Hammal Jiand

Mir Hammal-I-Jiand( Balochi:) was a Baloch hero during the 15th century. He was the Chief of Hot Kalmati tribe in Balochistan and was ruler of Makran coast.

History

Name and title

Hammal lived during the 15th century and his father, Jiand was the ruler of Makran. He is best known for his resistance against Portuguese incursions, particularly during the attacks on coastal towns like Pasni and Gawadar.

Mir hammal and Portuguese colonists

When the Portuguese were expanding their influence along the coasts of Makran, which is part of present-day Balochistan in Pakistan. In 904 AH (1498-9 AD), the Portuguese admiral and explorer Vasco da Gama discovered the Indian Ocean and reached the shores of India.
After reaching India, the Portuguese established a base there and engaged in piracy and plundering of merchant ships at sea. The Portuguese engaged in rampant murder and plunder at sea without any hindrance.

As Afonso de Albuquerque had already gained control of the southern coasts of the Persian Gulf and the Oman coasts, they thought of occupying the coasts of Balochistan and attacked its coasts several times, pirates looted Mir Hammal's trade ships and killed the sailors. Due to this, Mir Hammal decided that he would take revenge and fight the pirates their forces in the coastal area of Balochistan.

Rule of Makran and war with the Portuguese

He attacked on Portuguese, destroyed their boats and arms and made them run away from the area. In order to repel future attacks by the enemy, and since he ruled on the vast coasts of Balochistan, he strengthened a small war fleet that had been formed during the time of Sardar Jihand his father, and organized it with good strategy, and by means of it he did not allow the Portuguese to even approach the coasts of Balochistan.

In 1549, a Portuguese fleet under the command of Luís Figueira,at the request of the servants of lower Sindh, raided Baloch settlements along the Makran coast. The Baloch defeated them, killing all the Portuguese on board and capturing the ship along with its artillery.

Finally, the Portuguese asked for peace and a treaty was reached between the two sides. According to which both sides signed a ceasefire and the Portuguese pledged not to approach the coast of Balochistan and not to attack ships traveling on the coast of Makran. In return, Mir Hammal assured Portuguese that they could freely make use of this route for trade.

Fight and death

During peace time, Portuguese broke the treaty and attacked his ship. The sailors and companions of hammal shocked by the sudden attack of the Portuguese, took up their swords and ran, all of them jumping into the sea in a panic and fleeing toward the shore. Hammal was left alone on the ship and without any fear or terror, he took up his sword and bravely faced the enemy. He not only repelled the enemy's attacks, but he also killed several of the pirates with successive attacks. One of the Portuguese soldiers struck Mir Hamel in the right hand from behind, severely wounding his hand and knocking his sword aside and when mir Hammal was left empty-handed, they threw nooses around him from all four sides and trapped him.

He was arrested and taken to Masqat or in some sources he was taken to the country of the franks, which was under the control of Portuguese at that time. He was offered amount money to become their mercenary with the aim of occupying Balochistan. They also offered marrying a girl in their country(Frankish women) which who were all attracted in his charisma and valor. But he denied and refused to betray his land. Then the Portuguese admiral ordered the executioner to cut off the head of hammal.

Literary Significance

Mir Hammal Jiand is a significant figure in Baloch history, Culture and balochi literature, particularly noted for his role during the conflicts with Portuguese colonial forces in the 16th century. He is celebrated as a heroic leader and is often compared to other notable Baloch leaders like Mir Chakar Khan Rind.

Mahganj , the wife of Mir Hammal , who was killed by the Portuguese, has inspired Balochi romantic stories and appeared in the works of Balochi writers and Balochi folkloric.
Hammal and Mahganj are central figures in a poignant Balochi love story that has transcended generations, symbolizing themes of bravery, love, and resistance against oppression.

The first Balochi feature film, '' Hammal O Mahganj'', was produced by Anwar Iqbal and released in Pakistan in 1976.

References

{{Authority control
Balochistan
Baloch people
15th-century monarchs in the Middle East