The Soomras ruled throughout the Sindh and Multan regions.[5]
The Soomro tribe established the Soomra dynasty in 1025 CE, which re-established native Sindhi rule over Sindh following the Arab conquests.[1] Many members of the Soomro tribe were among the first in Sindh to convert to Islam from Buddhism and Local Tribal Religions but initially continued to maintain several Tribal customs and traditions.[2][1]
Origins
The Soomras, According to the Book Takriza are A Pashtun Royal Family that Migrated into Sindh from Afghanistan [6]
According to later Claims Soomras are Branch of Rajput Parmar, Especially the Sodha Parmars, This is Falsefication Becuase Sodhas are Recorded as Migrating to Sindh in the late 1200's.[7]
The Soomra Ruler Doda, Has been Called a Jat in Tarikh masumi, Soomras are also mentioned as Jats in Punjab District Gazetteer, Soomras are Closely Related with the Langah and Kalhora Jat Tribe[8]
Soomras are also mentioned as Jats in 1901 cenus of India[9]
Soomras in Tharparker are Mentioned Mentioned as Jats in Gazetteer of West Pakistan[10]
Pre-eminent Sindhi scholar Nabi Baksh Baloch tried to reconcile all different conflicting accounts of Soomra origin. He considered Soomras, a hybrid race that was mix of Sindhi-Arab blood, emerged after the Umayyad caliph Sulayman ibn Abd al-Malik’s decree asking Arab officers posted in Sindh to settle in the land permanently. Consequently they took Sindhi wives and subsequently married their daughters in Sindhi families.[11]
The Soomras Intermarried into Arabs in Huge masses, Which can be the reason for Ashrafizing Of Soomras
Customs and Traditions
According to the traveller Ibn Battuta, who visited Sindh during the Soomra period, the Soomras strictly maintained their social exclusiveness. He observed that "they neither eat with anyone, nor allow anyone to eat with them." Similarly, they did not give their daughters in marriage to people outside their community. This reflects a strong sense of tribal purity and exclusivity maintained by the Soomras, which was at times discriminatory towards other groups of Sindh.[12]
In terms of attire, Soomra customs were unique. It is recorded that once they wore a set of clothes, they would never wear it again, as reusing garments was considered improper and unclean in their tradition.[13]
The Soomras also imposed symbolic authority on the people under their rule. Infidel tribes such as the Samma and Baloch were reportedly branded with marks of slavery on their shoulders, signifying their subjugation under Soomra power.
Another notable custom was the restriction on wearing turbans. During their reign, turbans were considered a symbol of royalty and sovereignty. Only members of the Soomra ruling class were permitted to wear them, while subjects were forbidden from doing so.[14]
The Soomras have also been described in historical accounts as traditional warriors who preserved a martial culture and prided themselves on their military traditions.[15]
History
The Soomras established themselves as rulers of Sindh in the early 11th century, around 1011 CE. Their rise marked the beginning of one of the earliest Muslim dynasties of indigenous Sindhi origin. Over the following centuries, their authority extended across Sindh and at various times reached into Multan and western Balochistan. The Soomras created a political base that lasted until the mid-14th century.[16]
Portrait of Two Soomra Soliders
Throughout their period of rule, the Soomras maintained fortified centres in lower Sindh, with Thatta and later Umarkot and Tharparkar serving as important strongholds. Their control was based on alliances with Sindhi clans, an organized cavalry force, and their ability to manage both agricultural regions along the Indus and desert territories connected to Rajasthan and Gujarat. Contemporary descriptions credit them with large mounted forces, numbering in the tens of thousands, which they used for both defensive purposes and external campaigns. The Soomras are noted for repeated expeditions into Rajasthan, where they conducted raids into the Kingdom of Jodhpur and secured victories in several encounters.[17]
From the 11th to 13th centuries, the Soomras interacted with major powers of the region. The Ghaznavids and later the Ghurids sought to extend influence into Sindh, leading to confrontations and shifting arrangements, but the Soomras continued to rule lower Sindh as their domain. With the expansion of the Delhi Sultanate into Multan and upper Sindh in the 13th and 14th centuries, the Soomras retained control over southern Sindh and its trade routes.
Under the Samma dynasty
By the 14th century, the Sammas expanded across northern Sindh and became the dominant power in Thatta. The Soomras established new centres of rule in Umarkot, Tharparkar, and other southern districts. Many Soomra chiefs were incorporated into the Samma administrative structure as Maliks and Nawabs. This arrangement enabled them to preserve local authority while acknowledging the Samma state.
Branches of the Soomras held important territories. In Bahawalpur, they governed from Marot Fort, a key defensive position. Jam Malek Soomro, one of their leaders, carried out repairs of canals and strengthened fortifications. The Soomras of Bahawalpur remained established until the early 16th century. Another branch based in Sivistan (modern Sehwan) allied with the Sahita clan and opposed the incursions of the Arghuns. Soomra chiefs also gave support to Jam Salahuddin in his campaigns for Thatta.
Under the Gujarat Sultanate
In the 15th century, some groups of Soomras migrated to western India. Within the Gujarat Sultanate, they were appointed to positions of authority. In Jamnagar they held the title of Nawabs, while in Kathiawar and Kutch they were confirmed as zamindars. These appointments gave them an enduring role in local administration and tied Sindhi families to the politics of Gujarat.[18]
Soomra estate in Layyah
Another significant branch settled in Layyah District in Punjab. Here they developed a large estate and became influential landholders. They continued to maintain their position under successive states, including the Mughal Empire, Afghan and Sikh authorities, and later the British colonial government. The Soomras of Layyah remained prominent zamindars into the modern era.
Under the Kalhora dynasty
In the 18th century, the Khuhawar clan of the Soomras became prominent under the Kalhora dynasty. They provided military service and participated in major engagements such as the Battle of Kacchi and the Battle of Ubaro. For their service, they received land grants and jagirs in Sukkur, where their estates continued for generations.[19]
Under the Talpur dynasty
During the Talpur dynasty, Soomras were established in Shikarpur and Hyderabad. They were active as landowners, merchants, and soldiers in Talpur service. They also participated in the Battle of Miani in 1843, where Sindhi forces fought against the British East India Company.
Soomra Camel Solider
Under British colonial rule
After the annexation of Sindh by the British in 1843, Soomras continued as landowners and officials within the colonial system. They adapted to new administrative structures and some entered political life. One of the most notable figures was Allah Bux Soomro, who served as the Premier of Sindh in the 1940s. He became an important political leader and demonstrated the continued relevance of the Soomra community in the modern period.
1 2 3 "The Arab Conquest". International Journal of Dravidian Linguistics. 36 (1): 91. 2007. The Soomras are believed to be Parmar Rajputs found even today in Rajasthan, Saurashtra, Kutch and Sindh. The Cambridge History of India refers to the Soomras as "a Rajput dynasty the later members of which accepted Islam" (p. 54 ).
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