Chapter Five

Rule of Somra's: -

Somro and Vegho were two Parmar Rajput Hindu brothers, appointed by Baghdad Khalifs as Naibs (Governers), founders of Somra's rule. (Sind Gazetteer, page 179). They belonged to Bhonbhari caste and lived towards Pran, taluka Deplay. Somro embraced Islam, while Vegho remained Hindu. 

A town (Kot) in Rann of Kutch belonging to Rai family was conquered and overtaken by Vegho and was renamed Vegh Kot. The ruins of this Kot still stands till this day (1946). Both these brothers though Governors, were acting on their own. This enabled them to take over and become rulers.

Earthquake Strikes Sind: -

Two Rivers, Sindhu and Mehran also known as Hakro flowed through Sind. In the year 962 A.D., an earthquake of very high magnitude struck Sind, destroying Sakhhar and Bakhhar. River Mehran changed its course at Alwar, resulting in scarcity of water. This compelled inhabitants to migrate. (Antiquities of Sind by Mr. Henry Cuzons)  Many Hindu residents of Rohari claim to have migrated from Alwar. Sind was then ruled by Dalorai II, who built Brahminabad, Mohan Jo Daro and other cities which were wiped out in the quake. .

Birth of Sindhi Language: - 

Prakarat, a language, which had its roots from Sanskrit, was spoken in Sind. It got so corrupted that people outside Sind called it "VRACHAND UPBHARNANSH", meaning useless language.

Somras, though Hindus, apparently lacked interest in learning Sanskrit, with the result around year 1100 A.D., during their reign, Sindhi language got transformed into its present form, which is far inferior to Sanskrit. 

Thhar under rule of Sodhha Rajputs: -

Around sixth century, during the reign of Rao dynasty, some Soddha Rajputs migrated from Abu Pahar and settled towards Nagar Parkar. Later, during the Somra reign, Sind saw influx of more Rajputs with large Armys. They first captured Ratu Kot in district Kapri. 

In the year 1226 Soddhas battled with Somras and conquered city of Amar Kot and entire Thhar division. Soddhas, during the time of Umar Somri, were not as powerful, but after him, they gained full control and ruled over entire Thhar Division. 

Soddhas ignored Sind Rulers and paid their taxes directly to Delhi rulers.

King Himayun, visited Sind when Rana Prasad was ruler of Amar Kot, and stayed in the Palace in the Fort. King Akbar was born here at Amar Kot.

Inhabitants of Thhar till today (1946) are Rajput Thakars, Luhanas and other Hindus with only a small population of Muslims.

Life Style of Somras: -

A good majority of Somras were debauch. In the year 1020, Hameer Simro ruler of Sind, abducted Jasil, a newly wedded bride. Raja Nughan, son of Raja Rao Diyach ruler of Girnar Kot, who considered Jasil as his sister could not tolerate this and immediately rescued Jasil from his clutches after defeating him in battle. Detailed version appears in " History of Kathiawar" written by Col. Wilber Fores Bell.

Again in the year 1351, Oomar Samro, the then ruler of Sind, abducted Marvi, a betrothed Hindu Rajput girl from Malir, a village in district Nagar Parkar. The story of Oomar Marvi is very popular and well known in Sind. 

Life Style of Somreens (Women Folks): -

It is learnt from a tale of Dodi Chanesar, that Chanesar had mis-understanding with his brother Dodi as to who should be King. They approached Sultan Allahudeen. Instead, Sultan Allahudeen marched to Sind with his Army. This resulted in turmoil and confusion  amongst Somreens and sought refuge with Simi Abri of Kutch. Allahudeen followed them there. 

Somreens, fearing rape, prayed to Lord to save them from the clutches of Allahudeen. Mother earth came to their rescue. Earth split up, opened, Somreens jumped in, earth sealed up again, taking them in her abode.

Towards Rohiri there is a Isthan of Satis. This reminds us that Hindu women preferred to give up their life then to submit themselves. Beyond this, nothing more note worthy was done by Somras. Even Samans, who were fed up with them ended their rule and the took over the reigns.