THATTA: A large group of experts, including historians, researchers, archaeologists and columnists, along with several octogenarian locals, gathered here to share their knowledge and findings to challenge the “fabricated” and “concocted” versions that distorted facts about ‘Noori Jam Tamachi’, a folktale recognised by historians as the true love story of Queen Noori and Samma Dynasty ruler Jam Nizamuddin Tamachi.

The authentic history books characterise Noori as one of the seven well-researched queens of Sindh.

The distortion of certain facts highlighted by the group of experts was endorsed by the octogenarian locals present at the gathering. They appeared sure that the grave on the tiny island in Keenjhar Lake frequented by around 10,000 tourists, picnickers and history buffs on weekends for decades is not of the legendary figure, Noori. In fact, her grave is the one present beside the tomb of Jam Nizamuddin Tamachi under a canopy at the Makli necropolis in Thatta, according to the participants of the discussion.

The claim made in unison at the gathering was based on an extensive study, site visits and interviews with knowledgeable figures and other locals all undertaken by the group of experts, who included historian and former senator Dr Karim Khuwaja, former director general of culture & tourism department Dr Mohammad Ali Manjhi, noted environmentalist and history analyst Masood Lohar and columnist Zahid Ishaque Soomro. Their aim was to rectify fallacies in order to present a correct one of Sindh’s most interesting parts of history and the keenly revealed folktale for the future generations.

The folktale is found in the poetry of revered sufi Saint Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai and is focused particularly in the compositions ‘Sur Kamod’ and ‘Sur Karayal’. Other literary giants such as Sheikh Ayaz and Sajid Soomro also reveal the tale in their poetry and prose works that further glorify the characters and fascinate history buffs.

According to the group’s research, it was during expansion work of Keenjhar Lake in the recent past that the island emerged. It actually had the graves of Samma Dynasty ruler Hoondrro Shah and his son, both spiritual figures as well. However, according to the research, the guides and other people extending hospitality to foreign and local tourists unknowingly distorted the facts making people to believe that the grave present near her spiritual leader Hoondrro Shah was of Noori. Octogenarian locals including Dada Adam Gandhro and Jummo Mirbahar appeared in agreement with the view.

The 14th century Samma Dynasty was founded by Jam Unnar and extended its rule across the Indus valley spread over a territory covering the present day Pakistan and some parts of India.

Samma rulers are known for their administrative reforms and patronage of arts. They played a significant role in shaping up the cultural landscape of Sindh. Jam Nizamuddin is revered for his great contributions to governance and culture.

The experts at the gathering asserted that Sindh government, media, literati, historians and all other concerned people must put in their efforts and revisit this particular part of Sindh’s history and facts for the sake of accuracy.

According to facts, Noori was born to King Jasodhan and Marviyat Rani but was raised by the Gandra tribe. The ‘Noori Jam Tamachi’ tale reveals that a prince, Tamachi, fell in deep love with Noori, who was exceptionally cute and attractive, during a hunting expedition in the Keenjhar Lake area. The love affair led to their marriage and her ascension to the position of queen.

Numerous fascinating versions of the folktale and its reflection in the poetry of Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai and works of many other literati, researchers and scholars made Noori and Jam Tamachi immortal figures, hence attracting people to their eternal abodes.

Published in Dawn, March 19th, 2024