Contents

History........................................................................................................................................ 2
Traditions ................................................................................................................................... 3
Rational Traditions Of The Baloch ............................................................................................ 4
People......................................................................................................................................... 4
Languages .................................................................................................................................. 5
Baloch Culture ........................................................................................................................... 5
Religion ...................................................................................................................................... 5
Tribes ......................................................................................................................................... 6
Folklore: ..................................................................................................................................... 7
Rites of Passage: ........................................................................................................................ 7
Divisions .................................................................................................................................... 8
Five Baloch Tribes Derive ......................................................................................................... 8
Marriages ................................................................................................................................... 8
Dressing ..................................................................................................................................... 9
Living Conditions: ..................................................................................................................... 9
Festivals ..................................................................................................................................... 9
Music........................................................................................................................................ 10
Food ......................................................................................................................................... 10
Sports ....................................................................................................................................... 10
Major Holidays ........................................................................................................................ 10
Relationship ............................................................................................................................. 11
Living Condition ...................................................................................................................... 11
Cultural Heritage ...................................................................................................................... 11
Crafts And Hobbies.................................................................................................................. 12
Distinct Identity ....................................................................................................................... 12
Reference: ................................................................................................................................ 12
 CULTURE OF BALOCHISTAN
One of the major provinces of Pakistan is Balochistan and it covers the largest area in

Pakistan. In Balochistan cultural landscape shows different cultural groups. In Balochistan

there are three main families named as Pashtoon, Baloch and Brahvi and they have different

languages. But still in their literature, moral orders, beliefs and customs they have similarity,

but religion is the major bonding factor between them which gives the base for common social

orders and unity. People in Balochistan are popular as they consider guests are the blessings of

God and famous for their hospitability. In all relations Baloch/Brahvis are sincere and faithful

and there is no respect and place for the unfaithful people. Dressing of the Pashtoon, Balochs

and Brahvi is very much similar having very little dissimilarities. Men dressing is consists of

knee long shirt and loose shalwar and for women the dress consists of a usual shirt having a

large pocket in the front.

History

Balochistan has an eventful history dating back to the Stone Age. Recent research and

archaeological excavations at Mehrgarh have revealed 9000 years old civilization. Human

settlement pattern at Mehrgarh was unparalleled and unique, inaugurating the distinct shift

from a hunting gathering to a settled life for the first time in human history. Domestication of

animals, cultivation of plants, and perfume export were modern features of Mehrgarh

civilization. Alexander the great passed through Balochistan in 325 B.C. After his death

Balochistan came under the rule of Selecus Nicator whose descendents lost power to the

Graeco-Bactrians. The province has also witnessed the march of a number of great conquerors

and warriors such as Macedonians, Arabs, Ghaznavies, Mangols and Mughals in the past.

The Baluch (also Baloch, or Balochi) are a seminomadic people (they travel with their

herds on a seasonal basis but also have a home area where they grow some food crops). They

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live in the southern mountains and coastal regions of South Asia's western borderlands. Their

traditional homeland is divided among Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan.

The Baluch believe they are descendants of Amir Hamza, an uncle of the Prophet

Muhammad. They settled in their present homeland sometime between the fifth and seventh

centuries AD. Persians, Arabs, Hindus, and others have laid claim to parts of Baluchistan, the

traditional Baluch home-land, at various times. Conflict within tribes and rivalries between

tribes were frequent throughout the region. The reason was often competition for land, money,

and resources. In the eighteenth century, almost all of the Baluch tribes were loosely united.

In 1843, the frontier of British India bordered Baluchistan. By the early twentieth

century, the British had control over much of the region. The British Province of Baluchistan

passed to Pakistan when that country came into being in 1947. Pakistan also inherited the

problems of the region. Opposition to the central government led to brutal battles with the

Pakistani military in the mid-1970s. The military bombed villages and civilians in an effort to

subdue the Baluchi rebels. Today, the Baluchi see themselves as a neglected minority in a

country whose government is controlled by non-Baluch i ethnic groups such as the Punjabis.

Traditions

Baluch differ from their neighbors not only in their language, literature, religion, and

feelings, but also in their traditions and habits.

Traditions play an important role in the making of a nation. Arab Islam failed to

assimilate the Persians into Arab traditions. Iranians fought and resisted Arab domination and

though they converted to Islam, they formed a new sect (Shia) in Islam. They maintained their

separate language, literature and traditions. Turks and Afghans also refused the domination and

influence of Iranian Islam. The same is true of the Baluch, who maintain their own traditions

and customs, which are different from Punjabi, Sindhi, Iranian, and Afghan Muslims.

