THIS is apropos of Manzoor H. Kureshi's letter, 'Homage to Makhdoom Nuh of Hala' (Oct 24). The Arghun and Tarkhan rule in Sindh was undoubtedly a dark era in the history of region.

It was during this period that the Memon and Lohanna businessmen of Sindh migrated to Kutch, Kathiawar and Gujarat to escape unreasonable taxes levied by rulers.

However, Mr Kureshi has further mentioned the migration of families from Pat and Darbela to Makkah and Madina. I would like Mr Kureshi to throw more light on this, as one of the places mentioned in the letter is my native place.

The Arghun invasion of Sindh was triggered off by multiple factors, such as the invasion of Kandahar by Babar, after his defeat in Ferghana, the internecine war between Rind and Lashari tribes in Balochistan, and ineptness of the Samma ruler Jam Feroze, which alienated the allies like Sultan Mehmud Begra of Gujarat and forced Darya Khan, a trusted lieutenant of his father Jam Nizamuddin, to retire to his estate in Baghban.

The two-century-long rule of Arghuns, Tarkhans and Mughals was succeeded by the Kalhora rule. This change is unique in the sense that it was not brought about by any feudal force, as was the practice in that period, but by the spiritual leaders of the Kalhora clan and their disciples.

FARRUKH ANSARI
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