THE KALHORA DYNASTY: RISE, RULE, AND DECLINE

Abstract

Sindh has been governed by various local dynasties since the Arab conquest, including the Soomra,

Sama, Arghuns, Turkhans, Kalhoras, and Talpurs. Among these, the Kalhora dynasty stands out for

its significant contributions to the prosperity of the local inhabitants, the development of educational

institutions, commerce, and the flourishing of Sindhi literature and poetry. The Kalhora dynasty,

established as the first sovereign state by the indigenous people amidst the Mughal Empire's decline,

marks a pivotal era in Sindh's history. This article investigates the effects of the Mughal Empire's

political disintegration in Sindh and to examine how the local people advanced to power from this

civil collapse. Furthermore, it analyses the transformation of the Kalhora family from spiritual

leaders to sovereign rulers of an independent Sindh. The study also explores into the reasons behind

the collapse of Kalhora rule and the subsequent rise of the Talpurs as the last local rulers of Sindh.