The land of Sindhudesh, or historical Sindh, is not just a geographic region—it is a cradle of civilization, the birthplace of the Indus Valley Civilization, and the sacred soil where the earliest practices of Sanatana Dharma were born. From the banks of the Sindhu (Indus) River to the cities of Mohenjo-daro, Harappa, and Mehrgarh, Sindh has long stood as a symbol of cultural richness, spiritual legacy, and civilizational pride. Yet today, the region finds itself under political, economic, and cultural suppression, driving a growing call for freedom—an independent Sindhudesh.
The Ancient Roots: Sapta Sindhu and Sanatana Dharma
The history of Sindhudesh is as ancient as the Indus Valley Civilization itself. As one of the core regions of the Sapta Sindhu—the land of seven rivers mentioned in the Rigveda—Sindh played a central role in the formation of Vedic and Sanatana Dharma traditions. Civilizations flourished here more than 5000 years ago, with well-planned cities like Mohenjo-daro and Harappa reflecting a highly advanced society. It is believed that the earliest fire altars, symbols of Vedic rituals, originated along the banks of the Sindhu River, making Sindh the spiritual homeland for many followers of Dharma.
Ancient texts like the Mahabharata also refer to Sindhu Naresh (Kings of Sindh), with characters like Raja Rukmi and others playing key roles in shaping the political and cultural tapestry of ancient India. This legacy is foundational to the Sindhi identity—a legacy deeply rooted in spiritualism, non-violence, and civilisational continuity.
Waves of Invasion and Resistance
Sindh’s prosperity and strategic location as the gateway to South Asia attracted several foreign invasions. The region saw its first major cultural break in 711 CE when Arab general Muhammad bin Qasim invaded Sindh, defeating the last Dharma-following king, Maharaja Dahir. This marked the beginning of Islamic rule in the region and a gradual, forceful transformation of its native cultural and religious identity.
For centuries, Arabs, Persians, and later the Mughals ruled Sindh. Despite this, local traditions, language, and spiritual practices managed to survive, often in defiance of the prevailing political order. In the 1800s, British colonialists occupied Sindh, incorporating it into the Bombay Presidency. Under British rule, Sindh saw modernization, but also deep exploitation of its resources.
The Partition: A Tragic Turn
The most devastating blow to the Sindhi identity came with the Partition of British India in 1947. Based on the controversial and now widely discredited two-nation theory, Pakistan was created as a homeland for Muslims. Sindh, historically multi-religious and culturally distinct, was forcefully merged into this new Islamic Republic.
For Sindhis, the creation of Pakistan was not liberation but the beginning of a new kind of subjugation. The ancient land of Dharma became a province in a state that did not recognize its spiritual and cultural roots. The influx of refugees (Muhajirs) from India changed the demographics of Sindh, particularly in urban centers like Karachi and Hyderabad. Indigenous Sindhis were gradually pushed to the margins—economically, politically, and socially.
Rise of the Sindhudesh Movement
In 1971, following the independence of Bangladesh (formerly East Pakistan), veteran Sindhi nationalist and visionary leader Sain G. M. Syed formally launched the idea of Sindhudesh. He argued that just as the Bengali people had a right to self-determination, so did the Sindhi nation. He envisioned a secular, democratic, and sovereign Sindhudesh that would reclaim the cultural and historical identity of the Sindhi people.
For his beliefs and activism, Sain G.M. Syed was repeatedly imprisoned and ultimately kept under house arrest until his death in 1995. But the seed he planted continues to inspire generations of Sindhi youth and political activists who strive for dignity, autonomy, and self-rule.
Economic Exploitation of Sindh
One of the most glaring injustices fueling the Sindhudesh movement is economic exploitation. Though Sindh is the economic backbone of Pakistan, it receives a disproportionately low share of benefits.
- Revenue Generation: Sindh contributes over 75% of Pakistan’s total revenue, largely due to Karachi, the financial capital.
- Natural Resources: It produces 85% of Pakistan’s oil and gas, and supplies 90% of electricity through coal and other energy sources.
- Ports and Trade: Over 95% of Pakistan’s imports and exports pass through Sindh’s ports, especially Karachi and Port Qasim.
- Water Resources: As a landlocked country in terms of trade routes, Pakistan’s access to freshwater and sea routes is entirely dependent on Sindh.
Despite this, the Sindhi population—around 70 million people—lives in stark poverty. Rural Sindh suffers from poor infrastructure, lack of healthcare, crumbling education systems, and mass unemployment. The region’s resources are exploited by federal authorities and the dominant Punjabi elite, with minimal reinvestment into the local economy.
Cultural and Linguistic Marginalization
The ideological foundations of Pakistan are increasingly Islamist and centralist, promoting Urdu and Arabicized culture over indigenous identities. As a result, Sindhi language and culture have faced systematic erosion:
- Language Suppression: Sindhi is no longer promoted in schools or official functions.
- Cultural Loss: Traditional Sindhi festivals, music, and customs are overshadowed or ignored by state-controlled narratives.
- Religious Pressure: Followers of Sanatana Dharma and other non-Muslim traditions face discrimination, with temples and places of worship frequently attacked or appropriated.
The result is a profound identity crisis for native Sindhis, who see themselves as colonized within their own homeland.
The Path Forward
The demand for a free Sindhudesh is rooted not in hatred or revenge but in the universal right to self-determination. The Sindhi people want the right to govern themselves, preserve their culture, and enjoy the fruits of their own land.
Several Sindhi nationalist groups—peaceful and political—continue to raise awareness on national and international platforms. Human rights organizations have repeatedly called attention to enforced disappearances, illegal detentions, and suppression of dissent in Sindh.
The road to Sindhudesh may be long and challenging, but the resolve of its people remains unshaken. They seek a future where their children can speak their language freely, where their culture can thrive without fear, and where the land of the Indus can once again stand as a symbol of peace, prosperity, and dignity.
Sindhudesh is not just a political aspiration; it is a civilizational revival. The movement seeks to restore a homeland with thousands of years of history, faith, and cultural uniqueness. It stands against occupation, exploitation, and forced assimilation. Freeing Sindhudesh means honoring the spirit of Maharaja Dahir, the vision of Sain G. M. Syed, and the dreams of millions who still chant: “Jeay Sindh, Jeay Sindhudesh!”
About The Author: This article on Sindhudesh is written by Zafar Sahito, the founder and leader of the Jeay Sindh Freedom Movement. He was born in Nawabshah, Sindh and joined the Jeay Sindh Students Federation (JSSF) in 1997. He completed his graduation in Civil Engineering in 2004. He has been living in exile in the USA since 2017 after he was granted political asylum.
Note: The opinions reflected in the article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the views and editorial line of ForPol.
