Mir Abdullah Khan Talpur

Mir Abdullah Khan Talpur مير عبدالله خان ٽالپر
Mir Abdullah Khan Talpur's tomb at Mir Karam Ali Talpur Tomb Complex, Hyderabad, Sindh
Chief Minister of Kalhoro Sindh
Reign	1780-1784
Born	Sindh
Died	1784 Hyderabad, Sindh
Burial	Mir Karam Ali Talpur Tomb Complex, Hyderabad, Sindh
Issue	Mir Bahram Talpur, Mir Ghulam Hussain Talpur
Dynasty	Talpur Dynasty
Father	Mir Bijar Khan Talpur
Religion	Shia Islam
Occupation	General, Noble, Courtman

Mir Abdullah Khan Talpur
Military service
Allegiance	Kalhora Dynasty
Years of service	1782-1784
Rank	Commander-in-Chief
Commands	Kalhora Army
Battles/wars	Battle of Larkana

Mir Abdullah Khan Talpur (Sindhi: مير عبدالله خان ٽالپر) was the Commander-in-Chief of the Kalhora Army and the son of Mir Bijar Khan Talpur. He was known for defeating Khanate of Kalat, Jodhpur, and the Durrani Empire.

Early Leadership and Response to Mir Bijar’s Martyrdom

At the time of Mir Bijar's martyrdom, his son Mir Abdullah was not present. The entire arrangement for the burial and funeral was made by Mir Fateh Khan, and as the funeral procession began, the entire city was wailing in grief. Mir Abdullah, like his father, was a righteous, tolerant, and courageous man. Upon his arrival, he summoned all the Balochs, who pledged allegiance to him and insisted on avenging Mian Abdul Nabi. However, Mir Abdullah said, "We should not take such a hasty step based on rumors. After all, what enmity could Abdul Nabi have had with Mir Sahib? He is my master."

Mian Abdul Nabi's Escape

Upon hearing of Mir Abdullah's arrival, Mian Abdul Nabi, along with his wealth and 200 soldiers from the Jatois and Jhinjans, fled across the river to Kalat under the cover of night. He sent his sons, Muhammad Arif, Taj Muhammad, and his nephew Shah Muhammad, with trusted individuals to Jodhpur for refuge.

Mir Abdullah's Message to Mian Abdul Nabi

Mir Abdullah's intentions were sincere, and he was greatly surprised by Mian Abdul Nabi's escape. He immediately sent two of his men with the Qur'an to deliver a message to Mian Abdul Nabi. The message conveyed:

"I have no grievance against you. Those who have given you this advice are not your friends but your enemies, seeking to drive you into exile. Return and take charge of your country. We have always been and will remain your loyal and devoted followers."

Mian Abdul Nabi was initially inclined to return after receiving this message. However, his self-serving advisors dissuaded him, causing Mir Abdullah's emissary to return disappointed.

After the messenger's return, Mir Abdullah lamented:

"How strange is this man! He neither managed to rule effectively himself nor left behind any capable member of his family to lead. Someone from his family must now be placed on the throne."

Upon hearing this, someone informed him about a pious member of Mian Abdul Nabi's family, Sadiq Ali Khan Abbasi, who resided elsewhere. Mir Abdullah immediately sent for him

Sadiq Ali Khan

A few days later, Sadiq Ali Khan arrived at the riverbank, where he was given a grand reception by Mir Abdullah.

Historian Abdul Majeed Jokai writes in his accounts that the musnad nishini (investiture ceremony) of the Kalhoras traditionally took place at Dheri Shahpur, near Hala Kandi. All the Talpurs gathered there, and after formally crowning Sadiq Khan with the turban of rulership, Mir Abdullah handed over all administrative affairs of the state to him.

Page 69 of Fateh Nama mentions that when Sadiq Khan was crowned, he led a life of asceticism, piety, and contentment, showing no interest in worldly matters. As a result, all the governance and administrative responsibilities continued to be handled by Mir Abdullah.

Maharaja Jodhpur and the Brohi Invasion

News came that during this time, Raja Bijay Singh of Jodhpur was advancing towards Sindh with a large army. Simultaneously, it was learned that Mian Abdul Nabi had acquired an army from Nasir Khan, the governor of Kalat, and, through promises of wealth, had allied with the Nehmardis to invade Sindh.

Despite these two alarming developments, Mir Abdullah remained steadfast and called his advisors—Mir Fateh Ali, Fateh Khan, Mir Sohrab, and Sultan Jang—for consultation. The advisors reassured him, saying, "Our lives are devoted to you; we only await your command."

Mir Abdullah responded, "First, let us confront the infidels. Prepare for battle accordingly."

