Makrai Baloch in Pakistan

The Makrai Baloch have only been reported in Pakistan
Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge
* From latest Pakistan census data.
Current Christian values may substantially differ.

Introduction / History

The Southern Baloch are part of a much larger population of Baloch. Their various subgroups such as the Makrai speak different languages, each with distinguishing characteristics. The Baloch homeland reaches from eastern Balochistan to southwestern Punjab, which borders India. This high, dry region was once a very populated country watered by a large number of flowing rivers. Today, it is a barren area of rocky mountains and dry river valleys mixed with desert land. Their name, "Baloch," is shrouded in controversy. Some say it means "nomad," while others claim that it is an old Persian word meaning "the cock's crest." Their history is just as mysterious. Some have traced their origins to Nimrod, son of Cush (Noah's grandson). But while some things are uncertain, we do know that they first moved to the region in the twelfth century. During the Moghul period, this territory became known as "Balochistan."


What Are Their Lives Like?

The Makrai Baloch traditionally earn their living by a combination of farming and semi-nomadic shepherding. They usually raise sheep, cattle or goats. Agriculture is limited because of the harsh climate; nevertheless, it plays a large role in the economy. Their chief crop is wheat. To aid in the household economy, some farmers raise chickens. They also depend on wild fruits and vegetables. One wild plant, called the "dwarf palm," is used as a dietary supplement. The meat of the palm is eaten, and the leaves are used to make ropes, shoes, mats, spoons, tents, and pipes. Techniques of survival differ from valley to valley and from high mountain areas to lowland plains. However, each community tries to keep as many different animals as possible and to grow a wide variety of crops. The Makrai Baloch have overcome the obstacles of living in an extremely harsh, arid climate. Today, most of them live in two types of settlements that are conducive to their semi-nomadic lifestyle. Their permanent villages consist of clusters of mud houses, loosely organized around the home of the local chief. They live in these mountain and valley settlements in the summertime. However, in winter, they migrate to the plains and coastal areas, seeking green grass for their livestock. During this time, they live in tents, and move freely across the landscape as weather conditions dictate. These temporary settlements are smaller, consisting of closely related kin. Baloch marriages are arranged between the bride's father and the prospective groom. There is a "bride price" of livestock and cash. Once a woman is married, she passes from the authority of her father to that of her husband. Marriages are monogamous and lifelong, and marrying a non-Baloch is strictly forbidden. Balochmayar, or the "Balochiway," is the honor code by which the Makrai Baloch live. These principles include extending hospitality and mercy, dealing with each other honestly, and offering refuge to strangers. They are preserved through both songs and poetry. Children learn proper behavior by watching their elders and are taunted whenever they misbehave. Many Baloch cannot read or write and until recently, their language was unwritten. However, they have a long tradition of poetic compositions. Poets and professional minstrels are highly regarded.


What Are Their Beliefs?

The Makrai Baloch are Sunni Muslims. Their religious practices remain private, and there is no concept of a "state religion" among them like there is for most other Pakistani peoples. All forms of secular authority are separated from the spiritual authority held by religious leaders.


What Are Their Needs?

The Baloch have been isolated for many years due to harsh climate, the difficulty of communicating in mountainous terrain, and their former reputation as bandits. Since the governments of Iran, Afghanistan, and Pakistan all have a share in Balochistan's welfare, they have begun building roads and developing agriculture programs. However, the Baloch have remained largely unaffected by these developmental changes.


Prayer Points

Pray for Holy Spirit-led workers to go to every Baloch subgroup and lead them into a Disciple Making Movement. Pray for Baloch elders to have dreams and visions of the risen Christ that will lead them to open the doors of their community to hear about His glory. Pray for the Lord to make a way for the Baloch to have a movement to Christ that will affect every subgroup.


Scripture Prayers for the Baloch Makrai in Pakistan.


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Baloch Makrai
People Name in Country Baloch Makrai
Natural Name Makrai Baloch
Alternate Names
Population this Country 5,100
Population all Countries 5,100
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group Yes
Pioneer Workers Needed 1
People ID 21621
ROP3 Code 115994
ROP25 Code 300774
ROP25 Name Baloch
Country Pakistan
Region Asia, South
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 7  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Country Pakistan
Region Asia, South
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank 7  (Open Doors top 50 rank, 1 = highest persecution ranking)
Total States 1
  Sindh 5,100
Website South Asia Peoples
Primary Religion: Islam
Major Religion Percent *
Buddhism
0.00 %
Christianity  (Evangelical 0.00 %)
0.00 %
Ethnic Religions
0.00 %
Hinduism
0.00 %
Islam
100.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.00 %
Unknown
0.00 %
* From latest Pakistan census data.
Current Christian values may substantially differ.
Primary Language Balochi, Southern (3,300 speakers)
Language Code bcc   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 2
Secondary Languages
Sindhi
1,800
Primary Language Balochi, Southern (3,300 speakers)
Language Code bcc   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 2
Secondary Languages
  Sindhi 1,800
People Groups Speaking Balochi, Southern
Map Source People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project  
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.



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