1

Thesis

THE SOCIAL, ADMINISTRATIVE & LITERARY SERVICES OF

MAHRAJ GOPI KRISHAN FOR SHAHDADKOT, SINDH.

By Sheikh Javed Ali Sindhi

A Thesis submitted by the writer to Madam Najma Noor Phulpoto

Chairperson Department of Sociology Shah Abdul Latif University Khairur Sindh Pakistan on 21st January 2008.

Presented by

Saroh Social Development Organization (SSDO) Shahdadkot Saroh Office, Near Scientific Public School,

Railway Station Road, Shahdadkot, District Kamber-Shahdadkot, Sindh, Pakistan- 77300

Ph: +92-74-4012493, Cell: +92-3337505896 E-mail: org.saroh@yahoo.com

2011

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THESIS

THE SOCIAL, ADMINISTRATIVE & LITERARY SERVICES OF

MAHRAJ GOPI KRISHAN FOR SHAHDADKOT, SINDH.

By Sheikh Javed Ali Sindhi

ABSTRACT

In this research paper I discuss Mahraj Gopi Krishan Shringi, a visionary builder, philanthropist and public servant of

Shahdadkot district Kamber-Shahdadkot, Sindh. I also discuss his role in the development of Shahdadkot and its municipality,

commerce and education sector.

INTRODUCTION

Mahraj Gopi Krishan Shringi laid the foundation of Social work in feudal and tribal society of Shahdadkot; a historical city

situated 51 Kilometers in north-west of Larkana on Sindh-Balochistan border. Mahraj Gopi Krishan was a born social worker.

Due to his social services for common people and public he is known as “Father of Social Works in Shahdadkot”. He belonged

to the well-known Brahman family which migrated from Multan to Larkana during Kalhora Rule (1701-1783) of Sindh. His life

and social works are highlighted here for the first time in written form. This Research article is a complete life saga of a social

worker of Shahdadkot area.

AREA & FAMILY BACKGROUND

According to Hindu Mythology and Scriptures, Ekashringa (that is, unicorn), also known as Righyashringa (that is, the one who

is Deer-horned) was an ancient Rishi. He was believed to have been born of a Doe and had a slight protrusion of his forehead.

The tradition states that he was endowed with magical and miraculous powers. The legend states that once when the ancient

Kingdom of Anga was plagued with a severe drought, Ekashringa was invited by Lompada. The then- ruling King of Anga to

use the magical power to bring rains. The Rishi used his powers and the kingdom received bountiful of rains. According to the

epic the Ramayana, Ekashringa was the chief priest when the king Dasaratha performed a yagya to beget progeny, and as the

consequence of the said yagya were born Rama, Bharata, and the twins Lakshmana and Shatrughana.

The Brahmans came out from Rishyashringa and started performing rituals. Some of the Brahmans of Kashmir were called

Hussaini Brahmans. The history of Hussaini Brahmans, as told by Nonica Dutt, begins with 10 Brahmans going to Karbala

/Iraq with the determination to die fighting for Imam Hussain. Among them were Rahib Dutt and his 7 sons who fought bravely

and resolutely. With the blessings of Imam Hussain they met their death in a heroic way. Rahib Dutt was the lone survivor of

the battle. Such Hussaini Brahmans have now been vanished from the social scene of India but some of them still live in the

grand city of Delhi. Nonica Dutt is also a Hussaini Brahman of Delhi. She taught History at Jawahar Lal University and had

been honoured with a fellowship from the Humboldt University.

One of the descendants of Rishi Shringa or Shringi was settled in Kashmir and was a great saint or Rishi/Brahman. Afterwards

his generation migrated to Multan in Mughal Days. When Kalhora rulers of came into power under Mughal authority in Sindh,

many Hindu families of Multan settled down in Chandka Pargannah or present Larkana District. In the days of Mian Yar

Muhammad Kalhoro (1701-1719) irrigation system of Sindh especially Larkana was developed and in this way he ordered

many of his courtiers, amirs and generals to dig long canals to irrigate the barren lands. On this order Mian Dato Khuhawar, one

of the courtiers, amirs and generals of Mian Yar Muhammad Kalhoro dug “Kur Dato” or

“Datey Ji Kur” from Ghaar Wah in 1711. The main objective of this canal was to provide

water to the north western lands of Larkana and thence to Gandawah. With the course of this

canal countless new villages, towns and cities were founded and many forts were constructed

to save them from the robbers of north. Mian Shahdad Khan Khuhawar also laid the

foundation of a town which was named after him as Shahdadpur or Shahdadkot. According to

some historical records Shahdadkot was founded around 1713. It was a major town between

the rout of Larkana and Gandawah in those days.

Jai Prakash aka Ramesh Lal Shringi says according to his ancestral oral traditions that one of

the descendents of Rishi Shringi, Mahraj Seeru Ram had assisted Mian Yar Muhammad

Kalhoro and Mian Dato Khuhawar in the digging of Kur Dato. It’s why the Kalhora rulers

gave him some 3000 jarebs of land in jagir. It comprised the lands of Tando Murad Ali

Khuhawar, Raunti and Mairee Kalhora near Dargah Mian Shahal Muhammad Kalhoro (d

1658) in Kamber taluka of Larkana District. Mahraj Seeru Ram Shringi was Brahman and

used to perform rituals and religious ceremonies in Hindu society of that area. Mir Sobdar Khan Talpur

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He spent most of his life time serving the people by social work in the days of Mian Noor Muhammad Kalhoro, Main

Muradyab Khan Kalhoro, Mian Ghulam Shah Kalhoro, Mian Attur Khan Kalhoro, Mian Ahmed Yar Khan Kalhoro, Mian

Sarfaraz Khan Kalhoro, Mian Mehmud Khan Kalhoro, Mian Ghulam Nabi Khan Kalhoro and Mian Abdul Nabi Khan Kalhoro.

Shri Mahraj Seeru Ram was respected and honoured by all the Hindus in and around Larkana. He was also honoured by Mir

Naseer Khan Noori, the Khan of Kalat during 1780 and 1794 when present Shahdadkot, Kamber and Nasirabad talukas were in

the Khanship of the Mir. After then Hindus of Kalat became his followers and religious guide. He used to live in a small village

of Tando Murad Ali Khuhawar, situated on the banks of Kur Dato. This village is situated 25 Kilometers in the south east of

Shahdadkot in Deh Dhori Pir Bakhsh Khuhawar, taluka Miro Khan and was founded by one of the amirs of Talpur rulers of

Sindh, Sirai Murad Ali Khan Khuhawar walad Sirai Sher Muhammad Khan Khuhawar walad Mian Punhoon Khan Khuhawar

walad Mian Dato Khan Khuhawar. The grave of Mian Dato Khuhawar is situated in the necropolis of Mian Yar Muhammad

Kalhoro is Khuda Abad, Sindh.

Mian Golo Khan Khuhawar was brother of Mian Murad Ali Khan Khuhawar. Mian Golo Khan Khuhawar was very generous

and brave man in the days of Talpurs. A Deh of Miro Khan taluka is called after his name. He dug Golo Wah and constructed a

fort for his residence near Tando Murad Ali Khuhawar. A.W.Hughes describes village Tando Murad Ali Khuhawar in his

“Gazetteer of the Province of Sind”, London, 1876. At present it contains nearly 30 houses of Dhap, Ghanghra, Lashari and

Magsi castes. There are 3 Mosques and 1 Masjid School in it. It has some shops also. Once there was a Covered Bazzar here

like Shikarpur. It has 2 ponds in north and south. The nearby villages around Tando Murad Ali Khuhawar are; Ali Ji Wandh,

Lal Baksh Leghari, Buthi, and Sang Mukam. The old watercourses of Kur Dato like Sami Wah, Dhap Wah and Mir Wah

irrigate the lands here. The present chief Zamindar of this area is Sardar Muhammad Bakhsh Khan Khuhawar of Shahdadkot.

During Talpur Rule in Sindh, in 1838-39 Indus River overflowed and thus it’s Flood Waters from Chak / Shikarpur inundated

Tando Murad Ali Khuhawar, and brought havoc destruction in present Larkana District. It continued its flow from Mubarak

Kalhoro towards Manchhar Lake in Dadu district. At that time present Shahdadkot site was high and a safer place for flood

affected people so most of the ruined population went upwards and settled in Shahdadkot. It’s told that such floods had

inundated the areas 7 times earlier. The old men tell us that some 25 Hindu families from 100 houses of Tando Murad Ali

Khuhawar village shifted towards Shahdadkot. According to Dr. R.H.Kennedy of Bombay Army, the water around Shahdadpur

or Shahdadkot was spread in 20 miles during a flood disaster in 1840. (See Narrative of the Campaign of the Army of the Indus

in Sind and Kaubool by Richard Hartley Kennedy, London 1840, page 189)

Mahraj Seeru Ram had 2 sons: (1) Mahraj Dewan Das and (2) Mharaj Kishore Das. This family enjoyed great privileges under

Talpur Rulers of Sindh like; Mir Fateh Ali Khan Talpur, Mir Ghulam Ali Khan Talpur, Mir Karam Ali Khan ,Mir Noor

Muhammad Khan Talpur and Mir Naseer Khan Jafri Talpur. Mahraj Dewan Das and Mahraj Kishore Das, both of the brothers

lived there before flood in Tando Murad Ali Khuhawar. Now they also shifted with other families to Shahdadkot. Khan

Bahadur Pir Bakhsh Khan Khuhawar-I along with Diwan Jhamat Mal, Diwan Radha Krishan, Seth Paroo Mal, Seth Hira Nand

and Naren Das migrated to Shahdadkot from village Tando Murad Ali Khuhawar. It is said that nearly all of the Hindus were

Zamindars and rich men.

