Introduction of Tribal System of District Rajanpur

Home , Buzdar (tribe), Lund (Baloch tribe), Rajanpur, Rajanpur District

Tribal System and its effects on District Rajanpur

RESEARCHER

Farooq Ahmed Roll No. 8 Session: 2014-2016 M. Phil Pakistan Studies (Distance)

SUPERVISOR

Prof. Dr. M. Akber Malik

DEPARTMENT OF Pak. Studies

Abstract

The term tribe is derived from the Latin word 'tribes' meaning the 'poor or the masses'. In English language the word 'tribe' appeared in the sixteenth century and denoted a community of persons claiming descent from a common ancestor. This thesis attempts to give an insight of the tribal system in District Rajanpur and particularly its impacts on its society. The tribal society is a unique society with diversity of nature and people. Many of the tribes with their forest-dwelling culture do not have the motivation or the skill of settled cultivation. As a result, their land has been alienated to their better endowed tribal neighbors or non-tribal’s. There have been many tribal studies in Pakistan based on tribal economy, land alienation, socio-economic development, tribal culture etc. It is highly imperative to have a look at these tribal studies by various Anthropologists, Research scholars, etc.

It will define social change produced by the tribal system in District Rajanpur as a process that causes a transformation in the social, political and economic relations of power in a society. It is not necessarily pro-poor, or positive, depending upon tribe’s political perspective. In our view those processes that lead to a more equitable distribution of power and resources among all members of society, that protect the fundamental rights of citizens of the tribal area of District Rajanpur, and that empower state and other institutions to protect those rights, could be viewed as pro-poor processes of social change.

Statement of Problem

According to title there are three issues to be searched and analyzed:

1. The tribal area and system in District Rajanpur, 2. Socio-cultural values of tribal system,

3. Impacts/effects of tribal system on other than tribal area of District Rajanpur.

Objectives of Research

According to the title of thesis, following objectives are to be considerd for research:. i) To evaluate the geography and demography of tribes living in the boundries of District Rajanpur. ii) To study the socio-cultural features of Tribal area of District Rajanpur. iii) The trend of the people of tribal area of District Rajanpur towards area other than Tribal area. iv) The impact of socio-political and economic impact of tribal system on District

Rajanpur v) The elements affecting the behavior of the tribes and solutions.

In The Name Of Allah The Most Beneficent, Ever Merciful

Table of Contents Sr.No. Page No. Dedication II Statement &Declaration III Certificate IV Acknowledgment V Abstract 1 Introduction 2

Chapter 1; History and Geography of District Rajanpur

1.1 Introduction and History of District Rajanpur 1.2 Physical and Geographical Features of District Rajanpur 1.3 Cultural aspects of District Rajanpur

Chapter 2: Introduction of Tribal System of District Rajanpur

2.1 Tribal Structure and Culture of Tribal Area 2.2 Main Tribes of the Area 2.3 Political Personalities of Tribal Area

Chapter 3: Infrastructure and Socio-Political Problems

3.1 Infrastructure of Tribal System 3.2Socio-Cultural Factors 3.3The Politics of Privilege in Tribal System

Chapter 4: Impacts of Tribal System on District Rajanpur 4.1 Cultural Impacts 4.2 Social Impacts

4.3 Economic and Political Impacts

Conclusion

Bibliography

vii

Introduction

District Rajanpur is mainly a rural district of Punjab. The overall population of the district was 1.104 million in 1998, with a population density of 90 persons per square kilometer. Geographically, Rajanpur is bounded on the north by DG Khan; on its east are Muzaffargurh and Rahimyar Khan and on south lies district Jacobabad while on the west are the districts of Dera

Bugti and Barkan of Balochistan province. Currently, it is comprised of three tehsils: Jampur, Rajanpur and Rojhan. It is mainly an agricultural area and has mineral resources in the form of natural gas, gypsum and uranium.

Remarkable industrial units have also been set up here. Raganpur District has a very particular territory with particular culture, environment and conventions. So keeping in view the particular trends of local populace, during the British rule ―Tuman Dari‖ system was introduced in the tribal belt of this district. The impact of this administrative system still prevails in the political arrangement in the district.

Chieftaincy of various Pro-British tribes was established and demarcation of territories of each such tribe was brought into effect. The domain of each tribe was given the name of ―Tuman‖. The tribal Chief was given semi- autonomous status for administration in his jurisdiction. Rajanpur District has three complete Tumans and part of one Tuman known as:

(i) Tuman Mazari (ii) Tuman Gorchani

(iii) Tuman Deraishak (iv) Tuman Leghari (some part)

In British rule, the Tuman Chieftains enjoyed an authoritative status. Jirga system was at the top of the authority list. After independence all the power, control and authorization of Tuman chiefs have been revoked.

