MEER ALT MOORAD. 207 



to opiates and intoxicating stimulants, was 

 little able to play so important a part, and at his 

 court were some of the most restless and intri- 

 guing characters in Sindh. The consequence 

 was a general dismemberment of the family, 

 and at the old chief's death, which in the course 

 of nature might be soon expected, it is highly 

 probable the Hyderabad authority in the olden 

 state of affairs, but, according to late arrange- 

 ments, the British Government, would have 

 had to settle the question of succession to his 

 possessions ; his younger brother about to be 

 introduced was looking with anxious eye to 

 seize the lion's share. His next brother, Meer 

 Moobaruck, died in 1839, leaving a large family 

 of five sons, the eldest of whom, Nusir Khan, 

 inherited the greater portion of his father's pro- 

 perty, sufficient provision being made for his 

 brothers. Gholaum Hyder, tlie son of Meer 

 Tarah, was another member of this branch, but 

 his younger brother, Meer AH Moorad, is the 

 most distinguished character of the Khyrpoor 

 family, possessing unbounded ambition and 

 great tact, combined with considerable talent : 

 this prince was always proud, consistent, and 

 unswerving in his purpose of Independence and 



