The State of Kalabagh: It’s History, Authority and Social Political Setup

Abstract

The thesis draws upon an analysis of colonial records pertaining to the Jagir of Kalabagh. Kalabagh is located on the banks of the Indus River. It had a history of being ruled by the Nawabs for more than 900 years. Their history is started from Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni's reign. Throughout the British colonial era, Kalabagh stayed not granted the status of a princely state. Instead, it remained a jagir or land grant that had been under the rule of the Nawabs since 1100 AD. The control of Kalabagh was established by ancestors of the Nawabs who belonged to the Awan community with Arab origins. The Nawab took great pride in his Awan heritage and asserted that his lineage traced back to a figure named Qutb Shah. Qutb Shah had been an officer in Mahmud of Ghazni's army and the ruler of Herat. Mahmud of Ghazni himself was a successor of the Hashemite lineage. That lineage was connected to the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) through Hazrat Ali (R.A) other than Hazrat Fatima (R.A). This historical connection was important to the Nawab of Kalabagh. These records include reports on income collection from the Jagir, correspondences from commissioners and superintendents, and World War I service records from the Mianwali District. Kalabagh's history is closely tied to British colonial rule and its patronage system. This town was strategically located on a trade route between Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, making it a significant hub for caravans and armies traveling to India in the past. The area had fame and existence mainly due to its salt quarries, alum works and rock oil. All have been essential mineral resources of this area for many centuries. Banday Ali, the grandson of Shaikh Adu and a descendant of Qutab Shah Awan, became the chief of Kalabagh by taking control of the salt mines. He established his authority by controlling the ferry, imposing duties on salt from rock and alum, and collecting honor from the Khatak Bhangi Khel community in the nearby mountains. The area has been a blend of peculiar social, political and historical importance since the ages and it must be preserved for future prospects.