Usta (tribe)

Usta or Ousta
اوستا
Regions with significant populations
	Sindh, Balochistan
Languages
	Sindhi
Religion
	Islam
Related ethnic groups
	Soomro, Abra, Sindhis of Balochistan

Usta (Sindhi: اوستا) also called Osta and Ousta is a branch of the Sindhi Soomra tribe. They are found in Sindh and Balochistan provinces of Pakistan. They mainly live in Jacobabad, Shikarpur and Usta Muhammad districts.

Etymology

Usta tribe is a branch of the Soomro tribe. Usto derives from the Persian word Ustad (Sindhi: استاد) meaning teacher, master, expert artisan, or mason. Therefore, a skilled artisan is called Usto. Anyone who was an expert teacher or master artisan was called Ustad. The descendants of that expert came to be known as Usto. It is said that when the Soomra dynasty declined, they started working in different professions. Those who became skilled in carpentry were called Usto. Later on, this became a full-fledged caste.

Usta Muhammad District

The Usta tribe founded the city of Usta Muhammad which later gave its name to the Usta Muhammad District of Balochistan.

References

↑ "اوستا : (Sindhianaسنڌيانا)". Encyclopedia Sindhiana (in Sindhi). Sindhi Language Authority.
↑ Bhagat, Ayaz (2023). Zaatin, Qauman Ain Qabilan Ji Encyclopedia (in Sindhi). Mehran Publishers, Karachi. p. 306.
↑ Sumra, Mahar Abdul Haq (2010). Soomra Raj Gharano (in Sindhi). Culture Department, Government of Sindh.
↑ Buriro Sewhani, Khair Mohammad (2005). Zatin Ji Encyclopedia (in Sindhi). Sewhan Sharif: Murad Publications. p. 51.

[:1-1] "اوستا : (Sindhianaسنڌيانا)". Encyclopedia Sindhiana (in Sindhi). Sindhi Language Authority.

[2] Bhagat, Ayaz (2023). Zaatin, Qauman Ain Qabilan Ji Encyclopedia (in Sindhi). Mehran Publishers, Karachi. p. 306.

[3] Sumra, Mahar Abdul Haq (2010). Soomra Raj Gharano (in Sindhi). Culture Department, Government of Sindh.

[4] Buriro Sewhani, Khair Mohammad (2005). Zatin Ji Encyclopedia (in Sindhi). Sewhan Sharif: Murad Publications. p. 51.