Khan Bahadur Pir Bakhsh Khan Khuhawar-I, Mahraj Dewan Das and Mahraj Kishore Das had close relations with Sir John

Keane, Commander In chief of British Army. Sir John Keane drew supplies for his Army from Shahdadkot, Sindh in 1840.

With the assistance of these friends he could be able to get grain and camels easily which were needed by the British Army in

Afghanistan. Sir Charles Napier annexed Sindh

in 1843. In 1846, an old Hindu was the only

occupant of Shahdadkot because the town was

evacuated by the people due to the fear of the

Cholera. All the populations of Kamber and

Shahdadkot had climbed up the Khirthar

Mountains in the west.

General John Jacob established many out posts

to protect Upper Sindh Frontier from mountain

robbers. These outposts guarded the border from

1839 to 1858 through Dost Ali, Shahdadkot,

Garhi Khero, Rojhan, Khangarh (Jacobabad),

Dilmurad, Garhi Hassan, Tangwani, Kandh Kot,

Kumri and Kashmore posts. He constructed

roads, bridges and canals to develop Garhi

Khero, Shahdadkot, Kamber and Larkana areas

and brought peace and trade in a turmoil land. Jacobabad died in 1858.

Army of the Indus passing through narrow path of Sir-e-Bolan 1839

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After 1858 Khan Bahadur Pir Bakhsh Khan Khuhawar-I took initiatives to rehabilitative the town and in this connection he

brought Mian Noor Muhammad Mekan, his family members, disciples and other Hindu traders from Kanda to Mirokhan on 60

Bullock carts and made arrangements for their houses. Shahdadkot was again hit by a great flood disaster in 1874.

According to A.W.Hughes, “Shahdadpur was a Government town in Kamber taluka of the Larkana Deputy Collectorate in

1874 and, distant about 30 miles north-north-west from Larkana. It was seated on the west bank of the Dato-Ji-Kur Canal, and

had road communications with Kamber, Garhi Khairo Jamali, and Hamal, and was the Head-quarter Station of a Tapadar.

The population, in number was about 783, comprised 464 Muslims of the Pirzada, Kalhora, Lashari, Sial, Magsi and Muhana

tribes. The remainder (319) being Hindus. The chief man of note in this place was Pir Bakhsh Khuhawar, a very influential and

public spirited Zamindar, who had done much towards raising this town to its former prosperity.” (Gazetteer of the Province of

Sind: Compiled by A.W.Hughes, F.R.G.S., F.S, Bombay UNCOV Civil Service, London George Bell and Sons, York Street,

Covent Garden , 1876) .

Shahdadkot flourished well in 2nd Afghan War in 1880s. The Indian British Government then

thought to make Shahdadkot a taluka, so it was made a taluka of Upper Sindh Frontier /

Jacobabad District in 1883-4. The Vernicular School of Shahdadkot which is now known as

Government Main Primary School was established in 1887. Afterwards a dispensary was

established in Shahdadkot in 1889 with the name of Victoria. In 1891 the total population of

Shahdadkot was 27,380. Faiz Muhammad Khuhawar (Zamindar), Yaro Fakir Awan (Zamindar)

and Fatoo Jagirani (Zamindar) took actively part in the politics of Shahdadkot at the end of 19th

century under Central National Muhammadan Association (1878-1888) platform.

In Shahdadkot, during late British Period Mahraj Kishore Das constructed a Hindu temple on the western bank of Kur Dato

near town. According to the information of Mahraj family it is said that the temple was constructed by the masons of Jaipur /

India. Today this temple is called as “Shiwalo” and is visited by hundreds of pilgrims daily. There is a Makan or Imam

Bargah near this historical temple where Gul Muhammad Soomro alias Ghulamo is performing his duty as a caretaker.

Basically it’s a shrine of Sufi Saint Lakhpati Fakir Bhatti, who was disciple of Sachal Sarmast (1739-1839) and was resident

of Bhanbho Bhatti (Sukkur Wah area) and Sarang Khuhawar (Ghar /Kur Dato) villages. Azadari (Mourning) of Muharam Al

Haram started first time in Shahdadkot from this Shrine or Makan. He was also companion of Mian Ghulam Siddique

Shahdadkoti (1844-1905). There was peace and harmony between Hindus and Muslims of this above Temple and Makan.

Mahraj Kishore Das died without leaving any children. The land revenue and cesses in 1903-4 amounted to 1.8 lakhs.

Portions of the Begari, Ghar and Sukkur canals irrigated the taluka, and a certain amount of cultivation was usually carried

out in the neighbourhood of hill torrents. The Imperial Gazetteer of India Vol: XXII Oxford 1908 (page 200) tells that

Shahdadkot taluka contained 62 villages of which Shahdadkot was the headquarter.

While his brother Mahraj Dewan Das had 2 sons. (1) Mahraj Daloo Ram and (2) Mahraj Vishan Das. Among them Mahraj

Vishan Das was a great Ved or Physician. He died without leaving sons and daughters. Mahraj Daloo Ram was highly

respected by Hindu and Muslim populations of the town. He had a son, Mahraj Ramchand. Mahraj Ramchand was born in 1890

and died in 1964 at Shahdadkot. His father and grandfather were both were Physicians or Doctors and their fame was not only

in Sindh but the people of Kalat and Punjab also knew them as well. Mahraj Ramchand had a vast experience in medicines.

Patients used to visit him for treatment and cure from all the directions. Everyone was healed with his medicines. Not only

Hindus but Muslims also thought him as their Messiah. It’s why his house courtyard was always full with bullock carts of

various patients.

During lifetime of Mahraj Ramchand the name of the town was changed from Shahdadpur to Shahdadkot in year 1914, owing

to the confusion caused by the existence of another town of the same name in Nawabshah District. Shahdadkot progressed

under British Rule through PWD and in 1918 it contained a population of 2,405. At that time it had fine avenues of shady trees,

a local fund garden, a district bungalow, a kacheri, police lines, a dispensary, vernicular school, post office and musafirkhana.

There was a Rice Husking factory in the town. The bulk of the trade was in

grain and the merchants had their dealings with the Larkana district rather

than with the Upper Sindh Frontier. (Gazetteer of the Province of Sind: B

Vol: 7, Upper Sind Frontier District Compiled by J.W.Smyth, Indian Civil

Service, printed for Government at the Government Central Press

Bombay,1919).

A railway was constructed in 1920 with the name of Silra Shahdadkot that

connected the town to Larkana and Jacobabad. The Irrigation Bungalows

were built in 1928 while present Mukhtiarkar Office was constructed during

1932, very short after the completion of Sukkur Barrage. In the same year,

Shahdadkot taluka was separated from Jacobabad and was amalgamated

with Larkana district. The Grand Mosque of Mian Ghulam Siddique Mekan (1844-1905) Shahdadkot

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Mahraj Ramchand Shringi was 6 feet tall, with good health. His colour was pink and had Blue eyes. He used to put on Boski

turban on his head. He was fond of watching "Malakhiro" (Cultural Wrestling) and when he was pleased with the game of a

Malh /Wrestler he would have praised him by offering him English Silver Coins. It was his habit that he kept with him 50 or 60

British Coins to encourage Malhs or Wrestlers. His Jhirk Bolati sentence about Malhs was very famous among local people. In

his last days he had started to read Daily Dawn Karachi to know about the current affairs of the world. He was of good humor.

He disliked songs and dance. Jalal Khan Brohi/Raisani of Kotro/Gandawah was his old favourite servant and he used to talk

with Wasu Teenai in Seraiki language. While there was also a lot of number of female servants whose duty was to cook food

and wash utensils. His old Haveli was very famous among Shahdadkot citizens. On Mahraj Ramchand's death all friends and

foes wept alike. Whole of the town was given sweetmeat packets and public was offered with cooked rice. After his death his

daughter in law Sati Devi continued to cure the patients according to the practice and teachings of her father in law. Mahraj

Ramchand Shringi had five sons; (1) Mahraj Parsram (2) Mahraj Tahalram (3) Mahraj Gopi Krishan (4) Mahraj Shankar Lal

and (5) Mahraj Girdhari Lal. Mahraj Tahalram had murdered two persons in Raunti village of taluka Kamber before partition of

1947. He had no daughter.

BIRTH OF A SOCIAL WORKER

Mahraj Gopi Krishan was born on 28th June 1910 at Shahdadkot city, taluka

Shahdadkot District Larkana Sindh. His mother’s name was Tilli Bai; she belonged

to village Bubak, District Dadu, Sindh. His birthplace was Street No. 1803/99 or

present Mahraj Gopi Krishan Muhalla, where he opened his eyes in this world. At

that time Shahdadkot was a taluka headquarter of Jacobabad district. It was mostly

the tail end of ancient canals of Ghar Wah, Begari and Edan Wah.

