak Dhatki language which is a mixture of Kacchi, Gujarati and Marwari. Their customs are like Marwaris and they inter-marry with Marwaris. Thari men used to wear turbans and keep long beards which they divided at the chin and turned to either side. Among them Bhil, Kolhi, Dhedh and Menghwar people were considered Harijans. Others of higher caste were Sodha, Bhati, Thakar, Maheshwari and Karar. The people of Thar did not inter-marry with Sindhi Hindus. Also, no Sindhi Hindus were considered Harijans.

This book is a description of Sindhi Hindus, i.e. of Hindus who lived on both sides of the Indus river and who spoke the Sindhi language. Names of the regions in Sindh and the communities follow:

Region Name of community

Lar Larai

Khairpur Khairpuri

Hyderabad Hyderabadi

Sahiti Sahiti ja (ja means of)

Kachh Kachhi

Chandki Chandkai

Sarhad Sarhadi

Uttar Sindh Uttaradi

(Uttar means North )

Sakhar Sakhru, included in Uttaradi

Shikarpur Shikarpuri, included in Uttaradi

To the northwest of Sindh, close to Kalat, there are two villages named “Bhag” and “Nari” and together they are called Bhagnari. People from there are called Bhagnari and many Hindu Bhagnaris migrated to Karachi. People in the mountainous region in the southwest Sindh are called Chhapru. Most of the original settlers in Karachi were Bhagnari and Chhapru Hindus.

The prosperity of Sindh depended on the Indus River which flows all year around. The river begins in the Kailash Mountain, passes through Kashmir and West Punjab, and then through Sindh. The river water contains a lot of soil particles which are very beneficial for agriculture. When the river water overflows on both banks it deposits silt on the banks. In the winter, the water recedes, leaving behind very rich silt on which many crops, e.g. wheat, oats, coriander, chickpeas, peas etc. are grown; without any fertilizers. Only plowing and seeding is necessary because the silt from the receding water of the river provides enough nutrition. The soft ground is called Kacho or Keti. Cattle also graze in this area. Due to plentiful grass, diary products, e.g. milk, butter and ghee are quite inexpensive in this region.

Away from the Indus river agriculture depends on canals, which originate from the river.

When the river water recedes in the winter, some small canals form naturally. In the olden times people lengthened these canals so that crops could be grown in additional areas. These canals used to flow when the river was full and Rabi crops were grown. During the rule by England, these canals were improved and some additional canals were dug. Then regulators were installed on the canals to enable better water distribution for cultivation.

Later on during the rule by England, a large dam was proposed to be built at Sukkur. The plan was approved at the time Sir George Lloyd was Governor of Bombay Province (which included Sindh) and the dam was named the Lloyd Barrage. The Barrage was completed in January 1932. Canal gates were installed and new canals were constructed, so water became available all year around. Therefore, a lot of previously barren land became fertile. Previously summer crops were grown only close to the river banks or close to wells. With the construction of the dam and the canals, the planting started in additional areas where the canals provided water. Then the summer crops exceeded the winter crops.

The Indus River has made Sindh green. Cotton, pulses, oilseeds and wheat production was more than enough for consumption in Sindh; so some of it was exported. Sindh’s economy depended on agriculture and trade of agricultural products. Sindhis were satisfied with the economy; therefore, there was not much interest in development of crafts. However some people were interested in painted wooden articles, hand weaving of bed covers and longis, ceramics etc. Some of these hand-crafted items were exported from Sindh.

There were no known mineral deposits in Sindh. There were some forests near the Indus river and lumber from these forests was used in construction of houses.

Due to the prosperity around the Indus River, people from other areas especially Punjab, Rajisthan and Kutch (northern part of Gujarat) came to settle in Sindh and they made it their homeland.

The Indus was considered a wayward river because it often changed its course. Previously, the river used to flow in the east, where there is Eastern Canal at this time. At one time the Arabian Sea covered the Thar area. Due to an earthquake the sea receded and left sand dunes in that area. Similarly, to the south of Thar there is Rann of Kutch, which was under the sea at one time and then it was raised by an earthquake. The Indus river adopted its present course in 1758 AD.