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Rational Traditions Of The Baloch

When we compare the rational traditions of the Baluch to those of his neighbors, we

see that though they are Muslims, they wear a different dress, eat different food, etc. The Baluch

prefer to eat meat without chilies, while the Muslims of the Indian subcontinent spice their food

with these peppers. The
 special and common diet of the Baluch is “Sajji” (grilled meat on the

fire),
which is not partaken of by Indo-Pak Muslims. In fact, the Muslim Punjabis’ and

Sindhis’ way of life has more in common with that of the Hindu Indians, with the exception of

religion. In the following paragraphs we will examine the major Baluch traditions, which differ

from those of neighboring Muslim nations or ethnic groups.

People

A number of tribes constitute to make people of Balochistan. Three major tribes are

Baloch (Baloch & Brahvi) and Pashtoon. The Balochi speaking tribes include Rind, Lashar,

Marri, Jamot, Ahmedzai, Bugti Domki, Magsi, Kenazai, Khosa, Rakhashani, Dashti, Umrani,

Nosherwani, Gichki, Buledi, Notazai, Sanjarani, Meerwani, Zahrozai, langove, kenazai and

Khidai. Each tribe is further sub-divided into various branches. The tribal chief is called Sardar

while head of sub-tribe is known as Malik, Takari or Mir. Sardars and Maliks are members of

district and other local Jirgas according to their status. The Baloch, believed to have originally

come from Arabia or Asia minor, can be divided in to two branches: the Sulemani and Mekrani

as distinct from the Brahvis who mostly concentrate in central Balochistan. Among the

eighteen major Baloch tribes, Bugtis and Marris are the principal ones who are settled in the

buttresses of the Sulemania. The Talpur of Sind aIso claim their Baloch origin.

Brahvi speaking tribe include Raisani, Shahwani, Sumulani, Sarparrah, Bangulzai,

Mohammad Shahi, Lehri, Bezenjo, Mohammad Hasni, Muhammad Shahi, Zehri, Sarparrah,

Mengal, Kurd,Sasoli, Satakzai, Lango, Rodeni, Kalmati, Jattak, Yagazehi and Qambarani ,

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most of these tribes are bi-lingual and are quite fluent both in the Balochi and Brahvi

Languages. The Pashtoon tribes include Kakar, Ghilzai Tareen, Mandokhel , Sherani, Luni,

Kasi and Achakzai.

Languages

Balochistan, despite its scarce population, has an uncommon racial and tribal diversity.

Most of the people in the cities and towns understand and speak more than two languages. In

adddition to Balochi, Pashtoo and Brahvi, the majority of the population understand and speak

Urdu, the national language. In Kachhi and Sibi districts, people speak Seraiki and Sindhi.

Quetta city, the confluence point of all linguistic groups accommodates not only Urdu, Balochi,

Pashtoo, Brahvi and Sindhi speaking people but Darri and Persian speaking ones as well.

Dehwar tribe of Sarawan sub-division in Kalat, also speaks a language derived from Persian.

Baloch Culture

Baloch culture is opposite to the general perception about it. Though Balochistan is an

area of barren lands, deserts and mountains, the Baloch culture is full of traditions, arts and

crafts. Balochi embroidery is one of the most popular arts and crafts which are done by the

females. Baluchistan is also known for its tribes and festivals. Another distinct feature of

Baloch culture is the storytelling tradition. Poets and story tellers are highly respected in

Baloch culture.

Religion

The Baluch i are Muslim, mostly Sunni, but also including members of the Zikr i sect.

Zikr i s (pronounced “ZIG-ris” in Baluch i) are estimated to number over 750,000. They live

mostly in southern Pakistan. They are followers of a fifteenth-century mahdi, an Islamic

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messiah, called Nur Pak (Pure Light).The Baluch i do not support the idea of a religious nation

that underlies national policies put in place by Pakistani governments in the 1990s.

Tribes

The people belonging to Baloch tribe speak balochi language. Balochi language is an ancient

language. Its roots are traced back to Iranian branch of Indo-European family. It has

resemblance with languages such as Sansikrat, Avesta, Old Persian and Phalavi, which now a

days are said to be as dead languages. This tribe is further divided in to

 Rind

 Lashar

 Marri

 Jamot

 Ahmedzai

 Bugti

 domki

 Magsi

 Khosa

 Rakhashani

 Dashti Umrani

 Nosherwani

 Gichki

 Buledi

 Sanjarani

 Khidai

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 The tribe has a head known as sarda, the sub divided tribes also have heads known as

Malik or Takarior Mir. These tribe heads are members of districts and local Jirgas.

