Umarkot (Urdu:عُمَركوٹ, Sindhi: عمرڪوٽ), formerly known as Amarkot, is a town in Umerkot District in the Sindh province of Pakistan. The city was the birthplace of the Mughal Emperor Akbar.
The name of the city is said to be after the name of a local ruler, Umer, who is part of the legend of Umar Marvi. The story also appears in Shah Jo Risalo and is one of the popular tragic romances from Sindh.
History
The province was ruled by Sodha clan of Hindu Rajputs. The city held prominence during the Mughal Empire and the British Raj. Mughal Emperor Akbar was born in Umerkot 14 October 1542 when his father Humayun fled from the military defeat at the hands of Sher Shah Suri.[1] Rana Prasad, the Sodha Rajput ruler of Umerkot, gave him refuge.[2] Later on, Akbar brought northwestern India, including modern day Pakistan under Mughal rule.
Points of interest
The city is well connected with the other large cities like Karachi, the provincial capital and Hyderabad. Umerkot has many sites of historical significance such as Akbar's birthplace at Umarkot Fort.There is an ancient temple, Shiv Mandir, Umerkot.
Folklore
Another significant story relating to Umarkot is that of Umar Marvi. The story of Umar Marvi is that Marvi was a young Thari girl abducted by then-ruler, Umar, who wanted to marry her because of her beauty. Upon her refusal she was imprisoned in the historic Umerkot Fort for several years. Because of her courage, Marvi is regarded as a symbol of love for one's soil and homeland. Marvi is an ideal for the local people.
Education
The city has more than 100 schools, 20 colleges and one polytechnic college. One of the prominent educational institute is Knowledge Inn Coaching Academy & Pre entry Test Preparation Center Umerkot.
Umarkot Fort
Umarkot Fort (Urdu: قِلعہ عُمَرکوٹ), is a fort located in Umerkot, Sindh, also called Amarkot. Emperor Akbar was born in Umarkot Fort when his father Humayun fled from the military defeats at the hands of Sher Shah Suri on 15 October 1542. Rana Parasad of Umarkot, who had risen to power had given refuge to Mughal Emperor Humayun and it was there Hamida Bano Begum gave birth to young Akbar. Later the Mughal Emperor Akbar became the Shahenshah of Hind and was a popular figure with both Hindus and Muslims. Umerkot has many sites of historical significance such as Mughal emperor Akbar's birthplace near to Umarkot Fort, currently King Akbar birth place is an open land. In 1746, the Mughal Subahdar, Noor Mohammad Kalhoro, built a fort at the location. Later the British would take over that area.
Amarkot fort was built by Rana Amar Singh in 11th century. It remained under control of Hindu Rajput dynasty known as the Ranas of Umerkot, but later was taken over by the Pakistani Government after formation of Pakistan. However, Rana family still have their jagir located 16 km away. The governorship of fort was possessed by Rana Megraj.
