Bilawali Movement

Bilawali or Bilali Movement in Dadu
Aziz Kingrani

Makhdoom Bilawal(Born: 1451 AD/ 856 AH- death 30 Safar 929AH/1522 AD) was a patriotic Sufi saint of Sama dynasty. Makhdoom Bilawal was belonged to dignified family of Sama’s. First he lived at Talti then he shifted to Baghban, where he is buried (1). He was great Sufi and saint of Sindh, having great wisdom and knowledge. He lived at Talti (2). Makhdoom Bilawal had a Madarsa (Centre of teachings) at Baghban, where he used to teach religious knowledge, Sufism and patriotism among his students and followers. Due to intelligence, wisdom and knowledge he became famous in Sindh and India of that time. He had large circle of his students. While going to Arabia, a renowned writer and poet of India, Jamali of Delhi had met with Makhdoom Bilawal .Ghulam Mohammad Lakho writes, “There are three great spiritual guides in all over Sindh, First Usman Marandi, second Makhdoom Bilawal, and third Makhdoom Nooh” (3). Makhdoom Bilawal was not only a Sufi or Saint but he was also nationalist and patriotic struggler of Sindh, who struggled against occupiers belonging to foreign nations. There are no historically evidences that there was a disciplinary movement of Makhdoom Bilawal by his name but his followers and their motions and instigations against invaders were the symbol of his movement. The supporting of local rulers and hindrances by him and his followers before the invasion of foreign invaders is proof of his movement that was active in his life time. Truth was main principle of his life and movement.

Mirza Shah Baig heard in Shehwan that Mahmood and Mithan (sons of Dolah Derya Khan) were collecting people to resist him. He went near Talti. Mahmood and Mithan were ready to fight in Talti fort along with some people and clans. A saint and scholar of the same side Makhdoom Bilawal was also the main supporter of Sama’s army. (4). in 1502, Mahdi Junpuri was active to preach his thoughts (Mahdvi) in Thatta. He was Makhdoom Bilawal who opposed his activities. Sayed Hyder Shah (of Sunn) the follower of Makhdoom Bilawal played main role in ousting him from Sindh. Shah Baig had become follower of Mahdi Junpuri in Qandhar (5).
Makhdoom Bilawal and his movement remained active through out Sindh. His followers were in whole Sind. He remained active to oppose Arghuns. As Shah Baig coquest Thatta, Makhdoom Bilawal had activated his resisting movement against these strangers (6). The background of his martyrdom is patriotism and opposition of Arghuns.When Shah Baig started attacks on Sindh, Darya Khan, the mister of Jam Nizamuddin Samo, began movement to make stable the government, Makhdoom Bilawal was a first person, who supported him including his followers.(7).
Bilali movement ended with the martyrdom of Makhdoom Bilawal. His martyrdom was a conspiracy of Shah Baig. Makhdoom was victimized collusively. Miraan Mohammad Junpuri was his spiritual guide (Murshid), whose movement was opposed in Sindh by Makhdoom. So Shah Baig conspired to punish Makhdoom with the help of other Molvis (might be of Mahdvi) under a plan. (8) Shah Baig fined Makhdoom, but he refused, then with a religious blame he was martyred. (9). His year of martyrdom is not confirmed. He is buried near village Baghban (Makhdoom Bilawal) where a glorious shrine is built. On every first Friday of every month a fair (Mah pero Jumo) is held at his shrine.
Makhdoom’s main six followers (members of movement) are mentioned (10). It is possible that there might be more than six followers.
(1) Makhdoom Sahar: His shrine is near Unarpur. Sayed Rukunuddin spread Bilali thoughts at Mayari and its surroundings.
(2) Sayed Hyder Sannai: He preached at Kacho and Sunn.
(3) Makhdoom Rukunuddin, whose tomb is at Makli?
(4) Makhdoom Hasan, whose buried near Bhanoth (Bilali). His circle of people was spread up to southern area of Sind (Laar).
(5) Makhdoom Hingoro, whose shrine is at Gachero? His circle of people at Sahatiya (area of Noshahro feroz, Kandyaro).
(6) Makhdoom Sa’ad alias Sand, who spread Bilali message up to Jasalmir.
References

1. Ghulam Mohammad Lakho, Sindh jo Tareekhi aen Tahqiqi Jaizo, Maraee Samaji sangat Karachi, 1997, page: 11o
2. Mir Ali Sher Qani’a, Tuhafat-ul-Kiaram, Sindhi Adabi Board,2004, page: 296
3. Ghulam Mohammad Lakho, Sindh jo Tareekhi aen Tahqiqi Jaizo, Maraee Samaji sangat Karachi, 1997, page: 111
4. Rahimdad Maulai Shidai, Janat-ul-Sindh, Sindhica Academy, year 2000, page: 311
5. Ghulam Mohammad Lakho, Sindh jo Tareekhi aen Tahqiqi Jaizo, Maraee Samaji sangat Karachi, 1997, page: 111
6. Professor Abdullah Magsi, Sindh Ji Tareekh jo Jadeed Mutali’o, Sindhica Academy, 1994, page: 275
7. Ghulam Mohammad Lakho, Sindh jo Tareekhi aen Tahqiqi Jaizo, Maraee Samaji sangat Karachi, 1997, page: 111
8. Professor Abdullah Magsi, Sindh Ji Tareekh jo Jadeed Mutali’o, Sindhica Academy, 1994, page: 278
9. Rahimdad Maulai Shidai, Janat-ul-Sindh, Sindhica Academy, year 2000, page: 311
10. Ghulam Mohammad Lakho, Sindh jo Tareekhi aen Tahqiqi Jaizo, Maraee Samaji sangat Karachi, 1997, page: 111