[2][12] The historian Fiorani Piacentini believes that the close association of Gichkis with Zikrism, a local heterodox sect, also played an important role in their rise to power.
[13] The political turmoil in Makran during the 17th and 18th centuries attracted several bands of raiders from the neighbouring regions; among them were Buledi, Gichki, and Nausherwanis, who later established their state in Kharan.
Fabietti considers the factuality of some of the details mentioned in this account uncertain, although he believes that the migration of Gichki Rajputs and the struggle between them and Buledi probably had a historical basis.
The advent of British rule weakened the influence of Kalat, allowing Gichki Nawabs to assert their internal independence again.
[7] They were initially Zikris, and only gradually converted to Sunni Islam after Mir Nasir Khan of Kalat undertook military campaigns against them.