Kalat: The Historic Town in Balochistan, Pakistan
Kalāt, also spelled Qalāt, is a historic town located in the
Kalat District of Balochistan, Pakistan. The town is situated roughly in the
center of Balochistan and is known for its rich history and cultural heritage.
Kalat has been an important city throughout history, and its strategic location
has made it a hub for trade and commerce.
History
Kalat has a rich history, and the town has been known by various names throughout the centuries. The town was initially known as Kalat-i-Seva, named after Sewa, a legendary hero of the Brahui people. The Brahui speaking tribes arrived in the area before the Balochi speaking tribes and established a large kingdom in the 15th century. The region fell to the Mughals for a short period before the Brahui-speaking Khans of Kalat regained control in the 17th century.
The Khans of Kalat were dominant until the arrival of the British in the 19th century. In 1876, a treaty was signed to make Kalat part of the British Empire. In 1947, the Khan of Kalat reportedly acceded to the dominion of Pakistan, and in 1948, Kalat became part of Pakistan when the British withdrew. The last Khan of Kalat was formally removed from power in 1955, but the title is still claimed by his descendants.
Climate
Kalat features a cold
desert climate under the Köppen climate classification. The town experiences a
wide range of temperatures, with the average temperature being 14.1 °C (57.4
°F). The coldest month is January, with an average temperature of 3.4 °C (38.1
°F), and the warmest month is July, with an average temperature of 24.8 °C
(76.6 °F). The annual precipitation in Kalat is relatively low, with an average
of 163 mm (6.4 in) per year.
Demographics
The population of Kalat is predominantly Muslim, with a
small Hindu population of around three percent. In addition to the Hindu
community, there are also some Hindu Hindkowan merchants who have settled in
the town. The Hindu population has decreased over the years, with the Muslim
population increasing.
Religious
Groups According to
the 2017 census, the population of Kalat was 36,796. Of this population, 96.61%
were Muslim, 3.35% were Hindu, and 0.04% were Christian. The Hindu population
has decreased significantly over the years, with only 1,234 Hindus residing in
the town in 2017.
Kalat Kali Temple There is a Hindu temple devoted to Kali in Kalat. The temple is a significant cultural and religious site for the Hindu community. However, the Hindu community in Kalat has faced discrimination and persecution over the years. In 2010, the chief-priest of the temple was abducted, highlighting the increasing targeting of minority Hindus in the province.
Conclusion
Kalat is a historic
town with a rich cultural heritage. The town has faced challenges over the
years, including discrimination and persecution against minority communities.
However, efforts are being made to preserve the town's cultural heritage and
promote tolerance and acceptance among its diverse population. Despite its
challenges, Kalat remains a unique and important part of Pakistan's cultural
and historical landscape.