Fabaceae / Papilionaceae

(iv)
1.3
Demographic profile:
Sindh comprises of 23 districts, 160 towns and 1094 union councils. Owing to the migration of
people across the country its population has been increasing at a much faster pace than the
overall population of Pakistan. The Population of Sindh province is estimated to be 46. 4
million (Census 2008). Within Sindh, growth patterns were substantially different. For
example, the proportion of the urban population increased substantially from 29 percent in
1951 to 49 percent in 1998, as compared to 17 to 35 percent in Pakistan, respectively.
Sindhi is the principal spoken language that makes up 60% followed by Urdu speakers
20%.Other linguistic groups from all over the country are Pashto (5%); Punjabi (7) %;
Gujarati/Memon (3%); Baluchi (2%); Seraiki (1%) and others (2%). Other languages include
Kutchi (both dialects of Sindhi), Khowar, Thari, Persian/Dari and Brahui. The religious
composition of Sindh also varies. The majority of residents are Muslim (91), followed by
Hindus forming 7.5%. Smaller groups of Christians (0.97%), Ahmadi (0.14%); Parsis or
Zoroastrians, Sikh and a tiny Jewish community (of around 500) can also be found in the
province (Wikipedia.org).
1.4
Culture of Sindh:
Sindh has a rich and most diverse cultural heritage. Inherited from prehistoric times it keeps
lasting traces from different ages with rich traditions. Sindhi culture is known for its specific
traditions which belong to one of the oldest civilizations of the world known as Indus valley
civilization. Sindhi is the main language which emerged as the confluence of some Arabic,
Persian and Balochi words over time. Its culture has a unique assemblage of architecture,
religion, literature and music. Sufism is prevalent in Sindh. The essence of Sufism can clearly
be seen inthe Sindhipoetry such as that of ShahAbdul Latif BhitaiandHazrat SachalSarmast.
Sindh is conventionally a large producer of
cotton cloth. The cloth which is very
common and a symbol of Sindhi culture is
Ajrak. From the settlements of Mounds of
Dead (Mohen Jo Daro), a sculpture was
found covered in ajrak. So it is believed
that ajrak is as old as the Indus civilization.
Along with ajrak, Rilli is an other Sindhi
emblem
and part of the heritage and
culture. Rilli is a patchwork sheet which is
made by small pieces of different colors
and different kinds of geometrical shapes
and stitch together making elaborate The epitome of Sindhi culture; Ajrak
designs. It is used as bedspread as well as
a blanket. Khadi and Susi are the two other kinds of cloths that have their own image in Sindhi
culture. Sindh is known all over the world for its cultural heritage of art and handicraft.