Battle with the Jodhpurs

On the third day, Mir Abdullah, accompanied by Sadiq Khan, set out to confront the forces of Jodhpur. After crossing a desert, they encountered a large Jodhpuri army. On a high hill stood hundreds of Jodhpur’s military chiefs, led by the ruler’s son and a prominent leader, while the rest of the army awaited below, ready for battle.

Mir Abdullah divided his forces into four groups, assigning each flank to Mir Fateh Ali Khan, Mir Sohrab, Mirza Faqir, and his son Bagho Faqir, as well as Fateh Khan. He himself remained in the center alongside Sadiq Khan. The Sindhi forces included a substantial number of Nizamani, Laghari, and Jamali warriors.

Mir Fateh Ali Khan was the first to advance, launching such a swift and fierce attack on the enemy that they had no chance to recover. Subsequently, the entire Sindhi army descended upon the Rathores, forcing the Jodhpuri forces to abandon their tents, cannons, camels, elephants, and wealth in retreat. Joy spread among the Sindhis, and cries of victory echoed all around.

The Brohi Invasion

Hardly had this threat subsided when Mir Abdullah received a letter carried by a camel courier from Ghulam Ali. The letter reported that Mian Abdul Nabi, accompanied by his son-in-law Zarq and forces from Kalat, along with contingents of Jhinjans, Khosa, and Nehmardi troops, had crossed into Larkana.

Mir Abdullah ordered his troops to stay vigilant and immediately marched out with his army to confront this new invasion.

Battle Near Chalak Bridge

Mir Abdullah and Sadiq Khan confronted the enemy near Chalak Bridge. Mian Abdul Nabi divided his forces into three groups: one consisting of a special contingent of Jatois and Khosa warriors, another of Kalati troops led by Zarq, and a third made up of Nehmardi forces.

Mir Abdullah also divided his army into three divisions. One was led by Mirza Faqir, Bagho Faqir, and Sadiq Ali, tasked with countering Mian Abdul Nabi’s primary contingent. Another group, comprising Nizamani warriors, was placed under the leadership of Fateh Khan to face the Nehmardis. Mir Abdullah himself led the battle against the Brohis, while Sohrab Khan instructed Mir Fateh Ali to hold the central position.

Finally, a deadly battle erupted between the two armies. The Sindhi soldiers displayed exceptional bravery, slaying prominent enemy chiefs, including Zarq and Mehrab, while many other leaders also fell to their swords. Witnessing the demise of their commanders, the enemy forces abandoned their equipment and fled the battlefield.

Mir Abdullah’s Efforts to Reform the Country

After being relieved from the battles, Mir Abdullah dedicated himself to the betterment of the country. He abolished two burdensome taxes, the Peshkash and Sarsumari. The public celebrated the removal of these levies with joy, akin to the festivities of Eid.

Madad Khan arrival in Sindh

When Mir Abdullah received news of Madad Khan’s cruelty, brutality, and bloodshed, he summoned Mir Fateh, Mir Ali, Fateh Khan, and Mir Sohrab. He said to them, "We must assist the oppressed and take action against this injustice." All of them unanimously agreed, but Fateh Khan expressed concern, saying, "This is the royal army, and we must respect the authority of the ruler."

Mir Abdullah responded, "You must understand that the true king is one who possesses god-like qualities, who protects and nurtures his people, and provides them comfort—not one who spills their blood. We collect taxes and revenue from the people, and it is our duty to protect them."

The March for Battle

When Mir Abdullah set out with his army, only Mir Fateh Khan and a few Nizamani commanders initially remained behind in their homes. However, they later joined him on the way. They invoked the Qur'an and the name of Muhammad as they pleaded, "We are with you in every situation, but please, for God's sake, do not rush ahead. Let us wait here on the road, and once you arrive, we will attack them."

Mir Abdullah accepted their advice and decided to wait there with his army. When they reached the sixth stage of their journey, Mir Abdullah took extra precautions to keep his army vigilant. Meanwhile, news reached Madad Khan that Mir Abdullah was prepared for battle and would not back down under any circumstances. Madad Khan consulted with his commanders, who suggested that they should negotiate peace instead.

Madad Khan's Letter

After consulting with his companions, Madad Khan wrote a letter to Mir Abdullah, expressing: "You are a brave and wise person, and we hope for goodness from you. We have heard about the atrocities committed by Miyaan Abdul Nabi against you. He is a treacherous and heartless man, and his advisors are liars and cheats. They lack both intelligence and honor, which is why I have imprisoned them in chains. I have come to seek the treasure from Miyaan Abdul Nabi, which is stored in Godabad. If I find it, all will be well; if not, his lies will be exposed, and I will report the entire truth to the king. God knows that I seek friendship with you."

