LAS BELA (NON SALUTE
STATE)
Las Bela (Urdu: ریاست لسبیلہ) was a princely state in
a subsidiary alliance with British India (later
a princely state of
Pakistan) which existed until 1955. The state occupied
an area of 18,254 Sq.Km. or 7,048 Sq. Miles in the extreme
southeast of the Balochistan region,
with an extensive coastline on the Arabian Sea to
the south. Las Bela was bordered by the princely states of Kalat and Makran to the north
and west. To the east lay the province of Sind and to the southeast lay the Federal
Capital Territory around the city of Karachi.
With princes known by the title of
“Jam,” the State of Las Bela was founded by Jam Ali Khan in 1742 and ruled by
his descendants until it joined Pakistan. The name “Las Bela” meant
“jungle on a plain,” indicative of the hot climate. The
history of Las Bela is bound up with the larger state of Kalat, which was
officially an overlord state. Kalat, ruled by the Khan of Kalat, held vassal,
or at least subsidiary status, at various times with the Persian and Afghan
empires. The British arrived relatively late to this dusty corner of
current-day Pakistan. With a port, as well as a sea location that links
the Red Sea, Persian Gulf, and Arabian Sea, and considerable natural resources,
Kalat held strategic importance. Treaties were concluded in 1854 and
1876, which, if limiting the power of Kalat, protected it from internal and
external strife. The Khan of Kalat has the distinction of being one of the few
rulers, if not the only, who asked for status as a vassal princely state,
rather than as an independent monarch.Las Bela, though technically a vassal
state to Kalat, concluded direct treaties with the British. The Jam was bound
to conduct his government with the advice of the British Government, as
personified by an agent in Kalat. The British held some powers over internal
affairs, with, for example, all death sentences having to be approved by
British authorities. This was important, since tribal issues, such as blood
feuds, were common.
In 1947, with independence, the territory and dominant Muslim religion
of Las Bela clearly fell into Pakistan, but problems arose. The Jam of Las Bela
was willing to accede, however, issues remained with Kalat. And, in fact,
Pakistani troops were ordered to move into costal areas of Kalat on March 26,
1948. The next day Kalat capitulated and joined Pakistan. Las Bela joined
Pakistan gradually, at first becoming part of the Baluchistan States Union, but
keeping internal autonomy. It is now part of the province of Baluchistan.
However, resentment continues to this day in Baluchistan, which has been
plagued by violent protests against Pakistani rule.
Used as Fiscal stamp :-
Half Anna , Black
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