The Umarkot Fort is considered to be Soomra dynasty of Sindh but it is older than the Soomra period and may have been built during the Rai Dynasty.
Aziz Kingrani
The Umarkot Fort is considered to be Soomra dynasty of Sindh but it is even older than the Soomra period. In history of Sindh there are conflicting opinions about the period of the Umarkot city including the fort in Sindh. The conflicting opinions have confused the true history of the city and the fort. Some historians attribute the city and fort of Umarkot to Umar Soomro, a ruler of the Sumerian period in Sindh. With the reference of the rule of King Umar, the city and the fort were built in Sindh during the Soomra period (1353-1050 AD). Some historians disagree with this opinion and say that the city and the fort dates back to the period of Rana Prasad or Parmar and it is believed that Amarkot city and fort were built by Amar Singh Rana.
Some historians have written that this fort was built by Mian Noor Muhammad Kalhoro in 1746. This opinion does not seem to be correct at all. Because in 1739, when Nadir Shah attacked Sindh, Mian Noor Muhammad Kalhoro took refuge in Umarkot Fort, from which it is clear that the fort already existed. References are made to the ancient monuments of Shaivism and Buddhism in connection with Umarkot’s sanctity. When Humayun, the Mughal ruler came to ‘Jogirai’ and ‘Lanbi Talau’ (Lanbi Pond) near Amarkot, after being defeated by Sher Shah Suri, and was granted refuge by the local Sodha rulers of Amarkot, he must have taken refuge in Umarkot fort, because a defeated ruler cannot stay in an open field. Mughal King Akbar was born here in 1542 AD. Near Umarkot, there is still a structure built as a memorial to birth of Mughal King Akbar. It is historically proved that the fort existed before the Kalhora period.
As regards the antiquity of Umarkot Fort, if we look at its structure, its construction is very similar to that of Mirikot fortress in the premises of Rannikot fort and the style of its gate resembles to the main gate of Mirikot fortress. The carving of sunflower on the entrance of both, the construction of foot paths and fronts show that Mirikot Fort and Umarkot Fort must have been built in the same era.
This architectural style confirms the antiquity of the Umarkot fort in Sindh even before the Soomra period. It is believed that this fort was built during the Sassanid era (552 AD – 226 AD) or later during the Rai dynasty in Sindh (632 AD – 550 AD). Our historians have mistaken opinion that Amarkot fort or Umarkot fort was built in Sindh during Soomra period.
More authentic research is needed in this regard. Umarkot Fort is a unique architectural style. Its walls are made of mud on the inside and the mud is sealed with bricks on the outside. Paved bricks are plastered over a mud wall with a mortar made of gypsum and lime (chiroli). The fort has foot paths for pedestrians like Runnikot and Mirikot fortress, from which the enemy can be spotted while walking. Along the footpath are holes for archery. Like Mirikot fortress, Umarkot Fort also has fronts or turrets on both sides. A part from this, fronts or turrets have also been built on the four corners of the Fort. At present, the walls of the fort have been repaired by the Sindh government. This restoration is not sufficient. It can be said that the Umarkot fort has survived from demolition or destruction. To me, Umarkot Fort is monument of Rai Dynasty of Sindh.
Read also: Zoroastrian Fire Temple in Sukkur
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Aziz Kingrani, hailing from village Haji Manik Kingrani, Johi, Dadu District, Sindh, Pakistan, is poet, short story writer, playwright and a researcher. He has been contributing in the fields of history and literature. He has served as a professor as well. His 17 books are published in English and Sindhi language.
Umerkot history still disputed, shows how much we progress after british rule.