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Sehwan (Sindhi: سيوهڻ شريف; Urdu: سہون شریف; also commonly referred to as Sehwan Sharif or Noble Sehwan) is a historic city located in Jamshoro District of Sindh province in Pakistan situated on the west bank of the Indus River 80 miles (130 km) north-west of Hyderabad. The city is renowned for being the home of one of Pakistan's most important Sufi shrines, the Shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar. The city also holds the status of taluka under the Jamshoro District. It was previously a part of the Dadu District; however, with the establishment of the Jamshoro District, Sehwan became linked with it.
Sehwan
| |
|---|---|
 The Shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar in Sehwan Sharif | |
  Sehwan | |
| Coordinates: 26.4193143°N 67.8593731°E | |
| Country |  Pakistan |
| Province | Sindh |
| District | Jamshoro |
| Population (2023 census) | |
• Total | 75,167 |
| Time zone | UTC+5 (PST) |
| Calling code | 76140 |
Sehwan is among Pakistan's most significant spiritual centers, alongside other revered shrines like the Shrine of Abdullah Shah Ghazi in Karachi, the Data Durbar Complex in Lahore, Bari Imam in Noorpur Shehan near Islamabad, and the magnificent tombs of the Suhrawardi Sufis in Multan.[1]
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Sehwan is one of the most ancient places in Sindh.[2][3] Some historians suggest that this town dates back to the period of Prophet Shees, son of Adam, hence it was named Sheestan, Sewistan and eventually Sehwan.[4] Syed Muhibullah, the author of "A Brief History of Sind," notes that Sehwan was the name of the great-grandson of Ham (son of Noah).[5] However, there are various other views about the nomenclature of Sehwan as well. William Dalrymple proposes that the name is derived from Shivistan, after Lord Shiva.[6] Notable historian Molai Sheedai writes in his book "Tarikh-e-Tamadan-e-Sind" that Sehwan was built by the Sewi Aryas and was hence called Sewistan. Another view is that its name was Sindomana, a name well-mentioned in Greek literature.[4] Sindhu-mán is a Sanskrit word that means "the possessor (the capital, or Raja) of Sindh," with which Sindhu-vàn is synonymous. The latter may have softened in common speech to the modern Seh-wan.[7] Sindomana was the capital of King Sambos, who was defeated by Alexander in 326 BC.[8] A large tell called Kafir Qila (castle of the pagans) is located to the north of the city.
Sehwan was conquered by Muhammad bin Qasim in 711 from the son of King Dahir, and three centuries later by Mahmud of Ghazni in 1026. In all subsequent dynastic struggles of Sindh, Sehwan continued to feature prominently. It was successively held by the Sumrahs, the Summas, the Arghuns, and the Tarkhans.[9] During the Thatta Kingdom, it served as the capital.[10] An abortive attempt was made by the Mughal emperor Humayun to capture it on his way to Umarkot in 1542,[11] but it finally fell to his son Akbar in 1590s.[12] After the Mughals, it was ruled by the Kalhoras and Talpurs.[9]
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| Census | Population[13] |
|---|---|
| 1972 | 8,357 |
| 1981 | 13,891 |
| 1998 | 34,923 |
| 2017 | 66,898 |
| 2023 | 75,167 |
The city is renowned for its Sufi patron saint Lal Shahbaz Qalandar, who lived there in the 13th century.
The Shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. Additionally, the Shrine of Murshid Nadir Ali Shah, a notable spiritual descendant of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar is also located in Sehwan, where a large number of people are served free meals around the clock.[14][15][16] Another famous place is the inverted city.[17] Moreover, Manchar Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Pakistan, is located a short distance from Sehwan Sharif.[18]
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The economy of Sehwan Sharif encompasses a diverse range of sources of income and economic activities that sustain the local populace. Notable among these income sources are:
1. Agriculture: Agriculture is a foundational pillar of the local economy. Farmers in the region cultivate a variety of crops, including wheat, rice, cotton, sugarcane, and vegetables.
2. Livestock Farming: The livestock sector, encompassing cattle, goats, and poultry, significantly contributes to the economy. It generates income through the sale of dairy products, meat, and poultry.
3. Pilgrimage and Religious Tourism: Sehwan Sharif is renowned for hosting the shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar, a venerated Sufi saint. Pilgrims and tourists visit the shrine, and their donations, offerings, and patronage of local businesses collectively bolster the local economy.
4. Trade and Commerce: The town houses a bustling marketplace where a variety of goods are traded. Local businesses, including shops and markets, contribute to economic activity.
5. Handicrafts: Local artisans and craftsmen produce traditional Sindhi handicrafts, such as pottery, embroidered textiles, and jewelry, which find buyers locally and among tourists.
6. Transportation: Sehwan Sharif's strategic location as a transportation hub facilitates trade and transportation-related businesses.
7. Education and Services: Educational institutions, including schools and colleges, offer employment opportunities, while service-oriented enterprises cater to the needs of the community.
8. Government Employment: Government employment, comprising schools, healthcare facilities, and administrative offices, also serves as a significant source of livelihood for the local population.
The economy of Sehwan Sharif, like that of many regions, is marked by a fusion of traditional and contemporary sectors, evolving to meet the needs of its residents.
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On 16 February 2017, a suicide bomber triggered an explosion at the Shrine of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar, killing at least 83 people and injuring almost 250. The attack occurred during a praying session. The bombing took place at an 800 year old Shrine.[19][20] Later the ISIS claimed responsibility for this terrorist attack stating that their 'martyr' had detonated a vest at the popular Shia gathering at the shrine.[21]
Sehwan sharif was conquered by Muhammad bin Qasim when he came to Sindh in the year 711 A.D. After 200 years, Sultan Mahmood Ghaznavi again conquered it. On the way to Umerkot, the Mughal King Humayun attempted to conquer this city but he failed, later on his son Akbar conquered Sehwan Sharif.[22]
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