Anglo Marri wars

In the 19th and 20th century, many wars have been took place between the tribesmen of Marri tribe and the forces of Anglo Raj, in which both sides bearded casualties in one or another time.

1840 war

Pre war scenario

In the 4th decade of 19th century; Baluch had almost lost their national identity after the martyrdom of Mir Mehrab Khan (Baloch ruler) and fall of Kalat (princely state) by the hands of the Anglo forces. [ Baluchistan: Politcal Struggle by Justice ‘’’Munir Ahmed Marri’’’, Gosha-e-Adab publication, Quetta, 1989] Subsequently, a type of mutual understanding had been took place between the British India and king of Iran for the distribution of Balochistan territory between them for the best of their greater and longer interest without the consultation and agreement from Baluchs. [Baluchistan: Politcal Struggle by Justice ‘’’Munir Ahmed Marri’’’, Gosha-e-Adab publication, Quetta, 1989] The peoples of Kalat State and Baluch tribesmen felt that Anglo and Iranian are become master of their fate. According to ‘’’Mir Khuda Bakhsh Marri’’’, the invasions of Kalat (princely state) and the martyrdom of Mihrab Khan at the hands of the British Army no doubt opened the doors of [Balochistan to active British interference in political as well as military affairs and finally introduced British suzerainty, but at the same time, it generated reactionary feelings of nationalism among the Baloch People. [Search Lights on Baluches & Baluchistan, page-243]

Cause of war

The relations of Marri with the British commenced in 1840 with attacks made on the communications of Sir John Keane's army, after it had passed through the Bolan Pass. [Encyclopedia of Britannica, 11th Edition]

Military Assaults

An attempt was made by British Forces to punish the tribe, which ended in disastrous failure. Major Clibborn was repulsed in an attempt to storm the Naffusak Pass, losing 179 killed and 92 wounded out of 650. Many of his force died of heat and thirst. The fort of Kahan, which he was trying to relieve at the time, was forced to capitulate with the honors of war. The Marris, however, joined the British against the Bugtis in 1845. [Encyclopedia of Britannica, 11th Edition] After the annexation of Sindh in 1843 the Marris gave much trouble, but were pacified by the policy of General John Jacob and Sir Robert Sandeman. [Encyclopedia of Britannica, 11th Edition]

1880 Compagins

In 1880 during the second Afghan War they made frequent raids on the British line of communications, ending with the plunder of a treasure convoy. A force of 3070 British troops under Brigadier-General Macgregor marched through the country, and the tribe submitted and paid r1/4 lakh (£ 12,500) out of a fine of 2 lakhs (£20,000); they also gave hostages for their future good behavior. [Encyclopedia of Britannica, 11th Edition]

1917 war

During the World war I, the British Forces were facing a shortage of recruits for the war but Marri reluctant to join their ranks. Subsiquently clashes broke out in the tribal areas which lasted for many years. Hundreds died from both side. At last Marri tribes agree to support the British Forces. They also agree to pay money in this regard but they refuse to send their youth in the war for the sake of British crown.

References

*

Bibliography

* Defence of Kahan by Charles Reynold Williams
* "Marri Baloch Jange Mazzahimat" (In English: Marri Baloch, war of resistence) by Shah Mohammad Marri
*"Balochistan Siasi Kashmakash mudhamirat w rujhanaat" (In English: Balochistan Political Conflicts, Aftermaths and Tendencies) by Munir Ahmed Marri Adovocate
* History of Baluch Race & Baluchistan by Mohammad Sardar Khan
* Search Lights on Baluches & Baluchistan by Justice Mir Khuda Bakhsh Khan

ee also

*Marri