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Records

THE

TRIBES AND CASTES

OF SHAHDADKOT TALUKA, SINDH.

(1701-2013)

By Sheikh Javed Ali Sindhi

Sirai Muhammad Bux Khan Khuhawar (d.1932) along with his tribesmen in Shahdadkot

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THE

TRIBES AND CASTES

OF SHAHDADKOT TALUKA, SINDH.

(1701-2013)

By Sheikh Javed Ali Sindhi

SAROH

Saroh Social Development Organization Shahdadkot Saroh Office, Near Scientific Public School, Railway Station Road, Shahdadkot, District Kamber-Shahdadkot, Sindh, Pakistan- 77300 Ph: +92-74-4012896, Cell: +92-3342015896 E-mail: org.saroh@gmail.com

2013 AD/ 1434 AH

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I dedicate

this work to my beloved father

Wadero Sikander Ali Khan Sheikh

Chief of Siraeki speaking Sheikh Community

living in Larkana, Kamber, Shahdadkot & Miro Khan areas

&

who took me to Government Primary Mehran School for education

and

has been my silent inspiration since my childhood

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THE TRIBES AND CASTES OF SHAHDADKOT TALUKA, SINDH.

By Sheikh Javed Ali Sindhi

Kalhora Rule: 1701-1783

S.NO

NAME OF TRIBE & CASTE REMARKS

01 Khuhawar In 1711 AD, Mian Dato Khuhawar dug Koor Dato Canal to irrigate Shahdadkot area

02 Kalhora/ Sirai Originally a Jat tribe living in Deh Kario Ahmed Khan, Deh Hamir Kalhoro and Gohram Kalhoro

03 Silra Caste of herdsmen and agriculturists on Koor Dato, Edan and Sirwah

04 Khokhar Tribe of Agriculturists residing in Shahpur, Bahram and Ghulam Farooque Khokhar

05 Sial Caste of cultivaters mostly residing in Deh Sial

06 Joya Caste of farmers residing in Village Mir Ji Nari taluka Shahdadkot

07 Abra A Samma tribe, found in Sindh, Punjab and Balochistan

08 Solangi A Rajput caste which was attached to Mian Nasir Muhammad Kalhoro

09 Maheri Maheri and Machhi wariorers fought Nadir Shah Army in the south-west of Shahdadkot in 1740

10 Karira General John Jacob described Kot Karira in Sind Irregular Horse published from London in 1856

11 Ghaloo Muhammad Hassan Ghaloo Khuhawar fought bravely against Talpurs in the battle of Halani -1783

12 Lakha Main Hassan Lakho was a minister of Mian Ghulam Shah Kalhoro and he dug Koor Hassan Lakho

13 Chandia A Baloch tribe found in Sindh, Balochistan and the Punjab

14 Juneja Juneja is a tribe of cultivaters living in Sindh, Punjab, Gujrat , Kachh and Rajisthan

15 Bhatti A Rajput caln who settled in Shahdadkot taluka in the days of Mian Noor Muhammad Kalhoro

16 Korai Korai or Kurai are said to be Baloch and were expelled by Shaho Khan Jamali from their villages

17 Khand They lived in Deh Nabi Bux Khand and are cultivaters these days

18 Soomra Tribe of landowners and agriculturists in Shahdadkot, Qubo Saeed Khan and Garhi Khairo

19 Wadha A Sindhi caste of Nari; resident in village Chakiani, Shah Jo Lao and Tharo

20 Langah Langah are said to be Afghan tribe who came to Multan from Sibi and laid siege to the city

21 Samma A large number of this tribe is found in Sindh, Balochsitan, Punjab, Kachh, Gujrat and Rajisthan

22 Jhinjhan Shah Baharo Jhinjhan dug Koor Shah to cultivate lands of Kamber, Miro Khan and Shahdadkot areas

23 Chhajra A tribe of Jats who who claim descent from the royal race of the Bhattis of Jaisalmir

24 Hakra Tribe of cultivaters and resident of Deh Hakra in Shahdadkot taluka

25 Ahir The name Ahir is derived from Sanskrit Abhira; a milkman

26 Eri Caste of cultivators of Nari and Kachhi Gandawah mostly egaged in begging

27 Bhagat An agricultural calan of the taluka in past

28 Dhap Pastoral and cultivating clase and lived in Deh Thariri Dhap near Village Karira

29 Lahori The tribe was located around Lahori Kot near Karira

30 Kharal A tribe resident in village Shahi near Shahdadkot

31 Bhand The Bhand or Naqqal is the story-teller, joker and buffoon and are settled in village Bhand

32 Khemtia A tribe resident in village Karira

33 Mena Tribe of cultivaters settled in Deh Mena and Chakiani

34 Roongha Caste of labourers

35 Boohar/Buhar A Jat clan (agricultural)

36 Suhag Tribe of cultivaters living in village Karira

37 Khera A Jat agricultural tribe

38 Tanwiri Tribe of the Jat (Camel-breeders)

39 Waggan Caste of Samma origin

40 Gachal Koor Khairo Gachal is situated on Shahdadkot Ratodero Road

41 Rahooja In taluka Qubo Saeed Khan, villages Mevo Rajoojo and Bangul Rahoojo belong to this caste

42 Jat Jats were formerly settled in village Kot Ali Nawaz Khan Khuhawar

43 Sameja Deh Sameji belongs to this tribe and is situated near Gandakha

44 Bukeja Another cultivating tribe once settled in the foothills of Khirthar Range in the west of Shahdadkot

45 Koreja Caste of cultivaters and vegetable-sellers

46 Kachhela Caste of shepherds and goathers living in village Muhammad Khan Bhutto taluka Shahdadkot

47 Babar A small tribe living at village Angh near Shahdadkot

48 Jinjh A Samma cultivating tribe

49 Rid A Samma tribe resident in Village Chaker Sultan on the banks of Koor Dato Canal

50 Lodra Caste of fishermen or boatmen and once sailed on River Indus branches

51 Shahi A Jat tribe ; resident in Village Mula Muhammad Shahi (1851) near Karira

52 Shahani Another Camel-breeders caste of Shahdadkot

53 Panhwar A Rajput clan once settled in Village Ilyas Panhwar on Shahdadkot Dost Ali Road

54 Jokhia A Soomra clan

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55 Hulia A Samma tribe engages in cultivating crops

