Makran (princely state)

Establishment

Their ancestor, Jagat Singh, had migrated from Rajputana in the 17th century and converted to Islam. The Gichki now identify as Baloch.^[5] The political turmoil in Makran during the 17th and 18th centuries attracted several bands of raiders from the neighbouring regions; among them were Buledi, Gichki, and Nausherwanis, the latter of whom were said to have originated in northeast Iran,^[6] who later established their state in Kharan.

According to a locally well-known tradition from Makran, the ancestors of Gichki were forty Rajput horsemen from north; in an alliance with Buledi, Gichki killed the then ruler of Kech, a certain Malik Mirza. Soon conflict broke out between the two tribes and Gichki ousted Buledi as well, hence gaining complete control over Makran. Fabietti considers the factuality of some of the details mentioned in this account uncertain, although he believes that the migration of Gichki Rajputs and the struggle between them and Buledi probably had a historical basis.^[7]

Administration

The administration of the realm was subdivided between various branches. Two major branches of the Gichkis, Isazai and Dinarzai ruled Panjgur and Kech respectively.^[8]

British Era

The advent of British rule weakened the influence of Kalat, allowing Gichki Nawabs to assert their internal independence again.

Architecture

Gichki castles in Kech were surveyed by Fiorani Piacentini et al. between 1987 and 1991, who described their architecture as a blend of Rajput heritage of Gichki Nawabs and the Persian culture followed by them.^[9]

Accession to Pakistan

On 21 March 1948, after the partition of India, the rulers of Makran, Kharan, and Las Bela all announced that they were ceding their states to the Dominion of Pakistan. Their rulers signed the official documents.^[10]The last Nawab, Mir Baian Gichki acceded to Pakistan in 1947.^[11][12]