The history of Dera Ghazi Khan is a tapestry woven with threads of ancient civilizations, conquerors, and the ebb and flow of various dynasties. Dating back to antiquity, the region has witnessed the rise and fall of empires, leaving an indelible mark on its cultural and historical landscape. The early history of Dera Ghazi Khan is intertwined with the ancient civilizations that thrived along the banks of the Indus River. As trade routes flourished, the region became a melting pot of diverse cultures and influences. The archaeological remnants scattered across the area bear testament to the rich historical tapestry that unfolded over the centuries. The Muslim conquest of Sindh in 711 A.D. by Muhammad Bin Qasim marked a significant chapter in Dera Ghazi Khan's history. The Arab rule persisted for several centuries, with periods of upheaval and local insurrections. The subsequent establishment of independent kingdoms, both Muslim and Hindu, created a complex political mosaic in the region.
The arrival of the Langahs, who governed Multan independently from 1445 A.D. to 1526 A.D., and the subsequent Mughal rule following Babar's conquest in 1526 A.D., further shaped the socio-political landscape of Dera Ghazi Khan. The Mughal era brought a period of stability and cultural flourishing to the region. However, the rise and fall of dynasties continued, with the Mirranis taking control in the 15th century and the eventual dominance of the Sikhs in the 18th century. The invasion of Nadir Shah in 1740 A.D. and the subsequent rule of the Gujars in 1769 A.D. marked pivotal moments in the region's history.
Foundation and Establishment of Dera Ghazi Khan
The foundation and establishment of Dera Ghazi Khan mark a pivotal point in the historical narrative of the region. Rooted in both strategic considerations and the socio-economic landscape of the time, the city's emergence reflects a convergence of factors that shaped its unique identity. Dera Ghazi Khan was founded in the late 15th century during the reign of Haji Khan Mirmani, a Baluch ruler who played a crucial role in shaping the early contours of the city. The strategic location, nestled at the crossroads of key trade routes and in proximity to the Indus River, contributed to its significance.
Ghazi Khan Mirmani, the son of Haji Khan Mirmani, is credited with consolidating the territorial gains and expanding the city's boundaries. His astute leadership and military prowess allowed him to oust rival factions, including the Nahars, and annex neighboring areas. The official recognition of his rule by the Delhi Sultanate added a layer of legitimacy to the nascent city-state. The city's name, Dera Ghazi Khan, bears testament to the legacy of its founder. "Dera" is a term often used to denote a settlement or abode, while "Ghazi Khan" immortalizes the leader who laid the foundation of this burgeoning urban center.
The establishment of Dera Ghazi Khan as a political and administrative entity was accompanied by the development of infrastructure, including forts and structures that symbolized both power and governance. The city's growth was further fueled by its role as a regional hub for trade, agriculture, and cultural exchange. The foundations laid by Ghazi Khan Mirmani and subsequent rulers set the stage for the city's evolution. As Dera Ghazi Khan continued to thrive, it became a testament to the resilience of the communities that called it home and the enduring spirit of a city shaped by its history, geography, and the vision of its founders.
Historical Context
In the initial half of the fifteenth century, the districts of Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur remained largely deserted and barren. Regions like Bani and Daman, situated between the foothills of Mount Sulaiman and the Sindh-Khyber Pakhtunkhwa superhighway to the east, were devoid of any settled population. These areas served as pastures for the nomadic tribes engaged in a livestock-based economy around Mount Sulaiman. The stretch between the Sindh-Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Highway and the western bank of the Indus River, referred to as Kuchha, consisted of temporary settlements with nominal populations. Notable towns in this region included Asni, Dajal, Harand, Choti Bala, and Mangrotha.
