The hilly areas of Dadu district are home to several shrines that attract many devotees and visitors each day. Various stories and myths are attached to these shrines. Due to the use of the prefix or suffix "Shah," there is a common misconception among the local community and others that they are associated with a ‘Syed’ mystic. Actually, all these shrines belonged to non-Syed mystics who were the followers of Mian Nasir Muhammad Kalhoro (d 1692), who was a leader of the Mianwal Movement/Tariqa in the second quarter of the seventeenth century. Some of the prominent shrines include those of Shah Godrio, Bahleel Shah, Gaji Shah and others.
One of the most popular shrines in the hilly region of Dadu district belongs to Shah Godrio, whose real name was Mian Abdullah. At the main entrance, his shrine displays the name Syed Abdullah Shah Godrio. He was recognised as a Syed by both the local community and several scholars. There are many conflicting narratives about his connections to spiritual mentors and caste. Some authors assert that he was a deputy or disciple of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar. Dr Memon Abdul Majeed Sindhi (2007:203-204) claims in "Sawaneh-e-Hazrat Qalandar Lal Shahbaz" and Hakeem Khalifo Abdul Hameed Khan Chandio (2000[2020]:220-223) states in "Sindh Jo Utar Kacho Uraf Chandiko Kacho" that Abdullah Shah Godrio was indeed a disciple of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar. However, both works lack scholarly rigour references.
Professor Abdullah Magsi (1994[2010]) states in Sindh Ji Tarikh Jo Jadeed Mutalao that he was from the Khosa tribe. Based on the information given by Abdullah Kalhoro, a resident of Hafiz Mir Muhammad Kalhoro village near Dadu’s Khudabad, Professor Abdullah Magsi cites him and believes that Shah Godrio was from the Kalhoro tribe who came from the Walhar region of lower Sindh and was a brother of Adham Sultan, whose shrine is located in Khairpur’s Kot Diji taluka. The argument presented regarding his caste lacks sufficient convincing evidence.
Dr Nabi Bakhsh Khan Baloch gave the most authentic reference to Shah Godrio’s caste. He came across a manuscript in Zakhira Makhtota Shirani in the Oriental language section of the Punjab University Library, Lahore. It contained information about Mian Nasir Muhammad Kalhoro and other Kalhoras and their generals, deputies, and disciples. That manuscript also mentions the name of Shah Godrio as ‘Mian Abdullah Shah Godria Abra’ (Abro). Dr Nabi Bakhsh Khan Baloch has given reference to the same manuscript in his two books, "Sindh: Studies Cultural," published in 2004, and "Rehan Hiran Kha’n Vol. 1" in 2000, respectively. According to Dr NA Baloch (2004), Mian Abdullah Shah Godrio was Abro by caste.
Moreover, Dr NA Baloch (2004:302) states in Sindh: Studies Cultural that the prestigious title ‘Shah’, which hitherto was invariably suffixed to Syed’s name, was bestowed upon also distinguished non-Syed disciples in the Tariqa of Mian Nasir Muhammad Kalhoro. Mian Nasir Muhammad Kalhoro toned down the name-wise superiority of the Syeds. Thus, by the blessings of Mian Nasir Muhammad Kalhoro, writes Dr NA Baloch that Panja (a Dahot by caste) became Panja Shah or Shah Panja, Abdullah, the Abra (Abro), became Abdullah Shah and so on.
The Sariwal group consists of disciples of Mian Nasir Muhammad Kalhoro, who operated under other chief deputies and leading disciples. These well-trained disciples specialised in ambushing enemy camps
The Mianwal Movement/Tariqa began as a religious movement but adopted a stance of resistance when the Mughals began killing their leaders. Founded by Mian Adam Shah Kalhoro in the sixteenth century, it gained substantial influence under the leadership of Mian Nasir Muhammad Kalhoro in the seventeenth century. During this period, he introduced distinct rituals, customs, symbols, and ceremonies for his deputies and disciples, setting them apart from the other Sufi orders then present in Sindh.
Mian Abdullah Abro, alias Shah Godrio, was a member of the ‘advisory council’ and general of Mian Nasir Muhammad Kalhoro. The advisory council or group of Mian Nasir Muhammad Kalhoro comprised eminent and close disciples of Mian Nasir Muhammad Kalhoro, who were bestowed the prestigious title of Shah. During the Mianwal movement/tariqa of the Kalhoras, every important person was given the honorific title of Shah. Before the beginning of the movement, the title was invariably associated with the Syeds, who then held religious power. To diminish the influence of the Syeds in Sindh, Mian Nasir Muhammad Kalhoro conferred the title ‘Shah’ upon his distinguished disciples.For example, Panjo Dahote came to be known, with the blessings of Mian Nasir Muhammad Kalhoro, as Shah Panjo; Abdullah Abro alias Godrio became Abdullah Shah or Shah Godrio; Gaji Khoso became Gaji Shah; Wasao Faqir Chandio became Shah Wasao, Hyder Faqir Laghari became Hyder Shah; Yousaf Faqir Chhajro became Yousaf Shah; Nangar Faqir Magsi became Nangar Shah; Bahar Faqir Kaloi became Baleel Shah; Rodan Faqir Chandio became Rodan Shah, Bahoo Faqir Laghari became Shah Bahoo; and Ibrahim Faqir Marri became Ibrahim Shah and many others.