The Indus flows fast, which causes erosion of its banks and many villages near the banks get destroyed. In some cases new villages were built away from the banks to replace the villages destroyed by the river. However, most large cities, except Sukkur, Rohiri, Hyderabad and Kotri were built away from the river.

The above four cities are near the river but they are built on hilly terrain and therefore, they are not in much danger from the shifting course of the river. Sukkur and Rohri are on the opposite banks of the river. Between them is an island called Bakhar. To the north of Bakhar there is Zindah Pir and to the south there is Sadh Belo. Downstream from Sadh Belo is the Lloyd Barrage. The terrain around there is hilly which eliminates the risk from the change of course. Near Hyderabad also, Gidubandar and Kotri are towns on opposite banks of the river.

Fishing thrives on the Indus river and the lakes. The villages near the river were named after fisher women. For example, near the Indus river the following villages were named after fisher women: Amri, Mitiari, Laki, Phulji, Mithiani, Pat, Radhan, Badah, Dokri, Bakrani , Madeji, Ruk, Arani, Bhagirji, Begmanji and Ghotki. Also the following villages near lakes were named likewise: Sakrand, Bubak, Sanghar and Halani.

Sehwan and Thato are old towns of Sindh and there are forts there. The fort at Sehwan is called Sevistan and the fort in Thato is called Deval Kot. At one time the sea was near Thato. There was a seaport near Deval Kot and it was called Deval Bandar. Also there were two other seaports nearby, Shah Bandar and Keti Bandar. During the reign of Ghulam Shah Kalhoro, Thato and Shah Bandar were seaports and the British obtained his permission to establish their offices at these ports. These ports were abandoned when the Arabian Sea receded from there. During the British rule, Karachi became Sindh’s seaport. Previously it was a fishing village called Kolachi, which was named after a fisher woman.

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Story of Jhulelal Sai

also known as Lal Sai, Uderolal, Varun Dev, Doolhalal & Zinda Pir

Faith has established Jhulelal as the Asht Dev (community God) of sindhis. His Birthday "Cheti Chand" second tithi of Chaitra auspicious for sindhis and is celebrated the world over with traditional pomp and gaiety. But how, when and where in history was the lord of sind born?

The Hindu legend of Jhulelal or the River Diety has its historical or semi-historical beginnings in Sind, an erstwhile province of united India and now a state of Pakistan. During the days of Sapt-Sindhu (land of seven rivers), the mainstream Sindhu and its tributaries were considered life-givers to the people who lived on its banks and drew sustenance from its waters. It was precisely the lure of plentiful water that brought invading hordes of Muslim rulers from the neighbouring Arabian Kingdoms to Sind and India. Having conquered Sind and its adjoining territories, they spread Islam at the point of the sword. In the 10th century A.D. Sind came under the rule of Samras. The Samras being converts from Hinduism to Islam were neither bigots nor fanatics. However, there was no exception in the Sumra region. Being far away from its capital, Thatta maintained its separate identity and influence. Its rulers Mirkshah was not only a tyrant but also a religious fanatic. And as in the wont of many a tyrant, Mirkshah too was surrounded by sycophants. These friends advised him one day : "Spread Islam and you will be granted 'Janat' or eternal bliss after death."

Swayed by the promise, Mirkshah summoned the 'panchs' (representatives) of the Hindus and ordered them : "Embrace Islam or prepare to die". The terrified Hindus begged Mirkshah for time to consider the 'shahi firman' or royal edict. The pompous Mirkshah relented and agreed to give the desperate Hindus forty days to plead with their God.

Faced with imminent death, the Hindus turned to God Varuna, the God of the River, to come to their aid. For forty days, they underwent penance. They neither shaved nor wore new clothes, praying and fasting and singing songs in the praise of God Varuna. They beseeched him to deliver them from the hands of their persecutor.