During this period, Rai Suhra Langah, the ruler of Sivi (Sibbi), assumed the title of Qutb-ud-Din after successfully conquering Multan in the first half of the fifteenth century. The Langah state, established by this ruling family, endured from 1445 to 1526 in Multan. Following Qutb-ud-Din, Hussain Langah took charge and governed Multan for three decades. Hussain Langah strategically encouraged Fateh Khan and Sohrab Khan Dudai to settle on the western bank of the Indus River, fortifying his north-western borders. Simultaneously, Mir Haji Khan Mirani seized the southern part of the western bank of the Indus River, ultimately founding the city of Dera Ghazi Khan in 1469 in honor of his son, Mir Ghazi.
Under the rule of the Langah dynasty, Islam Khan Lodhi, with the blessing of the Lodhi ruler in Delhi, conquered the southern districts of the Multan province, extending from Sitpur to Kashmore. Islam Khan Lodhi gained notoriety for his ruthless and imprudent actions. The Nahirs expanded their influence northward, reaching as far as Dajjal and Harand. However, in 1482, the Miranis decisively repelled the Nahirs. Subsequently, the kingdom of Islam Khan Nahar was divided between north and south by his successors.
Following the overthrow of the Lodhis by Babur Mughal in 1526, the Langah Empire experienced a decline. Despite this, Baloch rule persisted over the areas west of the Indus River. After Humayun's defeat, Sher Shah Suri acknowledged the Baloch's sovereignty over Dera Jat. Notably, the Baloch rulers in Dera Ghazi Khan were not obligated to pay tribute to the Shah of Delhi. Following the collapse of the Langah Empire, the Mirani Baloch expanded their influence to the areas east of the Indus River, establishing cities such as Leh, Kot Sultan, Kot Addo, and Fatehpur. The Miranis held dominance over all Baloch tribes in Dera Ghazi Khan, ruling for 15 generations, with each leader named Namazi Khan or Mir Haji in honor of their ancestors.
Under the reign of Ghazi Khan I, Dera Ghazi Khan evolved into a developed and prominent town, fostering trade relations with Iran, Sindh, and Turan. Nawab Ghazi Khan played a crucial role in canal construction, including the Kasturi, Dol, Sahib, and Bishrat canals. By the late sixteenth century, the Miranis implemented robust fortifications, a structured revenue system, and extensive state initiatives. During the Mughal era, their influence extended to Multan and Ouch in the south, establishing Dera Jat as an independent state separate from India. However, during Akbar Azam's reign, the Mughals were recognized as supreme rulers. In the final years of Aurangzeb's rule (1700 AD), the governor of Multan launched an arduous campaign to establish Mughal supremacy over Dera Ghazi Khan, with the victorious governor, Mujuddin, earning the title of Jahan Dar Shah.
In this period, the Kalhora dynasty of Sindh rose to power. Yar Muhammad Kalhora, with the assistance of Khan Kalat, defeated the governor of BK and, settling in northern Sindh, accepted the obedience of the King of Delhi, earning the title of Nawab. Yar Muhammad Kalhora was appointed governor by the Sultan of Delhi. Noor Muhammad Kalhora, Yar Muhammad Kalhora's son, marched northward and defeated the Miranis. In 1739, Nader Shah's rule was established over the western areas of the Indus River, with Mehmood Khan Gujar appointed as the governor of Dera Ghazi Khan under Noor Muhammad Kalhora's leadership. Noor Mohammad Kalhora paid Nader Shah an annual allowance of Rs.12 lakhs. Due to the weakened Sultanate of Delhi and the nominal power of Iran and Kandahar, Derajat fell into a state of lawlessness and chaos after Nader Shah, subsequently coming under Ahmad Shah Abdali's control.