Mir Abdullah received the letter and treated the messengers with great respect and courtesy, bestowing them with valuable gifts as they departed.

Mir Abdullah's Response

Mir Abdullah then sent a message through his agent Allah Dad to Madad Khan, stating: "I, along with my companions, are devoted to the king. I regard you as my uncle, and I would have obeyed your command to the letter. However, I have sworn an oath that no matter how large the army, I will face it. Therefore, I cannot break my oath. If you wish to go to Godabad, take the river route, and I will head to Umerkot with my army."

Madad Khan, in turn, treated Mir Abdullah's envoys with great honor and respect. He then proceeded with the Brohien and Naimardeen armies via the river route to Godabad. Upon reaching there, he inquired about the treasure from Miyaan Abdul Nabi. At that time, Miyaan Abdul Nabi sent his men into the city, who looted every house, killed the wealthy, and plundered the entire city, leaving it in ruins.

The atrocities committed by Madad Khan's soldiers against the people of Sindh and the Sindhi populace are beyond description. They left not a single penny in any household, stripped people of their clothes, trampled on the turbans of the honorable, and spilled blood everywhere. As the great Thattvi says:

O Lord of the weak and the orphan,

It is You who is the power and refuge of the weak,

The tyrant has ravaged the land,

The downtrodden seek Your justice.

Break the fist of injustice,

How will You let this continue, O Great God?

Like a sea, You can sink it swiftly,

Do not allow the reins of the oppressors to be pulled.

The darkness of oppression has overshadowed everything,

You are the rescuer of the afflicted.

This calamity is no less than Judgment Day itself,

The world’s heart has been torn apart by cruelty,

To You, the liberator of the world, we cry.

You have the power to save the helpless,

In our land, oppression has spread its poison,

You are our judge and the judge of all.

The predator is sharpening its claws,

Turning the lambs into the slaughter of wolves,

Drowning us like a whale at sea.

Do not add fuel to this fire,

The night of death is drawing closer,

Like a trap for the innocent,

The tremors are no less than the Day of Resurrection.

Have mercy, O Great Creator.

Mir Abdullah's Anger

When Mir Abdullah received the news of the atrocities in Umar Kot, he was deeply saddened and said to his commanders: "Look at the fate of the poor, caused by Fateh Khan's advice! O God! You know that I was helpless in this matter, and the wrongdoings of Madad Khan, along with the advice of my companions, have shamed me in Your sight. My soul is wounded by this. People suffer because of both the wise and the foolish; I now regret following the counsel of those who thought themselves wise."

After this, Mir Abdullah worked tirelessly day and night in preparations for war.

Madad Khan's Preparations

When Madad Khan heard of Mir Abdullah's preparations, he consulted with his allies and set out from Khudaabad to prepare for battle. Meanwhile, Mir Abdullah also advanced with his army, and as he got closer, he sent a letter to Madad Khan through Allahdad.

Mir Abdullah's Letter

"O reckless leader! I trusted you, but you have gone back on your word. Your army has caused great harm to the people of this land! If Allah grants anyone power and authority, they should show kindness to the people. The strong should not oppress the weak. Have you not heard the beautiful saying of Prophet Solomon (peace be upon him)? All people are dependent on one God, and mankind should fear Him."

Response from Madad Khan

Upon reading your letter, Madad Khan lowered his head in reflection and sent a reply to Mir Abdullah:

"O wise youth! I have kept your letter in my heart. You are ahead of all in bravery and wisdom. I too do not like to oppress God's creation, but when Mi'an Abdul Nabi failed to keep his promise regarding the treasure, a rebellion spread in the army, and those responsible will certainly be held accountable by Allah. I hold my commitment dear, and I have written to the king several times that no ruler is better for Sindh than you. From there, I was given the authority to govern, but only under the condition of paying taxes. If you, Mir Abdullah, along with Mir Fatah Ali Khan, Mir Sahrab Khan, and Fatah Khan, come to meet me, your heartfelt wishes will be fulfilled, and your reputation with the king will grow."

After receiving Madad Khan's response, Mir Abdullah said to his companions, "What is the point of sending the army back after such words of peace and goodwill?" He then sent a reply to Madad Khan, stating, "My army is my kin, and I cannot separate them from myself. If I do, they will be angered."

In response to this, Mir Fatah Khan stood up and said, "Madad Khan is the leader of our people, and we should not ignore his orders." Mir Abdullah replied, "If you have such sympathy for him, then go and meet him. Let us see what benefit you gain from it!"

When Madad Khan heard about the disagreement among the Talpurs, he became very happy and sent people to welcome Mir Fatah Khan. He said, "O Mir, the wise one! You are the greatest and most intelligent among the Talpurs. I consider your arrival a great fortune, and you will be granted a high position here, worthy of your stature."

