Las Bela, also known as the Princely State of Las Bela, was a princely state located in present-day Pakistan. It was a part of the Balochistan States Union, a collection of small states under the British Raj in the early 20th century. Las Bela Akbar lasbela (princely state)
The history of Las Bela can be traced back to the 15th century when the Baloch tribes ruled it. The state was known for its strategic location along the Arabian Sea, which made it an important trade and transportation hub.
In the early 19th century, the British Raj established a protectorate over Las Bela, and the state became a part of the Balochistan States Union. The ruler of Las Bela, known as the Nawab, was given the title of His Highness and was granted significant autonomy within the state.
The Nawabs of Las Bela were known for their progressive policies, and the state experienced significant economic and social development under their rule. The state had its currency, the Las Bela rupee, and the Nawabs established several schools, hospitals, and other public institutions.
During the British Raj, Las Bela was an important cotton producer, and the state had a thriving textile industry. The state also had rich mineral resources, including copper, zinc, and coal, mined and exported to other parts of India and abroad.
After the partition of India in 1947, Las Bela became a part of Pakistan. The Nawab of Las Bela, Nawab Amir Nawaz Khan, was the last ruler of the state, and he served until the abolition of the princely states in 1955.
Today, Las Bela is a district in the province of Balochistan, and it is known for its beautiful beaches and rich cultural heritage. The community is home to several historical sites, including the ancient fort of Jhalawan, which the Nawabs of Las Bela built in the 19th century.
In conclusion, Las Bela was a princely state with a rich history and cultural heritage. Located in present-day Pakistan, it played an important role in the region’s a trade and economy during the British Raj. Despite its incorporation into Pakistan, Las Bela has retained much of its cultural and historical significance, and it remains an important part of Pakistan’s history and identity.
Demographics of Las Bela, Akbar lasbela (princely state)
The population of Las Bela was primarily made up of Baloch people,
a distinct ethnic group native to the region. The Baloch are known for their strong cultural traditions and close-knit communities.
In addition to the Baloch, Las Bela had a diverse population that included other ethnic groups such as Sindhis, Punjabis, and Pashtuns. The state also had a significant number of Hindus, primarily concentrated in the urban areas of Las Bela.
The official language of Las Bela was Balochi, but other languages, such as Urdu, Sindhi, and English, were also spoken in the state.
In conclusion, Las Bela had a diverse population primarily made up of Baloch people, with significant numbers of other ethnic groups and religions also present in the state.
Rulers of Las Bela, Akbar lasbela (princely state)
The hereditary rulers of Las Bela were styled as Jam Sahib. The Samma Dynasty took the title of Jam, the local equivalent of “King” or “Sultan.”
| Tenure | Jams of Las Bela |
|---|---|
| 1742–1765 | Jam Ali Khan I (surnamed Kathuria) |
| 1765–1776 | Jam Ghulam Shah |
| 1776–1818 | Mir Khan I |
| 1818–1830 | Ali Khan II |
| 1830–1869 | Mir Khan II (CIE, KCIE) (1st time) |
| 1869–1886 | Sir Ali Khan III (KCIE) (1st time) |
| 1886 – 21 January 1888 | Sir Mir Khan II (KCIE) (2nd time) |
| 21 January 1888 – May 1896 | Sir Ali Khan III (2nd time) |
| May 1896 – March 1921 | Kamal Khan (CIE) |
| March 1921 – 1937 | Ghulam Mohammad Khan (GCIE) |
| 1937 – 14 October 1955 | Ghulam Qadir Khan (CIE) |
| 14 October 1955 | The state of Las Bela dissolved |
| 14 October 1955 – 10 September 1988 | Ghulam Qadir Khan (Jam of lasbela) |
| 10 September 1988 – 3 February 2013 | Jam Mohammad Yousaf (Jam of lasbela) |
| 3 February 2013 – to date | Jam Kamal Khan (Jam of lasbela) |
Prominent members of the family
Some of the prominent members of the family of Las Bela include:
- Mir Ahmad Khan I: The first Nawab of Las Bela ruled from 1742 to 1749.
- Mir Nasir Khan I: The third Nawab of Las Bela, who ruled from 1786 to 1816. He is known for his efforts to modernize the state and improve relations with the British.
- Mir Nasir Khan II: The fifth Nawab of Las Bela, who ruled from 1847 to 1864. He is known for improving the state’s education system and establishing several schools and hospitals.
- Mir Khudadad Khan: The ninth Nawab of Las Bela, who ruled from 1927 to 1948. He is known for his progressive policies and efforts to modernize the state.
- Nawab Amir Nawaz Khan: The last Nawab of Las Bela served from 1948 to 1955. He played a significant role in the integration of Las Bela into Pakistan after the partition of India in 1947.
In conclusion, the family of Las Bela played a significant role in the history and culture of present-day Pakistan. The Nawabs of Las Bela were known for their progressive policies and efforts to modernize the state, and their legacy lives on in the history and culture of the region.