Assisted by Mahmud Khan Gujjar, the governor of Dera Jat, Ghulam Shah Kalhoda apprehended the last Mirani chief, Ghazi Khan, who aimed to revive Mirani rule over Dera Jat. Ghazi Khan managed to escape from captivity in Hyderabad, Sindh. Following Mahmud Khan, he was appointed as the governor of Dera Jat but met his demise in 1779. Subsequently, governors for Dera Ghazi Khan were directly appointed from Kandahar during the Durrani period, marking a turbulent era for Dera Jats. The well-established irrigation system faced disruptions, with canal mouths closed or rivers altering their course. The Durranis inflicted heavy taxes, triggering significant migration. Baloch tribes reorganized themselves in a tribal fashion, liberating themselves from government influence. Under Nadir Shah's reign, Sheikh Rajan expelled the Nahirs from the area, leading to the establishment of the city of Rajanpur in the name of Makhdoom. However, its rule was short-lived.
During the reign of Sheikh Rajan's successors, the Mazari tribes descended from the hills, settling in the plains and reshaping the power structure. The Indus River altered its course, causing Punjab and Sindh to converge at Kot Mithan instead of Uch. Sheikh Rajin's possessions remained on the eastern side of the Indus River, proving advantageous for Amir Bahawalpur. Consequently, all the territories conquered by Sheikh Rajin, situated on the eastern side of the Indus River, fell under the control of Amir Bahawalpur, while the western regions came under the jurisdiction of the Afghan governor.
Compelled to make appearances and pay rent, Mul Raj succeeded Dewan Sawan Mul. During this period, Sir Robert Edward, engaged in land settlement in Northern Dera Jat (Dera Ismail and Bannu), received British instructions to capture Dera Ghazi Khan. Expelling Mul Raj's vice-chancellor from Mangarotha, Robert Edward camped at Fateh Khan's location. He assigned General Courtland the task of conquering Dera Ghazi Khan, receiving support from Sardar Ghulam Hyder Khosa and the Lind Sardar of Suri Lind, who backed the British.
In contrast, Sardar Asad Khan Natkani and Jalal Khan Leghari decided to support Mulraj. Despite receiving British blessings, Sardar Koda Khan Khosa opted to confront the Sikhs and their allies independently. Koda Khan Khosa successfully captured Dera Ghazi Khan, eliminating 140 men from Jalal Khan Leghari, Asad Khan Natkani, and Lunga Ram in exchange for 15 companions. Later, Sardar Jalal Khan surrendered to the British, integrating 80 of his men into the British platoon. However, Sardar Asad Khan, choosing to become a neighbor of Nawab Bahawalpur rather than confront the British, pursued a different path.
The Sikh officer Hukham Chand, occupying Fort Harand, could not resist the English advance and abandoned the fort. Consequently, in 1849, the British completed their occupation of the plains of Derajat. General Courtland assumed the role of the first Deputy Commissioner of Dera Ghazi Khan, and the region up to Bannu in the north became part of the British Punjab government under the title of Dera Jat. However, similar to other areas in Balochistan, the British encountered resistance from the Baloch tribal areas in Mount Sulaiman. In 1857, a battle at Han Band (Taman Buzdar) between the Buzdars and the British resulted in the demise of British commissioned officers, along with native soldiers and officers. Earlier, the British had attacked Bathi, setting the town ablaze to quell the Caesarian rebellion. According to some references, Nawab Jamal Khan Leghari also supported Ghulam Hussain Musuri.
In 1876-1877, British Balochistan was established by merging the region leased from Khan Kalat with the Pashtun areas of contemporary Balochistan. The administration of the Murri Bugti tribal areas, initially under Punjab, was transferred to British Balochistan and placed under the supervision of Sir Robert Sandeman. When Sir Robert Sandeman was appointed to oversee Balochistan, his responsibilities initially extended to the affairs of the Baloch tribes in Dera Ghazi Khan and its adjoining tribal areas, operating under the authority of Robert Sandeman, the District Administrative Officer of Dera Ghazi Khan. However, due to the Punjab government's insistence, Robert Sandeman's powers were later confined to British Balochistan alone.
