Far East Kingdoms

Amarkot (Umarkot / Rana Jagir)
AD 1530s - Present Day

Amarkot, or Umarkot (or even Umerkot), was a minor state which gained some prominence in sixteenth century India (and which now is also known as Rana Jagir). It was one of a number of minor principalities that were based around small towns and which were subject to the authority of larger kingdoms. Historically they were of very limited importance, and information on their rulers is hard to come by, but the assistance provided by the ranas of Amarkot to the Moghul emperor, Humayun, in his time of need secured them a lasting debt of gratitude. The region that is now overseen by the Sodha Thakur Rajput clan is part of the Sindh Province of Pakistan.

(Information by Abhijit Rajadhyaksha. Additional information by Tikka Sangram Singh, and from External Link: The News, 24 July 2013.)

fl 1530

fl 1540

1540 - 1543

The Moghul emperor, Humayun, loses the Battle of Bilgram to Sher Shah Suri of Bengal, and is forced into exile, taking refuge at the court of Amarkot. It is here that his son, Akbar, is born, and from where he allies himself to the raja of Jodhpur. From here he proceeds to Lahore and the court of his brother, Kamran of Kabul, and then the court of the Safavid shah of Persia.

The fortifications of Amarkot

Ancestor of the later Rana Sahebs of Amarkot.

? - c.1853

Executed.

c.1853

Rattan Singh fights to keep Sindh free of British control. He is captured and executed in his own fort at Amarkot, on top of a high platform constructed especially to make the hanging visible for miles around and to serve as an example. Legend has it that at the gallows, his last wish is to give a twist to his magnificent moustache in a final gesture of defiance.

Following the British victory, the Sodhas move to Rana Jagir, twelve kilometres from Amarkot, to the sprawling, single-storey rawla built by the family built in which their descendants continue live. The fort remains government property and soon falls into ruin, with only one of the outer walls remaining partially restored by 2013.

23rd rana of Amarkot.

? - 1947

Son.

1947 - 2009

Son. Born 1931. Elected Minister in Pakistan Assembly. Died 01.08.

2009 - Present

Son. Born 1957. 26th rana of Tharparkar's Thakurs.