Robert Sandeman: As a Social Reformer in Balochistan 1875-1892

Abstract

The British advent in the Northwestern frontier regions of the Indian subcontinent during “The Great Game” era,1672-1725, could be traced to their lofty and challenging developments in Balochistan. The social infrastructure of Balochistan was presenting almost every characteristic of backward society, such as tribal feuds, hostility, isolation, chivalry, group feeling, hospitality, and animal husbandry. Indeed, there was hardly any area that could be considered as an urban settlement. The whole society demonstrated every aspect of old traditions in all walks of life, such as social relations, politics, and economic institutions. However, as a social reformer, Robert Sandeman (1835-1892) had made it possible for the British to intervene in the region without engaging any military force. Therefore, this paper discusses the historical study of Balochistan's strategic importance, Sandeman's forward policy, and its implications on local power politics. Moreover, it closely examines his policy of divide and rule that had overcome the traditional authority of tribal chiefs that ostensibly had played a vital role in the empire-building of British in Balochistan.