On the fortieth day, a voice was heard from Heaven : "Fear not, I shall save you from the wicked Mirkshah. I shall come down as a mortal and take birth in the womb of Mata Devki in the house of Ratanchand Lohano of Nasarpur". After forty days of chaliho, the followers of Jhulelal even today celebrate the occasion with festivity as Thanksgiving Day.

The oppressed Hindus now anxiously awaited the birth of their deliverer. After three months, the second tithi of Asu month, they got confirmation of the news that Mata Devki has indeed conceived. The River God has incarnated himself in her womb. The Hindus rejoiced and praised the Lord.

On Cheti Chand, two tithis from the new moon of Chaitra, Mata Devki gave birth to a boony boy, A miracle hailed the child's birth. The babe opened his mouth and behold! there flowed the Sindhu with an old man sitting cross-legged on a pala fish. The pala fish as everyone knows is a tasty fish which always swims against the current.

To welcome the newborn 'avatar', unseasonal clouds gathered and brought down torrential rains. The child was named 'Udaichand' (Uday in Sanskrit means moon-beams). Udaichand was to be the light in the darkness. An astrologer who saw the child predicted that he would grow up to be a great warrior and his fame would outlive the child. Udaichand was also called 'Uderolal' (Udero in Sanskrit means 'one who has sprung from water'). Inhabitants of Nasarpur lovingly called the child 'Amarlal' (immortal) child. The cradle where little Udero rested began to sway to and fro on its own. It is because of this that 'Uderolal' became popularly known as 'Jhulelal' or the swinging child. Soon after the child's birth Mata Devki passed away. A little later Ratanchand remarried.

News of the birth of the mysterious child reached Mirkshah who once again summoned the Panchs and repeated his royal threat. Hindus, now quite confident that their saviour had arrived, implored him for some more time informing him that their saviours was none other than the Water God himself. Mirkshah scoffed at the very idea of a child saving the Hindus. "Neither am I going to die nor are you, people going to leave this land alive", he jeered. "I shall wait. When your saviour embraces Islam, I am sure you will also follow suit." With this remark, the haughty Mirkshah threw a challenhe to his Hindu subjects.

The maulvis pressed Mirkshah hard not to let the Hindus of the hook. But the very thought of the child proving more than a match for him amused the conceited ruler. He therefore told the maulvis to wait and watch. As a token precaution, he asked one of his ministers Ahirio, to go to Nasarpur to see things first hand, Ahirio did not want to take any chances. So he took along a rose dipped in deadly poison.

At the very first glimpse of the child, Ahirio was astonished. He had never seen a child so dazzling or more charming. He hesitated, then mustering courage proferred the rose to the child. The child gave a meaningful smile while accepting the rose. He then blew away the flower with a single breath. The flower fell at Ahirio's feet. Ahirio watched stupefied as the babe changed into an old man with a long beard. All of a sudden the old man turned into a lad of sixteen. And then he saw Uderolal on horseback with a blazing sword in his hand. There were row upon row warriors behind him. A cold shiver ran down Ahirio's spine and he bowed his head in reverence. "Have mercy on me Sindhu Lord", he prayed "I am convinced".

On his return Ahirio narrated the miraculous happening to Mirkshah. But Mirkshah was not convinced. He hardened his heart even more. "How can a little baby turn into an old man ? " he mocked. "It looks like you have been fooled by simple magic." But in his heart, Mirkshah was afraid. That night he dreamt a dreadful dream. A child was sitting on his neck. The vision changed to an old man with a flowing beard. And again to a warrior with a drawn sword confronting Mirkshah on the battlefield. Next morning Mirkshah called for Ahirio and gave him orders to counter the threat posed by the child. Ahirio, however, advised Mirkshah not to rush matters.

Meanwhile, the child Uderolal grew in stature and spirit performing miracles and comforting the sick. Residents of Nasarpur wre fully convinced that God had come to save them. Uderolal also received the 'Gur Mantar of 'Alakh Niranjan' from Goraknath.