EARLY CHILDHOOD

Mahraj Gopi Krishan spent his early childhood in playing and watching Shahdadkot

town. His father Mahraj Ramchand Shringi helped him in reading and writing

Gurmukhi / Hindu Script. His brother Mahraj Tahalram or Tahlio (1908) also learnt

this script from his father. The First World War began in 1914 and ended in 1918

with the death of millions of innocent people. During early years of Mahraj Gopi

Krishan, on 9th July 1920 Rais-Al-Muhajrin Jan Muhammad Khan Junejo hired a

special train and left Larkana for Kabul Afghanistan with 760 Quit India Movement

activists. Many Shahdadkot residents also migrated from Sindh towards Jalal Abad

Afghanistan. Separation of Sindh from Bombay Presidency in 1935 is the most

important and historic event of young Mahraj's life. Mahraj Ramchand Shringi (1890-1964)

EDUCATION

He received his early education from Vernicular/ Main Primary School Shahdadkot. Later on he got his Graduation Degree

from Bombay University India in 1936-7. He was the first person from Shahdadkot who passed his B.A. In this way he became

the first graduate of Shahdadkot. He liked Politics and Public Work from his youth. Probably in 1938 he invited Moulana

Muhammad Ali Johar, Moulana Shaukat Ali Johar and other Congress workers in Shahdadkot for a public gathering/Jalsa. Both

brothers were protected by a dozen of bodyguards carrying Belcha's (Shovels) and bed sheets. Around 500 people attended the

Jalsa in Eidgah. Muslim League supporter Khan Bahadur Pir Bakhsh Khuhawar-II criticized on this but Mahraj remained

successful in his aim because he did not want the guests

leaving Shahdadkot without doing Jalsa. They did public

speeches in Eidgah which was a public property at that

time. In 1938 Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah also

paid visits to Larkana and Jacobabad districts for Election

Campaign. Second World War (WW2) was fought on

almost every continent on the world from 1939 and 1945.

Around 11 to 17 million civilians died in this war.

Mahraj Gopi Krishan was made member of Sanitary

Committee Shahdadkot in 1939. In this same year Khan

Bahadur Pir Bakhsh Khan Khuhawar-II walad Raid

Muhammad Bakhsh Khan Khuhawar-I and Mahraj Gopi

Krishan took steps for peace and brotherhood in tense

Hindu-Muslim Crises. Similarly both of these friends took

initiatives in June 1940 for the Literacy Campaign

Committee in Larkana District.

A view of University of Bombay India 1876

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Mahraj Gopi Krishan continued his efforts for social work in Shahdadkot with keen interest. His younger brother Mahraj

Shankar Lal was the first person of Shahdadkot who passed L.L.B and became first advocate of the city. In politics Mahraj was

impressed by Walabh Bhai Patel and Mahatma Gandhi. He got many Afrin Namas or Certificates from British Government of

India for his valuable services during floods.

In 1939-40, during Hindu Muslim crises of Masjid-e-Manzilgah a tension arose in whole Larkana district. All Hindus of Jhall

Magsi and Kachhi Gandava also gathered in Shahdadkot for protests and strikes. Thus being a Brahman and head of

community, Mahraj Gopi Krishan was also annoyed. Arbab Ali Bhatti (1930), a resident of Shahdadkot says that in one of his

speeches done by Mahraj Gopi Krishan during these crises, he angrily said, "If I had given a bowl of a Muslim's blood I would

have drunk it". Even though the people of Shahdadkot loved and respected Mahraj Gopi Krishan as a social worker and son of

the soil. From March 1941 to 1945 he was elected as member of District Local Board from Kamber Division consisted on

Shahdadkot, Kamber, Miro Khan and Warah areas. Khan Bahadur Pir Bakhsh Khan Khuhawar-II and Rais Umeed Ali Khan

Junejo were also elected as Muslim candidates.

SOCIAL SERVICES

1942 Flood

Shahdadkot was destroyed by the great flood of July 1942. The flood water of Indus River covered 17 talukas of Shikarpur,

Jacobabad, Larkana and Dadu districts. Vast areas came under water and thousands of people lost their houses, crops, animals

and other properties. Both Hindus and Muslims constructed Bunds (Protective Walls) around Shahdadkot city to protect it from

the inundation water but these could not stand in front of a great flood disaster and in this way whole of the city came under

water and people fled to save their lives. Mr. R.R.Pears, the then Assistant Commissioner was monitoring the flood and was in

Shahdadkot for monitoring relief work done by government, zamindars and citizens. Similarly Mr. V. Eastern was also visiting

the area very frequently.

During flood disaster Mahraj Gopi Krishan arranged boats to evacuate the people from flooded areas and sent them to upon

high sand dunes in the west of the city. He also provided them cooked food and fresh drinking water. He helped those families

who wanted to go for safer places like Jacobabad. He arranged cooked degs for many days so that the flood effects could

survive in hot summers under open sky. For sick and ill people he arranged doctors to treat them. He also tried to help the

people to evacuate their belongings from shops and rice mills. Not only had this but he also did many arrangements for the

cleanliness in the city. Mr. Haroo Mal Sandrani, secretary Sanitary Committee Shahdadkot also looked after the city for

cleanliness it's why he was attacked by Tuberculoses Bacteria (TB) and died for a good cause.

Very soon the Commissioner Mr. C.B. Clee paid a visit to Shahdadkot and after watching whole the disaster and destruction he

did announcement for the establishment of Municipality. The Main objectives of this Municipality were the construction of

roads and drainage system. The population of the town was now reached to 16,000 souls. The British Government of India had

introduced Municipality System in the Indo Pak Subcontinent in 1850s. Its work was to maintain health and hygienic

conditions, schools, colleges and hospitals. It was responsible to install a clock in the midst of the city or town to keep people

aware about the importance of

time.

Railway buildings were also a

beauty of the Municipality in

grand cities like Karachi.

Previously forts and religious

buildings were considered as

very valuable but now under this

system Police also emerged.

Police System in India started in

1861. It was also a responsibility

of Municipality to supply safe

drinking water to the city

dwellers. Streets and roads were

also lightened by the

Municipality at night. The

Larkana Municipality was

established in 1855, Kamber in

1862 and Jacobabad in 1875.

Evacuation during floods

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An election of Shahdadkot Municipality was held in December 1942.It had following 16 members:

1. Mahraj Gopi Krishan Shringi (President)

2. Seth Lalchand Punjabi

3. Seth Herdas Mal

4. Mahraj Shankar Lal Advocate

5. Bhai Saboo Ram

6. Seth Satram Das

7. Seth Jaro Mal

8. Seth Warial Das

9. Mahraj Aso Ram

10. Seth Bacho Mal

11. Haji Ghulam Muhammad Sheikh

12. Seth Karim Bakhsh Khan Sheikh

13. Sirai Nek Muhammad Dakhan

14. Mistri Ghulam Rasool Khan Soomro

15. Haji Darya Khan Mastoi Floral designs on the walls of Mahraj Gopi Kirshan Haveli

16. Khan Sahib Imdad Hussain Khan Khuhawar

The president of the committee was Mahraj Gopi Krishan Shringi, who already had a lot of experience of social work in social

work in Shahdadkot. The Municipality Building was at Kotoo Motoo Chowk in Shahddakot. It had a main room for president

and other rooms.

ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

1. Rehabilitation of Shahdadkot

Mahraj Gopi Krishan started his efforts to rehabilitate ruined Shahdadkot very quickly after flood disaster of 1942. In this

connection he got assistance from government and other zamindars of the area.

2. Silra village Rehabilitation

Due to the flood disaster of 1942 whole the Silra village had come under water.

Under government assistance Mahraj Gopi Krishan along with Khan Bahadur

Pir Bakhsh Khan Khuhawar-II constructed 60 houses in Silra village and did

efforts for the beautification of the village.

3. Eidgah Construction

When Mahraj Gopi Krishan took charge of the president ship of Municipality he

got constructed Eidgah for the citizens of Shahdadkot. For this purpose he had

to collect donations from all Muslims. At that time Eidgah had mud walls with

beautiful gates. The building was destroyed in 1948 flood. Later on it was

renovated by Sardar Muhammad Bakhsh Khan Khuhawar-II in 1970s.

4. Construction of Roads

In his tenure, Mahraj Gopi Krishan constructed many roads in Shahdadkot

including Shahi Bazzar. For this purpose, services were taken from A.C.C

Cement Company Karachi. It's said that Sikh labour worked for the construction

of roads and lived outside the town on the banks of Kur Dato. The length of Shahi Bazzar road was more than 1 Kilometer from

north to south. The road can be seen till this day in this Bazzar.Some other important roads were between Dargah Mian Ghulam

Siddique Mekan, Habib Masjid and Sheikh Muhalla. Nearly all the roads were constructed within 1 year. Shahi Bazzar road

was covered with cemented drains from both sides. The rain water did not remain in the Bazzar due to this drainage system.

5. Introducing Drainage System

The people of Shahdadkot had no facilities of drainage system in Pre-Municipality period. It was Mahraj Gopi Krishan who

introduced this system here and constructed drains in whole city for cleanliness purposes. These drains were cleaned by Water

carriers regularly with Limestone powder and water. Alan Faqir Silro, Hussain Punjabi and Ismaeil Sheikh were famous water

carriers who used to fill water Municipal Park and other offices.

