SINDHIS OF LAST TEN CENTURIES

From the people born in Sindh in last ten centuries, who had most significant effect on religious, social, political and cultural history of not only Sindh but India as well; some prominent personalities are mentioned here. While this list may not be complete by any means no omissions are intentional.
In the beginning of 11th century, Mirkh Shah the fanatical ruler of Thatta ordered the Hindus to embrace Islam. Hindus collected en masse at the bank of Sindhu Nandi and prayed to Lord Vishnu's Avtar of water-Varun Deva for a savior. Legend has it that emerging from the river Sindhu, Lord Varun Deva blessed Hindus and consoled them by announcing that he will be born in Ratan Lal's family in Nassarpur to deliver them from the oppression. In year 1007 Udero Lal was born to Ratan Lal and Devaki. Many miracles happened there after. Mirkh Shah along with his minister Yusuf finally conceded defeat apologized, repented and sought forgiveness from Amar Lal Udero Lal. He taught unity, love and harmony between the two communities. Since then Hindus pray Varun Deva's Avtar as "Jhoole Lal Sain" and Muslims pray as "Zindah Peer"JAM SAMMA SULTAN ,HAZRAT MAKHDOOM BILAWAL - The Living Saint.
Sindhis are no doubt proud of their Avatar "Jhoole Lal Sain" who preached the secular principle of peaceful coexistence a thousand years ago. The birthday of Shri Udero Lal Sain is celebrated as "Sindhyat Day" where ever Sindhis live. This day is also very significant as it marks the beginning of the new moon, the first month Chaitra known as "Chet" of the new year as per "Vikram Sambat" the calender observed by Sindhis since the days of Vikrmaditya the Hindu King of India.
Cheti Chand is a very auspicious day for Sindhis. On this day Bahrano Sahib and Sindhi cultural programs are arranged. Sindhis worship Udero Lal with slogan of "Ayo Lal - Jhoole Lal". Procession is taken out to the river front or sea shore, people dance and sing along the way. The Sindhi folk dance called "Chhej" is performed with the procession. Bahrano Saheb is immersed in water along with rice and sugar prasad called "Akho". It is a custom to sing Lal Sain's Panjras and Palav to seek his grace. This great cultural heritage, after partition of India was re-enthused in Sindhis by the dedicated effort of Dada Ram Panjwani who was Professor of Sindhi from Dayaram Jethmal (D.J) College of Karachi and later Jai Hind College of Bombay.
About one and a one half century in the middle of 12th century, "Lal Shahbaz" of Sehwan became the first Sufi saint of Sindh. His shrine stands today where India's King Vikramaditya is believed to have worshiped Shiva in 50 B.C. Lal Shabaz is also believed to have preached love and tolerance in Sindh. Many Sindhi Sufi Saints were born in Sindh.
In post partition India the famous Sindhi song "O' Lal Muhinji Pat Rakhijain Bhala Jhoole Lalan; Sindhuria Ja, Sehwan Ja, Sakhi Shahbaz Qalander Dama Dam Mast Qalander" is sung to the glory of the two great preachers seeking their benign protection.