Talpurs were influential land holders even before the Kalhoras came into power.In fact Mir Shahdad Khan was instrumental in helping the Kalhoras come into power. He has established that the Talpurs were not the uncouth rustics as the British historians have tried to project. In an 1116A.H (1704 A.D.)document Mir Shahdad Khan is referred to as "Riffat Panah" meaning His Eminence. He also establishes that Mir Shahdad Khan founded Shahdadpur during the years 1125A.H.-1128A.H (1713-1715 AD). The document shows that Mir Shahdad Khan not only had barren lands cultivated but also provided security to the populace by ridding the region of dacoits (thieves). He established new norms for the sharing of produce between the owners and tillers. Mir Shahdad Khan had old canals and waterways renovated and also extended them. He had new canals dug as well and that was how he established the new settlement of Shahdadpur.Mir Shahdad Khan was a born leader of men and had the interests of the people near him very close to his heart. That he was "just ,sagacious and foresighted". It also shows that Talpurs were instrumental in bringing about prosperity in this primarily agricultural country. This was brought about by curbing lawlessness and opening up new areas to cultivation. The Talpurs today can really be proud of having an ancestor like Mir Shahdad Khan Talpur. Without him there probably would have been no Talpur rule in Sindh. The Shahdadani Talpurs get their name from their illustrious Mir Shahdad Khan Talpur s/o Mir Hotak Khan Talpur. They migrated from Dera Ghazi Khan and made Sindh their home and served their new homeland with distinction, honour and valour.
Mir Shahdad Khan was instrumental in helping the Kalhoras become the rulers of Sindh. The governor of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb granted him land in year 1117AH/1705AD. He was an influential landowner even before that grant .He established the town of Shahdadpur and made it a prosperous centre of agriculture, trade and learning. He died in 1147 AH/1734AD and is buried at Quba Shahdad near Shahpur Chakar. Three of his four sons rose to prominence. His eldest son Jam Nindo died in Mashad (Iran). His other son Mir Chakar is also buried at Quba Shahdad. Mir Chakar Khan was the father of Mir Sohrab Khan who established the Talpur rule in Khairpur and there the rest of his family are buried.
(Many Thanks to Mir Mohammad Ali Talpur of Hyderabad for providing these Historical pictures)
