Mention the Areas and Princely States That Became Part of Pakistan in 1947
Chapter 2: Emergence and Creation of Pakistan (1940–1947)
SLO Content
At the time of independence in 1947, Pakistan consisted of several provinces and princely states that joined the new country. The areas that became part of Pakistan were mainly Muslim-majority regions of British India, while several princely states later decided to accede to Pakistan.
Areas and Princely States of Pakistan in 1947
Point 1
Punjab (Western Punjab)
Western Punjab became one of the most important provinces of Pakistan after partition. It included major cities such as Lahore, Rawalpindi and Multan and formed the agricultural and strategic centre of the new country.
Point 2
Sindh
Sindh became a province of Pakistan in 1947. Karachi, the capital of Sindh, became the first capital of Pakistan and served as an important centre for administration, trade and communication.
Point 3
North-West Frontier Province (NWFP)
The North-West Frontier Province, now known as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, became part of Pakistan after the 1947 referendum. It was strategically important because of its location near Afghanistan.
Point 4
Balochistan
Balochistan became part of Pakistan in 1947 through the accession of its princely states and administrative areas. It was important because of its large territory and strategic location.
Point 5
East Bengal
East Bengal became the eastern wing of Pakistan after partition. It was a Muslim-majority region with Dhaka as an important administrative centre and later became Bangladesh in 1971.
Point 6
Bahawalpur State
Bahawalpur was one of the first princely states to join Pakistan after independence. Its ruler, Nawab Sadiq Muhammad Khan V, announced accession to Pakistan in October 1947. The state provided financial and administrative support to the newly created country.
Point 7
Khairpur State
Khairpur was a princely state located in Sindh that acceded to Pakistan in 1947. It became an important part of Pakistan due to its geographical location and contribution to the development of Sindh.
Point 8
Kalat State
Kalat was a major princely state in Balochistan. After negotiations with the Government of Pakistan, the ruler of Kalat agreed to join Pakistan in 1948, making it an important part of the province of Balochistan.
Point 9
Swat State
Swat was a princely state located in the northern region of present-day Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The ruler of Swat decided to accede to Pakistan in 1947, and the state contributed to the geographical and cultural diversity of Pakistan.
Point 10
Dir State
Dir was a princely state situated in the north-western region of Pakistan. It joined Pakistan after independence and became part of the administrative structure of the country, strengthening Pakistan’s position in the region.
Activity
Identify the Area or Princely State
Read each statement carefully and select the correct answer.
1. Which city became the first capital of Pakistan after independence?
2. Which province joined Pakistan after the 1947 referendum?
3. Which princely state was among the first to accede to Pakistan?
4. Which princely state was located in Sindh and joined Pakistan in 1947?
5. Which princely state became part of Balochistan?
Concept-Based MCQ
Which of the following was NOT a province that became part of Pakistan in 1947?
Answer Key
Correct Answer: Bombay was not included in Pakistan in 1947. The provinces that became part of Pakistan were mainly Muslim-majority areas including Punjab, Sindh, North-West Frontier Province, Balochistan and East Bengal. Several princely states such as Bahawalpur, Khairpur, Kalat, Swat and Dir also joined Pakistan.
Paper II Practice
Extended Response Question (ERQ)
Mention the areas and princely states that became part of Pakistan in 1947. Explain the geographical and political importance of these regions in the establishment and development of Pakistan.