Bab 203: Fall of Baloch Part-1

Balochistan, a semi-arid region located between the Safavid Empire and the Mughal Empire in the 16th century, was dominated by various tribes, each ruling distinct areas.

In the northwest, along the Safavid border, the Gichkis tribe held power. To the southwest, along the Makran coast, the Rind tribe was dominant. In the central plateau region around Kalat, the Khanates controlled the area. The Jamot tribe ruled the southeastern region, while the northeastern part of Balochistan was governed by the Kakar tribe, along with their smaller allies, the Marri and Bugti tribes. These northeastern tribes played a crucial role in controlling the Bolan Pass, where they collected tolls from those entering Balochistan.

It was a region that remained independent for centuries, not due to its strength, but because none of the empires found much interest in its low-fertility lands. Its value lay primarily as a buffer zone between larger powers.