# Mir Fateh Ali Khan Talpur

Mir Fateh Ali Khan Talpur (Sindhi:مير فتح علي خان ٽالپر) was the first ruler of the Talpur dynasty in Sindh, a province in present-day Pakistan. He played a critical role in the transition of power from the Kalhora dynasty to the Talpur dynasty. His reign marked a period of political stability, territorial reclamation and cultural patronage in Sindh.

## Early life

Mir Fateh Ali Khan was born in 1753 in Sindh, his father Mir Sobdar Khan Talpur was the son of Mir Bahram Khan Talpur, Prime Minister of Sindh.
In 1774, his father Mir Sobdar and his grandfather Mir Bahram Khan were executed under false accusations. This act of injustice weakened Mian Sarfaraz's rule and planted seeds of discord that eventually led to the downfall of the Kalhora dynasty.

## Rise to power

Following the victory at Halani, Mughal Emperor, Akbar Shah II issued a Firman in the year 1783, which designated Mir Fateh Ali Khan as the new Nawab of Sindh. Following the overthrow of the Kalhora Dynasty, Mir Fateh Ali Khan founded the Talpur dynasty in Sindh.

## Founding of Talpur Dynasty in Sindh

After the Kalhoras, Mir Fateh Ali Talpur established his rule over Sindh.
In 1784, due to internal disputes among the Talpurs, Mir Fateh Ali divided Sindh into seven parts. He retained four regions for himself and his brothers, designating Hyderabad as their capital. The remaining parts were distributed among other Talpur leaders:
* Mir Sohrab Khan Talpur: Established his center in Khairpur..
* Mir Tharo Khan Talpur: Chose Mirpurkhas as his capital.
* Mir Fateh Ali Khan Talpur: Established his center in Hyderabad. According to historical records, the Talpurs initially sent tax payments to the Kabul court. However, conflicting accounts suggest that while Hyderabad and Khairpur jointly sent payments, Mirpur maintained independent contributions. Over time, due to disputes with the Shah of Khorasan and internal divisions, the Talpur factions became autonomous rulers of their respective territories.

## The Charyari

As Sindh was divided into seven parts, Mir Fateh Ali Khan Talpur kept four parts for himself and his brothers to share in the government .
He established a government with the participation of four brothers, which was called 'Charyari' in history.
The Charyari is composed of Mir Fateh Ali Khan Talpur, Mir Murad Ali Khan Talpur, Mir Karam Ali Khan Talpur and Mir Ghulam Ali Khan Talpur.

## Reign and achievements

Mir Fateh Ali was a highly intelligent, brave and far-sighted ruler. He conquered Sindh at the age of seventeen and ruled with great wisdom and patience. He used to run away from war but when he came face to face with someone, he did not spare them. His brave deeds have been mentioned in the previous pages. He was very content, and at the time of his death, he left thirty-five lakh rupees in the royal treasury. He also understood the principles of politics. He gave each chieftain a position and land according to his status. He was very fond of hunting and had established many hunting grounds from Hyderabad to Sehwan. Mir Sahib also had a great interest in knowledge and literature. Even when traveling, scholars and writers would accompany him. His poetic taste can be gauged from the fact that he had the story of Sassai Panhun written in verse by Maulana Jami, like Yusuf Zulaikha.

### Territorial reclamation

Mir Fateh Ali Khan successfully reclaimed territories lost during the later Kalhora period. His military campaigns restored Sindh's borders to their former extent, recovering:
* Sabzal Kot from Nawab Bahawalpur.
* Karachi and its surroundings from the Khan of Kalat.
* Shikarpur from Afghanistan.
* Umerkot and desert regions from the Raja of Jodhpur.
Additionally, numerous villages and towns were reintegrated into Sindh, solidifying Talpur authority.

### Governance and leadership

Mir Fateh Ali's leadership was characterized by his commitment to peace, efficient administration, and equitable governance. While he preferred diplomacy over warfare, he was a formidable commander when conflict was unavoidable. His governance was rooted in fairness and respect, with responsibilities distributed among tribal chiefs and family members based on merit and rank.
At the time of his death, Mir Fateh Ali left a treasury of 35 lakh rupees, reflecting his prudence and dedication to Sindh's prosperity. His collaborative approach to governance, involving his three brothers, was historically referred to as the Chowyari system..