Folklore:

The Baluch respect bravery and courage. Many tribal heroes are honored in folk songs

and ballads.

Doda, for example, is remembered for defending the principle of ahot, or protection.

Legend tells of a wealthy widow, Sammi, who sought protection in the village of Doda Gorgez.

One day, Beebarg, a relative of Sammi's deceased husband, carried off some of Sammi's cows.

Even though Doda had just been married, he pursued the thieves because he was honor-bound

to safeguard the property, as well as the life, of the widow. Doda was killed in the battle that

followed. In keeping with Baluch tradition, Doda's death was eventually avenged by his brother

Balach.

Rites of Passage:

The birth of a child is greeted with rejoicing, music, and singing. Food and sweets are

prepared and given out. The birth of a boy is cause for greater celebration, and some groups

barely recognize the arrival of a girl. Names common among the Baluch include Lalla, Bijjar,

Kannar, and Jihand.

Other ceremonies mark occasions such as the circumcision of boys, the time when a

child begins to walk, and the first wearing of trousers. This last event, occurring around the age

of fifteeen, was traditionally an important stage in a boy's life. It marked his becoming an adult

and the time when he took up arms and joined his people in warfare.

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Divisions

As of 2008 it was estimated that there were between eight and nine million Baloch

people living in Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan. They were subdivided between over 130 tribes.

Some estimates put the figure at over 150 tribes, though estimates vary depending on how

subtribes are counted. The tribes, known as taman, are led by a tribal chief, the tumandar.

Subtribes, known as paras, are led by a muquaddam.

Five Baloch Tribes Derive

Five Baloch tribes derive their eponymous names from Khan’s children. Many, if not

all, Baloch tribes can be categorized as either Rind or Lashari based on their actual descent or

historical tribal allegiances that developed into cross-generational relationships.This basic

division was accentuated by a war lasting 30 years between the Rind and Lashari tribes in the

15th century.

Marriages

In Baloch culture marriages are different and unique than in the other provinces of the

country. The marriages are according to Islamic principles in presence of a Mullana along with

the presence of witnesses. Every member of the family takes part in the marriage; they express

their joy and happiness by following the traditions of their culture. Usually the marriages are

done in young ages (teenage) but are arranged in early childhood or at birth. There is a very

low or negligible ratio of love marriages as this is not appreciated across the culture in all tribes.

Usually the marriages take place within tribes but at times intra tribal marriages are also

conducted. Divorce rate is very low in the Baluchistan as compared to the other provinces of

Pakistan because they consider is a matter of disrespect for the family and honor of the tribe.

Different rituals are celebrated in different tribes. In some tribes there is a tradition of takings

Valve, it is a sum of money paid by the groom to the family of the bride.

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Dressing

Like all the other provinces of Pakistan the national dress shalwar kameez with distinct

additions and modifications are worn in Baloch culture. The people dress up very pleasingly

and in the same way in all the tribes. Turban is the common headwear of Bloch men along with

wide loose shalwar along with knee-long shirts. Females dress consists of a shirt having a big

pocket and embroidery and embedded round mirror work in front. A big Dupatta/ Chaddar is

taken to cover the head and shoulders.

Living Conditions:

Baluch nomads live in tents (gidan) made of palm matting stretched on poles. A coarse

goat-hair carpet forms the floor of the tent. There are permanent settlements to live in during

the summer months. More recently, houses have been built of sundried brick. They are

scattered along narrow, winding village lanes. Both old and newer houses have an open

courtyard in front, enclosed by a low mud wall or palm fence.

Festivals

Both religious and social festivals are celebrated by Baloch people. The religious

festivals are same as across the country like Eid-ul-Azha and Eid-ul-Fiter. These religious

festivals are celebrated by decorating houses wearing new dresses cooking special dishes.

Baloch culture is full of many social festivals like Sibi festival which has folk music

performance, cultural dances, handicrafts stalls, cattle shows and a number of other entertaining

activities showing the colorful side of Baloch people. Buzkashi is another festival showing

rather enhancing the bravery tactfulness and bravery of Baloch people. It is celebrated on horse-

back by two teams that use their skills to snatch a goat from the each other.