Each ‘Shah’ within the Mianwal Movement or Tariqa attained the prestigious position of being head of the daira (circle/commune). Under his authority were several disciples of Mian Nasir Muhammad Kalhoro, who were called Faqirs. Disciples, both Shah and Faqir, were to form communities where the thoughts and ideology of their mentor, Mian Nasir Muhammad Kalhoro, were taught. During the battles, members of advisory councils were called to discuss the situation. In that situation, they were also supposed to protect the land and life of the people falling under their jurisdictions. This group also had a military wing to cope with the growing influence and power of the enemy in their respective dominions, which were called Sariwal and Sarfarosh, respectively.
The Sariwal group consists of disciples of Mian Nasir Muhammad Kalhoro, who operated under other chief deputies and leading disciples. These well-trained disciples specialised in ambushing enemy camps, known locally as lorehyoon. The term lorehyoon signifies raids on enemy resources, whether livestock or villages. At that time, people heavily relied on cattle, so the Sariwal disciples conducted cattle raids to weaken their adversaries economically. They also launched attacks on enemy camps.
Mian Nasir Muhammad Kalhoro posted Shah Godrio at Harbab lak (pass) to secure the western border of Sindh. The Brohis of Kalat used to attack the villages of the Mianwal Faqirs. Shah Godrio brought peace and prosperity to the region where his mentor, Mian Nasir Muhammad Kalhoro, posted him. He spent most of his time in that region, protecting and preaching there. After his death, he was buried in the hilly area located about 15 km west of Faridabad.
A visit to Shah Godrio's shrine reveals his exceptionally long grave. Nearby, there are three other graves of similar remarkable length. In various regions of Pakistan and India, these types of graves are known as Nau Gaza or Nau Gaja (meaning nine yards long). The local community refers to these as "Nau Gaza or Nau Gaja Pirs." One often wonders whether a person could really have been of such extraordinary height! The answer to this question is simply no. There are several interpretations for why exceptionally long graves were created. One reason is that they were intended to reflect the status and power of the dignitaries buried within them during their lifetime. Additionally, these graves were used for mass collective burials. Furthermore, the custodians of such shrines constructed these long graves for economic reasons, aiming to attract more devotees and increase their financial gain. I have seen such graves of extraordinary length in Rawalpindi, Chakwal, Jhelum, Sialkot, Chiniot and Gujrat districts of Punjab.
Many Mianwal rituals and ceremonies are performed at the shrine of Shah Godrio. The most prominent ritual is Aazi (invocation). According to Dr NA Baloch (2004: 300), Aazi was to be an invocation to God, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and the Mian for resolving a problem, removing a difficulty, or granting health, happiness, peace, and prosperity. The Aazi was to be recited ceremoniously by the more pious Faqir of tariqa. He would perform ablution, put Khathi (coarse shawl) around his neck as a mark of submission, face Ka’ba and then recite the Aazi with calls for help to God, the Holy Prophet (PBUH), and the Mian, i.e. Mian Nasir Muhammad Kalhoro.
Apart from Aazi, other rituals and ceremonies are also performed at the shrine of Shah Godrio. During the Mauj rite, devotees chant Allah Tohar (in God we trust). This was a slogan of the Mianwal Faqirs, who chanted during the fight against the enemies. The Mauj ceremony was once performed to celebrate the visits of Mian Nasir Muhammad Kalhoro to his disciples, who would joyfully dance upon his arrival. However, this practice has changed significantly over time. Today, the Mauj observance is primarily conducted at shrines as a means of exorcism to evict demons or jinns from possessed individuals. It has essentially transformed into an exorcism practice at many of the shrines associated with Mianwal Faqirs. During this ceremonial event, one person plays the Surando (fiddle) while another, acting as the exorcist, dances, moving his head continuously in response to the cheers and chants of "Allah Tohar" from the audience and the Surando player. Mianwal Surandai’ was a separate group within the Mianwal Movement or Tariqa of Kalhoras. These Surandai Faqirs were celebrated Surando players. In the past few decades, Esso Faqir, also known as Muhammad Essa Chandio, has been a renowned Suarando player at the shrine of Shah Godrio. He passed away in 2018. According to Azad Anwar Kandhro, a journalist, researcher, and author from Mehar town, Mir Muhammad, the son of Esso Chandio, now plays Surando at the shrine of Shah Godrio.
Dhamal is also performed at the shrine of Shah Godrio. In recent decades, the custodians of several shrines associated with Mianwal Faqirs have incorporated Dhamal to attract additional devotees and increase their capital.
The tomb of Abdullah Shah Godrio is situated roughly 15 km west of Faridabad town, nestled in the hilly Khirthar range. Next to the shrine, there is a three-domed mosque believed to have been constructed by Shah Godrio during his lifetime. It has undergone numerous renovations, affecting its originality. The shrine of Shah Godrio attracts more devotees than any other shrine in the hilly region of Dadu’s Mehar taluka. During the annual festival (mela), the shrine becomes crowded with devotees and visitors across Sindh.