Mir Bahram Khan Talpur
| Mir Bahram Khan Talpur مير بهرام خان ٽالپر | |
|---|---|
 Mir Bahram Khan Talpur's tomb at Talpur Tombs Khudabad, Matiari | |
| Prime Minister of Kalhoro Sindh | |
| Reign | 1757-1774 |
| Born | 1700 Sindh |
| Died | 1774(aged 74–75) Hyderabad, Sindh |
| Burial | |
| Issue | Mir Bijar Khan Talpur, Mir Sobhdar Khan Talpur, Mir Mahmood Khan Talpur |
| Dynasty | Talpur Dynasty |
| Father | Mir Shahdad Khan Talpur |
| Religion | Shia Islam |
| Occupation | General, Noble, Courtman |
Mir Bahram Khan Talpur | |
|---|---|
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | Kalhora Dynasty |
| Years of service | 1758-1774 |
| Rank | Commander-in-Chief |
| Commands | Kalhora Army |
| Battles/wars | Battle of Ubauro The Battle of Jari Jo Jabal The Battle of Rohri |
Mir Bahram Khan Talpur (Sindhi: مير بهرام خان ٽالپر) was a figure of the Talpur dynasty in Sindh, known for his bravery, wisdom, and loyalty. His contributions to the political and military landscape of Sindh during the 18th century are well-documented in historical records such as Fateh Nama and Tuhfat-ul-Kiram.[1]
Early Life and Background
[edit]Mir Bahram Khan was the son of Mir Shahdad Khan, a trusted ally of the Kalhora rulers. Mir Shahdad was bestowed the title of "Barkhurdar" by Mian Yar Muhammad Kalhoro, a title granted to those who rendered exceptional service to the Kalhora dynasty. The Talpur family held significant influence in Sindh, with Mir Shahdad being granted the jagir of Pat Baran by Prince Mu'izz-ud-Din in recognition of his services.leased with Mir Shahdad's remarkable services, the prince awarded him the jagir (land grant) of Pat Baran. Mir Shahdad passed away during the reign of Mian Noor Muhammad on 2 Rajab 1147 AH (1737 CE). His tomb, known as Shahdad Jo Qubo, is located near a village close to Shahpur Chakar. Mir Shahdad had four sons:
- Mir Jam Nando: A valiant warrior and commander.
- Mir Chakar Khan: The main ancestor of the Khairpur Talpur rulers.
- Mir Bahram Khan: The most distinguished among them, known for his loyalty and devotion to Mian Ghulam Shah and Mian Sarfaraz.[1][2]
Role in Kalhora Era
[edit]Mir Bahram Khan played a pivotal role during the reigns of Mian Ghulam Shah Kalhoro and Mian Sarfraz Kalhoro Kalhoro. He was Prime Minister & Commander-in-Chief and also a senior Minister in Mian Ghulam Shah rule & Mian Sarfaraz.[3]
Military Achievements
[edit]Mir Bahram Khan demonstrated exceptional bravery in several key battles:
The Battle of Rohri
[edit]On Ramadan 1171 AH, corresponding to June 7, 1858, a bloody battle took place along the banks of the Amarkas Wah outside Rohri between Mian Attar Khan, Mian Ahmed Yar Khan, and Mian Ghulam Shah. According to Jawahir Abbasiya, it was as if a river of blood flowed. Thousands of men from Attar Khan and Ahmed Yar Khan's forces were killed, as were many of Mian Ghulam Shah's soldiers. Among the casualties were Raja Lekhi's brother and many other young warriors.
Mir Bahram Khan, who had separated from Jaisalmer and Ghulam Shah, rejoined Mian Ghulam Shah at the critical moment of the battle. Ghulam Shah forgave his past mistakes and welcomed him wholeheartedly. Mir Bahram, being an honorable man, placed his hand on his chest, admitted his errors, and pledged lifelong loyalty to Mian Ghulam Shah.
Despite being outnumbered, Ghulam Shah emerged victorious in this battle, mainly due to Mir Bahram’s exceptional bravery and mastery of military strategy.[1]
The Battle of Ubauro
[edit]After their defeat in the Battle of Rohri, Mian Attar Khan and Ahmed Yar Khan sought help from Bahadur Khan Elyani and Ikhtiyar Khan Madwani. These two were influential and courageous leaders from the western regions of Bahawalpur.
When Mian Ghulam Shah, with the support of the Daudpota chief Rais Muhammad Mubarak Khan, advanced towards Sindh, he encountered resistance from Bahadur Khan and Ikhtiyar Khan's forces. Ahmed Yar Khan stayed briefly but eventually left for India, while Attar Khan remained in Garhi Ikhtiyar Khan. With the help of his allies, he began amassing an army to launch an attack on Sindh.
Rais Mubarak Khan made extensive efforts to prevent a conflict between the brothers. Even Mian Ghulam Shah was ready to make peace by offering land to Attar Khan. However, Bahadur Khan insisted, stating, “Attar Khan has come to my doorstep, and it is my duty to support him.”
When all attempts at reconciliation failed, Mian Ghulam Shah marched from Rohri to Mirpur with his army. A fierce battle ensued at Ubauro between Ghulam Shah and Bahadur Khan.
Many of Ghulam Shah's soldiers were killed, and some fled the battlefield. Despite this, Ghulam Shah stood firm with 6,000 soldiers and eventually secured victory. Bahadur Khan was killed in the battle, along with prominent figures such as Vadero Muhammad Khan and Subzal Khan. Ikhtiyar Khan was injured. Bahadur Khan’s brothers, Qaim Khan and Ahmed Khan, fled the battlefield, taking Mian Attar Khan with them.[4][1]
Account in Fateh Nama
[edit]The details of this battle are recorded in Fateh Nama, which summarizes:
"Attar Khan returned from the Afghan court with a royal edict for governance. Several commanders were also sent to assist Mian Ghulam Shah. Orders were issued to the Daudpotas to support him as well. Based on this, Bahadur Khan decided to aid Attar Khan."
