Balochi literature originates from poetry, as all other languages of the world, and it is an important part of Baloch culture and history. Ever since the ancient Baloch society was composed of tribes, each tribe had its own poets. These poets used to tell stories of bravery of their ancestors, of tribal battles, victory and defeat of the enemy, and traditions of the tribe.

The oral historians who sang these poems were called “Pehlwans” -Bards. In these poems, the poets narrated the stories of the victory of their own tribe, and the defeat of their rivals.

In classical Balochi poetry, war ballads or romantic poems were written in such a way that a character addresses himself to his rival directly, resembling a form of drama. Even in love stories, the nature of the dialogues were like conversations between lovers.

Baloch poets write poetry about both peace and war. They tell great stories about the history, society, and customs of their people with great poetic skill. 

Through their poetry, they have played an important role in telling the world about who the Baloch are. Apart from civilization, tribal culture and wisdom, they have been expressing their intellectual and literary aesthetics through the very delicate media of poetry.

Resistance and protest against imperialism is seen in a wider perspective In Balochi poetry.

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Balochi poetry is clearly divided into 4 periods:

1. Classic, between 1550-1700.

2. Postclassical, between 1700-1800.

3. 19th century to early 20th century.

4. From 1930 to the modern and present era, in which political anxiety and the best poetic expression against foreign rule is found.

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Ancient Balochi poetry and Balochi literature has been preserved orally from generation to generation through the professional bards and oral historians.

The earliest available Balochi poetry dates back to the 16th century, which is the era of Mir Chakar’s poetry. Undoubtedly, it will be noted that Balochi poetry existed in Baloch societies long before this period, and the composition of poems evolved with the language over time.

Balochi poetry has practically undergone many changes with the passing of time. Respect for truth and justice, sanctity, revenge, Baloch self-respect, and bravery, are the essence of this era’s poetry.

In the 18th century, most of Balochistan came under the central system of government, so urbanism was developing with its own values, which influenced Balochi poetry.

As a result, romantic poetry became more common than war poetry. Messages of sensitivity, love, friendship, and above all, peace and security emerged. Jam Durak was a great poet of that time.

In the 19th century, many famous poets such as Mulla Fazil, Mulla Qasim, Izzat Panjguri, Maast Tawakali, Mulla Ibrahim Bahui, Mulla Bohyr, etc... brought Balochi poetry to its peak.

In the early 20th century, national movements arose in the Indian subcontinent, and many political groups and parties were formed and started to make efforts against British colonialism within their land. Influenced by these movements, efforts were made against the British oppression in Balochistan too, and the role of poets was very prominent in this. Among the poets of that time, Rahm Ali Marri’s poems are full of freedom-seeking, nationalist aspirations, and characters.

Similarly, the rise of Mir Yusuf Ali Khan Magsi’s freedom movement and poetry inspired many educated Baloch youths, leading Gul Khan Naseer, Muhammad Hussain Anqa and some other Baloch youths to enter the new era of Balochi poetry and promoted resistance poetry.

In 1928, Reza Shah Pahlavi of Iran attacked Mir Dost Muhammad Khan, the ruler of Western Balochistan, and subjugated most of the areas of Western Balochistan to his oppressive rule. After that, his son intensified the persecution of the Baloch people.

But despite Iranian oppression, Baloch poets fought through the means of resistance poetry, which was the best way to keep Baloch history and culture alive. The singers and musicians of the Baloch people sang Balochi poems in weddings and other public events, and made them tasteful and magnificent.

After the Second World War, a new era of Balochi poetry began. When India gained its independence, the desire for independence and national rights was growing in other nations of the region. Such desires were at their peak in Balochistan in 1948 when the Pakistan Army attacked Kalat, the capital of Eastern Balochistan, and forced annexation of Balochistan was announced.

In such a tumultuous situation, Baloch nationalists intensified their efforts and concentrated on political and cultural fronts.

Political ideas and new styles emerged in Balochi poetry. Gul Khan Naseer was the leading poet of this caravan. Patriotism, longing for freedom of the motherland, nationalism, and progressive movement, are the essence and theme of Gul Khan’s poetry. Gul Khan Naseer’s poetry gained popularity due to the resistance struggle in Balochistan, while many other youths with nationalist tendencies entered resistance Balochi poetry.

If contemporary Balochi poetry is assessed, it is quite evident that many poets followed the classical style and are still following it, although other new styles are emerging and are growing.

Balochi poetry today experiments in ’Ghazal’, free verse poetry, English sonnet, and Japanese ’Haiku’.

Current Balochi poetry is aware of the demands and aspirations of the Baloch people; hence it is filled with patriotic sentiments.

Within the discourse of Baloch writers and poets, we observe life, love of life, greatness of life, and importance of man and humanity.

Undoubtedly, modern Balochi poetry and literature remain vibrant and youthful today, reflecting the struggle for the survival and recognition of the Baloch nation and Balochistan, as well as the significance of humanity.