Chapter 203: Fall of Baloch Part-1
Balochistan, a semi-arid region located between the Safavid Empire and the Mughal Empire in the 16th century, was dominated by various tribes, each ruling distinct areas.
In the northwest, along the Safavid border, the Gichkis tribe held power. To the southwest, along the Makran coast, the Rind tribe was dominant. In the central plateau region around Kalat, the Khanates controlled the area. The Jamot tribe ruled the southeastern region, while the northeastern part of Balochistan was governed by the Kakar tribe, along with their smaller allies, the Marri and Bugti tribes. These northeastern tribes played a crucial role in controlling the Bolan Pass, where they collected tolls from those entering Balochistan.
It was a region that remained independent for centuries, not due to its strength, but because none of the empires found much interest in its low-fertility lands. Its value lay primarily as a buffer zone between larger powers.
However, in this parallel world, the status quo changed as both empires saw an opportunity. They sought to incorporate the region into their territories, recognizing the strategic advantage it offered and the potential to expand their influence.
With a twist of fate, while the Safavids still awaited fresh reinforcements along their eastern borders, the Pakistan Sultanate struck first, attacking the eastern territories.
The first blow of horror came crashing down on the settlement of Sibi, ruled by Khuda Baksh, a 50-year-old leader who had governed his lands for 26 years. Under his reign, Sibi had prospered as he forged alliances with the Kakar tribes, resolved disputes with the Marri, and even defeated the encroaching Rind tribe, whose descendants had been trying to establish a foothold in the northeast.
Over time, the population swelled to around 2,000-2,500, marking the rise of a booming town. Towering walls were erected to fortify the settlement, along with watchtowers to guard key outposts.
Never in their wildest dreams did the people of Sibi imagined that the Mughals, with whom they had maintained decades of peace and paid tribute, would suddenly launch an attack. Their walls trembled as Mughal cannons unleashed a relentless bombardment, shaking the very foundation of their settlement.
In the small mansion that served as the chief’s palace, Khuda Baksh paced the floor with anxious steps, his brow furrowed as the rumble of Mughal bombardments echoed through the walls. Subordinate leaders and their families present there in the scene huddled together. Their fear was evident in the quiet murmurs of the women and children who were clinging to one another as the walls trembled.
Suddenly, one of his men burst through the door who was breathless with urgency. "Chief! We’ve confirmed the attack is from the Mughals. Their numbers are no less than five hundred. The darkness has shrouded our vision, but they are well-prepared. "
A wave of murmurs filled the room, gasps escaping the lips of the families gathered inside. The tension thickened as fear spread like wildfire. Women tightened their hold on their children, and the air buzzed with unease.
"We should negotiate," one of the subordinates suggested, his voice barely audible over the growing anxiety.