To earn money for the family, Udero's stepmother would send him to the market to sell baked beans, Instead of going to the market, Uderolal would go to the banks of the Sindhu. There he would distribute half of the beans among beggars, the poor and the sadhus. The other half, he would offer to the Sindhu. He would them spend the rest of the speaking to little children and the elderly about spiritual wealth. In the evening when it was time to go home, Udero would fish out from the river a container full of fine quality rice. This he would take home and give it to his step mother.

Growing suspicious about her step son's behaviour, the step mother one day despatched Ratanchand to follow him. When Ratanchand witnessed the miracle, he bowed to Uderolal froma distance and accepted him as the Saviour.

Mirkshah on the other hand was being pressurised by the Maulvis to bring Hindu infidels into the fold of Islam. They gave him the ultimatum. "Order the Hindus to convert or be branded as associate of kafirs." Fearing the wrath of the clerics, Mirkshah decided to meet Uderolal face to face. He asked Ahirio to arrange for a private meeting with Udero.

Ahirio who had in the meantime become a devotee of Daryashah, went to the banks of the Indus and pleaded with the Water God to come to his rescue. To Ahirio's amazement, he saw the same old man with a white beard floating on a pala fish. Ahirio's head bowed in adoration and he understood that Uderolal, the Water God, was in fact the other form of Khwaja Khirz. Ahirio then saw Udero leap onto a horse and gallop away with a sword in one hand and a flag in the other.

Udero appeared before Mirkshah and explained to the stubborn ruler : "Whatever you see around you is the creation of only one God, whom you call 'Allah' and the Hindus call 'Ishwar'." The maulvis urged Mirkshah not to pay any heed to the infidels's talks and to arrest him. Mirkshah dithering as usual ordered hos soldiers to arrest Udero.

As the officials of the court moved towards Udero, great waves of water leaped forth inundating the courtyard and crowning Mirkshah and his courtiers. Fire too broke our and the palace was consumed by the flames. All escape routes were sealed. Udero spoke again, "Mirkshah, think it over. Your God and mine are the same. Then, why did you persecute my people ?"

Mirkshah was terrified and begged Udero, "My Lord, I realise my foolhardiness. Please save me and my courtiers." All at once the water receded and the fire died away. Mirkshah bowed respectfully and agreed to treat Hindus and Muslims alike. Before they dispersed, Uderolal told the Hindus to think of him as the embodiment of light and water. He also told them to build a temple in memory of transformation of Mirkshah. "Day in and out", he said "light a candle in the temple and always keep available water for daat (holy sip)".

Uderolal named his cousin, Pagad, as the first Thakur (Priest of the religious sect that believes in Water God). Pagad followed Uderolal wherever he went. Uderolal gave seven sysmbolic things to Pagad. These seven from the essential elements of the Daryahi sect. Uderolal asked Pagad to continue the sacred work of building temples and spread the message.

Selecting a place near village Thijahar, Uderolal gave up his earthly form. Both Hindus and Muslims were present in the large number to witness this mysterious happening. Mirkshah's representatives were also there. No sooner Uderolal's soul left his body, they took charge and wanted to build a 'Turbat' or 'Qaba" at the site according to the dictates of Islam. The Hindus wanted to erect a 'Samadhi' according to Hindu custom. While the debate regard, heavy rains came down a voice said : "Behold ! You shall make my shrine acceptable both to Hindus and Muslims. Let its one face be a temple and the other a Dargah (Shrine). I belong to all of you."

Jhulelal continues to be the unifying force and the centre of all cultural activities of the Sindhi community. The word Sindhi is derived from the river Sindhu (now in Pakistan)." When Sindhi men venture out to sea their women pray to him for their safe return. They offer the Lord prasad of akha, a sweet made from rice, ghee, sugar and flour. Sindhis all over the world greet each other with "Jhulelal Bera-Hee-Paar".

JAI JHULELAL!