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| Mir Sohrab Khan Talpur مير سهراب خان ٽالپر | |
|---|---|
| Ali Jah Huzur Pur Nur Sarkar Wali-i-Mulk-i-Khudadad Shah-i-Na’azir-i-Sindh Rais-ul-Umara of Upper Sind | |
 Potrait of Mir Sohrab Khan Talpur | |
| Rais-ul-Umara of Upper Sindh | |
| Reign | 1783-1830 |
| Coronation | 1783 |
| Predecessor | Position established |
| Successor | Mir Rustam Ali Khan Talpur |
| Born | 1745 |
| Died | 1830 (aged 85) Faiz Mahal, Khairpur, Sindh |
| Burial | Sohrabani Talpur Rulers Necropolis, Sukkur, Sindh |
| Issue Detail |
|
| House | Sohrabani Talpurs of Khairpur |
| Dynasty |  Talpur Dynasty |
| Father | Mir Chakar Khan Talpur |
| Religion | Shia Islam |
| Military career | |
| Allegiance | Talpur Sindh |
| Service | Talpur Army |
| Commands |
See list
|
| Battles / wars | See list |
Mir Sohrab Khan Talpur (Sindhi: مير سهراب خان ٽالپر) was a ruler and the founder of the Khairpur state in Sindh, Pakistan. Known for his wisdom, bravery, and strategic leadership, he played a significant role in shaping the history of Sindh during the late 18th and early 19th centuries.
Early Life
Mir Sohrab Khan, son of Mir Chakar Khan, was the founder of the Khairpur state. He was the first cousin of Mir Subdar Khan, the father of Mir Fateh Ali Khan. Mir Sohrab Khan was born in 1156 AH, corresponding to 1745 AD. At the time of his uncle Mir Bahram Khan's martyrdom, he was a 33-year-old young man. Following that, he actively participated in all the battles fought by the Talpurs against the Kalhoras and other tribes, showcasing his bravery.
Personal Life
Mir Sohrab Khan had three wives and 6 sons:
1) Mir Rustam 'Ali Khan Talpur, Rais-ul-Umara of Upper Sind (s/o the first wife) - see below.
2) Mir Ghulam Haidar Khan Talpur. He had issue, a son:
a) Mir Muhammad Khan.
3) Mir Mubarak 'Ali Khan Talpur. Senior Amir of the Council of Administration 1811-1839. He d. 1839, having had issue, several sons, including:
a) Mir Nazir Khan. Appointed as senior Amir in the Council of Administration, in succession to his late father, 1839. Attempted to seize power and annexed a good proportion of territory belonging to his uncle, Mir 'Ali Murad Khan.
4) Mir Chakkar 'Ali Khan Talpur.
5) H.H. Mir Sir 'Ali Murad Khan Talpur, Mir of Khaipur .
6) Mir Shah Nawaz Khan.
Daily Life & Conduct
Mir Sohrab Khan was a wise and farsighted ruler. He was known for his prudence and strategic vision. When the Mirs of Hyderabad made an agreement with Shuja-ul-Mulk, he lamented their judgment, saying:
"Ruling a kingdom is extremely difficult. These Mirs will not be able to fulfill their promises, and they will unnecessarily tarnish their reputation, enduring the torment of dishonor."
As long as he lived, he did not allow a powerful force like the British to interfere in the affairs of the Khairpur state, even though the Mirs of Hyderabad had entered into two or three agreements with them.
Mir Sohrab Khan was renowned for his generosity towards the poor, appreciation of talent, respect for the nobility, and hospitality towards travelers.
Battle of Halani
The Decisive Battle of Halani When the Talpur forces reached Halani, Mir Fateh Ali was six kos (approximately 18 kilometers) away. Gulam Ali and Allah Yar suggested waiting for reinforcements, particularly Mir Sohrab's arrival, as their army was smaller than the enemy's. However, Mir Fateh Ali replied with unwavering faith: "We trust in Allah. Numbers do not matter; He alone is our helper."
The two armies confronted each other at Halani, and a fierce battle of arrows and swords began. At this critical moment, Mir Sohrab arrived and immediately advanced towards Muhammad Hassan Khuhawar. With unmatched skill, he cut through the group of soldiers surrounding Muhammad Hassan with his sword. Seeing an opportunity, one of Mir Sohrab’s warriors, Khairi Mari, attacked and killed Muhammad Hassan.
The command of the Khuhawar forces then passed to Muhammad Baqar Khuhawar, but he too was soon killed. Mir Fateh Ali then ordered a full-scale attack. Responding to the command, Mir Sohrab charged into the fray with the ferocity of lightning, slaying Samtai with his sword. He also struck down Alahdad Taji, cutting him in half with a single blow.
Other leaders, including Mir Ghulam Ali, Allah Yar, Thara, and the rebel Faqir, also distinguished themselves in battle, severing the heads of many enemies. According to Mir Azim Thattavi, the battlefield was soaked in blood, a testament to the ferocity of the clash.
This decisive victory solidified the Talpur hold over Sindh and marked the end of Kalhora dominance.
