THE idea of a durbar still fascinates us and connects us to the subcontinent’s past when kings, rajas, maharajas and nawabs held court. The media, mythology, poetry, theatre, books, and cinema have helped shape the popular image of a ruler seated on his throne, with his ministers and courtiers standing before him. Matters of revenue, war, peace and justice were decided in the ruler’s court. Sometimes, the ruler decided on matters of life and death.

However, our fascination may fade once we realise that the legacy of the durbar continues under different names. Pakistan is not the only country carrying this legacy. Many Western countries, including our former colonial ruler, Britain, still retain their monarchies though stripping them of their powers. During the colonial period, the British not only preserved but also strengthened the durbars to control the population and govern indirectly. At the end of British rule, the subcontinent contained approximately 565 princely states. However, historical estimates vary depending on how smaller states are classified. Thirteen were eventually incorporated into Pakistan after their rulers signed Instruments of Accession.

Among the courts inherited by Pakistan, none carried greater political symbolism in Balochistan than the Sibi Durbar. It is associated with bitter memories from both the colonial and postcolonial periods.

The Sibi Durbar became a major instrument of colonial administrator Robert Sandeman’s frontier policy in the late 19th century. It was an annual winter assembly at which British officials met the officially approved Baloch, Brahui, and Pakhtun chiefs. Tribal disputes were heard, successions and........

© Dawn