Page 13 - The Majestic Balochistan

Baloch Mayar: A Baloch’s code of life
Balochmayar is an ancient, unwritten constitution of the Baloch people. It is the code
of honour by which the Baloch society functions. It forms the basis of all interpersonal
and communal interactions in the Baloch culture as well as their individual identities.
Origins & Attributes
Almost all Baloch tribos follow Balochmayar as part of their othnic identity. This
ancient code of honour has been passed down generations. Balochmayar is based on the
following

Ber or Hun – Revenge
Bahut – Refuge
Mehmani – Hospitality
Meir -Pardoning
Kamzor-o-Lachar –Weak and Helpless PersonsEtbar/Amanat – Trust
Qaul – Promise
Shigan – Taunt

Ber or Hun – Revenge
Ber dictates that in case of a murder, the family of the victim is duty-bound
to avenge the blood. This obligation rests on, not just the individual’s family
but his tribe and the individual as well. Failing to fulfil this obligation would
result in embarrassment for the family

Bahut – Refuge
This principle of the Baloch Code of Honour dictates that a Baloch is obliga-
ted to fight till the death for a person who takes refuge in his territory, regard-
less of the refugee’s status as a friend, family or stranger. Baloch history is full of
sacrifices they made to protect their Bahut.

Mehmani – Hospitality
Hospitality makes up an important principle in Balochmayar. Baloch tribes are known for
their lavish hospitality. At mealtimes, all who are present are welcome to share. This
obligation also includes the protection of the guest. Hosts often spend large portions of
their income on mehmani. All members of the tribe or even strangers who visit the chief
are regarded as his guests. Refusal or failure to fulfil this obligation is a violation of the
code and punishable by the tribal jirga. In the case of disrespect or murder of the guest, it
is demanded that the host takes revenge.

Meir-Pardoning
While revenge may have an important part of Balochmayar, it is also common practice to
forfeit their revenge. This would happen on the intervention of a woman of the offender’s
family, a spiritual leader, or a person carrying the Qur’an. The person who intervenes to
resolve the matter is called Mehrod.

Kamzor-o-LacharWeak and Helpless Persons
The Baloch code of honour especially protects the vulnerable. They are to be protected
and respected. Tribes are supposed to refrain from killing them. Those regarded as
kamzor Oaul-Promise O-lachar include: Zan (Women), Bachh (Boys below age of 17),
religious minorities, ghulara (slaves), no nakib (messengers and those who supply
firewood to the chiefs’ camp) people inside a mosque or shrine.

Eitbar/Amanat – Trust
this principle demands that every Baloch should respect the property entrusted to them.
The Baloch are very honest people. If entrusted with any valuables, they will defend
them with their lives. If this confidence is ever broken, the perpetrator is severely puni-
shed.