## Cultural patronage

Mir Fateh Ali's Court Poet – Malik-ul-Shu'ara (King of Poets):
Among the court poets of Mir Fateh Ali, the most recognized was Mir Azeemuddin Azeem, son of Syed Yar Muhammad, and the brother of Mir Ali Sher Qani, the author of Maqalat-ul-Shu'ara. Mir Azeem was born in 1163 AH in Thatta. The famous scholar and author of Zubdat-ul-Mu'asarreen, Mir Hassan Al-Husseini, praised his literary talents, stating:
“His origin was from Deval (Tatta), and in eloquence, rhetoric, and discourse, he had no equal or rival.”
Mir Fateh Ali Khan honored Azeem by appointing him as the Malik-ul-Shu'ara (King of Poets) at his court. Azeem enjoyed immense respect and recognition during his tenure. He died in 1229 AH and was buried in Makli. Mial Tattwi, a contemporary, recorded his date of death through poetry.
Mial Tattwi recorded the date of Mir Azeemuddin Azeem's death with this verse:
   The spirit of holiness departed on the day of his death, It is rightly said, 'He was a lover of Ali the Great.
This verse reflects the reverence Mial Tattwi had for Mir Azeem and marks the date of his death.
Fateh Nama:
Azeem's "Fateh Nama" is a famous book, written in 1199 AH in the form of a Mathnawi (epic poem). This Mathnawi, written on the suggestion of Mir Fateh Ali, was composed in the Shahnameh style of rhythmic verse and is considered the first poetic history, detailing the fall of the Kalhoras and the rise of the Talpurs.
Mir Azeem explains the reason and the year for writing the Fateh Nama in the following verse:
   At the command of the auspicious voice, It is a letter of history, dated the year 1199 AH.
The book was edited by Sher Muhammad Nazamani from the Sindh Literary Board and was published in 1927.
Mathnawi Sirdil:
This Mathnawi was written by Azeem in 1206 AH and contains 316 verses.
Diwan-e-Azeem:
The Diwan-e-Azeem was compiled by Azeem at the age of 40 in 1210 AH. He personally wrote two copies of it, one for Mir Fateh Ali and the other for Mir Ghulam Ali. One copy is preserved at Rashdi Sahib's collection, and the other is kept in the library of Mir Noor Muhammad Khan Talpur.
Diwan-e-Azeem (Urdu):
Azeem also compiled a Diwan in Urdu, which is preserved at the Sindh Literary Board.
Mathnawi Heer Ranjha:
Azeem wrote this Mathnawi in 1214 AH. It was published by the Sindh Literary Board in 1957.
Insha-e-Azeem:
This collection contains Azeem's letters and is preserved at the Sindh Literary Board.

## Military achievements
### The Second Battle of Shikarpur

The Second Battle of Shikarpur took place between the Talpur Dynasty and the Durrani Empire allied with the Khanate of Kalat for succession of Mian Abdul Nabi Kalhoro to the throne of Sindh.
Through the efforts of Mir Qamaruddin, Timur Shah issued a decree in 1202 AH to restore the governance of Sindh under Mian Abdul Nabi's name. He sent a large army led by Sardar Ahmad Noorzai and Bostan Khan to assist, and also ordered Nasir Khan, the ruler of Kalat, to provide support. When this army passed through Multan and reached Bahawalpur, the governor of the region, Muhammad Bahawal, took refuge in the fort. The army looted and ransacked the city for two months, devastating the entire area.
As the army advanced and neared Khairpur, Mian Abdul Nabi sent representatives—Taji, Sultan, Sheikh Qamaruddin, and his son Taji Mohammad Khan—to Mir Sohrab Khan. They offered him a promise of favor in the future if he assisted them. However, Mir Sohrab Khan was not swayed by these temptations. He replied, making a solemn promise to Mir Fateh Ali Khan, swearing on the Quran that he was ready to fight the enemy. He assured that when the enemy's forces would approach, he would meet them on the way, and together they would teach the invaders a lesson.
Meanwhile, the Afghan army reached Hala Kundi, having crossed the Rohri area. Mir Fateh Ali Khan received a decree from Timur Shah, ordering him to leave the Sindh government. After consulting with his commanders, it was decided to send the women and children to Kutch and Jaisalmer and then prepare for battle.
Mir Fateh Ali had already destroyed the bridges on the roads, making it very difficult for the Afghan army to advance. However, when the Afghan army was within two miles of the city, Mir Sohrab Khan, fearing that Mir Fateh Ali might be defeated and lose his state, fled from Shah Garh Fort. Upon hearing this, Mir Fateh Ali, according to Frier Namah, remarked: "Hasbi Allah wa ni'mal wakeel, ni'mal maula wa ni'mal naseer" (Allah is sufficient for me, and He is the best disposer of affairs, the best protector and the best helper).".

### Battle of Halani

When the Talpur forces reached Halani, Mir Fateh Ali was six kos (approximately 18 kilometers) away. Ghulam Ali and Allah Yar suggested waiting for reinforcements, particularly Mir Sohrab's arrival, as their army was smaller than the enemy's. However, Mir Fateh Ali replied with unwavering faith: "We trust in Allah. Numbers do not matter; He alone is our helper."
The two armies confronted each other at Halani, and a fierce battle of arrows and swords began. At this critical moment, Mir Sohrab arrived and immediately advanced towards Muhammad Hassan Khuhawar. With unmatched skill, he cut through the group of soldiers surrounding Muhammad Hassan with his sword. Seeing an opportunity, one of Mir Sohrab's warriors, Khairi Mari, attacked and killed Muhammad Hassan.
The command of the Khuhawar forces then passed to Muhammad Baqar Khuhawar, but he too was soon killed. Mir Fateh Ali then ordered a full-scale attack. Responding to the command, Mir Sohrab charged into the fray with the ferocity of lightning, slaying Samtai with his sword. He also struck down Alahdad Taji, cutting him in half with a single blow.
Other leaders, including Mir Ghulam Ali, Allah Yar, Thara, and the Bagho Faqir, also distinguished themselves in battle, severing the heads of many enemies. According to Mir Azim Thattavi, the battlefield was soaked in blood, a testament to the ferocity of the clash.
This decisive victory solidified the Talpur hold over Sindh and marked the end of Kalhora dominance.