When Mir Fatah Khan arrived at Madad Khan's place, he was given great honor and respect. Madad Khan began addressing him as "brother." Madad Khan then took Mir Fatah Khan and headed towards Rohri. On the way, his demeanor changed, and he said to Mir Fatah, "You are a rebel, and I will not let you go until you write letters demanding two lakh rupees and summon your other companions." Mir Fatah Khan, feeling regretful, had no choice but to write the letter.

Fatah Khan's Escape

Madad Khan had stationed several soldiers to keep an eye on Mir Fatah Khan, but Mir Fatah cleverly disguised himself in a soldier's uniform, deceived everyone, and rode away on horseback. He then met up with Mir Abdullah.

When Madad Khan learned of Mir Fatah's escape, he said that now Mir Abdullah would definitely prepare for war. He reached Ubauri from Rohri and sent a message to Mir Abdullah through a messenger, stating, "Mir Fatah Khan must have complained about us, but he could not understand us. Even now, I wish to meet you and hand over Abdul Nabi to you. If you do not trust my words, I am sending this Holy Quran to you, so that this conflict may be resolved once and for all and I can be victorious before the king."

When Mir Abdullah received this message, he replied to Madad Khan, saying, "Such words do not bring beauty, and what benefit is there in repeating them again and again! If you are so eager to meet, then wait, I am coming."

In the Frere Nameh (a historical account), it is mentioned that when Madad Khan received this message, he learned that Mian Abdul Nabi had crossed the river and gone to Afghanistan, taking with him his companions and associates. This left Abdul Nabi very surprised.

Reconciliation of Mir Abdullah Khan and Mian Abdul Nabi

when Mian Abdul Nabi was left alone, he sent people to Nawab Bahawal Khan of Bahawalpur, seeking to make peace with Mir Abdullah. Nawab Bahawal sent his brother, Sardar Khan, and Fazal Ali to Mir Abdullah. In the meantime, Mian Abdul Nabi sent a Qur'an through the rebel Faqir, making further pleas for peace.

When the Qur'an reached Mir Abdullah, he kissed it and placed it on his head, then said to Mir Fatah Ali Khan, "I will follow the footsteps of my ancestors and sacrifice my life. After me, the responsibility will fall to my sons, Bahram Khan and Ghulam Hussain Khan." With this, he went and met Mian Abdul Nabi, who greeted him with great respect and honor. Afterward, both of them went to Khudaabad and began working on the affairs of the state.

Mian Abdul Nabi was searching for a way to stir up conflict in his heart, but Mir Abdullah always came to the court surrounded by his loyal followers. Finally, one night, Mian Abdul Nabi disguised himself as a beggar and entered Mir Abdullah's mansion. He said, "It seems that even after the Qur'an, you still have doubts about me. Therefore, I have come alone. Punish me as you wish, while when you come to me, you always bring your followers, which means there is still some suspicion in your heart against me."

Mir Abdullah was a very sincere and virtuous person, and he couldn't understand Mian Abdul Nabi's deceit and trickery. He replied, "After receiving your Qur'an, I have cleared my heart of all doubts, and now, whenever I come to you, I will come alone."

The next day, Mir Abdullah sent his entire army, including Mir Fatah Ali, Ghulam Ali, Mir Sahrab, and Ilahi Yar, far away from Khudabad, and kept only Mir Fatah Khan, Mirza, and a few Baluch with him. When Mir Abdullah went to meet Mian Abdul Nabi, he would take only two people with him.

Mian Abdul Nabi, after creating a favorable environment, one morning ordered his soldiers to arrest Mir Abdullah and Mir Fatah Khan. When Mir Abdullah and Mir Fatah Khan arrived at the court, the soldiers asked them to hand over their swords. As Mir Abdullah reached for his sword, Fatah Khan remarked that it seemed Mian Abdul Nabi wanted to test them. Mir Abdullah replied that he was aware of this test, but Mian had sworn on the Qur'an, and he did not wish to lose the reward of his suffering. After this, both were captured and imprisoned.

After both were captured, Mian Abdul Nabi's men went to Mir Abdullah's tent with swords and killed the wounded Mirza and the Baloch. The Baloch, however, fought bravely and killed two hundred of Mian's men.

Martyrdom of Mir Abdullah and Mir Fatah Khan

While Mir Abdullah and Mir Fatah Khan were engaged in the recitation of the Qur'an in their prison, the executioners came and struck them with swords. The sword blow caused Mir Abdullah to drop the Qur'an, and he fell face first beside it, his blood staining it, and the words "Ya Qadir" were written in his blood. Similarly, Mir Fatah Khan's head was also struck with a sword.