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6. Establishment of Grain Market

The northern side of the city was a hub of grain trade. This

ancient market was always full with countless camels,

bullock’s carts, horses, mules and donkeys. Mules and other

animals of caravans carrying grain of different kinds, cotton

and other agricultural produce and wool. Shahdadkot city

was regarded as one of the chief marts of Sindh. In Kalhora,

Talpur and British rule it was a central place between Sindh,

Kalat, Afghanistan and Iran through Bolan and Mullah

Passes. The Sarai here had many famous grain traders like

Jagu Bhagat, Sojhro Mal, Seth Holo Mal and Gul

Muhammad Dalal. Shahi Bazzar Road constructed by Mahraj Gopi Krishan in 1943

After the establishment of Municipality in Shahdadkot Mahraj Gopi Krishan made a plan for extending grain market. Therefore

spent on this scheme Rs. 60,000 and a pond was covered with soil near Nishat Cinema in present Mochi Muhalla. Through this

work Shahdadkot Municipality earned a lot of money from the sale of shops. Government Girls College now stands there. Till

this day grain trade is very popular in the city in old Anaj Mandi area. There are many Hindu dealers here. Agriculture

productions of the taluka were Juwar, Rice, Wheat and Barley; of Pulses, Mung, Matter and Gram, of Oil Seeds, Sarsu and Till,

besides Sugar-Cane, Cotton, Tobacco, Indigo and a large variety of garden

vegetables.

7. Vegetable Market

One of the achievements of Mahraj Gopi Krishan is the construction of a

Vegetable Market. It had 15 shops. This market was situated besides former

Umer Medical Store in Shahi Bazzar area. People used to buy fresh vegetables

and fruits from here. Later this market had been damaged during flood of 1948

and was reconstructed in 1951 at Kotoo Motoo Chowk. Afterwards it was again

established at present Sabzi Market near Fish Market.

8. Grass Market

It was situated at former Taj Hotel in the neighborhood of historic Qazi Mosque

Shahdadkot. The municipality got taxes from this Grass Market. The Hindu

Punchayat used to spread Bullock carts of grass on the roads in the evening for

cattle. It was a charitable act. The market was also called as Gah Piri by the

locals.

9. Mutton and Beef Market Vendors selling vegetables on Railway Station Road

The Mutton and Beef market was too constructed after the president ship of Mahraj Gopi Krishan. The market was located near

Kotoo Motoo Chowk. The butchers used to sell meats here who were more than 10 in number. Different kinds of fish were also

sold here in the southern part of this building. The market consisted on 15 shops.

10. Dhobi Ghat

A Dhobi Ghat was earmarked by Mahraj Gopi Krishan outside the city in north where washer men used to wash clothes from a

freshwater pond. The number of washer men working here were in great number probably more than 30. Whole of the town

could listen the sounds of washer men's beating from a long distance. They had wooden and cemented plaques of 6x2 feet.

They could easily get water from Tanwary Branch for cleanings. Mostly zamindars, officials and merchants could avail facility.

The washer men could get 1 Rupee for wash and iron services.Ghulam Dhobi, Zeerak Khati, Ali Bux Qureshi, Kalu Khati and

Sher Muhammad Soomro were famous among washer men.

11. Post Office

Mahraj Gopi Krishan gave his personal building to government for post office on rent. Initial rent started with Rs. 30/- and

ended at Rs. 500/- per month. The post office had a big hall where old wooden chests were kept for the parcels. It had total area

of 3000 feet. The Post Office staff worked here till 1980. Afterwards it was shifted to another building of Mahraj Gopi Krishan

near Shiwalo. This office was also shifted apposite to Urdu Primary School and was completely burnt after the martyrdom of

Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto in December 2007.The old post office building was beside present Taluka Nazim Office. Even today

old people of the city call this road as "Old Post Office Road". J.W.Smyth mentions this Post Office in 1919 in Sind Gazetteer.

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12. Slaughter House/Kos Ghar

It was also built by Mahraj Gopi Krishan during his first tenure of Municipality (1942-1945). Whole of the slaughtering work

was done by the butchers in Slaughter House or Kos Ghar, situated at a distance in the south –west of the town on Bago Daro

Road. The area near this Kos Ghar was known as Golimar, actually a Firing Range for Police Training. Later this slaughter

house was shifted towards S.D.M Office Muhalla in 1960s. The slaughter house was carefully watched. The result was a large

decrease of sickness, especially amongst the poor classes.

13. Octori Posts

One of the important achievements of Mahraj Gopi Krishan was Octori

Posts. Nearly all the main and important roads had Nakas (Octori Posts)

where a tax was paid on every production. Some of these Nakas were

constructed at Dost Ali Road, Kamber/Larkana Road, Garhi Khairo Road,

Qubo Saeed Khan Road and Bago Daro Road. Mahraj Gopi Kirshan

would visit these posts and checked the receipts. Octori rates were like;

2 Pais per maund on all kinds of grain

2 Pais per maund on all kinds of oil seeds

Same was the rate for Sarsu and Tills which were cultivated in villages

and in the Kachho or mountainous area of Khirthar Range

A painting of Sinde Dawkwallahs delivering posts on foot

After one year the Municipality was able to do a lot for the development and beautification of Shahdadkot. In 1943 Mr. Sir

Hugh Dow, the Governor of Sindh and Lady Hughdow visited Shahdadkot and admired the efforts taken by Municipality under

the President ship of Mahraj Gopi Krishan. In his speech he claimed that one day Shahdadkot Municipality would lead the rest

of Municipalities in Sindh. Sir Hugh Dow, GCIE, KCSI was born on born on 8th May 1886 and died on 20

th November 1978.

He was Indian Civil Servant during British Raj. Dow entered the Indian Civil Service in 1909 and served in various senior

administrative and advisory capacities in pre-war India. From 1939 to 1941 he was Director-General of Supply and President of

the War Supply Board, India, and from 1941 to 1946 Governor of Sind. He became Governor of Bihar in 1946. He was

appointed a CIE in 1932, a CSI in 1937, knighted with the KCSI in 1940 and appointed a GCIE in 1947. After leaving India he

was Consul-General, Jerusalem, and then Chairman of the Royal Commission on East Africa. Dow served as the

second Governor of Sind from 1 April 1941 to 14 January 1946. He laid the foundation stone of Dow Medical College (now a

constituent college of Dow University of Health Sciences), Karachi in December 1945. He was succeeded by Sir Robert

Francis Mudie.

Due to 2nd World War (WW2) this Municipality could remain functional for 3 years i.e. from 1942 to 1945. He was honoured

with a Gold Medal by Indian British Government for his services done during 1942 flood disaster. In January 1946 another

Municipality Election was held in which following members were elected;

1. Seth Jaro Mal (President)

2. Rais Feroz Khan Khuhawar

3. Mahraj Gopi Krishan

4. Seth Lalchand Punjabi

5. Mukhi Melho Mal

6. Mahraj Aso Ram

7. Seth Kheal Das

8. Seth Sobho Mal Mangtani

9. Bhai Saboo Ram

10. Wariyal Das

11. Satram Das Relwani

12. Khan Sahib Imdad Hussain Khan Khuhawar

13. Sirai Safder Ali Khan Khuhawar

14. Seth Juma Khan Sheikh

15. Seth Mehrullah Khan Sheikh

16. Seth Latif Khan Sheikh Sir Hugh and Lady Dow, as Governor of Sindh

The Municipality could not work better and was dismissed by Mr.Tufail Muhammad. Whole Municipality system was damaged

during partition of august 1947. Most of the old record pertaining to this Municipality was destroyed in the floods of 1948. At

last once again the Municipality system started its work after 1950. At this time Khan Sahib Imdad Hussain Khan Khuhawar

was its president. In 1951 the population of Shahdadkot was 8,994 while in 1961 its population was 15,043 showing an increase

of 67 %. During 2nd tenure of Mahraj Gopi Krishan about 7 Lakh Rupees balance was in Municipality between 1960 and 1965.

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In 1959 some elections were held under Basic Democracy System in which 5 Union Committees were formed and their

chairmen were Haji Safder Ali Khan Khuhawar Ward 1, Fateh Muhammad Khan Sheikh Ward 2, Mr. Ghulam Qadir Magsi

Ward 3, Syed Ashique Ali Shah Ward 4 and Mahraj Gopi Krishan Ward 5. After Pak-Indian War of 1965 whole of the

Municipality affairs were administrated by government officials. Mr. Lal Chand Retai was headclerck in the Shahdadkot

Municipality. Municipal Elections were held in the whole of the country in 1969, in which Sardar Muhammad Bux Khan

Khuhawar walad Khan Bahadur Pir Bux Khan Khuhawar-II walad Rais Muhammad Bux Khan Khuhawar-II walad Khan

Bahadur Pir Bux Khan Khuhawar-I was elected as Municipality Chairman. Its

other members were; Haji Abdul Ghafoor Sheikh, Nadir Ali Sheikh, Nazeer

Ahmed Sheikh, Ameer Bux Sheikh, Sultan Ahmed Khuhawar, Ali Nawaz Khan

Khuhawar, Muhammad Hayat Soomro, Ghulam Ali Soomro, Altaf Hussain

Langah, Nazeer Hussain, Abdul Jabbar Langah, Syed Wajid Ali Shah, Syed Ali

Akber Shah, Ahmed Bux Sial, Abdul Ghani Bhatti, Ahmed Ali Jarwar, Seth

Khudadad Khan Khoso, Rais Khuda Dino Khan Chandio, Bakhsho Mal, Mrs.