However the impact of their authorities even now a day can be seen in the tribal area of District Rajanpur.If we glance at the electoral conditions of the District, we can see that the chieftains of some particular tribe have been regularly and continuously competing and winning the elections. No alternate political leadership has succeeded to achieve recognition in political field. Its data analytical sketches are as under:

Statement Problem

According to the title ―Tribal System and its effects on District

Rajanpur‖research is oriented with three aspects Tribal System, District

Rajanpur and effects of Tribal system on different fields.

Objectives

In the light of the introduction and statement problem of this research, various factors regarding the manners and the impacts of tribal system will be discussed in my dissertation. The following points are the objectives of my research.

i) The nature of Tribal System in District Rajanpur. ii) The features of Tribal System of District Rajanpur. iii) The trend of the people of tribal area of District Rajanpur towards area

other than Tribal area. iv) The impact of political, social and economic condition on the behavior of

population. v) A survey of the domination of tribal Chiefs, Nawabs and Waderas (feudal

lords). vi) The elements affecting the behavior of the tribes and solutions. vii) Impact of science and technology in tribal areas and indication towards the

future political organizations.

Importance of Research

Research about tribal system is very important because it would provide the

knowledge to the student of Anthropology and Pakistan Study about Tribal

System and still its presence in District Rajanpur even in the period of modernity.

In the same way it will introduces District Rajanpur, its administration socio-

economic sector etc. This research is also interesting and helpful for the culturist

because through it we have to study the customs, traditions and cultural aspects of

Tribal Area. It would also help to study the role of Cheftains of Tribal Area in the

Politics of Pakistan and the contribution of the people of Tribes toward Pakistan.

Research Methodology

During the research course of action following research methods will be adopted.During the research field survey will be conducted. Govt. officers, tribal chiefs, civil society, political workers and politicians will be consulted and discussions will be held with them.To achieve the research objectives documentary resources will be applied. These resources would be the printed as well as non-printed material. These would be of two categories i.e.:

(i) Primary Resources (ii) Secondary Resource.

District Gazettes published in British Rule and the reports complied by the local administration would be the main resources. Moreover, public and government libraries will be consulted which include books magazines and editorials.

Literature Review

There is a lot of literary material about the introduction of Tribal area and

Tribal system in District Rajnpur. In the same many books are present in libraries that are concerned with the customs and traditions of Tribes living in Dera Ghazi Kahn Division. But I have to review few of them which are more authentic and provide firsthand knowledge about the topic.

“Tawarikh Dera Ghazi Khan” is written by Munshi Hokum Chand

Assistant Commissioner of Dera GhaziKhan in 1975 and Published by

Indus Publications. It is divided in four parts and each part further divided in chapters. It consists of 869 pages. It is written in ancient Urdu. It is a primary source about the history, administrations, Tribes and customs of

Dera Ghazi Khan. In the past Present District Rajanpur was a part of

District Dera Ghazi Khan so it is also discussed in it.

Title of part one is Geography and all issues concerning to geography like area, boundaries, rivers, introduction of different cities that are part of

District are given discussed in it briefly. In this chapter Rajanpur along with its tribal area are also discussed in it. Part second is about the Tribes and costs living in Dera Ghazi Kahn and its different parts. In the same chapters religious, social, triabl customs and traditions are also highlighted after deep observations. Part three is also of same nature. Part fourth is about the administration with respect to government taxes.

“Gul Bahar” is also a primary source about the Tribal area ad Tribal system. It was compiled by Hato Ram in 1962 and later edited by Aziz

Muhammad Bugti in 1982 and published by Baloch Acadmey Quetta. It is divided in four parts and each part is further divided in four chapters that are expanded on 377 pages.

Chapter one of part first is about the introduction of District Dera Ghazi

Khan and its administrative organization. In the same chapter tehsils of

Dera Ghazi Khan Snagher, Jampur and Rajanpur are also discussed in detail. Chapter second is about the introduction of boundaries areas like

Sindh, Bahawalpur State, Dera Ismail Khan, Quetta and Afghanistan.

Chapter three is ancient populations and area.

Capter one of part second is about the casts and populations of Dera Ghazi

Khan. Chapter second is about the traditions and customs of different casts are describes. Chapter three is about Sayed and Pathan tribes of District

Dera Ghazi Khan. Chapter four is related to my research. It is about the introduction of all Baloch Tribes living in Dera Ghazi Khan and its attached areas like Khosas, Laghari, Buzdar, Mazari, Gorchani, etc. Part three is about the nature of land, business and production of District Dera Ghazi

Khan. Part four is about official income and expenditures.

