# Mir Shahdad Khan Talpur

Mir Shahdad Khan Talpur(Balochi: مير شهداد خان ٽالپر‎), the great-grandfather of the first Talpur ruler, was an influential nobleman who held significant authority in Sindh long before the Talpur dynasty rose to power. His contributions to military, administrative, and agricultural development made him a pivotal figure during the Kalhoro and Mughal eras. Mian Yar Muhammad took him under his wing and later awarded him the title of "Barkhurdar" (favored one), appointing him as the commander-in-chief of his army.

## Origin and name

Mir Shahdad was from the tribe of Talpur Baloch.
Shahdad is an Iranian name.It's used as a boy's name and means "God's gift" or "gift of the king". The name of Shahdad is a common name among the Baloch, such that in Baloch literature, the name Shahdad is famous in the romantic folklore and tale.

## Early life and recognition

Mir Shahdad Khan was the son of Mir Hotak Khan, grandson of Mir Suleman Khan, and great-grandson of Mir Shaho Khan, a prominent Talpur chieftain. Losing his father at an early age, he was raised by his uncle, Mir Subedar Khan, but later joined the court of Mian Yar Muhammad Khan Kalhoro, who recognized his leadership and military skills and later awarded him the title of "Barkhurdar". The order was conveyed through Ahmed Yar Khan, the Governor of Thatta, who signed the document on behalf of the emperor. In a Sanad issued under the seal of Mir Muhammad Mahdi, the revenue commissioner under Mughal Governor Ahmadyar Khan of Thatta, dated 19th Rajab 1116 AH (1704), Mir Shahdad Khan was addressed as "his eminence" (raf'at panah). The document also granted him remission of land revenue arrears, highlighting his significant standing within the Mughal administrative framework.

## Battle of Jhok

Shah Inayat's rising influence among his followers in the area of lower Sindh (Thatta Sarkar) caused much discontent in Yar Muhammad Kalhoro, the feudal lord. The latter enjoyed political sway over Bakhar Sarkar (Northern Sindh) and Sehwan Sarkar (Central Sindh) and thus wanted to control over Thatta Sarkar which was still under the rule of Mughal Nawabs. Kalhoro, the first ruler of Kalhora dynasty, strove to consolidate his power across Sindh, but found the social movement of Sufi Shah Inayat a hurdle in realizing his ambition. Thus he, along with other influential landlords, and Pirs of Dargah succeeded in persuading the Delhi government to act against Shah Inayat and his followers for their rebellion against the Mughal Empire. A battle was launched on Farrukhsiyar's order with the combined forces of Kalhora Chief and the Mughal army of governor of Thatta.
The Battle of Jhok was a clash between the Mughal forces along with their local rulers and a band of Sufis who chose to revolt against the feudal and imperial order of the day. A siege was laid to the town of Jhok for about four months, but Shah Inayat's followers gave a stiff resistance. Shah Inayat was preparing to attack the invaders on 1 January 1718 AD, when the Kalhora chief sent Shahdad Khan Talpur with the Quran to invite Shah Inayat for peace talks. However, when Shah Inayat met Yar Muhammad Kalhoro for talks, he was arrested, brought to Thatta and presented to the Mughal governor.

## Military contributions

Mir Shahdad Khan played a crucial role in suppressing rebellions and maintaining peace in Sindh. In 1701 CE (1113 AH), he was tasked by Mughal Prince Muazz-ud-Din to subdue Shah Muhammad, a Multan noble who had caused unrest in Dera Ghazi Khan and Dera Ismail Khan. Mir Shahdad Khan successfully quelled the rebellion, earning the areas of the present Shahdadpur and Sinjhoro taluka as jagir from Prince Muazz-ud-Din.
He was appointed the commander-in-chief of the Kalhoro army by Mian Yar Muhammad, a testament to his exceptional military acumen. He also assisted in combating tribal resistance in Sindh, further solidifying his reputation as a capable and loyal leader.

## Founding Shahdadpur

Around 1713, Mir Shahdad Khan founded the town of Shahdadpur, which was named in his honor. This achievement was coupled with a significant irrigation project: the excavation of the Marik Wah, a natural inundation canal stretching from Sakrand to Rokun Burra in Sanghar. This canal transformed the surrounding barren lands into fertile, cultivable fields, benefiting the local economy and solidifying his legacy as a visionary leader.

## Family

Mir Shahdad Khan had four sons:
Jam Nando Khan,Mir Chakar Khan,Mir Bahram Khan, & Miro Khan. Among them, Mir Khairo Khan died without an heir. The other sons continued his legacy, with the Talpurs eventually becoming the rulers of Sindh.

## Death and legacy

Mir Shahdad Khan died in 1734 (1147 AH) during the reign of Miān Noor Muhammad Kalhora. He was buried near Shahpur Chakar in present-day Sanghar District. His mausoleum stands as a testament to his contributions to Sindh's history.
Mir Shahdad Khan's descendants later rose to prominence and established the Talpur dynasty, which ruled Sindh from 1783 until the British annexation in 1843.