A Guide to the Tando Bago Tehsil

Tando Bago is a town in Pakistan that is tucked away in the center of the Sindh province. Tando Bago is a town full of culture and history that provides a window into southern Pakistan’s colorful fabric of life. The town offers something for everyone, from the curious traveler to those looking for a quiet getaway, with its vibrant marketplaces and beautiful rural environs.

This blog explores Tando Bago’s distinct personality by delving into its rich history, regional customs, and undiscovered attractions. So come along with us on Graana.com as we explore the spirit of Tando Bago Sindh. 

 

Location and Geography

Tando Bago is located in Pakistan’s Sindh Province’s Badin District. The town is situated on the Shadiwah Canal’s left bank.  

Here’s a breakdown of the surrounding areas: 

• North: Shahdadpur branch of the Indus River
• East: Hyderabad (connected by road via Tando Muhammad Khan)
• South: Nindo Shahr
• West: Khairpur, Pangrio, and Badin (all connected by road)

There is a system of tiny, seasonal drainage ditches around Tando Bago. Most of these channels come from the Indus River’s Shahdadpur branch; however, some come from even farther west.  

Travelers can reach Tando Bago using the following routes: 

• Hyderabad (via Tando Muhammad Khan)
• Wanga Bazar
• Khairpur
• Pangrio
• Badin
• Nindo Shahr

The coordinates of Tando Bago are 24.7887° N, 68.9655° E. 

 

How to Reach Tando Bago?

Tando Bago is conveniently reachable by vehicle, bus, or taxi, as it is situated at the intersection of multiple important routes in Sindh. The following describes how to go to Tando Bago from different starting points:  

 

By Car

Tando Bago benefits from an efficient road system of motorways. Depending on where you start, you can choose the following paths: 

• The most practical route from Hyderabad is via Tando Muhammad Khan. Head east on the Hyderabad-Badin Highway (N-5) for approximately one hour and fifteen minutes.
• Take the M-9 Motorway north towards the city of Hyderabad from Karachi. Then, go from Hyderabad as per the instructions above. Traveling from Karachi takes about four hours in total.
• This is a longer trip from Lahore, taking about 12 hours. The most effective route, which passes through Sukkur and Rohri, is the M-2 and M-5 motorways.
• From Islamabad: It’s a long journey that takes almost 14 hours. Taking the M-2 Motorway and N-5 National Highway is advised, which passes through Multan and Faisalabad.

 

Via Bus

Several private bus operators connect Tando Bago to major cities in Sindh and abroad. You may obtain bus schedules and booking details online or at the bus terminals in your starting city.  

 

Via Taxi

Hiring a cab is a suitable option if you have a lot of luggage or are traveling in a group. Ensure the driver knows the way to Tando Bago and haggles over the fee beforehand.  

 

Linguistic Landscape

The diversified ethnic makeup of Tando Bago is reflected in the city’s rich linguistic landscape. With 85% of people speaking it, Sindhi is the most widely spoken language. Given that Sindh is the native land of the Sindhi people and their language, this supremacy makes sense.

Around 5% of people speak Urdu. The city’s linguistic diversity is further enhanced by the 10% of the populace who speak a range of other languages.  

It’s significant to remember that Punjabi culture transcends the boundaries of Tando Bago. The surrounding villages are home to a sizable population of Punjabi speakers, further diversifying the area’s linguistic makeup. 

This multilingual setting within Tando Bago promotes cross-cultural dialogue and comprehension. The prevalence of Urdu and other languages fosters free communication and contact. At the same time, Sindhi’s dominance guarantees the preservation of the region’s customs and legacy. 

 

Sheedi Community

Tando Bago is renowned for its thriving Sheedi community. This community has persevered in maintaining its unique cultural legacy despite economic hardships. The Sheedis live mostly in Kandri Paro, a neighborhood with simple houses without courtyards like other parts of town. Many Sheedis experience financial problems and frequently end up as laborers. 

 

Prominent Figure

But from this group came a great man known as Mussafir, who became a national hero for his attempts to improve the status of Tando Bago’s Sheedis. Mussafir, real name Muhammad Siddiq, took up his pen name to advocate for his people.  

 The town’s history was entwined with his own family; in the late 1700s, his father, Bilal, was transported from Zanzibar as an enslaved person. Because of his stone masoning abilities, Bilal was hired to help build a fort for the Talpur dynasty. 

Mussafir’s life took an intriguing turn when he became friends with the Talpur dynasty’s heir, Mir Ghulam Muhammad. Later in life, this childhood connection proved important as Mussafir asked the prince for assistance setting up a high school in the old Talpur fort exclusively for Sheedi students.  

 As Pakistan’s first educational institution to provide education to Sheedi females, this ground-breaking establishment was of great significance. Beyond the classroom, Mussafir’s influence can be seen in Tando Bago, where his blue-and-white grave is still a popular destination for Sheedis from all over Sindh. 

 

A Historical Glimpse into Tando Bago

The history of Tando Bago started in 1734 when Mir Bago Talpur founded the company. His offspring, the Talpur dynasty’s Bagani branch, became well-known people in the town. On June 20, 1857, Tando Bago was formally incorporated as a municipality.  

 

Historical Importance

Tando Bago was historically significant as the administrative centre of a pargana that included areas that had been part of the Chachgan district of the eastern Indus Delta. 

 

1874: Daily Life in Tando Bago

Tando Bago was the center of a taluka under the Tando Muhammad Khan deputy collectorate, according to records from 1874. Approximately 1,033 people lived in the town; 568 were Muslims, while the remaining 465 were Hindus.  

The main professions were farming, trading, retail, laboring, specialized crafts like goldsmithing, household help, laundry services, and dyeing.

 

1951

The district was listed as a village in the 1951 census, with an estimated 2,099 people living in 300 dwellings over about 1.1 square miles. The town was proud to have a post office, a police station, a primary school, a high school, and a Sanitary Committee. The 2,485 residents in the 300-house deh (administrative unit) surrounding Tando Bago were dispersed over 3.1 square miles. 

 

FAQs

Following are some of the FAQs.

Where is the district located?

Tando Bago is a town in the Badin District of Sindh province, Pakistan. It rests on the left bank of the Shadiwah canal. 

How can I get to there?

The district enjoys a well-connected network of roads. You can reach the town by car, bus, or taxi from various starting points in Sindh, including Hyderabad, Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. 

What is the dominant language there?

Sindhi is the primary language and about 85% of Tando Bago’s residents converse in it. 5% of the population speaks Urdu, while the remaining 10% converse in other languages. 

What is this district famous for?

This is known for its historical significance, having served as the seat of a pargana. The town also boasts a vibrant Sheedi community of African descent with a distinct cultural heritage.  

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