Muhammad Qasim Sheikh and Muharam Ali Mirjat. These Octroi Posts remained

functional till Nawaz Sharif government.

14. Drinking Water Provision through wells

Mahraj Gopi Krishan dug many wells for the Shahdadkot public in order to provide safe drinking water. Such wells were near

Mahmood Shah Makan and in village Silra. The well near Mahmood Shah Makan was known as "Sheikhan

Waro Khooh".Mian Ubedullah Mekan was taken to Silra village for the Well Opening Ceremony. Some other wells were at

following places; at Municipal Park, at Municipality. Nearly at every chowk there were some pitchers of water for travelers

placed beside cabins. The travelers were also fed with "Kohars" (Boiled Grams) to protect them from sun and strokes.

A Persian Wheel or Naar with big gates was beside present Taluka

Nazim's Office where Hindu Muslim population took bath and

washed clothes daily. It was looked after by both Hindu Panchayat

and Municipality.

15. Provision of Electricity in Shahdadkot

In the President ship of Mahraj Gopi Krishan the whole town was

lighted with English Lamps. There were more than 100 Lamps which

were cleaned by Municipality. Such Lamps were installed at all

chowks and in the streets. Mistri Abdul Latif Muhajir repaired these

lamps in Shahi Bazzar. Mahraj also tried for the access of Electricity

system for the citizens of Shahdadkot in 1960s and he met Zulfiqar

Ali Bhutto and Habib-ul-Nabi for this purpose.

Ayub Khan shaking hands with notables of Kamber in 1960s

16. Visits of Educational Institutes

Mahraj Gopi Krishan gave importance to Education in his all life. It's why he frequently visited all Educational Institutes in

Shahdadkot during his tenures. He used to visit primary school, middle school and high school in the city. With his efforts and

resolution Municipal High School or present Government Provincialized High School was established in 1963. Its foundation

stone was laid by Mr. Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, Minister of External Affairs Government of Pakistan on 24th March 1963. The plot

for the school construction was donated by Sirai Ghulam Mustafa Khan Khuhawar. Actually this plot was a Mango garden of

Sirai Ghulam Mustafa Khan Khuhawar. It had an area of 5 acres or 10 Jarebs.

17. Vetenary Hospital

It also mentioned that early Vetenary Hospital was

also achievement of Mahraj Gopi Krishan. He

wanted to help cattle breeders. Here horses, cows,

buffaloes, sheep, goats, and other animals were

treated for their diseases. Probably this Vetenary

Hospital was built in 1959-60.

18. Water tanks for animals

There were many water tanks in Shahdadkot which

were constructed by Mahraj Gopi Krishan for

animals like Cows, Horses and Donkeys. These

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water tanks were very useful for animals to quench their thirst in heat. Water tanks were at Nishat Cinema, near Classic Bakery,

opposite Urdu Primary School, near Lakhpati Makan, Garhi Khairo Nako, near Kheal Das grocery shop in Hindu muhalla,

Diko Railway Station, Old Municipality Building and near Khan Bahadur House. The plot of Water Supply Scheme near

Tanwary Distry was also property of Mahraj Gopi Krishan. The sweet water of Shahdadkot had changed after 1942 and 1948

floods.

19. Assistance in Railway Station Renovation

The Railway system was introduced by Sir Shah Nawaz Khan Bhutto in

Shahdadkot from 1920 because he had to collect grain from his lands situated at

different villages like Muhammad Khan Bhutto (Shahdadkot), Dodapur (Garhi

Khairo), Muhammadpur Odho (Garhi Khairo), Miranpur Buriro (Garhi Khairo),

Sheranpur Thahim (Garhi Khairo), and Allah Abad (Garhi Khairo) of Larkana and

Jacobabad districts The Shahdadkot Railway Quarters were built in 1922. This

Railway Track was between Larkana, Shahdadkot and Minhon Leghari. After the

flood of 1942 Mahraj Gopi Krishan tried his level best to renovate and maintain

the Old Railway Station, its Godowns and Quarters to facilitate the passengers.

The new Railway Track was between Larkana, Shahdadkot and Jacobabad. It was

used after 1940s.

20. Municipal Park Shahdadkot Railway Station Water Storages

Municipal Park was in good condition under the president ship of Mahraj Gopi Krishan who tried to plant countless flowers and

trees in this beautiful garden. Lunch parties were arranged here for Mukhtiarkars and other officials on various occasions. Such

a party was arranged by Haji Illahi Bux Khokhar on 2nd October 1951 in the honour of Mr.N.S. Agha, Mukhtiarkar Shahdadkot.

There was a big well in it which was annually cleaned by the prisoners in summer days. This park was spread on 5 Jarebs.

21. Installation of Municipal Bell in Shahi Bazzar

Mahraj Gopi Krishan procured and installed a large bell in

Shahi Bazzar Shahdadkot for alarming purposes. This bell had

been used to alert the public to proclamations or civic danger

i.e. during fire incidents, earthquakes and floods. The

Municipal bell originally weighed more than 60 Kilograms.

The bell was 70% copper & 25% tin, with small amounts of

other metals.

This bell was installed by Mahraj Gopi Krishan during his first

tenure of Municipality in 1942. The bell was fixed in a

wooden piece near Ramzan Lohi Shahi Bazzar Shahdadkot.

The bell was out of use before 1965 because at that time sirens

were used to alert the civilians regarding Indo Pak War.

With the threat of a fire incident in 1975, this bell was hastily

removed from Shahi Bazzar and was submitted in Municipal

Committee Shahdadkot. 3 Cloth shops of Khuda Bux Sheikh,

Rahmatullah Kamboh and Qadir Bux Sheikh, 1 Medical Store

of Seth Bhawan Das and a Godown of the Sheikh family were

destroyed in this fire incident. Since that time nothing is

known about this historic bell of Shahdadkot. Many stories are

related to this bell which shows its historical importance and

value. Probably this bell was stolen by thieves from Municipal

Committee Shahdadkot. No doubt this was a Liberty Bell of

American Independence for the people of Shahdadkot.

22. Clearance of Abrio Wah

The Irrigation Department of British Government of India had dug many small watercourses to irrigate the lands near the city.

One of them was Abrio Wah which carried its water from Tanwary Branch and flowed through Railway Station Road, Noor

Rice Mill, Rawat Magsi Hotel, and Noorey Waro Makan to the fields. Its sweet water was used by the residents till 1980s. The

Public used its water for bath and washing clothes. It was also looked after by the Municipality.

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23. Libraries

As a social worker and politician Mahraj Gopi Krishan encouraged people to promote private libraries. He provided some

valuable books in Sindhi, English and Urdu to the schools and other institutions on different subjects. There was a library in

Vernicular / Main Primary School Shahdadkot which was given much attention by Mahraj. Akhbar-e-Taleem was a famous

Educational Magazine for both teachers and students. It was published from Training College Hyderabad, Sindh. Naib Master

Mr. Tanu Mal was a regular writer of this magazine from Shahdadkot. The Vernicular / Main Primary School, English School

(Kamboh Muhalla), and Municipal High School were regularly donated

with books, magazines and newspapers by Mahraj Gopi Krishan. A

bookshelf was placed in Shahdadkot Municipality for readers which

were full of books, magazines and newspapers. These books were also

issued to the readers.

24. Look after of Akhara/Dharam Shala

Mahraj Gopi Krishan looked after both Akhara's of Hindu Muhalla and

Drib Muhalla Shahdadkot. The big Akharo had 100 rooms while the

small Akhara was consisted of 30 rooms. Basically both the Akhara's

were a Rest House for pilgrims and travelers that used to visit Lakho

Pir Shrine, situated in the north west of Shahdadkot. Pir Lakho is a

famous place near Jhall Magsi, where bathing cures many skin

diseases. Therefore, visitors are visiting Pir Lakha from far flung areas

of Sindh and Balochistan. According to some historians the Shrine of Pir Lakho was constructed by Mir Nasir Khan Noori

(1749-1794), the Khan of Kalat Balochistan. The custodians of this shrine are Barija Fakirs who live on Sindh-Balochistan

border. These Dharam Shala's were also used during Marriage Ceremonies and Bhagats or Religious Gatherings. Once Bhai

Kanwar Ram Sahib (1885-1939) collected money while singing in a Dharam Shala for the poor. The Dharam Shala was

occupied by the Muslims after the Partition of 1947 but later on Retai Hindus bought houses from the settlers. Master Chander

also stayed here during his travels. Once a dense forest was situated here and a graveyard was adjacent to it in 1870s. The grave

of Mehmood Lohar was also situated here under a Kandi Tree. Perhaps this graveyard was washed away during 1874. The

travelers were given food and other facilities in these Akhara's. While their animals were also fed with green grass and other

edibles.