Second Battle of Shikarpur
Through the efforts of Mir Qamaruddin, Timur Shah issued a decree in 1202 AH to restore the governance of Sindh under Mian Abdul Nabi's name. He sent a large army led by Sardar Ahmad Noorzai and Bostan Khan to assist, and also ordered Nasir Khan, the ruler of Kalat, to provide support. When this army passed through Multan and reached Bahawalpur, the governor of the region, Muhammad Bahawal, took refuge in the fort, and the army looted and ransacked the city for two months, devastating the entire area.
As the army advanced and neared Khairpur, Mian Abdul Nabi sent representatives—Taji, Sultan, Sheikh Qamaruddin, and his son Taji Mohammad Khan—to Mir Sohrab Khan. They offered him a promise of favor in the future if he assisted them. However, Mir Sohrab Khan was not swayed by these temptations. He replied, making a solemn promise to Mir Fateh Ali Khan, swearing on the Quran that he was ready to fight the enemy. He assured that when the enemy's forces would approach, he would meet them on the way, and together they would teach the invaders a lesson.
Meanwhile, the Afghan army reached Hala Kundi, having crossed the Rohri area. Mir Fateh Ali Khan received a decree from Timur Shah, ordering him to leave the Sindh government. After consulting with his commanders, it was decided to send the women and children to Kutch and Jaisalmer and then prepare for battle.
Mir Fateh Ali had already destroyed the bridges on the roads, making it very difficult for the Afghan army to advance. However, when the Afghan army was within two miles of the city, Mir Sohrab Khan, fearing that Mir Fateh Ali might be defeated and lose his state, fled from Shah Garh Fort. Upon hearing this, Mir Fateh Ali, according to Frier Namah, remarked: "Hasbi Allah wa ni'mal wakeel, ni'mal maula wa ni'mal naseer" (Allah is sufficient for me, and He is the best disposer of affairs, the best protector and the best helper).".
Founding of Khairpur State
Mir Sohrab Khan Talpur established his dominance in the Upper Sindh 1783 and set up his capital at Burahan, which he renamed Khairpur in 1786. He extended his control northwards to Kashmore and Subzalkot (now in Bahawalpur), Mithankot (now in the Punjab), to Naushero Firoze in the south, and to the borders of Jodhpur in the south east, by 1791.
Campaign Against the Afghans and Control of Shikarpur
Mir Sohrab Khan joined forces with the Rais of Hyderabad in an attack on the remaining Afghan strongholds in Sindh. In 1823, they successfully defeated and expelled the Afghan forces from Shikarpur. Following this victory, they retained joint control of the city, with Mir Sohrab Khan asserting sole sovereignty over the regions to the north, east, and west of Shikarpur, further consolidating his power in the region.
Reign and Achievements
Mir Sohrab Khan ruled Khairpur for 27 years with grandeur and effectiveness. His reign was marked by the following key events:
Defending Sindh:
He successfully defended Sindh against two invasions by Afghanistan’s King Shuja-ul-Mulk in 1803 and 1814. Together with the Mirs of Hyderabad, he repelled these attacks.
Territorial Expansion:
Mir Sohrab Khan expanded his domain by acquiring regions such as Bardaki, Rupah, Chak, Mazar Cha, Muhammad Bagh, Shah Belo, Bukkur, Sehwan, and Kalwari. He also captured the Umarkot Fort from the Raja of Jodhpur and the Sabzal Kot region from the Nawab of Bahawalpur.
Diplomatic Acumen:
In 1817, upon hearing rumors of an invasion by Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab, he led his forces to Shikarpur in coordination with the Mirs of Hyderabad. However, peace was negotiated through British mediation.
Governance and Legacy
Mir Sohrab Khan was a wise and farsighted ruler who emphasized justice and governance. He was critical of the treaties signed by the Mirs of Hyderabad with foreign powers, particularly the British and Afghanistan’s King Shuja-ul-Mulk. He famously remarked:
"Ruling a kingdom is extremely challenging. These Mirs will fail to fulfill their promise, tarnish their reputation, and endure the disgrace of betrayal."
He maintained Khairpur’s sovereignty against British influence, ensuring their interference did not extend into his state, unlike the Mirs of Hyderabad who signed multiple treaties with the British.
Response to the Threat of Maharaja Ranjit Singh's Invasion
In 1817, upon hearing rumors of an invasion by Maharaja Ranjit Singh of Punjab, Mir Sohrab Khan mobilized his forces and led them to Shikarpur, coordinating with the Mirs of Hyderabad. However, before the situation escalated into full-scale conflict, peace was negotiated through British mediation, averting a potential war between the regional powers.
Division of Territories and Succession Plan
In 1811, Mir Sohrab Khan divided his territories between his sons and invested his eldest son with full powers of administration, ensuring a clear succession plan for the governance of his state.
Legacy and Death
Mir Sohrab Khan was a wise and farsighted ruler who maintained Khairpur's sovereignty against external forces, including the British, while ensuring the state's prosperity. Unlike the Mirs of Hyderabad, he resisted foreign interference, particularly from the British Empire.
He died in 1830 (1246 AH) after falling from a palace window during heavy rainfall. His legacy endures as one of the most significant rulers of Sindh, remembered for his leadership, diplomacy, and military achievements.
References
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