Sehwan (Sindhi: سيوهڻ شريف; Urdu: سہون شریف; also commonly referred to as Sehwan Sharif or Noble Sehwan) is a historic city located in Jamshoro District of Sindh province in Pakistan situated on the west bank of the Indus River 80 miles (130 km) north-west of Hyderabad. The city is renowned for being the home of one of Pakistan's most important Sufi shrines, the Shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar. The city also holds the status of taluka under the Jamshoro District. It was previously a part of the Dadu District; however, with the establishment of the Jamshoro District, Sehwan became linked with it.
Sehwan
| |
|---|---|
 The Shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar in Sehwan Sharif | |
  Sehwan | |
| Coordinates: 26°25′10″N 67°51′34″E / 26.4193143°N 67.8593731°E | |
| Country |  Pakistan |
| Province | Sindh |
| District | Jamshoro |
| Population (2023 census) | |
• Total | 75,167 |
| Time zone | UTC+5 (PST) |
| Calling code | 76140 |
Sehwan is among Pakistan's most significant spiritual centers, alongside other revered shrines like the Shrine of Abdullah Shah Ghazi in Karachi, the Data Durbar Complex in Lahore, Bari Imam in Noorpur Shehan near Islamabad, and the magnificent tombs of the Suhrawardi Sufis in Multan.[1]
History
editSehwan is one of the most ancient places in Sindh.[2][3] Some historians suggest that this town dates back to the period of Prophet Shees, son of Adam, hence it was named Sheestan, Sewistan and eventually Sehwan.[4] Syed Muhibullah, the author of "A Brief History of Sind," notes that Sehwan was the name of the great-grandson of Ham (son of Noah).[5] However, there are various other views about the nomenclature of Sehwan as well. William Dalrymple proposes that the name is derived from Shivistan, after Lord Shiva.[6] Notable historian Molai Sheedai writes in his book "Tarikh-e-Tamadan-e-Sind" that Sehwan was built by the Sewi Aryas and was hence called Sewistan. Another view is that its name was Sindomana, a name well-mentioned in Greek literature.[4] Sindhu-mán is a Sanskrit word that means "the possessor (the capital, or Raja) of Sindh," with which Sindhu-vàn is synonymous. The latter may have softened in common speech to the modern Seh-wan.[7] Sindomana was the capital of King Sambos, who was defeated by Alexander in 326 BC.[8] A large tell called Kafir Qila (castle of the pagans) is located to the north of the city.
Sehwan was conquered by Muhammad bin Qasim in 711 from the son of King Dahir, and three centuries later by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1026. In all subsequent dynastic struggles of Sindh, Sehwan continued to feature prominently. It was successively held by the Sumrahs, the Summas, the Arghuns, and the Tarkhans.[9] During the Thatta Kingdom, it served as the capital.[10] An abortive attempt was made by the Mughal emperor Humayun to capture it on his way to Umarkot in 1542,[11] but it finally fell to his son Akbar in 1590s.[12] After the Mughals, it was ruled by the Kalhoras and Talpurs.[9]
Demographics
edit| Census | Population[13] |
|---|---|
| 1972 | 8,357 |
| 1981 | 13,891 |
| 1998 | 34,923 |
| 2017 | 66,898 |
| 2023 | 75,167 |
Notable places
editThe city is renowned for its Sufi patron saint Lal Shahbaz Qalandar, who lived there in the 13th century.
The Shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. Additionally, the Shrine of Murshid Nadir Ali Shah, a notable spiritual descendant of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar is also located in Sehwan, where a large number of people are served free meals around the clock.[14][15][16] Another famous place is the inverted city.[17] Moreover, Manchar Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Pakistan, is located a short distance from Sehwan Sharif.[18]
Economy
editThe economy of Sehwan Sharif encompasses a diverse range of sources of income and economic activities that sustain the local populace. Notable among these income sources are:
1. Agriculture: Agriculture is a foundational pillar of the local economy. Farmers in the region cultivate a variety of crops, including wheat, rice, cotton, sugarcane, and vegetables.
2. Livestock Farming: The livestock sector, encompassing cattle, goats, and poultry, significantly contributes to the economy. It generates income through the sale of dairy products, meat, and poultry.
3. Pilgrimage and Religious Tourism: Sehwan Sharif is renowned for hosting the shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar, a venerated Sufi saint. Pilgrims and tourists visit the shrine, and their donations, offerings, and patronage of local businesses collectively bolster the local economy.
4. Trade and Commerce: The town houses a bustling marketplace where a variety of goods are traded. Local businesses, including shops and markets, contribute to economic activity.
5. Handicrafts: Local artisans and craftsmen produce traditional Sindhi handicrafts, such as pottery, embroidered textiles, and jewelry, which find buyers locally and among tourists.
