Swat (princely state) facts for kids
Swat (Urdu: ریاست سوات) was once a special kind of area called a princely state. Today, it is a part of Pakistan. A princely state was a region that was ruled by its own local leader, but it also had ties to a larger empire or country.
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What Was Swat?
Swat was a princely state located in the northern part of what is now Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, a province in Pakistan. It included the areas we know today as Swat, Buner, and Shangla.
Swat's Early History
For a long time, Swat was part of the powerful Mughal Empire. Local rulers, sometimes called Akhoond or Akhwand, governed the area. These rulers belonged to the Gujar community. They managed the daily life and people in Swat while being connected to the larger Mughal Empire.
Swat Under British Rule
Later, from 1926 to 1947, Swat became a princely state under the British Raj. The British Raj was the time when the British ruled over a large part of India, including what is now Pakistan. Even though the British were in charge, Swat still had its own local ruler. This ruler made many decisions for the people of Swat.
Joining Pakistan
In 1947, when Pakistan became an independent country, Swat decided to join it. This process is called "acceding." It means the state officially agreed to become part of the new country. Swat continued to be a special administrative area within Pakistan until 1969. In that year, it officially became a regular district of Pakistan, like other parts of the country.
Location of Swat
Swat is known for its beautiful mountains, green valleys, and the Swat River. It is often called the "Switzerland of Pakistan" because of its stunning natural beauty. Its location in the northern part of Pakistan makes it a place with diverse landscapes.
