The Sindhi Population Worldwide: A Tapestry of Resilience, Culture, and Influence
The Sindhi Population, with roots in the ancient Indus Valley Civilization, represents a vibrant diaspora scattered across the globe. Known for their entrepreneurial spirit, cultural richness, and adaptability, Sindhis have carved a niche in diverse fields, from business and cinema to politics and philanthropy. This article explores the global Sindhi population, highlights prominent Sindhi figures in India, delves into their storied history, and traces the etymological journey of the name “Hindustan” from the river Sindhu (Indus).
Sindhi History: From the Indus Valley to Modern Diaspora
The Sindhi identity is intertwined with the Indus River (Sindhu in Sanskrit), which nurtured one of the world’s earliest urban civilizations—the Indus Valley Civilization (3300–1300 BCE). Centered in modern-day Sindh (Pakistan), cities like Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa thrived here, showcasing advanced urban planning and trade networks. Over millennia, Sindh witnessed the rise and fall of empires, including the Mauryas, Guptas, and Sassanids.
In 712 CE, Arab general Muhammad bin Qasim conquered Sindh, introducing Islam and weaving Persian-Arab influences into Sindhi culture. The region later became a hub of Sufism, with saints like Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai fostering a syncretic spiritual tradition. Under British colonial rule (1843–1947), Sindh was merged with Bombay Presidency before becoming a separate province in 1936.
The 1947 Partition of India irrevocably altered the Sindhi landscape. As Sindh became part of Pakistan, millions of Hindu Sindhis migrated to India, leaving behind ancestral homes. Despite this trauma, they rebuilt their lives in cities like Mumbai, Ulhasnagar, Pune, and Ahmedabad, preserving their heritage while integrating into Indian society.
The Global Sindhi Population
Today, the Sindhi population is estimated at 30–40 million worldwide. In India, they number around 3.5 million, forming a close-knit yet dispersed community. Beyond South Asia, Sindhis have established thriving enclaves i:
| Demographic | Sindhi Population (Approx) | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Pakistani Sindhi | 30.26 M | Pakistan |
| American Sindhi | 50000 | USA |
| Australian Sindhi | 2635 | Australia |
| Indian Sindhi | 2.7M | Hindustan |
| Sindhi UAE | 94620 | UAE |
| British Sindhi | 30000 | UK |
| Sindhi in KSA | 180980 | Saudi Arabia |
Sindhis are often called “the Jews of the East” for their business acumen. From textile tycoons to diamond merchants, their global trade networks underscore a legacy of resilience.
High-Profile Sindhis in India: Icons of Success
Film and Entertainment
1. Anil Kapoor’s wife Sunita Bhambhani Kapoor: Anil Kapoor, a Punjabi-speaking actor, married Sunita Bhambhani Kapoor, a Sindhi model, in 1984. They have three children: Sonam, Rhea, and Harshvardhan Kapoor.
2. Sonam Kapoor: Anil’s daughter, a fashion icon and actress, champions Sindhi culture publicly.
3. Ranveer Singh: While his father is Punjabi, his Sindhi mother, Anju Bhavnani, connects him to the community.
4. Rajkumar Hirani: The acclaimed director of *3 Idiots* and *PK* hails from a Sindhi background.
Business and Philanthropy
1. Hinduja Brothers : Leaders of the Hinduja Group, a multinational conglomerate spanning automotive, banking, and healthcare.
2. Lakshmi Mittal: Chairman of ArcelorMittal, the world’s largest steelmaking company.
3. Naresh Goyal: Founder of Jet Airways, revolutionizing Indian aviation.
4. Dhiru Bhai Ambani’s Legacy: Though Gujarati, Ambani’s wife, Kokilaben, is Sindhi, influencing the Reliance dynasty.
Cultural Ambassadors
Sadhna Shivdasani: 1960s Bollywood star known for films like *Love in Simla*.
Ram Jethmalani: Legendary lawyer and former Union Minister.
Sindhi Culture: A Blend of Tradition and Modernity
Sindhi culture reflects a mosaic of Hindu, Sufi, and regional traditions. Key elements include:
Language: Sindhi, written in Devanagari in India and Arabic script in Pakistan.
Festivals: Cheti Chand (Sindhi New Year) honors Jhulelal, the community’s patron saint.
Cuisine: Dishes like *Sindhi kadhi* (chickpea curry) and *dal pakwan* are culinary staples.
Music and Dance: Sufi poetry and *Dhamal* dances celebrate spiritual unity.
Post-partition, Sindhi Population in India adopted Hindi and English but kept their language alive through literature and festivals.
The River Sindhu and the Birth of ‘Hindustan’
The term “Hindustan” derives from *Sindhu*, the Sanskrit name for the Indus River. Persian invaders in the 6th century BCE pronounced it “Hindu,” using “Hindustan” to describe the land east of the Indus. Greek historians later adapted it to “Indos,” leading to “India.” Thus, the Sindhu River’s name became the cornerstone of India’s identity, symbolizing the region’s ancient roots.
Conclusion
The Sindhi Population, though dispersed, remain united by a shared history and cultural pride. From the ashes of partition, they rose as global entrepreneurs and cultural icons, embodying resilience. Their story is not just one of survival but of thriving—a testament to the enduring spirit of a community rooted in the banks of the mighty Sindhu. As India’s name echoes their ancestral river, Sindhis continue to enrich the tapestry of global heritage