Sindh: History, Identity, and Contemporary Realities

Sindh is one of the world’s most ancient living civilizations, carrying a continuous cultural, linguistic, and historical legacy spanning thousands of years. Today, Sindh remains central to Pakistan’s economy and identity, while also facing persistent challenges related to political representation, resource distribution, cultural preservation, and human rights.

 Historical Overview

Ancient Civilization

Sindh is the birthplace of the Indus Valley Civilization (c. 3300–1300 BCE), one of the earliest urban civilizations in human history. Cities such as Mohenjo-Daro, Amri, and Kot Diji demonstrate advanced town planning, sanitation systems, and international trade networks. The civilization emphasized humanism, social organization, and peaceful coexistence.

Classical and Medieval Period

Over centuries, Sindh came under various rulers, including the Achaemenid Persians, Greeks, and Mauryan Empire, during which Buddhism flourished. In 712 CE, Arab forces led by Muhammad bin Qasim entered Sindh, introducing Islam. Over time, Sindh evolved into a stronghold of Sufi Islam, known for tolerance, pluralism, and spiritual harmony. Indigenous dynasties such as the Samma, Kalhora, and Talpur ruled Sindh before colonial annexation.

British Colonial Rule (1843–1947)

Sindh was annexed by the British in 1843 after the defeat of the Talpur rulers. It later became a separate province in 1936, developing modern infrastructure, railways, and ports. Karachi emerged as a major urban and commercial center.

Post-1947 Period

Following the partition of British India, Sindh was incorporated into Pakistan. Large-scale migration transformed its demographic and political landscape. Over time, Sindh’s administrative autonomy diminished under centralized governance, reshaping its political trajectory.

Geography and Environment

Sindh covers approximately 140,914 square kilometers (54,407 square miles). It is bordered by Punjab to the north, Baluchistan to the west, Rajasthan (India) to the east, and the Arabian Sea to the south.

The Indus River flows through Sindh and serves as the backbone of its agriculture, ecology, and settlement patterns. The province experiences an arid to semi-arid climate, with extremely hot summers and limited rainfall, making river irrigation essential for survival.

Population and Demographics

Sindh’s population is estimated at nearly 60 million. Major urban centers include Karachi, Hyderabad, and Sukkur.

The population consists of:

• Indigenous Sindhis
• Urdu-speaking Muhajirs
• Baloch, Punjabis, Pashtuns, and other communities

.

Sindhi Language

The Sindhi language is one of the oldest living Indo-Aryan languages, written in an Arabic-Persian script. It possesses a vast literary and philosophical tradition, enriched by poets and thinkers such as Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai, Sachal Sarmast, Sami, Bedil, and G.M. Syed.

Historically used in administration and education, Sindhi today faces marginalization, with limited representation in federal institutions, higher education, and national policymaking.

 

Culture and Social Identity

Sindh’s culture is deeply rooted in spirituality, tolerance, and artistic expression.

Cultural Symbols

• Ajrak – symbol of dignity and resistance
• Sindhi Topi
• Folk music, poetry, and traditional crafts

Sufi Heritage

Sindh is widely known as the Land of Sufis. Its Sufi tradition promotes coexistence beyond religion, ethnicity, and class, shaping Sindh’s pluralistic worldview.

Economy of Sindh

Sindh is the economic backbone of Pakistan.

• Contributes approximately 30–32% of  GDP
• Generates over 65–70% of federal revenue
• Karachi serves as Pakistan’s financial and commercial capital
• Hosts major ports: Karachi Port and Port Qasim

Agriculture

Sindh is a leading producer of:

• Cotton
• Wheat
• Rice
• Sugarcane

Natural Resources

• Largest gas-producing province
• Home to the Thar Coalfield, one of the world’s largest coal reserves
• Rich fisheries and coastal resources

Discrimination and Injustice: Sindhi Perspectives

The following section reflects documented grievances and political viewpoints raised by Sindhi scholars, activists, and nationalist movements, presented for informational understanding.

Political Marginalization

Sindh’s representation in the military, judiciary, and federal bureaucracy is widely viewed as disproportionately low compared to its population and economic contribution. Centralized decision-making has reduced provincial autonomy.

Economic Inequities

Despite generating a major share of national revenue, large parts of Sindh—particularly rural regions—remain underdeveloped. Resource-producing areas often lack access to the same resources, including natural gas.

Demographic Changes

Post-1947 migration significantly altered urban demographics. Sindhis became minorities in key cities, raising concerns about political voice, cultural continuity, and identity preservation.

Water Distribution Issues

Sindh faces persistent disputes over Indus River water allocation. Reduced downstream flows have damaged agriculture, caused sea intrusion, and destroyed fertile coastal lands.

Language and Cultural Marginalization

Sindhi language and history receive limited representation in national curricula and federal institutions, contributing to cultural sidelining.

Human Rights Concerns

Sindhi political activists report issues such as:

• Surveillance
• Arbitrary arrests
• Enforced disappearances
• Restrictions on peaceful political expression

Nationalist movements are frequently treated as security concerns rather than political stakeholders.

 Political Thought and Resistance

Sindhi political philosophy, articulated by thinkers like G.M. Syed, argues that Pakistan failed to develop into a true federal state. This led to the rise of Sindhi nationalist movements, including the Jeay Sindh struggle, emphasizing:

• Self-determination
• Cultural survival
• Fair distribution of resources

 Sindh in the Present Context

Today, Sindh remains:

• Economically indispensable
• Culturally rich
• Politically contested

Ongoing debates focus on federalism versus centralization, unity versus autonomy, and economic contribution versus political representation.

Conclusion

Sindh is not merely an administrative province but a was an sovereign and independent country with civilization with ancient roots, a distinct identity, and a vital role in South Asia’s past and present. Understanding Sindh requires engaging with its history, language, culture, and the grievances expressed by its people—within a framework of justice, equality, and genuine federalism.

“Reportedly, Sindhi people seek a sovereign Sindh to play a constructive role in world unity, universal peace, and human development.”