“The Baloch national identity, in the true sense, began to take shape in early medieval times during a period of increased political and social turmoil in the Iranian Plateau.” Jan Muhammad Dashti writes in his book “The Baloch Culture Heritage.”
The Baloch is an ancient tribe in the world, “Nearly three thousands years ago, a multitude of tribe left their abodes in Central Asian and moved towards west, south and southeast directions. They were known Aryans.” The Baloch tribe has the link with them.
The Baloch tribe has a very long past history and suffered multitude psychological, political and physical setbacks during 11th, 12th and 13th centuries: despite all sufferings, Baloch tribe made its language and socio-cultural traditions successfully.
“Soon after the sufferings, The Baloch tribe became dominant over the indigenous groups in present regions__comprised contemporary Eastern or Western Balochistan.”
The word “Baloch” means ‘nomads’ or ‘wanderers.’ The majority of Baloch live in the Western province Balochistan making up about 50%. They mainly inhabit in the desert and mountainous
regions of Balochistan. Their ancestors belong to Syrian origin whereas others assert them belonging to Turkoman Stock.
It is believed that after the tragedy of Kerbala in 680 AD, the Baloch ancestors migrated to east for the fear of being persecuted at the hands of Army of Yazid. Howbeit, different events witness diverse reasons of their migration and there is no probable results yet. Their long past journey of migration finally brought them to settle in Mekran region.
Withal, the Baloch kept occupying the mountains of Mekran at the time of first Arab invasion in 664 AD. Primarily, the Mekrani Baloch claim to have an Arab origin coming from Aleppo (Present day Syria). The migration of Baloch took a period of centuries. At the time of their nomadic life, the great restless human tide has ever been on the move. During their migration, they carried large herds of sheep and cattle. They had lived in large tents which were made of camels’ hairs. They were very fierce rulers wielding their weapons both in defence and offence.
*Living Style of Baloch Tribe:*
It is righteously said, “A day’s march is not a day’s march to them_ it is a day’s normal occupation.”
Still and all, Baloch, like ancient times, keep with them herds of sheep and cattle. Just like our ancestors, men in Baloch tribe travel in semi-deserts to feed their sheep, goats and cattle where they get bushes and sometimes tough grasses to feed them.
Womenfolk in many parts of Balochistan yet go in forests in search of wood to making huts and mainly for cooking. They traditionally get together the woods and tie it by a rope carrying them on their heads.
Nobly, Baloch women are very famous for their common jewellers and heavy earrings (Dorr).
The traditional songs commonly know as (saut) are adored by many. Songs are traditionally sung during happy festivals and family ceremonies. When a mother from Baloch tribe gave birth in ancient times, all the Baloch women were told to be gathered near the child, the mother and sang (saut) or folk songs for them.
Folk songs in ancient times were greatly fancied by people. Singing of lullabies for children in such events is a continuous traditional ritual.
*Baloch Tribe and their dressing style:*
Fascinatingly, both Baloch men and women are popular in regard of their dressings. Baloch men, especially during traditional ceremonies wear white ancestry clothes and a turban wrapped around the head. Women wear very decent clothes covering themselves fully while in some scholarly families of Baloch tribe, women wear the most decent clothes and usually hide their faces behind veils.
A great many of other nations especially English women are much impressed by Baloch’s culture and traditions. Many women from other tribes are now seen wearing Balochi clothes in models, films and different serials.
*The Baloch Tribe and their wedding style:*
Typically, Balochi weddings are very lively and eye-opening. The traditional wedding system is continuously passing from one generation to the other. Baloch mostly accept the proposals within the family or often far relatives. Cousin marriages are a very common practice in Baloch tribe having a concept that cousin marriages are more likely to succeed in building relationships and making them strong.
In a typical wedding ceremony, Baloch are very united with each other and are active enough in helping a weak brother to get his son married, however, their support shows sympathy and feelings for one another.
*Different famous tribes and castes living in Balochistan:*
On the other hand, it is stated that about nine million Baloch living in Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan are divided into 130 tribes in which Rind and Lashari are most famous.
However, the Balochi speaking castes, apart from the Rind and Lashari, include Marri, Jamot, Ahmedzai, Bugti Domki, Magsi, Kenazai, Khosa, Rakhashani, Dashti, Umrani, Nosherwani, Gichki, Buledi, Notazai, Sanjarani, Meerwani, Zahrozai, langove, kenazai and Khidai.
Besides Rind and Lasharis, the Brahvi, too, is told to be belonging to Baloch tribe. Their language differs, but they are referred as one tribe speaking two languages.
*Relationship between Baloch and Kurds:*
Citing the history, it is believed that the Baloch and Kurd are brothers. The Baloch living in Balochistan whereas the kurds living in Kurdistan hold many similarities. History witnesses that the Baloch and Kurd used to live together in a state near Caspian Sea called BALASHKAN in ancient times. Both Baloch and Kurd are told to be the descendents of Medes (The rulers of Median Empire).
*The Baloch is a brave Tribe:*
Several historical events tell us how brave the Baloch were and are. The Baloch tribe is recognized by their braveness and supportiveness. Their culture and works are truly impressive. The Baloch tribe is told to be very powerful and fierce. Rind and Lashari were hellacious leaders and fought fiercely.
The Baloch ancestors used to carry swords with them which made their status even more worthful. The Baloch tribe is known by its bravery and praised by a great many diverse people.
Predominantly, today’s world recognizes Baloch by the story of Rind and Lashari. The Lashari’s chief Mir Gwaharam and the Rind Chief Mir Chakar are the sole reason to the cause of the wars.
*The Beauty and resources of Balochistan:*
Baloch are historically fortuitous to be the inhabitants of Mekran_ a place of historical importance. They are historically blessed with several resources like gold, silver, copper and other fuels including gas, oil, and petrol.
The Baloch historical sights are a great importance in Pakistan and the mountainous regions with the greenery land owns a very great importance in Pakistan.
To end up, the Baloch folklore “Mir Chakar Rind” has a grand position. His name is mentioned in many of poetry and folk songs. Consequently, Baloch are historically a strong tribe and fierce leaders. Their history occupies a dominant status in many parts of the world. The Baloch are hospitable and have much respect and honour to everyone. They are mostly known by their honors and respect towards their females followed by hospitality, bravery and much more. The Baloch are also the man of their words.