The plain areas of Dera Ghazi Khan continued to be governed by the Punjab government, with the tribal areas managed by the Governor of Punjab on behalf of the Viceroy of India. Following the establishment of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province in 1901, Dera Jat underwent division, and the Upper Dera Jat region became part of Dera Ismail Khan and Bannu in the North-West Frontier Province. Until the sixth decade of the 1800s, the northern boundary of the present Dera Ghazi Khan district extended to the Tibi Qaisrani area of the current Tehsil Taunsa Sharif.
In his book "Greater Balochistan Issues," Inayatullah Baloch highlighted that Robert Sandeman and his successors as A.G.G. proposed the inclusion of the districts of Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur in Balochistan. However, those adhering to the policy of divide and rule could not tolerate the establishment of cultural units. In 1982, a new district of Rajanpur was created, encompassing the southern tehsils of Jampur, Rajanpur, and Rojhan from the Dera Ghazi Khan district.
Situated on the eastern slopes of Mount Sulaiman, this strip of approximately 8,000 square miles constitutes the ancestral home of the Qaisrani, Buzdar, Lund Khosa, Laghari, Gurchani, and Mazari tribes. The Natkani and Dareshk tribes, once inhabitants of the mountains, have long since migrated to the plains. During the British occupation of Dera Jat in 1849, these tribes were fully independent. The British, aiming to strengthen their control over the entire tribal area of Dera Ghazi Khan, entered into friendship agreements with the tribes and adopted a policy of non-interference under the Ford policy in 1887. This style of governance persisted in these areas until the departure of the British.
On November 27, 1946, Nawab Akbar Bugti, Sardar Duda Khan Murri, and Nawab Jamal Khan Laghari submitted a memorandum to the British government, urging that, concurrent with the subcontinent's independence, the tribal areas of Dera, Dera Ghazi Khan, and Murri Bugti should be integrated into the state of Kalat. On August 15, 1947, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, serving as the inaugural Governor General, issued a directive stipulating that the constitutional status of the Baloch tribal area of Dera Ghazi Khan (where Rajanpur was then part of the district) and the Murree Bugti tribes would remain unchanged until these tribes independently decide their future. The governance of the Murri Bugti Tamnat will continue to be overseen by the Governor of Punjab Tribal Area for Dera Ghazi Khan and the AGG Balochistan as usual.
A meeting was convened in Dera Ghazi Khan on March 1, 1949, chaired by Punjab Governor Sir Francis Modi, to deliberate on the future of the Baloch tribal areas adjacent to Dera Ghazi Khan. Chiefs, tribal elders, and Jirga members participated in the meeting, reaching a unanimous decision that the Baloch tribal area's future association should be with Balochistan. However, subsequently, these tribal areas were annexed to Punjab, contingent on the Central Legislative Assembly's approval, with assurances of a non-interference policy in Tammanat's internal affairs. The restoration of administrative and judicial matters to their previous state was promised, and these areas were to be developed on par with other Punjab districts.
In 1950, the Baloch tribal areas were integrated into Punjab. A commemorative plaque, still present in Fort Munro, marks this incorporation and lists the individuals responsible for the decision to add the adjoining Baloch tribal areas of Dera Ghazi Khan to Punjab. The plaque includes names such as the Commissioner of Multan Division, Deputy Commissioner of Dera Ghazi Khan, Political St. Dera Ghazi Khan, Tehsil Dar Tribal Areas, Sardar in Tamnat, and Jamadar Works.
These areas are sometimes referred to as the tribal areas of Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur, maintaining an administrative status distinct from other areas in Punjab. They hold the status of levy and collector property. Initially governed by the Frontier Crimes Regulation (FCR) at the time of Pakistan's formation, specific laws were later implemented upon their integration into Punjab. These areas were excluded from the jurisdiction of the Punjab High Court, with the Home Secretary Punjab Criminal and the Secretary Law Punjab serving as the final appellate authority in civil cases. In the 1956 Constitution of Pakistan, this area was categorized as Chittagong Hill Tracts, and although later constitutions made reference to these areas, their distinct status persisted.
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