Balochis
Explanation
During the medieval period, while large empires like the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal Empire ruled the core regions, various tribal societies dominated the frontiers and forest regions. These tribes had distinct political and social structures, often controlling strategic trade routes and passes.
Detailed Analysis:
- Balochis (Correct): The Balochis were a large and powerful tribe located in the North-West (modern-day Pakistan and Afghanistan border regions). They were distinct because they were divided into many smaller clans. They controlled the major passes in the North-West, which were crucial for trade and military movement into the subcontinent.
- Gakkhars (Incorrect): The Gakkhars were a dominant tribe in the Punjab region, particularly in the Salt Range. They were influential during the Sultanate and early Mughal periods (e.g., Kamal Khan Gakkhar was made a mansabdar by Emperor Akbar), but they are not described as controlling the North-West passes or being characterized primarily by a division into smaller clans in this context.
- Khokhars (Incorrect): The Khokhars were another powerful tribe in the Punjab region. They were very influential during the 13th and 14th centuries before the Gakkhars became dominant. They did not control the North-West frontier passes.
- Langahs (Incorrect): The Langahs (along with the Arghuns) dominated the regions of Multan and Sind. They were powerful in the south-western part of the Indus valley, distinct from the mountainous North-West frontier controlled by the Balochis.
Key Takeaway:
The Balochis were the dominant tribe in the North-West frontier during the medieval period and were characterized by their division into numerous smaller clans.