Arghun–Langah War

Arghun–Langah War, also known as Sindh–Multan War, was a major conflict between the Multan-based Langah dynasty and the Sindh-based Arghun dynasty from 1524 until 1528, which led to the fall of the Langah Sultanate and the incorporation of Multan, Shorkot, Uch and Derawar as autonomous territories into the Arghun Sultanate. This war strengthened the position of the Arghun dynasty as a regional power, and after ceding Multan to the Mughal Empire, it became a vital ally of Babur.

Background

Multan had been ruled by the Langah dynasty since the first half of the 15th century. After the death of Sultan Husseyn Langah in 1502, his son Budha Khan ascended the throne as Mahmud Shah Langah II. His reign was infamous for widespread corruption, brutality, injustice, and poor governance. In 1520, the Arghun dynasty under Shah Shuja Beg invaded Sindh, where the Samma dynasty, an ally of the Langah dynasty, was weakening under Jam Feroz. Shuja Beg was able to capture Bukkur and establish it as his capital. He died in 1524 and was succeeded by his son, Shah Husayn Beg, who launched a second invasion of Sindh in October 1524 and successfully captured Thatta.

Early skirmishes

The Mahar tribe of Mirpur Mathelo, a town on the border of the Sindh Sultanate, harbored enmity toward the Dahar and Machhi tribes of Ubauro and Bhutta Wahan, border towns of the Multan Sultanate, due to their frequent raids and acts of robbery. In December 1524, members of the Mahar tribe lodged a complaint with Husayn Beg Arghun, who then dispatched Baba Ahmad, the son of Mir Fazil Kokaltash. Baba Ahmad launched a raid on the areas in and around Ubauro and Bhutta Wahan, returning to Mirpur Mathelo with the plunder.