Daudpotra

Daudpotra (alternatively Daudpota or Daudputra; literally "Sons of Daud") is a Muslim clan originating from Sindh, found in south Punjab and north-western Sindh provinces of Pakistan.^[1][2][3] The Nawabs of Bahawalpur belonged to this clan.^[4]

History

The Daudpotra were considered a powerful tribe in the 17th century lower Sindh.^[5] The Daudpotra are closely related to the Kalhora tribe, with both claiming descent from Abbas ibn Abd al-Muttalib.^[6] André Wink considers their progenitor, Daud, to be a Julaha from Jat community.^[7] The city of Shikarpur in Sindh was founded in 1617 A.D. by the Daudpotra after a battle with Mahars and they remained the Jagirdars and later rulers of Shikarpur for almost 128 years with breaks in between. Their rule was contested by their cousins, the Kalhoras. In 1739, Nader Shah reinstated Daudpotra rule in Sehwan and Shikarpur. In 1747, their rule in Shikarpur ended and during the absence of Sadiq Khan^[a] from Shikarpur, he laid the foundations of a new state with support from the Nawab of Multan and the Sheikh of Uch. The Daudpotra were granted jagirs by them in the areas that later formed the Bahawalpur state. Bahawal Khan, the son of Sadiq Khan, established the new state. After the death of his father he renounced all claims on Shikarpur.^[8][9][10]

Notable people

• Umar Bin Muhammad Daudpota
• Azim Daudpota

Notes

1. The last ruler of Shikarpur.