I Moved to Sukkur and I Heard History of Hojamalo Lyrics & Jamalo’s Relatives Danced

History Of A Bridge Related to a Sindhi Song

The song “Hojamalo Wah Waah Jamaloo” is commonly sung during pleasant occasions such as wedding receptions and school functions. As a Pakistani, I believe that every Pakistani has heard it at least once in their lives. Most famous Pakistani singers, Shazia Khushk sang Hojamalo in Urdu & Abida Perveen Sung in Sindhi. Although I adore this song, I had no idea about its background. I would like to share with you a little history of it.

When I got married, I relocated to Sukkur from Karachi, where I had previously resided. Sukkur is a historically significant and serene city, although it is smaller than Karachi. Sukkur city is primarily populated by Sindhis. Usually, I go to Sukkur’s most popular destination every weekend. The Sukkur Barage Bridge is my favorite place. It is  a lovely round bridge that crosses over the Indus River. My spouse once informed me of the real-life relationship between the lovely bridge and the song “Hojamalo Wah Wah Jamalo.”  I was not familiar with this bridge’s past before knowing the truth.

According to historical records, when the Iron Giant Bridge was built on the Indus River, not all railroad drivers agreed to run trains across it. Railroad drivers were afraid of dying since there were no pillars. Their deepest concern was that the train would collapse the bridge, drowning everyone.

The Sindh government announced that whoever successfully passes the train over the bridge and takes it to the other side will be awarded a prize. After hearing this announcement, Jamalo Sheedi wrote a letter to the Sindh government stating that he would do this task.

Who was Jamalo Sheedi?

Jamalo Sheedi was born in Sukkur during the British government era. Jamalo was sentenced to death for some reason. Those days, Jamalo was kept in a jail near Sukkur Bridge. Jamalo was sentenced to death in Sukkur in 1889 by John Jacob, an officer of the British East India Company. Jamalo wrote Jacob a note. It included an offer for him to cross the bridge by train in exchange for his sentence being revoked and his release from prison if he was successful in doing so.

A ceremony was held to officially open the bridge. On that day, “Jamalo” took the train over the bridge with caution. ‘Jamalo’s’ relatives were overjoyed and hailed the victory. During the party, the wife of “Jamalo” began to dance. She performed an exquisite Sindhi song.

song

Hojamalo Sindhi Song

Ho muhanjo khatti ayo Kher saan ho Jamalo
( my beloved husband won the task hojamalo)
Ho, jeko Rohri wari pul San ho Jamalo.
(On the bridge at Rohri, hojamalo)
Ho jeko Sukkur wari pul ta hojamalo.
( This bridge belongs to Sukkur also)