Makran in the 10th Century

Introduction

The region of Makran was not always arid like it is today. It was lush green with fertile lands, grassland valleys, and steppes with large diverse populations and thriving trading centers and ports. The center of power was the city of Kiz (modern-day Turbat in Kech, Balochistan, Pakistan). The main commercial port was the town of Tiz (modern-day Chahbahar in Sistan and Baluchestan, Iran). The land was famous for its production of vines, oranges, pomegranates, sugarcanes, and sugar candy.

Political Conditions

Makran was ruled by two principalities: Qusdar and Makran. The principality of Qusdar was centered in the city of Qusdar (modern-day Khuzdar in Balochistan, Pakistan), while the principality of Makran was centered in Panjgur, the capital of the entire region. Makran was home to a road network (marked in red). The Ghaznavids also regularly used a route to assert control (marked in blue). These networks are linked with other trade routes for regional connectivity (marked in yellow).

Geographic Significance

The region was on the crossroads of Khorasan, Fars, and Sindh (which included much of modern-day Pakistan back then). Due to its location, the region faced numerous invasions. The Buyids and later the Ghaznavids (from Sebuktegin onwards) extracted tribute from the Ma'danid rulers of this region. They (especially the rulers of Qusdar) routinely rebelled against the ruling Ghaznavids throughout much of the 10th and 11th centuries.

Demographics

The region was home to many indigenous people. The Makrani people were a Makri (a unique dialect of Persian) speaking population who inhabited much of the region. The Baloch (also known as Regi by the Arabs) resided across the countryside in tribal communities. The Koch lived around the Kech river basin and formed a distinct group. The Sindhis resided in the frontier regions with Sindh and regularly practiced agriculture in plantations along the Indus.

References

Raza, S. J. (2013, January). MUKRAN AND THE GHAZNAVIDS. In Proceedings of the Indian History Congress (Vol. 74, pp. 196-204). Indian History Congress.

Haig, M. R. (1896). Ancient and Mediæval Makran. The Geographical Journal, 7(6), 668-674.