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Music

Baloch culture is rich in folk music dances and songs. Famous wedding songs of Baloch

culture are Nazenk and Salonk. The instruments used are mainly a flute, locally called Nal,

Tamboora and Soroz. A common Baloch folk dance is known as Dochaap. Women also move

in a circle clapping their hands on certain occasions. Other dances include the Lewa, Latti and

Hambo.

Food

Usually Baloch people have meals in morning and evening. Men and women eat

separately. Wheat, millet and rice are part of the Baloch meal. Meat is also an important part;

Sajji is the favorite dish of most people. Sajji is the food eaten with knife other than that Baloch

people usually eat with hands. Milk, butter and vegetables are also part of Baloch cuisine.

Sports

Popular games include chauk, and Ji. Also games like wrestling, horse racing, shooting

and hunting pastimes among the wealthier people of tribes. Card games and gambling are also

popular among groups of some tribes.

Major Holidays

The Baluch observe the festivals of Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, and

Eid al-Adha , the Feast of Sacrifice that falls at the end of the Islamic year. On these occasions,

people put on clean clothes and begin the day with prayer. The rest of the holiday is spent in

gambling, horseracing, and general merrymaking. Eid al-Adha is celebrated with the sacrifice

of goats and sheep. The meat is distributed among relatives, friends, and the poor. Alms

(donations) are given to beggars. The tenth day of the month of Muharram is observed by visits

to the graves of relatives, followed by prayers and the giving of alms to the poor. In general,

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the Baluch pay less attention to celebrating festivals than do other Muslim peoples in South

Asia.

Relationship

When Baluch greet each other, they normally shake hands. However, if an ordinary

tribesperson meets a religious leader, the tribesperson reverently touches the leader’s feet. A

meeting usually begins with inquiries after health (durahi) and then goes on to an exchange of

news (hal). It is considered the height of rudeness not to ask for news from the person one is

meeting.

The Baluch are guided in their daily lives and social relations by a code of conduct

known as Baluchmayar, or “the Baluch way.” A Baluch is expected to be generous in

hospitality to guests, offer refuge to people who seek protection, and be honest in dealings with

others. A Baluch man must be merciful to women and refrain from killing a man who has found

sanctuary in the shrine of a pir (Sufi saint). He is also expected to defend his honor (izzat) and

the honor of the women in his family, and his other relatives.

Living Condition

Baluchi nomads live in tents (gidam) made of palm matting stretched on poles. A coarse

goat-hair carpet forms the floor of the tent. There are permanent settlements to live in during

the summer months. More recently, houses have been built of sundried brick. They are

scattered along narrow, winding village lanes. Both old and newer houses have an open

courtyard in front, enclosed by a low mud wall or palm fence.

Cultural Heritage

The Baluch have a rich tradition of storytelling. Poets and storytellers are traditionally

held in high respect. The oral tradition conveys the theme of Baluchmayar, the Baluch code of

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honor. Among the more popular of these poems recount the legendary exploits of Mir Chakur,

a sixteenth-century Baluch warrior and chieftain of the Rind tribe.Music plays a role in all

ceremonies except death rituals. Dancing accompanies many events, such as weddings and

other festivals. Men’s dances reflect the warrior traditions of the Baluch. The drum, the lute,

and the shepherd’s flute are the most common instruments for accompanying the singing and

dancing.

Crafts And Hobbies

The Baluch are not known for their folk art or crafts. However, the women are skilled

at embroidery and decorate their clothes with elaborate geometric and abstract designs. They

make felt from sheep’s wool, and also weave rugs for their own use and for sale.

Distinct Identity

Having been free of foreign invasion and influence has allowed Balochi culture to form

its own unique identity. Their dress code and traditions are culturally very distinct from other

communities in both Iran and Pakistan where they reside.

Reference:

1. Bugti, Aziz, Muhammad, Professor (1995) Balochistan: Siasi Culture or Qabaili

Nizzam (Urdu), Fiction House, Lahore

2. Jahangir, Arbab M. Dr. (1999) Socio-Cultural Characteristics of the People of Kanak

Valley, Balochistan Review, Vol. No. II-III, Balochistan Study Centre, University of

Balochistan, Quetta

3. Kundi, Mansoor Akbar (1994) Balochistan: A Socio-Cultutral and Political Analysis,

Qasim printers, Quetta

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4. Titus, Paul (1996) Marginality and Modernity: Ethnicity and Change in Post-Colonial

Balochistan (Ed.), Oxfoard University Press, Karachi

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