Mir Chakar Khan Rind or Meer Chaakar Khan Rind or Chakar-i-Azam (1468 – 1565 [1]) (Persian or Urdu: میر چاکر خان رند) was a Baloch chieftan in the 15th century. He is considered a folk hero of the Baloch people and an important figure in the Baloch epic Hani and Sheh Mureed.
Mir Chakar lived in Sevi (modern city of Sibi) in the hills of Balochistan and became the head of Rind tribe at the age of 18 after the death of his father Mir Shahak Khan. Mir Chakar's fiefdom was shortlived because of a civil war between the Lashari and Rind tribes of Balochistan.[2] Mir Chakar and Mir Gwaharam Khan Lashari, head of the Lashari tribe, went to war that resulted in thousands dead, including Mir Chakar's brother. The war and the gallantry of the two tribe leaders continues to be a part of the Baloch peoples' history. After the "Thirty Years' War" against the Lashari Tribe,[3] Mir Chakar after his defeat at the hands of Lashari tribe left Balochistan and settled in the Punjab region in 1518.
Mir Chakar settled in Satghara and gained power and respect in the area. Afghan King Sher Shah Suri approached Mir Chakar to unite with him to consolidate his gains. Mir Chakar appreciated the offer but refused to help Sher Shah Suri and managed to elude Afghan armies. Under the command of his son, Mir Shahdad Khan, his forces instead joined the Mughal army of Emperor Humayun in 1555 after a long exile in Persia. Emperor Humayun came back, recaptured Delhi, and ousted the Suri dynasty in 1556. As a reward, Emperor Humayun conferred a vast Jagir, including horses and slaves, to Mir Chakar. He died in 1565. People who accompanied Mir Chakar to Satghara after leaving Balochistan constructed a tomb for his body.
Mir Chakar's tribe still live in southern Punjab to this day and speak the Seraiki language, they still exert considerable influence in the daily affairs of the district.
References
- ^ S.A.J. Shirazi. "Heritage Village, Pakistan". Travelers Digest. http://www.travelersdigest.com/stories/heritage_village.htm.
- ^ Overseas Pakistan Foundation. "Provinces of Pakistan (Balochistan)". Encyclopedia of Pakistan. http://www.opf.org.pk/almanac/P/provinces.htm.
- ^ History of Civilizations of Central Asia By Ahmad Hasan Dani, Vadim Mikhaĭlovich Masson, János (Google Books)
External links
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