Balochi culture

Balochi culture (Balochi:بلوچی دۏد) is a group of distinctive cultural traits practiced by Baloch people.[1]

Baloch culture is rich, diverse, and deeply rooted in the traditions of the Baloch people, Their culture reflects a unique blend of nomadic, tribal, and regional influences shaped by their geography and history. The Baloch people, primarily inhabit the Balochistan region spanning Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan.[2]

Language and literature

Main articles: Balochi language and Balochi literature

Main articles: Rakhshani dialect and Makrani dialect

Balochi is an Indo-European language, spoken by the Baloch and belonging to the Indo-Iranian branch of the family. As an Iranian language, it is classified in the Northwestern group,[3]

These dialects are broadly categorized into three main groups:[4]

• Eastern group (the Soleimani dialect group): Found mainly in eastern Balochistan, covering parts of Pakistan, particularly in areas like Quetta, Kalat, and Khuzdar.

• Southern group or Makrani dialect (part of the Makrani dialect group): Spoken in the southern parts of Balochistan, including coastal areas like Gwadar, Chabahar, and southern Pakistan.[4]

• Western group (part of the Rakhshani dialect group) : Predominantly spoken in western Balochistan, including parts of Iran and Afghanistan. Commonly spoken in Sistan and Balochestan province and Khorasan in Iran.[4]

Koroshi is also classified as Balochi.[5]

Poetry holds a special place in Baloch culture, often expressing themes of love, bravery, and freedom. Prominent poets include Atta Shad and Gul Khan Nasir. The main Balochi literature is found in poetry, which is purely popular in origin and form Poetry is by the Baloch regarded as the highest form of literature.[6]

Among the greats of Balochi literature, can mention Natiq Makrani, Mast Tawakali and Syed Zahoor Shah Hashmi, Saba Dashtyari, Muneer Ahmed Badini and Ghulam Mohammad Lalzad Baloch.

Uppsala University offers a course titled Balochi A, which provides basic knowledge of the phonetics and syntax of the Balochi language.[7] Carina Jahani is a prominent Swedish Iranologist and professor of Iranian languages at Uppsala University, deeply researching in the study and preservation of the Balochi language.[8]

Folklore

Baloch folklore (Balochi: بلوچ لوک) consists of folk traditions which have developed in Balochistan over many centuries.[9] The majority of such folk traditions are preserved in the Balochi language and deal with themes such as tragic love, resistance and war.[10] The Baloch are known to respect bravery and courage, as is required under the Baloch code of Baloch Mayur. Many Baloch tribal leaders (Tamandar) are honoured through folk songs and ballads, notably those Tamandar remembered for their zeal in defending the principle of ahot (protection).

Tales

• Hani and Sheh Mureed
• Kiyya and Sadu[11]
• Shahdad and Mahnaz
• Hammal and Mahganj
• Lallah and Granaz
• Dostin and Shirin
• Bebarg and Granaz
• Mast and Sammo
• Balach and the Bulethis[12][13]

Baloch folklore is a rich and vibrant part of Baloch culture, deeply rooted in Balochi language and down through generations. The folklore includes epic poetry, legends, myths, and tales that are integral to their cultural identity that is reflected in Balochi literature.[1]

Baloch folklore is known for its heroic epics. These epics are often recited in poetic form, accompanied by traditional music. Mir Chakar Rind and Mir Gwahram Khan Lashari, the most famous Baloch epic, recounting the story of the 30-year war between the Rind and Lashari tribes.[14]

Hani and Sheh Mureed, a tragic love story. It tells of the deep love between Hani and Sheh Mureed and the societal pressures that ultimately lead to their separation.[1]

Balach Gorgej an epic Hero in sixteenth century that in is depicted in the mythological part the Balochi literature and peots. The bravery and chivalry of legendary figure preserved by the contemporary people.[15][16]

Mir Hammal Jiand is a Baloch hero in 15th,[17] particularly for his role during the conflicts with Portuguese colonial forces in the 15th century. He is often compared to other notable Baloch leaders like Mir Chakar Khan Rind.[18]

Baloch mythology often intertwines with their beliefs and geography, featuring supernatural. Koh-e-Murad mountain is considered sacred, and legends speak of saints who performed miracles there.[3]