56 Doki/ Dhoki/Dokhi Millstone cutters; a small caste

57 Detha A Soomra clan; resident in village Hyder Detho on Shahdadkot Ratodero Road

58 Lanjwani A Jat clan found in Shahdadkot and Miro Khan talukas

59 Channa A Samma tribe

60 Patooja A Sindhi ribe of cultivaters on Shahdadkot Qubo Saeed Khan Road

61 Lora Caste of bards and singers being originally a Samma clan

62 Mahesar Khalifo Muhammad Hussain Mahesar was chief disciple of Pir Muhammad Rashid Shah (1758-1919)

63 Panhyar/Paniar Jat caste settled in village Panhya between Qubo Saeed Khan and Bago Daro from 1887-1925

64 Khajar The Samma tribe

65 Qutria Caste of the Samma fishermen settled on the banks of Edan Wah in Deh Qutria taluka Shahdadkot

66 Lakhani Tribe of shepherds and goathers living in Khirthar Range in the west of Shahdadkot

67 Palal Another name of cultivater case living in village Shahan Pal in the north of Shahdadkot

68 Unar A caln of the Samma tribe ; Moulvi Muhammd Esa Unar lived in village Mir Ji Nari before Pakistan

69 Tunia A Samma tribe

70 Burira A Jat tribe found in Shahdadkot, Qubo Saeed Khan, Kamber and Warah talukas

71 Bhutta Bhutta is an Arain, Rajput and Jat tribe found in village Muhammad Khan Bhutto

72 Thahim/ Tamimi A Sindhi tribe said to be of Arab origin found in Shahdadkot around 1911 to 1918

73 Kaheri A Jat cultivating tribe settled in village Ghaibana

74 Mairi Section of Kalhora tribe and a deh named Mairi Kalhora after this clan

75 Naitch The Samma tribe of landholders and agriculturists settled mostly in Dost Ali

76 Khichi / Khichhchhi A Muslim tribe of Jat status

77 Jiskani Jiskani is a Jat or Camel-breeders caste

78 Khushik Jat or Camel-breeders caste

79 Waka The Samma clan

80 Ganwas Caste of Sirai farmers nd labourers

81 Syed A branch of the tribe of Banu Hashim or descendents of Ali and Fatima

82 Katohar The Jat or Camel-breeders

83 Chacha A Samma clan of agriculturists resident in village Hamzo Chacho near Bahram (Hethiyon)

84 Barija /Baricha Caretaker of Pir Lakho shrine which was built by the Khan of Kalat Mir Nasir Khan Noori (1749-1817)

85 Bharach A Samma clan

86 Arain An agricultural clan found in Sindh, Balochistan and the Punjab

87 Depar Depars are descendents of Jakhro or Samma origion

88 Jakhra A Samma clan

89 Awan Awan migrated to Sindh from Punjab along with Khuhawars in the days of Ranjit Singh (1780-1839)

90 Chodha A Samma tribe resident in Village Juno Chodho existed on Edan Wah arounf 1887-1925

91 Mangria Tribe of Samma people

92 Dera A Samma clan

93 Daya A Samma clan

94 Dangar A Samma clan

95 Dawachh A Samma clan

96 Chutta This clan belongs to Mahar tribe and lives in the Khirthar Hills in the west of Shahdadkot

97 Gaincha A caste of shephers and goathers living in Khirthar Range in the west of Shahdadkot

98 Chinjni A clan of Jat or Abra

99 Budh A Samma tribe

100 Machhi Caste of fishermen and boatmen formerly sailed on Koor Dato, Edan, Begari and Noor Wah

101 Qureshi A tribe of Arab origin

102 Dahot A caste of people who came from Punjab and settled down in Sindh

103 Chauhan Chauhan, Chahwan or Chohan is a tribe that ruled parts of northern India in the medieval period

104 Sendhur/Sindhur A Samma tribe ; Faqir Ahmed Sindhur (1240 AH/1824 AD) lived around Jhal Magsi Balochistan

105 Dhamrah A Deh named Fateh Khan Dhamraho in 1859

106 Mughal A number of culturally related clans of Afghanistan, Pakista, India and Bangladesh

107 Sangi Sangi is a Jat clan once found around Syed Lal Shah Bari shrine

108 Pandha/ Panda Jat tribe came from Jhang Sial Punjab and settled down at Changul Wah near Shahdadkot

109 Dutia/Dootia A Samma clan resident in village Changul-Pandha

110 Hasula A Sirai caste of cultivaters and labourers

111 Hindu Non Muslim Business class and traders

112 Chaki Oil-presser and Corn-grinder

113 Mochi Cobbler/Shoemaker

114 Dakkhan Carpenter

115 Dhobi Washerman

116 Khati In Persian called Rangrez…Dyer

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117 Niroli Dyer in indigo colour

