The British Occupation of Kalat: A Critical Appraisal of the Establishment of British Rule in Baluchistan

Abstract

The Kalat State ceded its land and sovereignty to the British Empire in India in exchange for a series of agreements (total four) from 1838 to 1876. Complete annexation happened after the Kalat State had agreed to such obligations and limitations resulting from its treaties with the British, the Paramount Power. The 1838 treaty was the first to be negotiated, and the 1841 and 1854 treaties that followed. They signed the last one in 1876. These treaties resulted in the khanate of Kalat being transformed into a British vassal state from an independent one. These agreements allowed the British to protect their dominion in India by securing their position outside the northwest boundary, while also restricting Khan of Kalat power over his subjects and realm. This paper will provide a thorough description and critical analysis of the Treaties of 1854 and 1876, which are mutually complementary and serve as the ultimate foundation for the State of Kalat's ties with the British Government. They were crucial to the British occupation of Baluchistan and helped to establish the groundwork for their colonial activities in the region. It aims to offer a comprehensive analysis of the various British policies that were put into place throughout their involvement in the area. It covers the time and events leading up to Kalat's suzerainty under the British. The acquiring of parts of the Khanate by the British as a consequence of various agreements is also summarized in the article.

       Keywords: Baluchistan, British, Kalat, Khan, Khanate