Bolan

Bolan Pass Built in British Rule

Bolan district is named after the historic pass "Bolan". The pass, 85 kilometres long, extends from Kolpur, the highest place in Bolan district with an altitude of 2,200 metres above sea level, to "Rindli". For centuries the Bolan pass has been the route along which traders, invaders and nomad hordes traversed between India and Central Asia.The area, today included in Bolan district, used to be part of the old Thal Chotiali district until 1888. Later, until 30 June 1965, it was placed under Kalat district. In 1965, Bolan, Dhadar, Lehri, Balanari, Sanni, Bhag, Gandawa, Mirpur, Jhal, Tamboo and Chatter Tehsils were transferred from Kalat district to constitute Kachhi district. After the 1972 census Tamboo and Chatter Tehsils were detached from Kachhi district and transferred to the new district of Nasirabad. It became part of Nasirabad division, which was created in 1986. Before bifurcation into two districts, the total area of the Kachhi district was 11,114 sq.kms. The area included in Bolan district is 8,036 sq. km.Kachhi district derives its name from "Khach", i.e. plains. Kachhi was bifurcated into Jhall Magsi and Bolan district on December 31, 1991. The Bolan district started functioning under a district magistrate from 17 May 1992.
Population Composition:According to the 1981 census, the total population of the district was 237,133 that year, of which 121,348 females and 115,785 males. The male-female ratio indicates that Bolan is one of the few districts where women outnumber men
Ethnic Composition:Bolan is an ethnically heterogeneous district. The two major socio-linguistic groups are the Baloch and the Brauhi. The Balochi speaking group is made up of various tribes, the most important ones being the Rind, the Raisani, the Shawani, the Domki, the Syed and the Kurd. Beside these tribes, there is a small population of settlers and Pashtu speaking people. The Hindu population of the area are Sindhi and Balochi speaking.