Baloch culture is full of traditions and arts and crafts. Balochistan is also known for its tribes and festivals. Poetry and storytelling are very popular among the Baloch.
One of the major provinces of Pakistan is Balochistan and it covers the largest area in Pakistan. In Balochistan cultural landscape shows different cultural groups. In Balochistan there are three main families named as Pashtoon, Baloch and Brahvi and they have different languages. But still in their literature, moral orders, beliefs and customs they have similarity, but religion is the major bonding factor between them which gives the base for common social orders and unity. People in Balochistan are popular as they consider guests are the blessings of God and famous for their hospitability. In all relations Balochi are sincere and faithful and there is no respect and place for the unfaithful people. Dressing of the Pashtoon, Balochis and Brahvi is very much similar having very little dissimilarities. Men dressing is consists of knee long shirt and loose shalwar and for women the dress consists of a usual shirt having a large pocket in the front.
History
Balochistan has an eventful history dating back to the Stone Age. Recent research and archaeological excavations at Mehrgarh have revealed 9000 years old civilization. Human settlement pattern at Mehrgarh was unparalleled and unique, inaugurating the distinct shift from a hunting gathering to a settled life for the first time in human history. Domestication of animals, cultivation of plants, and perfume export were modern features of Mehrgarh civilization. Alexander the great passed through Balochistan in 325 B. C. After his death Balochistan came under the rule of Selecus Nicator whose descendents lost power to the Graeco-Bactrians. The province has also witnessed the march of a number of great conquerors and warriors such as Macedonians, Arabs, Ghaznavies, Mangols and Mughals in the past.
Muslim Rule Began
The Muslim rule began in 712 A.D. The parts of Balochistan which were ruled by the Arabs were called by them Turan (Jhallawan area) having capital at Khuzdar and Nudha or Buddha (Kachhi). In the 11th century, Balochistan fell into the hands of Nasir-ud-din Subuktagin marking the beginning of Ghaznivid dynasty. Ghorids succeeded the Ghaznivids. In 1219, it was annexed to the dominion of Sultan Mohammad Khan of Khwarizm (Khiva). The year 1223 saw the danger of the Yellow Peril, the Mongols, in the south of Mekran. In the 1595 it became a part of the Mughal Empire and later Nadir Shah of Persia captured it . Ahmed Shah Durrani of Afghanistan was successful to establish his rule in 1747. The Khanate of Kalat emerged in 1758 when Nasir Khan-I revolted against the Afghans.