Scholars, researchers delineates Sachal Sarmast as poet of nature

HYDERABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 5th Mar, 2026) Scholars and researchers have described Sachal Sarmast as a poet of nature, stating that during his time Sindh experienced political turmoil and instability.

They said that despite living within limited geographical boundaries, he used various linguistic dialects of Sindh in his poetry to create cultural harmony.

These views were expressed during an online seminar titled “Different Dialects in the Poetry of Sachal Sarmast,” organized by the Sindhi Language Authority on the occasion of the 205th Urs (death anniversary) of Sachal Sarmast.

Renowned researcher and former Chairman of the Sindhi Language Authority, Dr Muhammad Ali Manjhi, said that great poets—regardless of their language—often reflect the dialect of their own region in their poetry. Similarly, Sachal Sarmast frequently used the northern Sindhi dialect in his poetry, while in the tales of Sassi and Noori he employed the pure Lari dialect and local linguistic expressions.

He further noted that during Sachal Sarmast’s era there were frequent invasions, wars, religious movements, and widespread intolerance. Foreign occupations and heavy taxation were common, creating a very serious situation. In such circumstances, Sachal Sarmast attempted to unite people through his poetry.

Researcher on Sachal Sarmast’s poetry and faculty member at University of Sindh, Dr Makhmoor Bukhari, said that Sachal Sarmast was born during a politically changing period in Sindh, and political instability persisted throughout his lifetime. During this time, Nader Shah invaded Sindh while the Kalhora dynasty ruled the region, and internal conflicts also occurred.

Later, in 1782, the Talpur dynasty came to power in Sindh and made agreements with the East India Company. He noted that Sachal Sarmast hinted at these circumstances in his poetry.

Dr Bukhari added that Sachal Sarmast’s poetry in multiple languages and dialects demonstrates the diverse situation of that era. Although his travels were mostly limited to Larkana and surrounding areas, the dialects and themes in his poetry show that he strongly connected himself with the common people.

Faculty member at Benazir Bhutto Shaheed University Lyari and noted researcher Dr Kashif Mahesar said that Sachal Sarmast was a poet of nature. He explained that extremism was widespread during his time and the rigid system of spiritual authority had worsened people’s conditions. In such an environment it was difficult to remain silent, yet Sachal Sarmast raised his voice and challenged the dictatorship of the time.

He added that Sachal Sarmast received spiritual and household education at home. Although spiritual leaders were usually not permitted to leave their seats of authority, Sachal often traveled beyond these limits. He did not accept the culture centered on graves and miracles and instead opposed sectarianism and racism, promoting a message of love and rejecting the concept of superiority and inferiority among human beings.

Chairing the online seminar, Chairman of the Sindhi Language Authority Dr Sher Maherani said that the majesty, intensity, and powerful resonance found in Sachal Sarmast’s poetry are unmatched by any poet of the region, while his gentle tone is equally remarkable.