Although Balochi is one of the oldest living languages, much of its classical literary heritage consists of oral tradition in the form of ballads and folk songs that have been passed from age to age and tribe to tribe through generations of bards and minstrels.

Balochi language and literature first came to the notice of the outside world in 1830 when an English tourist started to research it and published his reports. The great breakthrough in the development and growth of the Balochi language and literature came after the creation of Pakistan in 1947 when young, educated Baloch established literary societies, published books and periodicals, and tried to revive the creative spirit of their language.

In subsequent years, four institutions played a major role in the promotion of Balochi language, literature and culture: Balochi Academy Quetta, Radio Pakistan Quetta, Pakistan Television Quetta, and University of Balochistan Quetta. While Radio Pakistan and PTV provided opportunities for creative expression to a large number of Baloch artists, singers, playwrights and intellectuals, Balochistan University played a significant role in reviving interest in the Balochi language and literature, and also in creating a band of Baloch intellectuals who take pride in their ethnic and cultural heritage.

However, the major role in the promotion of Balochi literature, both poetry and prose, was played by the Balochi Academy, which was established in the late 1950s. Initially the Academy was formed by a group of Baloch intellectuals in Karachi, but soon after its office was permanently shifted to Quetta.

Over the years the Academy has become the premier institution for the development of Balochi language and literature, and has published more than 300 books on Balochi language, literature, culture, history and more recently on subjects such as current affairs, law and health and hygiene, with focus on Balochistan and Balochi culture.

The literary history of Balochi language is more visible in poetry than in prose. During the last 50 years Balochi literature has witnessed tremendous growth in terms of tangible folklore where scores of books have been published in Balochi and also in other languages covering the language, arts and culture.

Contemporary Balochi literature is also undergoing change vis-à-vis other regional languages in the wake of the most modern technological breakthrough, especially in the mass media, which is transforming human societies around the world. Balochi literature, both ancient and contemporary, has two distinct genres: poetry based on romantic and gallantry themes, and stories and novels which highlight tribal epics and Baloch legends.

However, recent Balochi poetry and prose has seen a radical change where the social, political, economic and the cultural subjugation of Baloch society has become the main focus.

Political turmoil in the province has put its mark on every sphere of life and so is the case with Balochi literature. Mir Gul Khan Nasir, Ata Shad, Master Abdul Majeed Gwadari, Munir Momin, Mubarak Qazi, G.R. Mulla, Bashir Bedar and Ghulam Hussain Shuhaz can be included among the creators of this genre of revolutionary poetry. Besides, some Baloch writers have also proved their worth in terms of fiction, humour, social issues and translations from world classics.

Prominent among this group of writers are Munir Ahmad Badini, Dr Hanif Sharif, Muhammad Beg Begul and Hakeem Baluch.

Among the new Balochi publications expected to appear during 2011 are at least 11 books published by the Balochi Academy Quetta. They include: Balochi Doud-o-Rubaidag by Aseer Abdul Qadir Shahwani, Gapp-o-Tran Balochi-Sindhi by Abdul Khaliq Khalid, Kulliat-i-Ata Shad by Ata Shad, Haji Murad by Hafeez Hassanabadi, Sangur-i-Sahig by Faqir Muhammad Ambar and Gwank by Dilwash Bugti.

In addition, the Academy has plans to print a comprehensive Balochi dictionary edited by renowned writer Jan Muhammad Dashti. A team of dedicated editors versed in various Balochi dialects have been working on this gigantic project over the past five years. The dictionary is in the final stage of proof-reading and is likely to be published during the first quarter of the year.

Another important literary event related to Balochi is scheduled to be held in July during the golden jubilee celebrations of the Balochi Academy. On this occasion the second international seminar on Balochi language will be held in Quetta and prominent linguists, writers and intellectuals from Pakistan and abroad will be invited to read their papers.

The writer is Director Archives Balochistan