Umar Marvi

Umar Marvi is a celebrated Sindhi folktale that originated in the 14th century and was first formally recorded by Shah Abdul Karim Bulri in the 16th century. The tale centers on Marvi, a village girl who steadfastly rejects the advances of a powerful ruler and refuses the luxurious life of a palace queen, choosing instead to remain loyal to her simple rural community and way of life.

The narrative first appeared in "Bayan Ul Arifeen," known to Sindhis as "Karim Jo Risalo," authored by Shah Abdul Karim of Bulri, who was the great-great-grandfather of the renowned poet Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai. The story later became a prominent feature in Shah Jo Risalo and is considered one of the seven famous tragic romances from Sindh, Pakistan. These seven tales—collectively known as the Seven Queens of Sindh or the Seven heroines of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai—also include Sassui Punnhun, Sohni Mehar, Lilan Chanesar, Noori Jam Tamachi, Sorath Rai Diyach, and Momal Rano.

Marvi, the story's heroine, was a young Khaskheli girl from the Panhwar tribe. She was abducted by Umar Soomro, the ruler of Umerkot, who sought to marry her because of her beauty. When she refused his proposal, she was imprisoned in the historic Umarkot Fort for many years. Her unwavering courage and loyalty to her homeland have made Marvi an enduring symbol of patriotism and devotion to one's native soil in Sindhi culture.