Sindh: The Unpartitioned Land – A Forgotten Chapter of 1947...

Sindh’s Unique Position in the Partition of India

When the British Empire relinquished its hold over the Indian subcontinent in 1947, the world watched as millions were displaced, and bloodshed marred the birth of two new nations—India and Pakistan. While Punjab and Bengal were carved up between the two countries, Sindh remained territorially intact within the newly formed Pakistan. This decision, though seemingly logical at the time, had long-term implications for the province’s demographics, culture, and communal relations.

Why was Sindh not divided like Punjab and Bengal? What were the consequences of this decision for Sindh’s Hindu population? And how has the socio-cultural fabric of Sindh evolved in the decades following Partition? This article delves into these questions, shedding light on a lesser-discussed chapter of the 1947 Partition.

Sindh Before Partition: A Land of Syncretic Culture

Historically, Sindh was known for its religious pluralism and cultural harmony. Home to a thriving Hindu, Muslim, and Sikh population, the province had long been a hub of commerce, trade, and spirituality. Hindu Sindhis played a crucial role in the economic and social life of the region, especially in urban centers such as Karachi, Hyderabad, Shikarpur, and Sukkur.

The Sindhi identity was deeply intertwined with Sufism, a mystical form of Islam that preached love, tolerance, and coexistence. Saints such as Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai and Lal Shahbaz Qalandar epitomized this spirit, fostering an environment where Hindus and Muslims alike revered the same spiritual figures.

Why Was Sindh Not Partitioned?

Unlike Punjab and Bengal, where the Muslim and Hindu populations were more evenly distributed, Sindh had a clear Muslim majority, with approximately 71.5% of its population identifying as Muslim in the 1941 census. Hindus, while significant (making up about 26.4% of the population), were concentrated primarily in urban centers rather than rural areas.

The British decision to leave Sindh undivided was influenced by multiple factors:

• Demographic Considerations: The predominantly Muslim character of Sindh made its inclusion in Pakistan a relatively uncontested decision.

• Political Pressures: The All India Muslim League, under Muhammad Ali Jinnah, pushed for Sindh to remain wholly within Pakistan, ensuring territorial continuity.

• Absence of Widespread Violence (Initially): Unlike Punjab and Bengal, Sindh did not experience large-scale communal violence before Partition.

• Economic and Strategic Importance: Karachi, Sindh’s capital, was an economic powerhouse and later became the first capital of Pakistan, making it indispensable to the new nation.

However, while Sindh was not physically divided, the Partition would have profound effects on its society and demography in the years to come.

The Migration and Exodus of Sindhi Hindus

Although Partition did not divide Sindh territorially, it caused one of the largest migrations in South Asian history. Communal tensions, which had initially been subdued, erupted in late 1947 and early 1948, leading to riots, looting, and violence targeting Sindhi Hindus.

Fearing for their safety, a significant portion of the Hindu population chose to migrate to India, particularly to Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan. Estimates suggest that approximately 776,000 Sindhi Hindus fled to India, leaving behind businesses, homes, and centuries of heritage. Unlike Punjabis, who were largely given land in exchange for what they left behind, Sindhi Hindus arrived in India as refugees, with no corresponding Sindhi-speaking state to settle in. Many had to rebuild their lives from scratch in cities like Mumbai and Ahmedabad.

Meanwhile, Sindh witnessed an influx of Muslim refugees (Muhajirs) from India, primarily from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Gujarat. These new arrivals, many of whom spoke Urdu, significantly altered Sindh’s linguistic and cultural landscape. Karachi, in particular, saw dramatic demographic shifts, with its pre-Partition Sindhi Hindu and Sindhi Muslim identity gradually giving way to an Urdu-speaking Muhajir dominance.

Sindhi Hindu Culture: A Legacy in Exile

While many Sindhi Hindus left their ancestral land, they carried their culture with them. The Sindhi Hindu diaspora, especially in India, played a crucial role in preserving Sindhi traditions, language, and spirituality. They established businesses, cultural organizations, and religious institutions, ensuring that the Sindhi identity remained vibrant despite displacement.

One of the most significant contributions to preserving Sindhi heritage in Pakistan is the Haveli Textile Museum, inaugurated in Karachi in December 2024 by Nasreen and Hasan Askari. This museum showcases nearly 1,000 unique textiles, highlighting the artistic traditions of Sindh’s Hindu communities. Its opening exhibit, A Coat of Many Colours, celebrates the enduring legacy of Sindhi craftsmanship and multiculturalism.

The Challenges Faced by Sindhi Hindus in Pakistan

Despite their continued presence, Sindhi Hindus in Pakistan face several challenges:

• Religious Discrimination: Reports of forced conversions of Hindu girls, land grabs, and social marginalization continue to surface.

• Political Underrepresentation: While Hindus form about 8.7% of Sindh’s population (as per the 2017 census), their political representation remains minimal.

• Economic Struggles: Many Hindus in rural Sindh belong to marginalized communities and face difficulties in accessing education and economic opportunities.

However, despite these hardships, the community has shown resilience. Sindhi Hindus continue to contribute to Pakistan’s economy, particularly in trade, medicine, and academia. Many still celebrate their religious festivals openly, such as Diwali and Holi, with participation from Sindhi Muslims, showcasing the province’s enduring spirit of coexistence.

The Future of Sindh’s Multicultural Legacy

Sindh’s history is a testament to the resilience of its people and their ability to coexist despite political and social upheavals. While the Sindhi Hindu community has significantly shrunk since Partition, its cultural impact remains indelible. The province still retains its Sufi ethos, which promotes inclusivity and spiritual unity beyond religious boundaries.

For Sindh to move forward as a truly inclusive society, efforts must be made to:

• Protect Minority Rights: Stronger laws and enforcement against forced conversions and religious discrimination are needed.

• Celebrate Shared Heritage: Cultural festivals, museums, and academic research should focus on Sindh’s pluralistic past.

• Bridge Social Divides: Educational programs that teach Sindh’s shared history can help foster understanding between communities.

Final Thoughts

The Partition of 1947 left an indelible mark on Sindh, not through territorial division but through demographic and cultural upheaval. The migration of Sindhi Hindus to India and the arrival of Muhajirs in Sindh reshaped the province’s identity in profound ways. Yet, despite these changes, Sindh remains a land of syncretism, where echoes of its shared past still resonate.

As Pakistan and India move forward in the 21st century, recognizing and honoring this shared heritage could serve as a bridge between divided communities and fractured histories. The Sindh that once was—a land of saints, poets, traders, and artists—might not be entirely lost. Its spirit endures, waiting to be rekindled in the collective memory of its people.

This article is based on historical records, oral histories, and contemporary analyses to provide an in-depth exploration of Sindh’s unique experience during and after Partition.