25. Gaoshala

Mahraj Gopi Krishan rared 25 Cows and their Calves at his sweet home. He was in charge of a Gaoshala or House of the Cows.

It was in the south of Dr. Mandho Hospital in Hindu Muhalla. Here, Mahraj Gopi Krishan looked after the old, weak and

wounded Bulls, Cows, Buffaloes, Donkeys, Goats, and the Sheep. He fed them Gram, Juwari, Peas, Fruits and Grass etc. it's

said that there were more than 200 animals of the town under the supervision of Mahraj Gopi Krishan. This Gaoshala was

present till the end of Z.A.Bhutto Government.

LITERARY SERVICES

Mahraj Gopi Krishan Shringi is one of the prominent writers of Shahdadkot, who has produced substantial number of Research

Papers, Articles, Essays and Letters. But his most important work is a Research Paper, "Shahdadkot Shahar Aen Municipality"

(Shahdadkot Town and its Municipality), published in a book entitled "Larkano Sah Sebano" 1984. Honestly speaking, within 9

pages, it's a complete and nearly accurate research on Shahdadkot City and its Municipality. It has descriptions of early history

of Shahdadkot area, ancient canals, attractive villages, chronology, lifestyle of its old residents, casts and tribes, zamindars,

floods, madressahs, mosques, temples, government buildings, Hindu Muslim shrines, politics, drama, art, celebrities, social

workers, officials, and Municipality affairs. Due to the importance of this article Veena Shringi, the daughter of Mahraj Gopi

Krishan published it in his famous book "Kuchhan Tan Kafir", Delhi, 1992.

Sometimes Mahraj Gopi Krishan attended literary meetings of poets in Shahdadkot. He took great interest in them especially in

"Jamiat-e-Shuaerae Sindh" meeting which was held in Shahdadkot in March 1943 after flood disaster. Fakir Ghulam Ali

Masroor, a well-known poet recited his poems in this historic meeting. He was also active in "Bazam-e-Adab" of Hakim

Muhammad Chhatal Fida Sheikh. It's possible that he might have written his Autobiography.

LAST DAYS OF A CELEBRITY

Mahraj Gopi Krishan remained silent in Ayub Period from 1955 to 1960. After the Indo Pak War of 1965 he renounced from

politics because he was sent forcibly to Shahdadkot, Larkana and Central Jail Sukkur for 3 months under Pakistan Defense Act.

There he came into contact with Sheikh Ayaz and Rasheed Bhatti, two prominent Sindhi poets and writers. He was mentally

upset due to Government's policies for Hindus. He and his family loved Sindh very much therefore he did not migrate to India

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in 1947. Many of Hindus left Sindh and went to India but Mahraj didn’t do it. He supported Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto after 1971

Crises for the implementation of Socialism in Pakistan. Several times Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto came to Mahraj's House. Afterwards

this family started Rice Trade because the Bengalese were very fond of eating Rice. Mahraj Gopi Krishan facilitated

Shahdadkot Citizens during Bolan Flood in 1976 and conducted meetings with Government Officials.

In 1978 he showed his soft corner to National Democratic Party (NDP). At that time a

Jalsa was organized at Admani Rice Mill Shahdadkot where Sardar Sherbaz Khan

Mazari, Mir Ghous Bux Khan Bijzinjo, Hakim Ali Zardari, Shah Muhammad Shah,

Begum Naseem Wali Khan, Amanullah Khan Sheikh, and other leaders made their

speeches. Nearly 5000 people attended this public gathering at Lakhpati Road. Ahmed

Ali Brohi and Muhammad Ali Brohi gave donations for this historic Jalsa. The guests

also went to Sirai Ahmed Yar Khan Khuhawar, Atta Muhammad Magsi, Eid Muhammad

Brohi and Lal Jan Shanbani. Mahraj Gopi Krishan was now old and weak.

He saw MRD Movement in general Zia period (1978-1988) in Shahdadkot. Mahraj Gopi

Krishan was wounded by extremists of Babri Mosque in Shahdadkot. Later, he died at

Larkana Hospital on 15th December 1992. Therefore Veena Shringi calls him a Martyr.

On the death of Mahraj Gopi Krishan all citizens of Shahdadkot wept and they

distributed 50 Degs in the remembrance of a great person who spent whole of his life for

the betterment of the society. Mahraj Gopi Krishan's ancestors had a land more than 1500

Acres or 3000 Jarebs in Kamber, Miro Khan and Shahdadkot Talukas in District Larkana

Sindh. He also had a Dall Mill at Jaipur/India. Sheikh Ayaz

HABBITS & CHARACTER

He was a Sindh Lover who devoted all of his life for the betterment and welfare of public. He was a brave and honest man. He

always represented and loved his city like Jamshed Mehta for Karachi. He was an influential person second to Kahn Bahadur

Pir Bakhsh Khan Khuhawar-II. He spent a simple life. His dress was a White Kurta with Black waistcoat. He was 6 feet. He

had kept Deers and Dogs in his Otaks. Apart of land he had a lot of personal property like shops, hotels, rice mills, and plots.

Shiwalo was his ancestral property which is still in his family’s hands. Nearly all social and political persons of the city used to

visit his Otaks regularly. He was fond of Huqqa/Hubble Bubble. He used a stick while walked outside the house. He saved

Mas’an or Shamshan Ghat (spread on 32 Jarebs) from Muslim encroachers always. He did not cover his head with a cap or

turban. He was the first person in Shahdadkot who allowed his daughters to get Education in Government Schools and

Colleges. There was no proper trend of Girl’s Education in whole Shahdadkot taluka he pioneered Girl’s Education.

His family was known as an educated family of Shahdadkot. He always helped the needy according to his status. That’s why he

was very popular among people. He gave many of his buildings to poor Hindus for living. He solved disputes and quarrels of

his community in an impartial way. He was a complete Philanthropist. He never hurt animals. Mahraj Gopi Krishan could

speak English, Sindhi, Urdu, Sanskrit, Hindi, Brahui and Siraiki languages. He had close relationship and correspondence with

Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto (1928-1978), the Ex-President and Prime Minister of Islamic Republic of Pakistan and Chairman

of Pakistan People’s Party (PPP). He visited India several times. A booklet was published in his honour for his services before

and after partition. He never took bribes during his tenure of Municipality and always made efforts for Hindu-Muslim

Brotherhood. Not only Hindus but Muslims also presented gifts to this great person on Hindu Religious Festivals (Tehwars) and

Eids. Everyone saluted him wherever he came to city.

He was called “Lion Heart” in his prime days .Most notorious

dacoits, robbers and thieves feared him and never stole from

his house. He never wore a dress without White colour in his

whole life without few occasions. He solved all decisions with

Justice. He also encouraged Malhs or Local Wrestlers. He

started the trend of festivals in Shahdadkot and its environs.

Except of Hot Khan Langah and Gul Muhammad Langah,

Jamadar Panjo Jat was also his Haveli’s main watchman. He

knew all thieves and criminals of the area. He always paid

visits to Lakhpati Makan/Imam Bargah and presented cooked

rice degs there on every Cheti Chand.

Mahraj Gopi Krishan was a great planner. He started the trend

of Social Work in Shahdadkot area. He was fond of Russian

Literature. He was a Husan Parast (Beauty Lover) and he

always liked and encouraged the Truth. Sometimes he used to

sing songs in Sindhi language with a sweet voice. He and

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Khan Bahadur Pir Bakhsh Khan Khuhawar-II assisted Gulmoo Faqir Soomro on the issue of Lakhpati Makan against Syed

Mahdi Shah. He was against unnecessary of access expenses. He performed all religious rituals of “Wedi” or Wedding

ceremonies without any cost. He helped people even in criminal matters. His house was full with Law Books and other

publications. He used to consult his wife in all matters. She was very sensitive in this regard. Mahraj Gopi Krishan believed in

simplicity hence he always gave lessons of it. His favourite topics for chat were; social work, politics and current affairs. He did

not occupy property of fleeing Hindus in 1947. Mahraj Gopi Krishan was of a secular nature. He disappointed and felt sorry on

the fall of Soviet Union.

FRIENDS AND COMAPNIONS

Mahraj Gopi Krishan had many friends and companions in throughout Pakistan. Some of them were;

Sir Shah Nawaz Khan Bhutto,

Khan Bahadur Muhammad Ayoob Khuhro,

Nawab Sir Ghaibi Khan Chandio,

Qazi Fazalullah,

Comrade Hyder Bux Jatoi,

Major Dost Muhammad Khan Hakro, Moosa Khan Bughio,

Ghulam Umar Unar,

Sardar Sherbaz Khan Mazzari,

Syed Ali Muhammad Shah Rashidi,

Hakim Ali Zardari,

Wali Khan,

G.M.Syed,

Abdul Samad Khan Achakzai,

General Sherof Marri,

Nawab Nabi Bux Khan Bhutto,

Mehmood Khan Qusoori,

Nawab Khair Bux Khan Marri,

Mir Ghous Bux Khan Bizanjo,

Mehboob Ali Khan Magsi,

Sardar Pir Bux Khan Bhutto,

Yousif Ali Khan Magsi, Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto,

Mumtaz Ali Khan Bhutto,

Mir Saifullah Khan Magsi,

Khan Bahadur Pir Bux Khan Khuhawar-II,

Abdul Ghafoor Bhurgari,

Haji Illahi Bux Khokhar,

Comrade Jam Saqi,

Khan Sahib Imdad Hussain Khan Khuhawar,

Sirai Safder Ali Khan Khuhawar,

Allah Dito Khan Khuwaja,

Ahmed Nawaz Khan Khuhawar,

Lutuf Ali Khan Chandio,

Comrade Sobho Gianchandani,

Hoond Raj Dukhayal.