118 Kori Weaver

119 Hajam Barber

120 Kunbhar Potter

121 Mirbahar Fisherman

122 Khaskheli Servant/Attendent

123 Qazi Judge under Muslim Government

124 Kasai Butcher

125 Lohar Blacksmith

126 Manganhar Professional Beggar

127 Langha Musician or Drummer

128 Mirasi Singer and Musician

129 Bhat A bard who performed songs and told stories of historical events.

130 Sonara Goldsmith

131 Darzi Tailor

132 Raza Builder and Mason

133 Surahia Perfumery seller

134 Muharkand/Markhand Seal-engraver

135 Nanwai Baker

136 Teli/Telai Oil-sellers

137 Mula/ Mullan Leader in prayer or teacher

138 Noonari Salt-manufacturers

139 Sheikh (Sirai) Aboriginal tribe of Indus Valley and Pattal-makers or Patrai

140 Od A Non Muslim Community who builds mud houses and walls in villages

141 Mujawir Care-taker of a shrine of Pirs and other sacred places and things

142 Reti The Slave and Menial tribe

143 Gadra Of impure blood

144 Gola A Slave

145 Kambrani Acoording to Sheikh Sadik Ali Sher Ali Ansari (1901) Kambrani are Brohi but are called Jats also

146 Dinari Dinari are Brohi but are called Jats also by the historians

147 Shabrani A Slave tribe lived in village Mitho Khan Mastoi in 1935

148 Habashi A native of Africa

149 Karani Scavangers and Sweepers

150 Aheri A Slave tribe

151 Dedh A class of Scavangers who eat the carcasses of dead animals

152 Dapher A class of Scavangers who kill wild animals, especially Pigs and Jackals with the Dapha (Spear)

153 Shikari A class of Scavangers who hunt and kill wild animals with their dogs

154 Chuhra Scavangers and Sweepers

155 Karani Scavangers and Sweepers

156 Baleshahi Descendents of Balo Shah who is said to be spiritual king of Scavenging classes

157 Bhangi A Scavanger and Sweeper

158 Bhil Bhils are primarily an Adivasi people of Central India mostly settled at Mir Ji Nari & Silra

159 Bagri A nomadic tribe who eats pork and beef

160 Jogi A Hindu Community and Snakecharmers by profession

Source: The Musalman Races found in Sind, Baluchistan and Afghanistan by Sheikh Sadik Ali Sher Ali Ansari Deputy Collector in Sind 1901