Widely varying in purpose and style, among the Balochi folklore one will find stories about nature, anthropomorphic animals, love, heroes and villains, mythological creatures and everyday life. Baloch mythology often intertwines with their beliefs and geography, featuring supernatural. A number of these mythological figures can be found in other cultures, like stories of Shahnameh and Iranian Mythology. Ashkash is introduced in several verses in the Shahnameh as the commander of the Baloch army.[19] This work has inspired Baloch heroic tales and has appeared in the works of Baloch writers and Baloch folklore.[3]

Music

Main article: Balochi Music

Balochi folk music

Traditional Balochi music includes instruments like the suroz (a string instrument). Songs often narrate tales of heroism, love, and tribal history. Some Balochs often believe that Zahirok is the basis of all Balochi music and the essence of the melodies used in singing Balochi narrative song.[20]

The Chaap dance are performed during celebrations, accompanied by rhythmic beats and communal participation. Chaap is a balochi dance mostly performed by forming a circle by a group of people, dancing and clapping.[21]

Handicraft

Main article: Balochi handicrafts

Balochi mirror embroidery

Balochi handicrafts are handicraft or handmade crafted works originating from Baloch people.[22]

Balochi mirror work embroidery is a type of traditional Balochi embroidery[22] and art that is used to decorate coats, cloth, hat(pag), cushion covers, tablecloths, bags, shoes, vests, local clothing between Baloch of afghanistan and pakistan.[23]

Balochi coin work embroidery is one of the handicrafts of Balochistan that the Baloch generally use to decorate bedspreads or camel necks during weddings, and they often hang them on the walls to decorate rooms.[24][25] Balochi coin embroidery is very popular among the Baloch people in Iran and has created a large market.[26]

Clothing

Main articles: Balochi clothing and Balochi needlework

Balochi National dress

The Baloch have worn their traditional clothing since ancient times, and this clothing was spread beyond the borders of Balochistan by ancient dynasties. Pakistan and India dressing have been greatly influenced by the Baloch clothing.[27]

Balochi needlework or Balochi embroidery, which is used on Balochi women's clothing, in some sources, the beginning of this art is 100 to 200 years before Islam, and the available evidence indicates that this method of sewing has been common among the Baloch people since the beginning of Islam.[28]

Gold ornaments such as necklaces and bracelets are an important aspect of Baloch women's traditions and among their most favoured items of jewellery are dorr, heavy earrings that are fastened to the head with gold chains so that the heavy weight will not cause harm to the ears. They usually wear a gold brooch (tasni) that is made by local jewellers in different shapes and sizes and is used to fasten the two parts of the dress together over the chest.[29]

Customs and Beliefs

The Baloch community is traditionally tribal, with a strong sense of loyalty to their Tumandars (Balochi: تَمندار) or Sardar (chiefs).[30] However, there are also non-tribal Baloch communities.[31]

Lifestyle of Baloch nomads

Lajj o Mayaar(Mayar jali ) (Balochi: میارجلی) Hospitality is a key cultural value, and guests are treated with utmost respect.[30]

Mehr (Balochi: مهر) A Baloch hate the enemy to the extreme and highest regards and love for those he likes.[30]

Hak Peheli (Balochi: هک پهلی) means asking for exemption and forgiveness. reconciliation, letting go of grudges, Basically It is done by hugging three times after the prayer on both Eid al-Adha and Eid al-Fitr.[30]

Diwan (Balochi: دیوان): In Balochi society, Diwan means sense of assembly and conference. Sardars and elders of the tribes(chiefs) gather in a certain place and discuss important matters of the people.[30][32]

Mesthaagi (Balochi: مستاگی) the reward for giving good news like the birth of a son, news of the arrival of a lost relative, etc.[30]

Bijjaar(Balochi: بیجار) is an aid for ceremonies such as marriage and death to a person that is unable to pay. often, the Sardar asks for bijjaar for a needy tribesman.[30][32]

Like other people around the world, Baloch people are known for believing in supernatural powers such as the wind and sea. They believe that crossing the boundaries of supernatural powers like "nazzar" (the evil eye) and jinn can affect or curse a human life.[33]

