Soomro

Soomro

Soomro Kingdom, largest fort in Sindh.
Regions with significant populations
Pakistan:    500,000-550,000
Languages
Sindhi
Religion
Islam,Hinduism
Related ethnic groups
Sindhi

Soomro or Soomra (Sindhi: سومرو) is a Sindhi tribe in Sindh, Punjab and Balochistan, Pakistan.According to Colonel Walker Yaduvanshi Ahirs claim descent from Soomra dynasty.

See also: Category:Chhatis Rajkul and Rajput clans

History and origin

The Soomra Dynasty was established by the Al-Sumrah tribe of Sindh. The Soomra ruled Sindh from 750-1351. Following the 985 CE expulsion of the Qarmatian Muslim sect from Iraq and Egypt, the Qarmatians relocated to Sindh, finding converts among the Soomra. Mahmud of Ghazni, an orthodox Muslim, conquered the Soomro capital of Mansura in his campaign to defeat the heterodox in the 10th Century.

However the overwhelming majority of Soomro's are Sunni and some scholars dispute the account of Mahmud of Ghazni, they believe that the Soomro Dynasty and the citizens of Mansura (of mixed Sindhi-Arab decent) feared the political reputation of Mahmud of Ghazni, and refused to allow his entry into the city, in retaliation Mahmud of Ghazni besieged the city of Mansura and subsequently ended the rule of the Soomro Emirs.

The Soomra shifted their capital to Tharri, nearly 14 km eastwards of Matli on the Puran river. Puran was later abandoned due to changes in the course of the river. Thatta was the capital of the empire for about 95 years until the end of Soomra rule in 1351 AD. Hindus who had not converted to Islam under the Ghaznavids moved from Sindh to Vegh Kot and Lakhpat (Kutch) around 1028 A.D., to avoid sectarian violence and live under a Hindu ruler. During this period, Kutch was ruled by the Jadeja branch of the Samma Dynasty, who enjoyed good relations with the Soomro tribe in Sindh.

Historical significance

Soomro tribe is an important tribe amongst Sindhi Muslims, they are found throughout Sindh and are one of the earliest tribes to convert into Islam. They are very old feudals and were termed "Princes of Peace" by the British.

Political Status

Soomro family is the largest family in Pakistan after the Bhutto family involved in Politics at both Central and Provincial level,.

Notable Soomra

• Sardar Khan Dodo Bin Khafef Soomro III
• Allah Bux Soomro, was elected as the Chief Minister of Sindh, twice
• Elahi Bux Soomro, Former Minister and Speaker, National Assembly of Pakistan
• Mohammad Mian Soomro, remained President of Pakistan, Prime Minister of Pakistan, Chairman for the Senate of Pakistan and Governor of Sindh
• Rahim Bux Soomro, Minister, Sindh
• Mr. Justice Ghulam Nabi Soomro, Hon'ble Justice, High Court of Sindh, Presently Chairman of Sindh Services Tribunal
• Afzal Soomro, Chief Justice, High Court of Sindh
• Ayaz Soomro, Law Minister Sindh
• M. Umar Soomro (www.snc-pk.webs.com)
• Jameel Soomro, Minister Sindh
• Ali raza soomro, Haramkhor.ahahah

Distribution in Sindh

• Shikarpur
• Dadu
• Jacobabad
• Thatta
• Hyderabad
• Larkana
• Khairpur
• Karachi
• Umerkot
• Tharparkar
• Kashmore
• Sukhar

Distribution in Punjab

• Multan
• Rahim Yar Khan
• Gujranwala
• Rajanpur
• Bahawalpur
• Bahawalnagar
• Dera Ghazi Khan
• Muzaffargarh