Biradari and Power in Punjab: A Case Study of District Khushab Muhammad Waris Awan ∗ & Rizwan-Ullah Kokab ∗∗ Abstract Biradari has been an important element in the political power game in Punjab. It not only functioned for building social structure but also as a political entity that plays a role as a variable in the power politics. This paper will endeavour to introduce major biradaris of district Khushab. The part played by the influential groups of these biradaries for holding political power will be discussed. Khushab witnessed the influential people of three major biradaries - Tiwana, Awan and Baluch – who were playing significant role in the politics of colonial as well as post colonial Khushab. This paper will highlight how the kinship became a tool for getting economic, political and ideological resources which led to the superiority of some elites who could gain political power with the manoeuvring of these resources. Along with the introduction of the biradaris of Khushab their tactics, strategies and style for power politics will be analyzed. The paper will be a qualitative case study of the politics Khushab during colonial and post-colonial period. The outcome of the study will be the expression of significance of kinship in the politics of Punjab. Keywords: Biradari system, Khushab district, Power, Punjab. Introduction ‘Khushab’ is combination of two words ‘khush’ and ‘Aab’. These words were uttered by Sher Shah Suri (founder of the Sur Empire and ruler-king of India from 1540 to 45) who stayed for sometime in Khushab. The sweetness of the water of this area inspired him to name this region Khush-Aab, now Khushab. The areas of Khushab have been the recruiting sites for the British army. Local biradarieswere strong enough to support the colonial rule. They fought against Sikh Raj and accepted their obedience as well. ∗ Muhammad Waris Awan, Assistant Professor, Department of History and Pakistan Studies, University of Sargodha. Email: Waris_awan98@yahoo.com ∗∗ Dr. Rizwan-Ullah Kokab, Assistant Professor, Department of History and Pakistan Studies, G.C.U Faisalabad.