Abstract
The Balochs, an ancient race but with a variety of opinions about their historical background and origin, could achieve the status of a distinct social group after a considerable length of time. They possess a brilliant history in terms of their warlike habits, bravery, literature and poetry. Right from Alexander the Great, various invaders from Arabia, Afghanistan and Central Asian region invariably adopted the route through their homeland (as Balochistan conceived at present) as an easy access to their respective destinies in the subcontinent. Their longest period under foreign subjugation was under the British stretching over more than hundred years. All these events cast deep impact over their socio-political fabric and orientation but they still have a strong sense of ethnic affiliation based on their shared history and culture. The instant study intends to examine the process of evolution of nationalist trends among the Balochs. For that purpose, it explores the historical background of the Baloch race along with their subsequent concentration in the present region of Balochistan in various phases of history and the emergence of the Khanate of Kalat in the mid of the second millennia which had a special significance for them. It also discusses the evolution of nationalist trends within the Balochs against the British imperialism during the pre-partition era.
Keyword(s)
Balochistan, Baloch Nationalism, Khanate of Kalat, British Imperialism