Trial by ordeal

Trial by ordeal has been an important principle among Baloch people in the past.[34][30] Mahnaz's consent to take this oath in the Baloch tale "Shahdad and Mahnaz" is evidence of this claim.[35][36]

This ritual was common in all regions of Balochistan until about fifty years ago and it is still seen in some areas. Today, the Var ritual(Balochi: آیینِ وَر) has given way to the oath of the Quran, and this type of oath also has a special ceremony. The Var ritual has been popular among the Baloch in various forms, the most famous and common of which was with fire or water. The water oath or "Api Sogand" (cold Var)(Balochi: آپی سوگند) was more common in the southern regions of Balochistan, but in general, the oath with fire (hot Var) was more common.[37] The culprit had to prove his innocence by walking through the fire or putting his hands on a hot rod. In Balochi folk stories there are numerous instances when the innocence of the offender had to be proven by putting his hands on the hot stone.[30]

A number of Baloch tribes still preserve and adhere to pre-Islamic traditions, including the Nal oath (a type of oath to prove innocence by passing through fire)[24] which is common among the Baloch around Taftan, and they are bilingual, speaking Parsiwani in addition to the Balochi language.[3][38]

Traditional games

street football - Baloch in Iran, Kerman

The Baloch have many traditional games that are a legacy from the past and rooted in Baloch culture.[30]

Chal bazi(Balochi: چَل‌بازی) A group game played between two teams with equal numbers of 5 people. Each team avoids the other group by swimming and splashing water on the other side, and they reach the starting place and find the wood and announce it. Whichever team scores more points wins.[39][40]

Kala chal chal(Balochi: کلاچَلچَل) Two teams stand facing each other four to five meters from the circle. The players run towards the circle as soon as they hear their number. The goal is to reach the hat and return to their team. Whoever can remove the hat first wins that round.[39][40]

Kapag(Balochi: کَپَگ) This game can be played with 10 to 12 people and is played by children and teenagers. circles should be drawn on the ground and people should be divided into two groups. People fight each other by holding one of their legs and pushing the combination.[39][40]

Lagosh(Balochi: لگوش) is played in the palm groves of Balochistan. The number of participants is between 5 and 20 people. In this game, one person is known as the wolf. He holds a "pag/dastar(balochi turban) in his hand that is decorated in a knitted form. goes after people and when he hits someone with this pag, that person becomes a wolf. .[39][40]

Camel riding is one of the indigenous sports of Balochistan, which is more common, especially in the cities of Khash and Iranshahr(Iran), Nimruz(Balochistan Afghanistan)and is held on special occasions.[39][40]

Riding horse, Horse race and sports resembling or archery provided sound practical training for young men is popular among the Baloch.[30] Balochi horse is a breed of horse native to the Balochistan.

Cuisine

Main article: Baloch cuisine

Balochi bread

Baloch cuisine is noted for its traditional and unique food culture. Dalag is among the prominent dishes regarded by the Baloch people as a core element of their culture and identity. Sajji is familiar in other parts of the country.[41][42]

Tabaheg (Balochi: تباهگ) is a traditional Balochi food in which the meat is salted and dried with sour pomegranate and salt. Tabaheg is cooked with rice. Tabaheg is one of the most famous foods of Balochistan region.[43][44]

Cinema

Main article: Balochi cinema

Balochi cinema refers to the Balochi-language film industry in Pakistan, Iran, and among the Baloch diaspora.[45]

In Iran, Balochi theatre is in its infancy stage and is concentrated mainly in Zahedan, Iranshahr, and Khash. As of 2008, Zahedan-based Honorkadeh Saba was the sole cultural institution promoting Balochi cinema and theatre.[46]

In recent years, a younger generation of Baloch filmmakers has emerged in Balochistan and Karachi, as part of the new wave of Pakistani cinema. This phase has witnessed the production of quality short films as well as documentaries focusing on social and political issues. Balochi films often show social grievances, oppression, torture, human rights violations, and life as a stranger.[47]

Festivals

Baloch Culture Day is celebrated by the Balochi people annually on 2 March with festivities to celebrate their rich culture and history.[48]

On 2 March,[49] Baloch people celebrate its culture day every year, where people from different villages gather together to organise various cultural programs. It marks its historical significance across the provincial state.[50] The events include folk music, dance, craft exhibition and other activities.[51]

