Political autobiography of Khan-e-Azam, Mir Ahmed Yar Khan Baluch, the ex-rule of Kalat State. An authentic on the regional history of the most outstanding ruling dynasty that reigned for almost three centuries in Baluchistan.
This book is another example of what to expect from an autobiography from a politician, especially in Pakistan - it seems that they are always looking out for the best for their country while everyone else has nefarious schemes. On a positive note, he does a good job of describing the history of Balochistan and its people through several centuries. It also provides an interesting perspective on some of the history of Pakistan through its first few decades of existence.
The narrative is moderately
This book is another example of what to expect from an autobiography from a politician, especially in Pakistan - it seems that they are always looking out for the best for their country while everyone else has nefarious schemes. On a positive note, he does a good job of describing the history of Balochistan and its people through several centuries. It also provides an interesting perspective on some of the history of Pakistan through its first few decades of existence.
The narrative is moderately well edited, although the English requires some mental translation in some parts.
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This book i sought since long for the reason that present conditions of Baluchistan required that past be seen in all perspectives.and what better hand to scribble the history of Baluchistan than the last active Khan of Kalat. He was the ruler of kalat in the important years from 1933 onwards till his imprisonment.
I cannot say that i was completely disappointed but i sure was up to an extent. This is another tale of history in which the writer mostly is more concerned in justifying his actions
This book i sought since long for the reason that present conditions of Baluchistan required that past be seen in all perspectives.and what better hand to scribble the history of Baluchistan than the last active Khan of Kalat. He was the ruler of kalat in the important years from 1933 onwards till his imprisonment.
I cannot say that i was completely disappointed but i sure was up to an extent. This is another tale of history in which the writer mostly is more concerned in justifying his actions than presenting the truth as it happened. But, still there are pointers in the book for those who have some prior knowledge on the subject.
The chapters are neatly divided initially in which writer firstly describes the land at length than comes over to the people . this part is infact interesting as it describes the tribal system and divisions . the weight n importance of different tribes and the culture. aafter this comes the history of the baluch people in general and then in some detail the Kalat ruling clan is defined.
But the regretful part remains that the writer skips over the details after that . brief this and brief that. It is such a broad brush of history of those times that one is amazed. As this was written way into 1970's i was expecting it will be more revealing or atleast encompassing the events of those times. in many of which the author was a major player or was in knowledge. But if you are looking for this , don t look.
Still it is a good learning for any one who wants to know the Baluch mindset. I guess its a must read for present Pakistani generation as the mindset and history of Baloch brethren that we have been taught is either very scanty or not entirely true. Seeing it from their perspective it helps one understand many things.
Appendix include many historic agreements between Kalat state and British Government and some letters between Jinnah and the writer. again good historic value.
Every chapter is donned with good verses and sayings Plato to Shakespeare and many important who's who's of quotes line the wall.
Bottom line: not a bad sitting
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