Gichki

Gichki (Baluchi: گچکی ) There are different historical explainations of their origin. It is said that they were from the Rajputs of india and they settled in balochistan after 15 a.d. Some historians also say that they were native inhabitants of Gichk in Panjgur] .

They mostly live in Makkuran area of Balochistan, and have ruled the region from 1740 till 1974. The land was distributed amongst different Gichki clans from Kech to Panjgur. Gichki tribe is supposed to be the Royal family in Makkuran. The word "GICHKI" is derived from a place named "GICHK" in Panjgur district of Balochistan. It has relations with many other Royal families of Balochistan including the Jam of Lasbela, Khan of Kalat and Chiefs of the Mengal tribes.

The Gichkis of Makran are most commonly divided into two sub-tribes. The Dinarzai and the Qasimzai. The Qasimzai are a clan of QASIM. They ruled Kech and Panjgur. While Dinarzai are a Clan of MALIK DINNAR who ruled the Iran border areas of TUMP and MAND ( also Gawadar ). Malik Dinnar was popular for his bravery. ( for more information consult the History of Balochistan by Raey Bahadar Hathu Ram ).

They are categorized between the pure Gichkis and the Tolag Gichkis, who were born of non-Gichki mothers. But nowadays this concept is weaning out as most of them have inter-married with other tribes and the pure Gichkis left are very few.

The Tribal Chiefs are called Sardars. When Makran was declared a separate state, the Sardar of Kech, Sardar Bhai Khan was made the NAWAB of Makran State. But the Sardar of Tump, Sardar Mir Mouladad Gichki remained independent from the Nawab of [Kech] .

Presently the heir of the tribe is the Nawab of Kech Nawab Khalid Jan Gichki and the Sardar of Tump is Sardar Mir Ahmad Jan Gichki who is the son of Sardar Mouladad Gichki.

The Father of Sardar Mouladad Gichki , Sardar Nadir Shah Gichki was killed with his whole family by his Iranian relatives. His two sons (Mouladad Gichki and Haji Murad Jan Gichki)were fortunately not at home at the time of that unfortunate event. Sardar Nadir Khan's elder son Mouladad Gichki was made the Sardar of Tump. When Jam Ghulam Mohammad was assassinated in Lasbela, the British government made Haji Murad Jan Gichki the Caretaker of the State because of his close relations with the deceased. When the son of Jam Ghulam Mohammad grew up he was made the Jam of Lasbela Jam Ghulam Qadir.

One of the Sons of Haji Murad Jan Gichki, Aslam Jan Gichki was the leader of Baluch guerrilla activities from 1973-1977 in the hills of Makkuran near Jhao. Known as the Prince in his college days, he was inspired by the Marxist-Leninist ideals. He most probably the last of the Gichkis was also known by many national and international personalities by the likes of Selig S. Harrison (see In Afghanistan's Shadow; Baluch Nationalism and Soviet temptations) During the amnesty which Zia offered and most of the leaders who were with him returned, he came back to live in Pakistan. He was also the member of the provincial government of Balochistan. He was assassinated by the Son of his brother in-law in 9th-June-2002. His son, a debauch, is now the minister of livestock in the provincial government. It is said he compromised on the blood of his father and got the seat from Awaran. Some say it is about time for the Baluch tribes to unite in the interest of Baluchistan.

The Gichkis were few in number but they were known for their bravery and gallantry which is the reason why they ruled the area for a very long period of time. One of the Gichki Sardars, Sardar Malik Dinar also fought a bloody battle with the King of Persia King Nadir Shah.

Things after the last Rulers of Makkuran have changed though. Now they are nearly non-existent and financially weak and still suicidally divided. Some major events have proven that they are tribally very weak and divided. Bravery, and the Baluch rawaj and customs to them is now a thing of the past. Apart from a few, most of them have been apathetic about their education. And the tribal heads who are left are notorious for their indolence.

Presently Nawab Khalid Jan Gichki is residing in Turbat. The family of Sardar Nadir Shah is residing in Tump. i.e. Nadir Jan Gichki, Sardar Ahmed Jan Gichki, Ghulam Nabi Gichki, Abdullah Jan Gichki and other renowned personalities of this family. Amanullah Gichki is a famous scholar of Balochi Culture and actively involved in Politics. He remained the Federal Minister and Ambassador.

One of the most shrewd figure in the Gichki family was that of Sardar Mehrab Khan. He was the one who lead an army along with Sardar Baluch Khan Nousherwani against the British near Gokprosh Pidark. He is said to be one of the most able of men in Gichki family. For more information consult the Gazzetteer of Balochistan and the History of Balochisan by Raey Bahadur Hathu Ram.