Mughees Ahmad and Fozia Naseem (2011) in their article ―Social System

Influences Political System: A Comparative Study of Subcontinent‖ have made a study of the Tribalsystem and its impacts on politics of Pakistan with special reference to the province of Punjab. They believe that local culture is significant for social system which ultimately impacts the political system. In the study of comparative politics, political behaviour is based on attitude, believes and values which are related directly to the

caste-system. Thus the Triabl system becomes a significant factor influencing political behavior, particularly in the area of Districts D. G

Khan and Rajanpur.Going further, the author discusses “Tribesand

Biradaries” as a specific socio-cultural kinship which ensures identity in politics of Punjab. Therefore, Tribalsystem has appeared a dominant force in the Dera Ghazi Kahn Division social and political system. It effectively determines the voting behavior and also being taken as an important factor in election campaigns.

Raza Rumi (2009) in his article ―Casteism: Alive and Well in Pakistan

(Punjab)‖ has discussed his personal experience with caste-system of

Punjab. He finds two conflicting tracks of local cultural attitudes in political behaviour in the province of Punjab, the caste on the one hand, and sectarianism on the other. His study focused on the role of the two with illustration from different events in the rural area of the province of Punjab.

He mostly covers all parts of Pakistan in his brief study that includes both

Sindh almost rural and Karachi. He finds that not only rural but also urban cultures influences political behavior of the people. However, he does not throw any light on the politics of Punjab with special reference to localism as an influential factor in the political process.

Ajmal Kamal (2012) in his article ―Caste in Punjab‖ has developed a case study focusing on what he call ―the fabric of our language‖ as an important

determinant of politics of Pakistan with special reference to Punjab. He believes that Punjab had never been free from the caste-system in its historical perspective being a social reality affecting politics of ―divisions, prejudice and discrimination‖. Punjab had always been influenced by

Biradari system which created the basis of Qaums and Zats whichhad its roots in Hinduism, Sikhism and even in Islam. But Christianity kept itself its own religious beliefs away from such social distinctions. However during the British Raj, the three religious beliefs kept continuity of cultural division based on caste in its local political activities and behavior.

Conclusion

Before going ahead, it would be expedient to enlighten the historical background of Rajanpur. Study of history reveals that the fort of Harrand was constructed by Hindu ―Raja Harnacus‖ and his son ―Lok Bhagat‖ on the style of Monojodero that is the reason structure of Harrand Fort seems contemporaneous civilization of Monojodero. Study of history also revealed that Muslim rulers from Muhammad Bin Qasim to Ahmed Shah

Abdali had maintained their sovereignty at this area. Consequently, Jat,

Nahar, Lodhi and Baloch were the prominent Tribes. Later on, the said

Makhdoom Sheikh Rajan Shah added word ―Pur‖ after his name during the year, 1732-33. Since it calls Rajanpur.

Consequently this area had remained under the domination of different rulers i.e. Baloch tribes, Nadir Shah Barohi, Khan of Qalat, Mahraja

Ranjeet Singh, Nawab of Bahawalpur and Sawansigh. When the British rulers attacked the Sub-Continent during the year 1849, this area comes under the Flag of British Government. The Baloch tribes who were famous due to their stubbornness refused to accept the regime of British

Government. Since the Western border was inhabited by Baloch tribes on both sides. Border Military Police was created and area was divided into two parts i.e settled as ―A‖ and tribal belt was declared as B-Area. Tribal area is a hilly linear stretch running North to South. Criminal‘s tribes across

the provincial border often infiltrate into Punjab through the tribal areas.

There is no effective check on their movement. Previously it was Sub-

Divisional Headquarter of District Dera Ghazi Khan. It was created as independent district on 01.07.1982. The principal tribes are Mazari,

Dreeshak, Gorchani, Buzdar, Gopang, Lund and Ghasgori. Rojhan Su-

Division is mainly populated by Mazari tribes; Dreeshak tribe is dominating in Tehsil Rajanpur while Gorchanies are in majority in Jampur

Sub-Division. People have nomadic mode of existence which incidentally facilitate the commission of crime with little scope either for preventive or detection.

The topography of area creates another problem, the area is adjacent with

Suleman hills, which are always very hospitable abode for the criminals.