It’s also said that Seth Jaro Mal, Diwan Kheal Das and Khan Sahib Imdad Hussain Khan Khuhawar were his rivals. His other

friends were; Comrade Illahi Bux Qureshi, Comrade Shahan Sial, Ghulam Rasool Dakhan, Sirai Muhammad Azeem

Khuhawar, Ghulam Muhammad Sheikh, Ghulam Hussain Bhatti, Kareem Bux Sheikh, Allah Wasayo Sheikh, Mukhi Manoo

Mal, Bego Leghari, Daryano Mal, , Seth Lalchand, Jamaldin Punjabi, Abdul Razzaque Soomro, Advocate Manghoo Mal, Seth

Holo Mal, Habib-ul-Nabi (SDO WAPDA Shahdadkot), Mian Abdul Haleem Mekan, Ghulam Mustafa Wadho, Diwan

Gianchand, Wariyal Khan Jamali, Shah Murad Chodhio, Yar Muhammad Sheikh, Abdulah Sherdil Pathan, Haji Khuda Dino

Khan Chandio, Seth Hazzari Mal, Seth Karori Mal, Miran Bux Cha’ki, Ali Bux Cha’ki, Faiz Muhammad Khoso, Muhammad

Younis Khan Mastoi Advocate, Wadero Kaloo Khan Silro, Bhai Tejoo Ram, Paman Mal, Hoondal Khan Sheikh, Allah Bux

Khan Junejo, Sirai Shah Dino Khan Khuhawar, Karam Khan Jarwar, Bakhtiar Khan Brohi, Bhai Tula Ram, Mehrullah Khan

Sheikh, Jahan Khan Niazi, Taj Muhammad Nangrani, Banho Khan Tunio, Seth Sabal Das, Juma Khan Sheikh, Haji Ghulam

Farooque Khokhar, Allah Warayo Qureshi, Abdul Sattar Bhatti, Muhammad Aslam Sheikh, Moulvi Azizullah Jarwar and

Muhammad Chhatal Fida Shahdadkoti.

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MARRIAGE AND DESCENDENTS

Mahraj Gopi Krishan was married with Sati Devi Jetley in 1935. She was Karachi based and her father’s name was Pandit

Sahaj Ram Jetley, a well-known Zamindar of Karachi. She was class fellow of Miss Fatima Jinnah and Miss Shireen Jinnah.

Shrimati Sati Devi was head of Congress in Old Town Karachi and was General Secretary of Kanya Nari Mandli. She worked

with Aamil Girl’s Wing of Old Town and conducted meetings with Mahatma Gandhi. Sarojni Naido, Vonodeni, Sir Raman

Bhai, Lady Haroon Mota and Seth Ratan Chand. Once she went to the public protest with Dadi Jethi Sipahimalani to boycott

foreign clothes in Karachi and motivated people to use Desi Clothes. Dadi Jethi Sipahimalani, Sati Shahani and Savitri Advani

respected her for her Social and Political Work. She was against of the British.

At that time Sati Mata had collected Rs.500 and donated in Bihar Flood Fund.

Due to her nature and personality no one could deny her for social funds. Dada

Sadhu Waswani has mentioned her in his book with Sati and Savitri. Both

were natives of Karachi and were famous for social activities, character and

behavior in the city.

Sati Devi left Karachi and started living in remote and backward area of

Northern Sindh; Shahdadkot with her husband Mahraj Gopi Krishan. She

knew many Pakistani Politicians and met Begum Naseem Wali Khan in

Shahdadkot. She died after her husband’s death on 4th February 1999. She

taught her children about good manners and etiquettes.

SONS:

Mahraj Gopi Krishan had 5 sons;

1) Mahraj Umesh Chander: He was born in 1936 and lives in New Delhi,

India. He is a retired Assistant Commissioner Delhi. He is married to Saroj

Shringi. Umesh Chander has 2 sons; Dhuruv Shringi (M.B.A) and Chartered

Accountant. He has a business of 100 crores and Yudhister Shringi (M.B.A &

B.Com). He is Manager MNC Eco Honours. This family lives in Delhi, India.

Sati Devi

2) Mahraj Ashok Kumar: He was born in 1939 and has business in import and export in Madrid, Spain Europe. His wife’s

name is Maria. They have one daughter Susana Kumar. She has passed law and aims to join Judiciary.

3) Mahraj Kantesh Kumar: He was born in 1946 and lives in Madrid Spain and does Import Export Business. He is married to

Poornima. She also does business. They have 2 sons; 1) Sindhu Desh and 2) Divesh Kumar.

4) Mahraj Jai Parkash alias Ramesh Kumar: He was born in 1949. He is President of Hindu Panchayat Shahdadkot and

Senior Vice-president of Hindu Panchayat in District Kamber-Shahdadkot, Sindh. He also trades in grain and owns 4 Rice

Mills in Shahdadkot, 35 shops, 2 warehouses and 50 Jarebs of land near Dargah Mian Shahal Muhammad Kalhoro in Kamber

Taluka, District Kamber-Shahdadkot, Sindh. He started a movement for joint vote system in Pakistan during former elections.

After a long struggle he succeeded in this movement in General Musharaf’s regime. On this success he was interviewed by Ali

Hassan, BBC Representative.

Mahraj Ramesh Kumar is married to Urvashi. She is

Chairman of Keenjhar Public School Shahdadkot. They

have two sons: (1) Sidharth and (2) Kapil Shringi. Among

them Kapil Shringi was recently kidnapped in Sindh but

later recovered from Karachi. Now he studies in New

Delhi, India.

5) Mahraj Rajender Kumar: He was born in 1955. He

has Zamindari in Shahdadkot/Pakistan and New

Delhi/India. His wife’s name is Seema Shringi. Mahraj

Rajender Kumar has two daughters; (1) Vasudha Shringi

and (2) Dikhsha Shringi. Mahraj Rajender Kumar is

associated with social, cultural and literary activities in

India and Pakistan. Nowadays he lives with his family in

Shahdadkot, Sindh, Pakistan.

1978: Sati Devi & Mahraj Jai Parkash alias Ramesh Kumar with Sardar Sher Baz Khan Mazzari & Begum Naseem Wali Khan in Shahdadko, Sindh..

16

DAUGHTERS:

Mahraj Gopi Krishan had 3 daughters;

1) Promila Shringi: She was born in 1941. She has a Publication Company with her name in Inderpuri New Delhi, India. She is

married to Mr. K.D. Sharma, a lawyer in New Delhi. She doesn’t have any children.

2) Veena Shringi: She was born on 16th February 1948 at Shahdadkot, District Larkana, Sindh, Pakistan. After the separation

of Bengal in 1971 she left Pakistan and started living with her brothers in C-84 Inderpuri New Delhi, India. She is unmarried.

She is translator, announcer and producer in All India Radio Sindhi Service. She played a great role in the first Sindhi Drama

telecasted from Delhi Satellite Television. She participated with well-known Sindhi Poets like Dr. Haroo Mal Sadargani,

Naryan Shyam, Arjun Shad, and Dr. Moti Lal Jotwani in various Mushairas. Veena Shringi has interviewed Mohtarma Benazir

Bhutto, Ghulam Mustafa Shah, Abida Parveen, Mian Ghous Bux Pirzado and others. Similarly she has also did interviews of

famous Indian Celebrities; Hoond Raj Tahliani, Jashan Waswani and Hari Devi.

Veena Shringi is a poetess, writer, senior broadcaster and dedicated social

worker. She is also member of the Sindhi Academy Delhi. She belongs to

Brahmin Family; her progressive outlook rebelled against the old age bondage

of Orthodoxy.

After Graduation she took an appointment with All India Radio in Sindhi

Service of External Service Division in 1976. Since, she first took job of a

Broadcaster with All India Radio. She has travelled a long way. Her restless

spirit was not content with the waves of sound alone. She used her sharp pen

too, and recorded her Reminiscences. These were published in a book “Kean

Visaryan Verhichan” (1984). The book was in an instant success. It won her

award from Central/ Hindi Directorate. This book was later included in the

Exhibition of Indian Bookfair at Moscow and other countries. Veena Shringi

visited Shahdadkot, Sindh in 1986 and 1989. Her short story book "Zindagi Hik

Natak" was awarded cash prize and merit certificate from Nai Duniya

Publication. Her articles and poems have been published from different forums.

She has participated in Urdu National and International Mushaera's and also

attended International Sachal Congress at Karachi Pakistan in 1989 and

1990.She has widely traveled to different parts of the world and participated in

many cultural events of SANA at Washington, New York, Toronto, Miami,

Canada, London and Spain. 1970s: Veena Shringi and Shalini Sagar

Among various honours she has received, a mention may be made of Ishwer Bai Buxani Award of Women of the Year 1994.