The battle is described in Fateh Nama as follows:
"The enemy defeated Mian Ghulam Shah’s army, leaving only 120 men on the battlefield while the rest fled. Witnessing this, Mir Bahram charged forward like a roaring lion. Bahadur Khan and his key men dismounted for hand-to-hand combat. The flames of battle burned so fiercely that their sparks seemed to reach the heavens. Mir Bahram, wielding his sword relentlessly, turned the tide. His body was soaked in blood from wounds inflicted by arrows and swords. Ultimately, Bahadur Khan was killed, and the enemy was left with no choice but to retreat."
Upon hearing of the victory, the ruler exclaimed:
"May blessings be upon this brave lion!"
He further declared:
"This man is truly courageous and deserving of royal honors."
The ruler bestowed upon Mir Bahram Khan a robe of honor, a royal decree, and a title, recognizing his extraordinary bravery and contributions.[1]
The Battle of Jari Jo Jabal
[edit]According to Tuhfat-ul-Kiram, the first campaign against Kutch took place on 9 Rabi’ al-Thani 1176 AH (28 October 1762). Mian Ghulam Shah initially dispatched his forces under Ponja Seth and proceeded towards Kutch himself. Along the way, he captured the Sindhri Fort before advancing further. Near Jari Mountain, the Kutch army had gathered in large numbers. A fierce battle ensued, resulting in immense bloodshed. Some accounts claim that stones weighing half a seer (local weight unit) were carried away by the flow of blood.
The Sindhi army numbered 70,000, but the Jam of Kutch had blocked all wells along the route by filling them with stones, hoping the Sindhi forces would perish from thirst. However, Mian Ghulam Shah's determination remained steadfast. At Jari Mountain, many Jam of Kutch soldiers had positioned themselves around a large cannon. In a twist of fate, the cannon misfired, causing significant casualties among the Kutch troops and creating panic.
Seizing the opportunity, the brave Sindhi soldiers, led by Mir Bahram Khan Talpur, charged uphill with their swords drawn. The Kutch minister and several prominent leaders and chieftains were killed while fighting valiantly. Historian Topan Mal wrote:
"At Jari Mountain, the first to reach the peak were led by Mir Bahram Khan Talpur. It is a fact that the Sindhi army’s victory in the Battle of Jari Mountain was due to the wisdom and bravery of Mir Bahram Khan. Had the Sindhi forces remained at the base, the Kutch soldiers would have bombarded them from above and blocked their advance, leaving them defenseless below."
Following their victory at Jari Mountain, Mian Ghulam Shah advanced further and reached close to Bhuj, the capital of Kutch. Eventually, Ponja Seth mediated a peace agreement on certain terms. However, when the Jam of Kutch reneged on these terms, Ponja Seth advised him against breaking his promise. Enraged by this advice, the Jam summoned Ponja Seth and handed him a poisoned cup with his own hands. Ponja Seth, compelled by the circumstances, drank the poison and tragically lost his life in vain.[1]
Diplomatic contributions
[edit]Mir Bahram Khan was not only a brave warrior but also a skilled diplomat. One example of this is when, shortly after Mian Muhammad Sarfaraz Khan ascended the throne, Ahmad Shah Abdali passed away in Kandahar on 20 Rajab 1186 AH (October 17, 1772). This led to a power struggle among the Pashtuns over succession. Ahmad Shah’s heir, Timur Shah, was in Herat at the time, while the Prime Minister Shah Wali Khan placed Ahmad Shah's other son, Prince Suleiman, on the throne.
Upon learning this, Timur Shah marched on Kandahar. In the ensuing conflict, Shah Wali Khan and his two sons were killed, and Timur Shah ascended the throne. Mian Sarfraz Kalhoro found it necessary to send an emissary to Afghanistan to secure their relations. He sent Mir Bahram Khan Talpur to Kandahar, who successfully secured royal recognition for Mian Sarfaraz, along with robes of honor, governance charters, and the title “Khodaiyar Khan.”[1]
Conflict with Kalhora leadership
[edit]Despite his loyalty, Mir Bahram Khan’s relationship with Mian Sarfraz Kalhoro soured due to the machinations of Raja Lekhi, a court official. Raja Lekhi, envious of the Talpurs’ influence, poisoned Mian Sarfaraz's mind against Mir Bahram. Allegations, including a fabricated demand for Bahram Khan's daughter's hand in marriage, further fueled mistrust.[5][1][6]
In 1774, Mir Bahram Khan and his son, Mir Sobhdar Khan were executed under false accusations. This act of injustice weakened Mian Sarfaraz’s rule and planted seeds of discord that eventually led to the downfall of the Kalhora dynasty.[6][1][5]
Legacy
[edit]Mir Bahram Khan Talpur is remembered as one of the most prominent figures in Sindh’s history. His courage, wisdom, and loyalty made him a key player in the region's political and military affairs. Scholars, including Ghulam Rasool Mehr, have recognized him as an unparalleled personality among the Talpurs and a cornerstone of Kalhora governance.
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g h i "Encyclopaedia Sindhiana".
- ^ The Indian Historical Quarterly. Calcutta Oriental Press. 1985.
- ^ Journal of the Pakistan Historical Society. Calcutta Oriental Press. 1985.
- ^ Sind University Research Journal: Arts series. Humanities & social sciences, Volume 2. 1962.
- ^ a b History of Islam: Classical period, 1206-1900 C.E. Adam Publishers & Distributers. 1998.
- ^ a b Population Census of Pakistan, 1961. Manager of Publications. 1962.