The Eastern Baloch are part of a much larger population of Baloch. The various subgroups such as the Drishak speak different languages, each with distinguishing characteristics. Their 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."
The Drishak 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 Drishak 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 Drishak 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.
The Drishak 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.
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.
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 Drishak in Pakistan.
Profile Source: Joshua Project |
People Name General | Baloch Drishak |
People Name in Country | Baloch Drishak |
Natural Name | Drishak Baloch |
Alternate Names | |
Population this Country | 28,000 |
Population all Countries | 28,000 |
Total Countries | 1 |
Indigenous | Yes |
Progress Scale | 1 ● |
Unreached | Yes |
Frontier People Group | Yes |
Pioneer Workers Needed | 1 |
People ID | 21658 |
ROP3 Code | 118438 |
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 |
Punjab 27,000 | |
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, Eastern (22,000 speakers) | |||
Language Code | bgp Ethnologue Listing | |||
Language Written | Yes ScriptSource Listing | |||
Total Languages | 3 | |||
Secondary Languages |
|
Primary Language | Balochi, Eastern (22,000 speakers) |
Language Code | bgp Ethnologue Listing |
Total Languages | 3 |
Secondary Languages | |
Saraiki 4,400 | |
Urdu 1,400 | |
People Groups | Speaking Balochi, Eastern |
Primary Language: Balochi, Eastern
Bible Translation ▲ | Status (Years) |
---|---|
Bible-Portions | Yes (1815-1906) |
Bible-New Testament | Yes (2013) |
Bible-Complete | No |
Possible Print Bibles | |
---|---|
Amazon | |
World Bibles | |
Forum Bible Agencies | |
National Bible Societies | |
World Bible Finder | |
Virtual Storehouse |
Resource Type ▲ | Resource Name | Source |
---|---|---|
Audio Recordings | Audio Bible teaching | Global Recordings Network |
Audio Recordings | Story of Jesus audio | Jesus Film Project |
Film / Video | Indigitube.tv Video / Animation | Create International |
Film / Video | Jesus Film: view in Balochi, Eastern | Jesus Film Project |
Film / Video | World Christian Videos | World Christian Videos |
General | Gospel resources links | Scripture Earth |
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. |