Kadu Makrani


Qadir Bukhsh Rind Baloch was a nineteenth-century insurgent great Warrior in Kathiawar, Gujarat and raised in Makran, Balochistan. He had opposed British Imperialist rule and rule by the elite class of Gujarat in favor of the rights of the poor.He was one of the greatest freedom fighter.
Qadir Bukhsh Rind Baloch was martyred and buried in Karachi, Sindh in 1887, with his final resting place in Mewah Shah Graveyard. Descendants of Makrani still live in Junagadh, Veraval, Jamnagar and Lyari. Today, many people visit Kadu Makrani's final resting place to pay respect and remember him and his fight against Imperialism.

History

British Imperialist Conflict

Kadu Makrani migrated with his tribe from his birthplace to Vadal, Gujarat during the mid-nineteenth century. Makrani and his tribe fought for territories and resources, receiving tribute from the Nawabs of Kathiawar in return. The ascension of Makrani's tribe troubled Imperialists, who sought to disarm and disable his tribe; a false reason was given when Makrani and his tribe rejected Government social workers entering their homes on the pretense of registration and census. Given the option of armistice or dissension, the tribe rebelled. Makrani's small army with civilian support overcame British Imperialist forces, with many fatalities. British Imperialist forces ultimately failed to counter Makrani's army, although announced a bounty of Rs1,000/- and a 20-acre land reward for his head.

Return home

In late 1887, Makrani’s companions suggested returning to Makran to ease British pressure in Kathiawar. Accepting the advice, the tribe moved onto Ahmedabad and then to Sindh. A camel herder agreed to transport him to Makran, yet sought to betray him in return for the bounty reward; Makrani slewed him and fled. Makrani was later captured unconscious after being brought down by a falling stone, and after a short mock trial was sentenced to death.

Death

Kadu Makrani was executed in the Karachi central jail in 1887. He was buried in Mewah Shah Graveyard.

In popular culture

In 1960, Sadhana Chitra Film Company made a Gujarati film titled "Kadu Makrani" to pay tribute to Makrani, directed by Manhar Rangildas Raskapur starring Arvind Ganpatram Pandya in the lead role of Makrani.