Daraban - History

History

Not much is known about the earliest history of Daraban, perhaps it grew out of small villages lying in the foothills of Sulaiman Mountains and later on, due to its excellent geographical setting grew in size and population. Its early inhabitants could have been either Saraikis or Pashtoons or both. The idea of Saraikis being the indigenous people of the region is bolstered by the fact that the region is part of Baloch heartland and Baloch speak either Balochi or Saraiki. In addition, Saraikis constitute the majority of District Dera Ismail Khan, so it seems plausible that Pashtoons were the later arrivals in Daraban and areas around it. On the other hand, it is equally possible that Pashtoon nomadic tribes founded Daraban. If the name Daraban really originated in ”Durruh-Bund” then Pashtoons were its founders, as they aimed to close pass leading to the mountains because of their quarrels and blood feuds with the Sheranis. The Pashtoons have been coming into this western part of Dera Ismail khan through Gomal Pass since the 13th century. These Pashtoon Powindas followed patterns of seasonal migration; they journeyed in caravans to Dera Ismail Khan and other lands beyond Indus and returned to Afghanistan with the onset of hot weather. With the passage of time some of these nomads began to settle on the land on permanent basis. The lodhi tribe is believed to have settled in the area of Draban in the time of Shahbu -din -Ghori in the beginning of 13th centaury. In between (1555 and 1600 AD) Miankhels tribe invaded the area and after defeating the Lodhis became the new possessors of Draban. The Miankhels are still most influential in terms of politics and economics in Draban and neighbouring Musazai town. Historical pattern of Pashtoons leaving their mountains and settling on the plains of Damaan continues even today. Many Sheranis of the Sulaiman Mountains have settled in Draban permanently. In addition, Nasir, another Pashtoon tribe has, casting aside its nomadic way of life, has started living in permanent settlements in the peripheries of Daraban. The said tribe, being the newest arrival, has not been accorded proper acceptance as a legal residents of Daraban, and their hasty attempts at getting political influence has given rise to whole sorts of conflicts between Drabanwals and the Nasirs.