By: Noor Bakhsh Saleem
The word Baloch, by its connotation is meant nomad. Over 75 percent of the BALOCH live in Balochistan and apart from Balochistan, Baloch also dwell in other provinces of Pakistan. Moreover, about the origion of the world ‘Baloch’, Rawlinson (1873) estimated that the word ‘BALOCH’ came from the name of Babylonian king and god blues. Similarly, Dames (1904) explained that it is derived from the Persian language in the 6th century. Also Naseer Dashti (2012) believes that the word ‘Baloch’ has been derived from the name of ethnic group Balaschik living in Balochistan.
In like manner, according to some estimates that the population of Baloch is around 2.5 million worldwide and it is difficult to estimate the exact number but they make 5 percent of Pakistan’s population and also according to some people many Baloch are said to be migrated to Balochistan from Aleppo (syria) in the 12th century.
Nontheless, Baloch culture is opposite to the general perception about it.Though Balochistan is the area of Barren lands, Deserts and Mountains, the Baloch culture is full of traditions, arts and crafts which are done by the females. No doubt, Blochistan is also known for its Tribes and Festivals. Another distinct feature of Baloch culture is the story telling tradition. Poets and story tellers are highly respected in Baloch Culture.
TRIBES
The people belong to Baloch tribes speak Balochi language. Balochi language is an ancient language and its roots are traced back to Iranian branch of Indo-European family. It has resembrance with the languages such as; Sansikarat, Old persian and many more. These now-a-days are said to be as dead languages.
Similarly, the Tribes are divided into, RAND, BUGTI, GICHKI and LASHARI and also the tribe has a head known as”Sardar’ Mir and Malik. These tribes heads are members of districts and local jirgas.
MARRIAGES
In Baloch culture marriages are different and unique than in the other provinces of the country. The marriages are according to Islam, province of witness. Every member of family takes part in marriages; they express their joys 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. In some tribes there is a tradition of taking ‘valver” it is a sum of many paid by the groom to the family of the brides.
DRESSING
Certainly, like all other provinces of Pakistan the national dress is Shalwar kameez with distinct additions and modifications are worn in Baloch culture. Furthermore, the people dress up very pleasingly and in the same way in all the tribes. And also Turban is the common headwear of Baloch men long with wide loose shalwar long with knee-long shirts. Also females dress consist of a shirt having a big pocket and embroidery and embedded round mirror work in front. On the other hand, Baloch culture is rich in folk music dances, songs and famous wedding songs of Baloch culture are ‘Nazenk, Salonk and so many. FOOD
Usually Baloch people have meals in morning such as flour, rice and millet are important dishes of Baloch. There are many food for Baloch which they like very much. In fact, if we see other countries food, Balochi food id totally different.
Hence, Baloch are lion hearted, respectful, and honest people.
Published in Makran Times
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