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Talpur Rule: 1783-1843

S.NO

NAME OF TRIBE & CASTE REMARKS

01 Talpur Mir Sobdar Khan Talpur (1802-1846) received Kamber, Chilo Wah and Koor Dato as Jagir

02 Bhurgri A section of Talpur Balochis resident in villages Ghulam Nabi Bhurgri and Beg Muhammd Bhurgri

03 Thora A sept of the Talpur Balochis resident in village Aitbar Khan Chandio near Shahdadkot

04 Trangra A branch of Talpur Balochis resident in Deh Trangra on Edan Wah near Qubo Saeed Khan

05 Marri Captain Charles Masson described tomb of Haji Marri in his narratives published from London in 1842

06 Chhalgri A subdivision of Jamali tribe settled in village Bahnri Ji Wandh near Shahdadkot

07 Sherani Maulana Fateh Muhammad Sherani lived in village Shahi near Shahdadkot

08 Korkani/Gorgani A clan of Burdi tribe settled near Qubo Haji Khan Marri

09 Jamali Mir Shaho Khan Jamali was right hand of Mir Fateh Ali Khan Talpur (1783-1802) in Shahdadkot

10 Leghari Nawab Wali Muhammad Khan Leghari settled Legharis in the north of Shahdadkot

11 Rind Mir Jalal Khan had four sons; Rind, Lashari,Hot, Korai and a daughter Mai Jato

12 Jarwar Name of a Marri clan living on Edan Wah in Shahdadkot taluka

13 Mastoi A Siraiki speaking Raind clan settled in villages Darya Khan Mastoi and Mitho Khan Mastoi

14 Magsi A branch of Lashari Balochis mostly settled in Jhal Magsi Balochistan

15 Khosa Khosa is a branch of the Rind tribe settled in Dhing and Kachi Pul area

16 Bozdar A clan of Leghari tribe

17 Lashari A Baloch Siraiki speaking tribe settked around village Jandeh

18 Umrani A clan of Burdi tribe who mostly live arounf Garhi Rehman Umrani in Kalat territory

19 Mir Jat Branch of Jat progressed under Talpur Balochis

20 Buledi Buledi is derived from Buli Dehi ; meaning resident of Deh Bulo which was in Kalat territory

21 Burdi/ Burdhi Burdis were settled around Burdi Wah in Qubo Seed Khan area

22 Jalbani A clan of Burdi tribe mostly lives around Garhi Khairo

23 Jatoi The descendents of Mai Jato are known as Jatois

24 Mugheri Mugheri is a branch of Burdi tribe mostly migrated from Bhag to Shahdadkot

25 Lund A sept of Dombki tribe

26 Gorgage A Burdi clan settled in village Baharo Gurgage

27 Khatian/Khatiyan/Khetrani Khatian is a distict race,and said to be neither Afghan nor Bakloch;but intermarried with both races

