Why in the News?

The British conquest of Sindh in the 1840s was a key step in colonial expansion, reminding us that regions like Sindh, Punjab, and Bengal came under British rule long before the 1947 partition of India and Pakistan.

Political Background in Sindh:

• Kalhora Dynasty (1701–1779): Founded by Mian Yar Muhammad Kalhoro, recognised by Mughals; ruled northern and central Sindh. Prosperous period but weakened by internal disputes.
• Talpur Dynasty (1779–1843): Baloch Talpurs overthrew Kalhoras; consolidated Sindh under clan rule at Hyderabad and Khairpur.
• Geopolitical Context: Sindh lay at the crossroads of British–French–Russian rivalry (The Great Game). Britain feared Russian advances through Iran and Afghanistan.
• British Entry: East India Company forced treaties on Talpurs; captured Karachi (1839) after bombarding Manora fort.

British Advance and the Fall of Sindh:

• Battle of Miani (17 Feb 1843): British under Sir Charles Napier defeated Mir Nasir Khan Talpur near Hyderabad.
• Battle of Dubbo (24 Mar 1843): Hosh Muhammad Sheedi allied with Mir Sher Muhammad Talpur of Mirpur Khas. Sheedi raised the war cry “Marvesoon par Sindh na desoon” (I may die but will not give up Sindh). He was killed in action.
• British Annexation: After Dubbo, Sindh was annexed into the Bombay Presidency. Talpur rule ended.
• Aftermath: Within a decade, Punjab too was annexed (1849), bringing all of northwest India under British rule.

Legacy of Hosh Muhammad Sheedi:

• Born into the household of Talpur rulers; of African-Siddi descent.
• Valour acknowledged by both Indian and British chroniclers.
• Became a folk hero of Sindh, remembered by Hindus and Muslims alike.
• His legacy is central to the cultural memory of Sindh and highlights the role of the Siddi community in resisting colonialism.

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