Religion

The Baloch are predominantly Muslim, with the vast majority belonging to the Hanafi school of Sunni Islam, but there is also tiny proportion of Shia in Balochistan.[52][53]

Before the Islam era, the Baloch were the followers of Mazdakian and Manichean sects of Zoroastrian.[54][27][55]

See also

• Balochi clothing
• Balochi needlework
• Balochi cinema
• Balochi dance
• Balochi rug
• Balochi needlework

References

1. Dashti, Naseer (2012). The Baloch and Balochistan. Trafford Publishing. ISBN 9781466958968.
2. Zehi, Pirmohamad. "A Cultural Anthropology of Baluchis". Iran Chamber Society.
3. Carina،Korn, Jahani،Korn (2003). The Baloch and Their Neighbours. Reichert. pp. 49, 314–317, 248, 260. ISBN 9783895003660.
4. "The Balochi Language Project". Uppsala University. Retrieved December 17, 2024.
5. Ethnologue report for Southwestern Iranian languages
6. "A Brief Introduction to Balochi Literature" (PDF). Uppsala University."
7. "The Balochi Language Project". Uppsala University. Retrieved December 17, 2024.
8. Jahani, Carina (1989). Standardization and Orthography in the Balochi Language. Uppsala University.
9. "Remembering the tragedy and legend of Hani and Sheh Mureed". Daily Times. 2019-03-08. Retrieved 2020-05-09.
10. "Baloch literature is the repository of love and romanticism". The Nation. 2017-05-26. Retrieved 2020-05-09.
11. "Kiyya and Sadu are the Romeo and Juliet in Baloch folklore". Daily Times. 2019-02-26. Retrieved 2020-05-09.
12. Folk-Lore, Volume 4.
13. "The Story of Doda and Balach". Balochi Linguist. 2011-05-27. Retrieved 2020-05-09.
14. "BALUCHISTAN iii. Baluchi Language and Literature". Encyclopædia Iranica.
15. Dames, Mansel Longworth (1904). The Baloch race. A historical and ethnological sketch. London, Royal Asiatic society.
16. Aquil Khan Mengal, Aquil Khan (1969). A Course in Baluchi Volume 2. Institute of Islamic Studies, McGill University.
17. Carina،Korn, Jahani،Korn (2003). The Baloch and Their Neighbours. Reichert. p. 260. ISBN 9783895003660.
18. Windfuhr, Gernot (2012). The Iranian Languages. Routledge. p. 635. ISBN 9781135797034.
19. "AŠKAŠ". Encyclopædia Iranica.
20. Sakata, Hiromi Lorraine (January 2001). "Music of Makran: Traditional Fusion from Coastal Balochistan. Topic. TSCD 916. Recorded and annotated by Anderson Bakewell. 2019., byHiromi Lorraine Sakata, 2020". cambridge. 33: 201. doi:10.2307/1519672. JSTOR 1519672.
21. Numsi, G. (January 2020). "The Performance and Patronage of Baloch Culture through Music (and Related Arts) in the Eastern Arabian Peninsula".
22. "CLOTHING xviii. Clothing of the Baluch in Persia". Encyclopædia Iranica.
23. "CLOTHING xix. Clothing of the Baluch in Pakistan and Afghanistan". Encyclopædia Iranica.
24. Afshar, Iraj (1992). Balochistan and its ancient civilization (in Persian). Printing and Publishing Organization of the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance. pp. 89–90, 101, 127.
25. Carr, Butler, Anna, Richard (2024). The Routledge Handbook of Tourism and Indigenous Peoples. Taylor & Francis. p. 373. ISBN 9781040086629.
26. Zendeh del, Hasan (2000). Effects of nomadic tourism (in Persian). Irangardan. pp. 176&179. ISBN 978-964-6635-29-6.
27. Ahmady, Kameel (2013). From Border to Border Research Study on Identity and Ethnicity in Iran. Avaye Buf. p. 100. ISBN 9788794295314.
28. Heidari, Zahra (2016-11-13). "سوزن‌دوزی بلوچ، هنری ریشه‌دار در تاریخ" [Baloch embroidery, an art rooted in history]. ایسنا (ISNA) (in Persian). Retrieved 2022-03-11.