Dr. Sadargani Gold Medal in 1995 and All India Sindhu Cultural Society, Jaipur Award for outstanding and selfless services to

Sindhi Literature. As a General Secretary of "Maruee"(a social, cultural and literary organization of Sindhi Women). Veena has

traveled abroad in 1984, 1990, 1995 and 1999. In Spain she visited Tolodo, Cardova, and Swejjah. In Portugal she saw Pardo

Museum, City Palace, Escoriale, Valley of Fallen, and Khetano. In America she visited Chikago and Sat Naraen Temple New

York. In England Veena Shringi visited London, Madam Tussaud's Wax Museum, British Museum and Shakespeare's

birthplace Stratford-Upon-Avon.

Veena Shringi has authored following 16 books on various subjects;

1. Kian Visariyan Verhichan, 1984.

2. Munhje Peshey Ja Gul-o-Khar, 1986.

3. Pakha Aen Panhwar Dithey Moon Deenhan Thiya, 1987.

4. Zindagi Hik Natak, 1988.

5. Munhja Masoom Sajan, 1989.

6. Adh Khulyoon Akhyoon, 1990.

7. Kuchhan Tan Kafir, 1992.

8. Wasna Jo Waseeng, 1996.

9. Ajanta Ji Moorat, 1997.

10. Sindhu Jot Dehli Academy, 1997.

11. Saah Sebana Supreen, 1998.

12. Sindhua Kinarey…..Leah Ladakh Tey, 1998.

13. Asan Jo Wirso; Dinwar, 2000.

14. Wayoon Wanjaran Joon, 2002.

15. Kechan Ayo Kafilo, 2005. Shalini Sagar with her daughter Chidambra

16. Sarang Sar Lahej, 2006.

17

3) Shalini Sagar: She was born in 1951. She lives with her husband Baldev Anand Sagar in New Delhi, India. Shanti or Shalini

Sagar has one daughter; Chidambra and a son Jai Dev Sagar. Shalini Sagar is also associated with All India Radio working as

senior Broadcaster in Sindhi (ESD) for last 31 years. She has also participated in International Seminars on "Oriental Trends of

Indian Culture" in Katmandu, Nepal in February 1997 and Colombo, Sri Lanka in June 1997. She is author of "Tanhaee", a

book of Short Stories, published in 1998, New Delhi, India.

CONCLUSION

Through this M.A. Sociology Research Thesis a new Horizon has been opened for Sociology and

History Lovers. It's shared here that Mahraj Gopi Krishan Shringi spent all his life for serving

people therefore he must be remembered always and some Educational and Scientific Institutes,

Libraries or Roads and Chowks should be named after him in Shahdadkot for his valuable services

about bringing Shahdadkot first. It's also suggested that a Community Centre must be established

in his name where farmers and labourers should be educated and given awareness about

Modernization. This Research Thesis is a gift and it can be informative source for Social Workers.

Mahraj Gopi Krishan in 1984

REFERENCES Publications

1. Narrative of the Campaign of the Army of the Indus, in Sind and Kabool, in 1838-39, By R.H.Kennedy, Vol: I, London, Richard

Bentley, New Burlington Street, 1840.

2. Memoirs on Sind, Selections from the Records of the Bombay Government, No. XVII-New Series, Bombay Education Society’s

Press, 1855.

3. Gazetteer of the Province of Sind: Compiled By A.W.Hughes, F.R.G.S, F.S, Bombay UNCOV Civil Service, London , George Bell

and Sons, York Street, Covent Garden, 1876.

4. Gazetteer of the Province of Sind: B Vol: 7, Upper Sind Frontier District, Compiled By J.W.Smyth, Indian Civil Service, Printed

for Government at the Government Central Press Bombay 1919.

5. Old Record of Vernicular/Main Primary School Shahdadkot from 1911-1924.

6. Sindh Jay Hindun Ji Tareekh, By Kako Bheru Mal Maharchand Advani, 1946, Reprint Gulshan Publication Hyderabad /Larkana,

Sindh, 2002.

7. Larkano Saah Sebano, Editor in Chief Dr. Memon Abdul Majeed Sindhi, Compiler Gul Muhammad Gaad, Municipal Employers

Union Larkana,1984.

8. Kian Visariyan Verhichan (Reminiscences); By Veena Shringi, Promila Publications C-84, Inderpuri New Delhi-110012, 1984.

9. Various Issues of Serial wise “SAROH” Shahdadkot from 2005 to 2008, Editor Sheikh Javed Ali Sindhi, Shahdadkot.

Interviews

1. Muhammad Umar Soomro (1920-2010), Shopkeeper, Lakhpati Makan Area, Shahdadkot.

2. Muhammad Yousif Soomro (1922), Retired Primary School Teacher, Martin Abad Muhalla, Shahdadkot.

3. Abdul Sattar Bhatti (1930), Retired Head Master Government (Prov :) High School Shahdadkot, Kalo Makan Muhalla, Shahdadkot.

4. Arbab Ali Bhatti (1930), Grain Trader, Bhatti Muhalla, Shahdadkot.

5. Chain Lal Ahuja (1932), Assistant Engineer in Highways Department (Roads), Mochi Muhalla, Shahdadkot.

6. Comrade Rajaldas Ramrakhiani (1936), Member Hindu Panchayat Shahdadkot, Dargah Sharif Road Shahdadkot.

7. Mai Ameerzadi Soomro (1940), W/O Ghulmoo Faqir Soomro, Custodian Lakhpati Makan, Lakhpati Road Shahdadkot.

8. Ali Bux Dayo (1942), Farmer, Siddiqui Madressah Road Shahdadkot.

9. Qadir Bux Silro (1947), Member Sindh Hari Committee, Village Silra, Shahdadkot.

10. Diwn KIshan Chand Advani, (1947), Cloth Merchant, Shahi Bazzar Shahdadkot.

11. Agha Sikander Ali Khan Sheikh (1948), Trader Qazi Masjid Muhalla, Shahdadkot.

12. Ghulam Sarwar Silro (1948), President Hotel Mazdoor Union, Baqarabd Muhalla, Shahdadkot.

13. Mahraj Jai Parkash alias Ramesh Kumar Shringi (1949), President Hindu Panchayat Shahdadkot.

14. Comrade Wali Muhammad Manganhar (1950), Senior Journalist and Sindh TV Representative, PWD Colony Shahdadkot.

15. Altaf Hussain Qadri (1950), Assistant Professor in Government College Shahdadkot, Kotoo Motoo Chowk (KMC) Shahdadkot.

16. Ahmed Ali Sabir Chandio (1952), Story Writer, Poet & Columnist, Hirabad Muhalla, Shahdadkot.

17. Muhammad Mughal Lohar (1953), Shopkeeper, Dargah Mian Ghulam Siddique Muhalla, Shahdadkot.

18. Saifullah Soomro (1960), Govt: High School Teacher & Social Worker, Eidgah Muhalla, Shahdadkot. 19. Muhammad Hassan Babar (1963), Writer & Columnist, Saifullah Magsi Colony Shahdadkot. 20. Comrade Wahab Pandrani (1967), Human Rights Activist & DCHD Provincial Coordinator, Mochi Muhalla, Shahdadkot.

Acknowledgment

1. Mahraj Rajender Kumar Shringi 2. Veena Shringi

3. Professor Khalid Hussain Channa

4. NGOs Development Society (NDS) Shahdadkot, Sindh. 5. Pirbhat Women’s Development Society (PWDS) Shahdadkot, Sindh.

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1920s: A group photo on the marriage ceremony of Mahraj Parsram Shringi in a garden near Kur Dato Shahdadkot

1960s: Allah Dito Khuwaja, Mahraj Gopi Krishan , Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, Khan Bahadur Pir Bux Khan Khuhawar, Mahraj

Rajender Kumar, Veena Shringi, Mahraj Ashok Kumar and Jamaldin Punjabi Councilor at Irrigation Bungalows Shahdadkot.

19

1960s: Mahraj Gopi Krishan talking with Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto & Habib-ul-Nabi SDO WAPDA Shahdadkot.

Sati Devi, Mahraj Ashok Kumar, Veena Shringi and Shalini Sagar

20

Mahraj Umesh Chander with his wife Saroj Shringi, New Delhi, India. Mahraj Ashok Kumar with his brother Mahraj Kantesh Kumar and a friend

Veena Shringi is being awarded with gifts and certificates Mahraj Ramesh Kumar addressing media persons

Mahraj Rajender Kumar Shringi Shalini Sagar presenting Bouquet to Mahraj Kantesh Kumar

21

Sheikh Javed Ali SindhiSheikh Javed Ali SindhiSheikh Javed Ali SindhiSheikh Javed Ali Sindhi

(M.A.Sindhi Literature, M.A. Sociology(M.A.Sindhi Literature, M.A. Sociology(M.A.Sindhi Literature, M.A. Sociology(M.A.Sindhi Literature, M.A. Sociology & M.Phil Studies & M.Phil Studies & M.Phil Studies & M.Phil Studies Sindhi) Sindhi) Sindhi) Sindhi)

ShahdadkotShahdadkotShahdadkotShahdadkot, Sindh, Pakistan, Sindh, Pakistan, Sindh, Pakistan, Sindh, Pakistan....

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