Soomra Dynasty

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The Sumra dynasty (Urdu: سلسله سومرو), (also written Soomra dynasty or Soomro Dynasty) was established by Muslim Rajput Soomro tribe of Sindh. They were the first local Emirs and ruled Sindh from their vibrant capital Mansura. Mansura was the largest and most wealthiest inhabited city of its time.

The Sumra ruled Sindh from 1026-1351. Their first ruler is named Khafif[1] The dynasty had both Arab and local Sindhi heritage. However the overwhelming majority of the Soomro are Sunni.

The Sumra shifted their capital to Tharri, nearly 14 km eastwards of Matli on the Puran. Puran was later abandoned due to changes in the course of Puran river. Then Thatta was the capital for about 95 years until the end of their rule in 1351 AD. Khudabadi Sindhi Swarankar Community and other Hindus who had not converted to Islam under the Samma moved from Sindh to Vegh Kot and Lakhpat (Kutch) around 1028 AD, to avoid sectarian violence and live under a Hindu ruler. During this period, Kutch was ruled by the Samma Dynasty, who enjoyed good relations with the Sumras in Sindh. Today the Soomro clan is settled in parts Sindh and southern Punjab.

The Sumra is a Muslim community of Gujarat named after Samara, a place in Iran, where their ancestor, a Hindu convert, Mohamed Haneef Ali had settled. They had converted from the Parmar Rajputs of Mallani and Rajaputana communities. They had migrated to Kutch and then to Saureshtra in Sindh. Stories of their migration are recalled in their folk lore and oral traditions.

They speak Kutchi and Gujrati. Traditionally they were warriors but at present they are involved in business, agriculture, government and private service.