28 Kalper A main branch of Bugti tribe

29 Janwiri A caste of Samma origion under Chandia

30 Jagirani A clan of Burdi tribe having villages of Mirza Khan Jagirani and Khushal Khan Jagirani

31 Pitafi A sept of Korai Balochis

32 Pathan/Afghan Afgahnans were originally Bani Israel ; found in Shahdadkot since 1890s

33 Brahui/ Brohi Brahuis also appear Israelists and are called Biraho after their first ancestor Ibrahim or Birahim

34 Kharani The residents of Kharan Balochistan

35 Makrani They are called Gushi on account of their rude habits and ignorance, as the word means a barbarian

36 Dahani A Burdi caln mostly lives around Syed Lal Shah Bari shrine in Garhi Khairo taluka

37 Dombki/ Giloi The name is probably derived from Dumbak; a river in Iran

38 Ladhani Ladhani are low caste Balochis and were employed in loading, leading and grazing

39 Gopang One of the broken Baloch tribes of Dera Ghazi Khan, Muzzafargah, Bahawalpur and Multan

40 Gadahi/Gadhi Gadahi are said to be sept of Rinds and were settled in village Nao Gadahi on Bago Daro Raod

41 Kolachi A sept of Rind tribe; Maulana Muhammad Amin alias Nabi Bux Ostavi Kolachi was a great scholar

42 Abbassi Another name of Kalhora tribe

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British Rule: 1843-1947

S.NO

NAME OF TRIBE & CASTE REMARKS

01 Sheikh (Sanjogi) Originally Hinuds converted to Islam by Mian Ghulam Siddique Mekan (1844-1905) in Shahdadkot

02 Hadkhari A Jat caste setteled in Village Chakiani near Shahdadkot

03 Ghaibana Village Ghaibana is situated on Shahdadkot Bago Daro Road since British period

04 Muhana/Malah A caste of fishermen and boatmen

05 Bahlim A branch of fishing community living on Shahdadkot Bago Daro Road

06 Pirzada A priestly calss of Shahdadkot in 1874-76

07 Mekan Caste named after religious teachers and scholars of Arabic and Persian

08 Mangi Another name for barber

09 Dharpali A Jat clan settled in village Dad Muhammad Mastoi/Dadu near Chakiani in December 1944

10 Pahor Caste of Jats and Pahoran Ji Wandh existed in 1938 near Chakiani

11 Dewira A Samma cultivating tribe settled in village Bahwal Shah near Chakiani in 1928

12 Harha/Hara Caste of Jat status

13 Herha A caste of village Chakiani

14 Gilal Another name for potter

15 Odhana A caste of Samma origion

16 Malana A Sindhi tribe settled on Koor Dato and Ghar Wah

17 Bhangar A Sindhi tribe settled on Koor Dato and Ghar Wah

18 Odho Maulana Muhammad Ali Odho was disciple of Mian Noor Muhammad Mekan

19 Kalwar A Sindhi tribe lived in Shahdadkot around 1911 to 1918

20 Khakhrani Name of a Samma clan

21 Malhani A branch of Kalhora tribe

22 Nangraj A Samma clan settled on Shahdadkot Kamber road near Syed Hakim Shah shrine

23 Punjabi A graveyard is named after Hafiz Natho Punjabi who was a disciple of Mian Ghulam Siddique

24 Chandama A Sindhi tribe

25 Dahar A village named Dahar existed in the north of Dhing during British period

26 Lolai Caste of Burdi tribe

