Struggle for Power and Politics of Baloch Nationalism, 1929-1947

Abstract

This research paper investigates the politics of the power struggle and emergence of Baloch nationalism during 1929-1947. The aim of this research article is to highlight the political struggle of educated Baloch elites (tribal elites and salaried class) during the last phase of British colonialism in Balochistan which was based on Baloch nationalism. They gradually emerged as a new political force in the Balochistan influencing the old power dynamics between the Khan, the ruler of Kalat state, Sardars and the British government. During this time nationalism was emerging as a strong political force in India as well as in Balochistan against the British colonialism. The existing studies on Baloch nationalism while studying this period misses this important point of power struggle between different political actors in Balochistan. This paper using empirical and analytical method explore the politics nationalism and its impacts on power structure of Balochistan which would help us understand the current dilemmas of Baloch politics.