A Historical Approach towards Baloch-British Contact: An analysis of Baloch Wars with the Colonial forces (1839-41)

Abstract

Balochistan, due to its strategic position, has faced a myriad of invaders such as Persians, Mughals and finally the British. British contact with Kalat was initially established in the late eighteenth century by British travelers, who were sent by the British Indian Government to gather ample information about Balochistan. By1830’s the British in India were eager to expand their borders into central Asia. Therefore, the British embarked on a strategy to install friendly governments in their northwest frontier that would provide a buffer zone to protect their Indian Empire from foreign enemies. Balochistan, lying at the frontier of British India, came under British consideration. In 1838; British Empire in India anticipated establishing relation with the state of Kalat in Balochistan. Finally, British concluded a treaty with Mehrab Khan subsequently, the ruler of Balochistan during the first Anglo-Afghan war for safe passage through its territory. In contrary, British army faced much resistance and trouble while advancing towards Afghanistan. This created anger among the British policy makers resultantly, Kalat was assaulted. Throughout Balochistan occupation of Kalat created civil resistance on an unpredicted and unprecedented scale. They revolted against British interference and fought against them, which resulted in their submission to the rule of Nasir Khan II. This paper is an attempt to continue the history of the British contact with Baloch and the events of the war which occurred betwixt 1839 to 1841.