Umer Marvi is another folktale from Sindh. It is a bit different from the rest as it focuses more on a woman’s loyalty and dedication to her beloved. Marvi’s dedication and resistance when she was offered to be a queen because of her loyalty is considered an inspiration for many.
Marvi, a beautiful girl from the Tharparkar district, Phog lived with Marvi’s family since childhood and wanted to marry her but Marvi always saw him as a brother. She told him not to expect anything more than that. Disappointed Phog eventually stopped.
Marvi was later engaged to her cousin Khet who was handsome and brave. Marvi was deeply in love with him and Khet reciprocated her feelings. Marvi was once drawing water from a well when Umer Soomro the prince of Umer Kot saw her.
Spellbound by her beauty he tried to win her over with his wealth but Marvi remained unmoved. Her love for her fiancé was so strong that all the riches of the world could not make her change her mind.
Out of frustration on her constant refusals, Umer kidnapped her and took her to his palace in Umer Kot. He kept her in captivity for a whole year thinking that the luxuries of the palace would impress her but he was wrong. Marvi still pined for her home and her love.
Finally Umer gave up and set her free. Umer Marvi’s tale is a story of a woman’s strong character, unwavering love and faithfulness. Umer Marvi was the first Sindhi feature film made in Pakistan and was released in 1956.
This love story is the base of many movies and dramas produced in Pakistan. Most famous drama was produced by PTV in 1994. Marvi’s well is still in Thar Desert, Sindh, Pakistan.