The Western part of the district is adjacent with Dera Bugti Agency, Kohlu

Agency and Barkhan Agency. Rojhan Sub-Division is mainly populated by

Mazari tribes, whereas its Western part is dominatedly inhabited by Bugtis.

The history of tribal feuds between the said tribes has been over decades on issues like stealing/snatching. Though, these both tribes are close relatives, as Meer Balkh Sher Mazari is chief of Mazaris, while Bugtis are followers of Late Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti. But they usually have been remained at dagger drawn on different issues. The tussle and rivalry had remained several years in which many precious lives are lost. In case of any serious

dispute between them, they approached their chiefs who interfere and patched up the matter on their own accord.

Crime is product of society. No offence can be committed in isolation. Men differ. Similarly geographical and ecological factors give birth to peculiar customs and traditions in a particular society. A man can be corrected after studying his psychology. A society can be purged only after studying the people minutely with reference to its specific geographical, social, cultural and economic conditions, ecological factors and customs, tradition and usage. Rajanpur, when studied in this context is a unique district.

This district has mixed culture of three Provinces i.e. Punjab, Sindh and

Balochistan. The population is predominantly Baloch by caste hence the

Balochi norms are paramount. Urban areas are mockery of town and cities.

Almost all the population lives in rural areas. They are governed by their specific customs and traditions. They have inculcated in them a false but exaggerated sense of morality and ego. Women folk are in most wretched conditions. Their plight cannot be expressed in words.

The persons living in rural areas do not live in villages. They have their individual abodes away from others, at their lands. They have no headman or Chowkidar as there are few regular villages. They cannot tolerate a stranger at their door-step. Any visitor will have to call the residents from a

considerable distance from the house, so that it may not be suspected that visitor has come to see any women. They share bed with their wives and do not allow them to sleep on a separate cot for fear of immorality. Polygamy is common. District Police remains handicapped for the hot pursuit.

Examples of Bugti intruders can be quoted in this regard. According to rules an important factor is that keeping sophisticated fire arms is not a crime in B-Area as a tradition. Moreover it is a normal practice that out- laws and proclaimed offenders after committing crime in settled area, cross over to tribal area where district police can‘t enter.

Tribal area of Rajinpur is a typical locality it falls into categories what

Cifford Greetz calls ―old society and new state.‖ With its background combining colonialism, cultural pluralism, Islamic and traditional political trend including impact of tribalsystem in its day to day life, Pakistan politics in complicated with particular reference to Rajinpur. Although education and ideas have brought changes in political thinking and meaning of dependent political trend, the majority of Rajinpur population living in rural area is still strongly influenced by its traditional value-system of religion, socio-political tribes. Therefore in the great task of making

Rajinpur a stable political society there is need to weld together the diverse tribes, families and religious groups. Pakistan fits into castes fully low political culture.

The trends discussed above had led to a high degree of distrust in the political system of Rajinpur which has brought the policy formulation task under the hands of central authority, creating despotic rule even under the umbrella of democracy. This part of South Punjab is influenced by its traditional life style and its people still live under supremacy of their family relations rooted in tribal system. These tribes carry authoritarian socio- political structure and, therefore, their role in political participation is passive. Although rural culture of tribal area of Rajinpur is under transformation because of the impact of rising education, however the rural people in general are still sub-subservient to their socio-cultural traditional background living under tribal system. Consequently the rural political culture of tribal area of Rajinpur is parochial which implies that either the general public does not understand the political system or if they do, they do not participate.

Hence the traditional elites such as tribal chiefs are the backbone of the political order ultimately influencing political voting trend of the rural populations. The study of the two constituencies of tribal area of Rajinpur developing its modernity urban contracts, ultimately the impact of different elements influence the larger areas of the districts which lies in the countryside because of tribes are the main features of political decisions making process. Pakistan is suffering participatory crisis particularly in the

region of South Punjab due to the strong influence of religion and linguistic issues. It has low and fragmented political culture leading to authoritarian nature of rule.

The historical impact on the region of tribal area of Rajinpur has played significant role in developing tribal culture, dividing it into tribes and making it pluralistic culture. Broadly speaking, the people of that are speak the same language, eat the same food, wear the same clothes and their living style is almost same. But internally they are deeply divided on the different basis in their socio-political trend. Politically, they are bound together to participate in their voting trend under the umbrella of their tribes. Hence the tribal culture is not only pluralistic but also a low political culture. Consequently, tribes in their political trend are passive in general.

A large number of population carry rural background which has made them radically traditional and therefore, static and passive in their socio-cultural attitude and trend. Thus the influence of tribal system has itself created a unique political culture for its people, which are considered as backbone of their voting trend.