27 Sonai A Burdi clan of cultivaters settled in Garhi Khairo area

28 Dahiri A Samma clan settled in village Chhuto Joya on Shahdadkot Larkana Road

29 Gabol A Burdi tribe connected with cultivating

30 Katpar A branch of the Samma cultivaters

31 Kurd/Gurd A Baloch tribe settled in Balochistan and Sindh

32 Kanga/Kangia A Jat or Abro caste of cultivaters mostly residing around Larkana

33 Hashmani Another caste of Soomro tribe settled in Garhi Yasin district Shikarpur

Source: The Musalman Races found in Sind, Baluchistan and Afghanistan by Sheikh Sadik Ali Sher Ali Ansari Deputy Collector in Sind 1901

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Pakistan: 1947-2013

S.NO

NAME OF TRIBE & CASTE REMARKS

01 Sandila A Samma caste resident in Shahdadkot in 1962

02 Bhangar A Samma tribe once settled on the banks of Koor Dato

03 Mangi A sept of Thahim tribe mostly migrated from Karira and Nari Balochistan to Shahdadkot

04 Rahar A Sindhi tribe of cultivaters mostly living in village Buthi near Bahram now

05 Chachar A tribe of Samma

06 Owaisi A caste in Shahdadkot around 1970s

07 Kehar A Samma branch

08 Chanwli A Sindhi caste of farmers and labourers

09 Alvi Advocate Sajjad Hussain Alvi was arrested from Shahdadkot during MRD Movement 1983

10 Bhayo Muhammad Ramzan Bhayo was arrested from Shahdadkot during MRD Movement 1983

11 Malik Name of a Samma tribe; means a salve

12 Kartia The tribe mostly lives in Garhi Kher Muhammad Kartio on Shahdadkot Dost Ali Road

13 Farooqui A caste of Arab origion

14 Sethar Hakim Muhammad Nawaz Sethar lived in Shahdadkot from 1962 to 1991

15 Memon A business class of Pakistan and India ; means ‘ a true beliver of Islam’

16 Qasdri The shrine of Sufi saint Mian Saleh Qadri is located in Qadri Muhalla Larkana

17 Ghori A Pathan tribe of Afghanistan, Pakistan and India

18 Agani A Samma agriculturist tribe

19 Khuhra A Sindhi tribe mostly found around Larkana

20 Sidiqui Professor Wasi Ahmed Sidiqui was lecturer in Urdu at Govt Boys Degree Collage Shahdadkot

21 Seeroo/Seru Moulvi Muhammad Usman Seeroo taught Holy Quran in village Bahlim some years back

22 Agthi Walan Faqir Agthi; a dervish lived in village Bharmi during British period

23 Bugti A Baloch tribe settled in Shahdadkot

24 Lak A Samma tribe settled in jeand Lak on Shahdadkot Ratodero Road

25 Kamboh A tribe found in India and Pakistan; originally came from India and Punjab after 1947

26 Khoja The term Khoja means ‘Master’ or ‘a superior person; mostly came from Punjab after 1947

27 Teli A caste of oil-pressers ; Punjabi speaking people came to Shahdadkot after 1947

28 Chishti A caste of Punjabi speaking people;came to Shahdadkot after 1947

29 Gujjar A caste of Punjabi speaking people; came to Shahdadkot after 1947

30 Muhajir A caste of Punjabi speaking people; came to Shahdadkot after 1947

SOURCE: GR of Vernacular School Sanjer Bhatti (1905-1947), GR of Vernacular School Shahdadkot (1911-1947) and GR of Vernacular School Chakiani (1914-1947)