Baluchistan (Chief commissioners province) facts for kids
The Chief Commissioner's Province of Baluchistan was a special area in British India. It was located in the northern parts of what is now the Pakistani province of Balochistan. This province was not like other parts of British India because it was governed directly by an officer called a Chief Commissioner. It existed for many years before Pakistan became an independent country.
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What Was the Chief Commissioner's Province of Baluchistan?
The Chief Commissioner's Province of Baluchistan was a region under the direct control of the British government in India. It was different from the larger provinces that had more local rule. Instead, a single British official, the Chief Commissioner, made most of the decisions. This area was important for the British because of its location. It was a gateway to other parts of Asia.
How Did It Start?
The British slowly gained control over different parts of Baluchistan starting in the late 1800s. They signed agreements with local leaders. The Chief Commissioner's Province was officially created in 1876. This happened when Sir Robert Sandeman, a British officer, helped bring peace to the area. He worked with the local tribes. The British wanted to secure their borders and trade routes.
How Was It Governed?
The Chief Commissioner was the most powerful person in the province. This official was appointed by the British government in India. They were responsible for everything from law and order to collecting taxes. Local tribal leaders, called Sardars, still had some power in their own areas. But they had to follow the rules set by the Chief Commissioner. The British built some roads and communication lines in the region. They also set up a basic system of justice.
What Happened Next?
The Chief Commissioner's Province of Baluchistan continued until 1947. This was the year British India gained independence. When India was divided into two new countries, India and Pakistan, Baluchistan had to decide its future. Most of the area, including the Chief Commissioner's Province, joined Pakistan. After joining Pakistan, this special province was later combined with other parts of Baluchistan. This formed the larger province of Balochistan that we know today.