### Siege of Karachi

In 1793-94 Shafee Ali Khan ruled Karachi as the Nawab of the Khan of Kalat. He once attacked a Hindu temple, known as the Daria Than, and erected a mosque between the Daria Than and Hindu houses. This led to a scuffle between the Hindus and the Muslims. After this event, Seth Dharianamal wrote to the Khan of Kalat informing him of the tyranny exercised by Shafee Ali Khan, whereupon Shafee Ali Khan was dismissed by the Khan of Kalat, and Haji Sadu was placed in his stead. He was in office in 1794-95, when the Amirs sent their force the third time for the capture of Karachi. Haji Sadu expressed his inability to fight, and desired to be sent to Kalat in safety. Seth Dharianamal gave him a strong escort, and let him go to Kalat. The army of the Amirs continued all this time firing shells into the town. A few balls did some mischief, but the Commanders, Mian Fakiro and Palia, soon received instructions from Mirs Fateh Ali Khan and Karam Ali Khan to desist from fighting, and to act in consultation with Seth Dharianamal, as they had come to an understanding with him.
Thereafter in 1794-5 on the 11th of the month of Badh (12th Bares) Seth Dharianamal took the keys of the fort gates to the Commanders of the army of the Amirs. Seth Dharianamal sent his servant, Fakiro Khan, the headman of the Bahramee clan, in advance to Fakiro and Palia to inform them of his intention to visit them, and they therefore went out to meet him and received him with great respect. Seth Dharianamal handed over the keys of the Mitha and Khara Gates to Mian Fakiro and Mian Palia, who promised to let no soldier enter the town, as they had received orders to that effect. Mian Fakiro and Palia accompanied Seth Dharianamal back to the town, and after inspecting for a short time the "raised platforms" erected for Government sepoys, they visited Seth Dharianamal's otaks and there partook of sherbat, and refreshed themselves with rose water, and then returned to their camp.
The siege ending with Talpur Victory.

## Children

A few hours before Mir Fateh Ali's death, a son was born to him, who was installed on the throne the next day. His name was Mir Subdar Khan.

## Death

Mir Fateh Ali Khan, the esteemed founder of the Talpur dynasty in Sindh, had long been afflicted with a cancerous growth in his back, which was periodically managed through treatment. However, as the time of his death drew near, none of the remedies proved effective. He died on the night of 10th Muharram, 1217 AH. The great conqueror of Sindh and first ruler of the Talpur family, Mir Fateh Ali Khan, departed on the night of Imam Hussain's martyrdom. His death cast a shadow of mourning over the Talpur family and the entire land of Sindh was enveloped in grief. Following his death, Mir Ghulam Ali Khan, who was second in line, ascended the throne. Mir Karam Ali Khan and Mir Murad Ali Khan joined him in governance, while Mir Fateh Ali Khan's young son, Mir Sobhdar, was ceremonially inducted into the administration, stepping into his father's legacy. Mir Mail, reflecting on these events, composed the following poignant historical verse:
   A cry of sorrow for the martyr King, The mourning of the royal lineage spread throughout the world. On the night of Ashura, the great Mir, Departed from his seat of governance, Joining the ranks of the martyrs of the faith with great honor, He relinquished his kingdom for the sake of his brothers. In this event, which unfolded by divine will, God granted him eternal glory, As the celestial voice declared, "Mir Sobhdar shall forever remain honored in his legacy."

## Tomb

Mir Sahib's tomb is located in Hallan Wari, Khudaabad.
This verse by Syed Sabit Ali Shah is inscribed on the dome of the Prophet's shrine:
   On the night of martyrdom, Shah Shaheed departed, Amir Fateh Ali Khan, the sovereign of his time, As recorded by Sabit Zawar, marking the year of his death: "May his dwelling be the palace of paradise, and his resting place a heavenly realm."
Within this mausoleum lie the tombs of Amir Fateh Ali Khan, Amir Ghulam Ali Khan, Amir Sobhdar, son of Amir Fateh Ali Khan, Amir Fateh Ali Khan, son of Amir Sobhdar Khan, and Amir Muhammad Ali Khan, son of Amir Sobhdar Khan.

## Legacy

He ruled Sindh with peace and stability for 18 years until his death on 9 Muharram 1217 AH (1802 CE). Shortly before his death, he appointed his brother, Mir Ghulam Ali Khan, as his successor. Mir Fateh Ali was buried in Khudabad, Hala, alongside his ancestors.