M.H. PANHWAR (1925–2007): PEARL OF SINDHI SCHOLARSHIP

 On December 25, 1925, in the remote village of Ibrahim Kachhi, Taluka and District Dadu, a remarkable individual was born, who would later become an iconic scholar of Sindh studies, as well as a renowned irrigation engineer, agriculturist, and horticulturist. For over fifty years, Muhammad Hussain Panhwar dedicated himself to enriching the scholarship of Sindh, authoring insightful essays and books on history, archaeology, irrigation, and water management. As an agriculturist, his contributions extended to producing innovative varieties of fruits, leaving a lasting legacy across multiple fields.

In 1945, at the age of 20, Panhwar wrote his first book in Sindhi, titled Muslim Aurat. This work, as noted by Shaikh Ayaz, “described the position of women in various religious and social laws and the place they occupied in Sindh.”[1] However, Panhwar later transitioned to writing primarily in English, which left many general readers unaware of his extensive body of work. Fortunately, Dr. Ghulam Muhammad Lakho translated numerous essays on history and archaeology into Sindhi, publishing them in the quarterly Mehran and other periodicals. These translations were compiled into the book Sindh Shanasi. More recently, Umer Soomro has also translated three of Panhwar’s English books into Sindhi, expanding access to his scholarly contributions.

Scholarship

Among his more than a dozen English books, Panhwar’s first publication was Ground Water in Hyderabad and Khairpur Divisions, published in 1964. His initial work on Sindh studies was Source Material on Sindh, published in 1977. This book, as Panhwar explained in the preface, was divided into two sections: the first cataloged the authors and titles of significant works, while the second offered notes on various historical topics and potential sources. This structure made the book a valuable reference tool for researchers and historians.

Panhwar’s second major work on Sindh studies was Chronological Dictionary of Sindh, published in 1983. Reviewing its second edition, published by the Endowment Fund Trust, the renowned author Salman Rashid remarked:

“When it was first published in 1983, Muhammad Hussain Panhwar’s Chronological Dictionary of Sindh was a treat for students of Sindhi history. Reading it was the only way of becoming frightfully well-read on the subject through just one book.

Covering the period from the earliest prehistory to 1539 CE, it was a comprehensive tour de force across Sindh and surely many a dilettante, having comprehensively studied the work, would have wowed audiences at soirees….. It is a book to own, read, reread and cherish. And in the bargain, become frightfully well-read on Sindhi history.”

This work has since been translated into Sindhi by Umer Soomro.

As an irrigation expert, Panhwar wrote several significant books on water management and irrigation systems. History of Sindh Irrigation (3500 BC to Present) (1991) provided an extensive historical analysis of Sindh's irrigation practices, while Water Requirements of Riverine Area of Sindh (2002) focused on the water needs of the riverine regions of Sindh. These works not only reflected his technical expertise but also his dedication to addressing the historical and practical aspects of water management in Sindh.

The final book on Sindh studiespublished during his lifetime was An Illustrated Historical Atlas of Soomro Kingdom in Sindh (2003). This extensive work spanned 28 chapters and featured 70 maps, 21 charts, and over 600 illustrations. In the dedication, Panhwar expressed deep gratitude to his wife, Farzana, whose unwavering support had been instrumental in his achievements.

“My mother died when I was eight. She took me wherever she went. I sat in the house busy, playing sketching, reading without disturbing her the least .But her presence was soothing. For nearly half a centry, I search her in other women. At times it was ecstasy ad pleasure. But it looked pace, feeling of achievement and inner satisfaction.

After meeting Farzana, I have regained peace and satisfaction and cherished her presence, wherever I am and she reciprocates all the time. In her company, during the past two decades, I have contributed more than in the rest of my life. I have realized and attained purpose of life, in which her researches in many scientific field have supported and supplemented my efforts.

The death instinct has not yet over powered me but ultimately when it does, I will depart in peace with gratitude to her.”

Panhwar was also a co-author of the books Sustainable Methods as Applied to Raising Fruit Crops (1995) and Khirthar (2006). These works further expanded his contributions to the fields of Sindh's history, geography, and horticulture, highlighting his interdisciplinary expertise and commitment to advancing knowledge in these domains.

Other Works

In addition to the works mentioned above, Panhwar authored several other books, some of which remain unpublished:

1. Six Thousand Years of History of Irrigation in Sindh (2011), compiled by Umer Soomro under guidance of Dr. Ghulam Muhammad Lakho. It has also been translated into Sindhi by Umer Soomro.
2. Languages of Sindh Between Rise of Amri and Fall of Mansura (5000 Years Ago to 1025 A.D.).
3. Early Irrigation Under the British (1843–1932)
4. Mango Production in Pakistan.
5. Autobiography (2018, Sindhi translation rendered by Syed Hakim Ali Shah Bokhari was published in 2008)
6. Ancient Sindh (Collection of 60 Articles Published in Various Journals)
7. A Historical Atlas of Sindh, With 145 Maps Drawn by the Author
8. Climate Changes and Their Impact on History of Sindh (16,000 BC to 1950 AD)
9. A Social History of Sindh (Pre-Islamic Period, 1000 BC to 711 AD)
10. A Social History of Sindh (Islamic Period, 711 AD to 1843 AD)
11. A Map of Changing Courses of the River Indus from Aerial Photographs (Size 48”X96”)
12. History of Sindh in 2500 Illustrations (16,000 BC to 1947)

 

Anthologies

Dr. Ghulam Muhammad Lakho has not only translated essays of Panhwar in Sindhi, but has compiled two anthologies of Panhwar’s essays. The first, Sindh Shanasi (2017), contained over thirty translated essays and four interviews with Panhwar. The second anthology, Sindh Studies (2018), included sixteen of his articles and essays. Another compilation, On Sindh (2021), compiled by Dr. Khalil-ur-Rehman Shaikh, featured four comprehensive essays on Sindh's history, archaeology, and historiography, with an erudite endnote by Dr. Lakho.

Education and Awards

Muhammad Hussain Panhwar earned a Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical and Electrical) degree from NED College, Sindh University Karachi, in 1949, graduating with first-class honors. He later completed a Master of Science in Agricultural Engineering in the United States in 1953, solidifying his expertise in irrigation and agricultural sciences.

In recognition of his exceptional contributions to engineering and agriculture, Panhwar was awarded the prestigious Sitara-e-Imtiaz in 1992 by the Government of Pakistan.

Death and Legacy

Muhammad Hussain Panhwar passed away on April 21, 2007, and was laid to rest at M. H. Panhwar Trust farm near Khesano Mori, Taluka and District Hyderabad.

Panhwar’s legacy as a scholar, engineer, and agriculturist remains unparalleled. His works continue to inspire researchers, historians, and agriculturists, and his contributions to Sindh’s intellectual and cultural history will be remembered for generations to come.

 

available on www.sindhcourier.com

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[1] Ayaz, Shaikh: (1977