29. "Baloch Society & culture". Baask.com. Archived from the original on 16 September 2011. Retrieved 7 September 2010.
30. Dashti, Jan Muhammad (2020). The Baloch Cultural Heritage. Trafford Publishing. pp. 93–144. ISBN 9781698702872.
31. Under the Drones, 2012, Lutz Rzehak, pp. 145
32. Jalib Baloch, Habib (2006). Balochistan Statehood and Nationalism. Routledge IndJ. Perekan Academy of Social Sciencesa. p. 16.
33. Sultana, Farhat (May 1, 2013). "Ethnicity and Healing Rituals in Gwadar, Balochistan, Pakistan". The Journal of the Middle East and Africa. 4 (2): 169–185. doi:10.1080/21520844.2013.831020.
34. Korn, Jahani, Titus, Agnes , Carina , Paul Brian (2008). The Baloch and Others Linguistic, Historical and Socio-political Perspectives on Pluralism in Balochistan. Reichert Verlag. p. 290. ISBN 9783895005916.
35. Rooman, Anwar (2005). Balochi language and literature. Institute of Writing & Research Balochistan. p. 46. ISBN 9789698396275.
36. Zubairī, Jamīl (2002). Folk Tales of Baluchistan. Royal Book Company. pp. 23–28. ISBN 9789694072739.
37. "پژوهشی درباره آیینِ ور در بلوچستان" [A study on the Var ritual in Balochistan] (PDF). Tarbiat Modares University فارسی (in Persian). Retrieved 14 January 2025.
38. Jahani,Karina, Agnes,Korn (2022). The Baloch and their Neighbours, Ethnic and Linguistic Contact in Balochistan in Historical and Modern Time. Cambridge University. p. 248. ISBN 3-89500-366-2.
39. "آشنایی با بازی‌های بومی سیستان و بلوچستان" [The indigenous games of Sistan and Baluchestan]. Hamshahri فارسی (in Persian). 15 January 2020. Retrieved 23 December 2024.
40. "فراموشی بازی های بومی و محلی در پی بی تدبیری مسئولان" [Forgetting indigenous and local games due to the indiscretion of officials]. Mehr News Agency فارسی (in Persian). 28 July 2018. Retrieved 23 December 2024.
41. "Dalag — a popular Baloch dish". Daily Times. May 23, 2019.
42. "Baloch dishes gaining popularity in twin cities". The Nation. March 3, 2018.
43. "Discovering flavours and tastes of Balochistan". 30 April 2022. Retrieved January 10, 2024.
44. ""تباهگ" زینت بخش سفره های سحری مردم بلوچستان" ["Tabaheg" adorns the Suhar tables of the people of Balochistan]. Islamic Republic News Agency (in Persian). 29 May 2018.
45. Taheri, Ahmad Reza (2012). The Baloch in Post Islamic Revolution Iran. Lulu.com. p. 87. ISBN 9780557328376.
46. Taheri, Ahmad Reza (2012). The Baloch in Post Islamic Revolution Iran: A Political Study. Lulu. p. 87. ISBN 9780557328376.
47. Rehman, Zia-ur (5 May 2016). "A new lease of life for Balochi cinema?". The News. Retrieved 27 August 2016.
48. "Baloch Cultural Day celebrated with colourful functions, gatherings". Pakistan Today. 2 March 2018. Retrieved 21 April 2018.
49. "Baloch Culture Day". The Nation. Pakistan. 12 March 2019.
50. "Baloch Cultural Day celebrated with colourful functions, gatherings". Pakistan Today.
51. "Baloch Culture Day festivities observed across the Balochistan". radio.gov.pk.
52. Korn, Agnes; Jahani, Carina; Titus, Paul Brian, eds. (2008). The Baloch and Others Linguistic, Historical and Socio-political Perspectives on Pluralism in Balochistan. Reichert Verlag. p. 12. ISBN 9783895005916.
53. "Baloch people". Encyclopædia Britannica.
54. Dashti 2012, p. 142.
55. Rathore, Azad Singh (2021). Balochistan The Heights of Oppression. Partridge Publishing India. p. 12. ISBN 9781543706642.