6. Transportation: Sehwan Sharif's strategic location as a transportation hub facilitates trade and transportation-related businesses.
7. Education and Services: Educational institutions, including schools and colleges, offer employment opportunities, while service-oriented enterprises cater to the needs of the community.
8. Government Employment: Government employment, comprising schools, healthcare facilities, and administrative offices, also serves as a significant source of livelihood for the local population.
The economy of Sehwan Sharif, like that of many regions, is marked by a fusion of traditional and contemporary sectors, evolving to meet the needs of its residents.
Incident
editOn 16 February 2017, a suicide bomber triggered an explosion at the Shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar, killing at least 83 people and injuring almost 250. The attack occurred during a praying session. The bombing took place at an 800 year old Shrine.[19][20] Later the ISIS claimed responsibility for this terrorist attack stating that their 'martyr' had detonated a vest at the popular Shia gathering at the shrine.[21]
Sehwan Sharif and its relation with Muhammad Bin Qasim and Sultan Mehmood Ghaznavi
editSehwan sharif was conquered by Muhammad bin Qasim when he came to Sindh in the year 711 A.D. After 200 years, Sultan Mahmood Ghaznavi again conquered it. On the way to Umerkot, the Mughal King Humayun attempted to conquer this city but he failed, later on his son Akbar conquered Sehwan Sharif.[22]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Akhtar, Suleman (22 February 2017). "Damadam mast Qalandar is a cry of rebellion against established orders". Dawn. Retrieved 22 February 2017.
- ^ Bradford, Alexander Warfield (1843). Antiquities and Researches Into the Origin and History of the Red Race. New York: Wiley & Putnam. p. 425.
- ^ Caine, William Sproston (1891). Picturesque India:A Handbook for European Travellers. London: George Routledge and Sons Limited. p. 192.
- ^ a b Pakistan Library Bulletin Volume 18. Pakistan: Library Promotion Bureau. 1987. p. 42.
- ^ Ali, Ansari Ali Sher (1901). A Short Sketch, Historical and Traditional, of the Musalman Races Found in Sind, Baluchistan and Afghanistan, Their Genealogical Sub-divisions and Septs, Together with an Ethnological and Ethnographical Account. Karachi: Commissioner's Press. p. 64.
- ^ Nine Lives by William Dalrymple
- ^ Wilson, Horace Hayman (1841). Ariana Antiqua:A Descriptive Account of the Antiquities and Coins of Afghanistan. London: East India Company. p. 205.
- ^ Gazetteer of the Province of Sind. India: Government at the "Mercantile" Steam Press. 1907. p. 522.
- ^ a b The Modern Review, Volume 81. India: Prabasi Press Private Limited. 1947. p. 122.
- ^ John F. Richards, The New Cambridge History of India: The Mughal Empire (New York: Cambridge University Press, 1993) p. 51
- ^ The History and Culture of the Indian People: The Mughal empire. India: G. Allen & Unwin. 1974. p. 57.
- ^ Richards, John F. (1995). The Mughal Empire. Cambridge University Press. p. 51.
- ^ "Sindh (Pakistan): Urban Localities in Districts - Population Statistics, Charts and Map". www.citypopulation.de. Retrieved 31 August 2024.
- ^ Donkin, William (2001). The Wayfarers: Meher Baba with the God-Intoxicated. Myrtle Beach, S.C.: Sheriar Foundation. ISBN 1-880619-24-5.
- ^ Khushik, Qurban Ali (1 September 2007). "Call of Qalandar". DAWN.COM. Retrieved 15 March 2019.
- ^ Correspondent, The Newspaper's (18 June 2014). "Qalandar Urs celebrations get under way". DAWN.COM. Retrieved 4 February 2018.
{{cite news}}:|last=has generic name (help) - ^ Soomro, Farooq (10 October 2014). "Sehwan: The undisputed throne of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar". DAWN.COM. Retrieved 23 February 2018.
- ^ "Lake Manchar – A Perfect Holiday Destination". Sindhi Dunya. 14 September 2015. Retrieved 23 February 2018.
- ^ Sanchez, Ray; Saifi, Sophia; Raja, Adeel (16 February 2017). "At least 75 killed in suicide attack at Pakistani shrine". CNN. Retrieved 21 February 2017.
- ^ "Blast hits Pakistan's Lal Shahbaz Qalandar Sufi shrine". www.aljazeera.com.
- ^ "Isis claims responsibility for suicide bombing at Muslim shrine". The Independent. 17 February 2017. Retrieved 3 September 2019.
- ^ "Sehwan Sharif". WEB PAKISTAN. Retrieved 16 April 2024.
External links
edit