When Britain was reigning supreme in South Asia, there were numerous Princely States that were governed by Nawabs; the royalty of sub-continent. When the nation of Pakistan was born, thirteen of those Princely states fell in the region that was allocated for this great country. One by one, all thirteen over a period of time ascended to the State.

These exquisite states are what make up our glorious country, and their beauty and culture makes all Pakistanis proud.

Take a look at these alluring former Princely States of Pakistan

1. Swat – The Valley of Swat acceded to the State of Pakistan in August 1947

2. Khairpur – this beautiful state acceded to the State of Pakistan in October 1947

3. Bahawalpur – joined the State of Pakistan in October 1947 as well

4. Chitral – The Mehtar of Chitral joined the State of Pakistan officially in October 1947

5. Hunza – once known as Kanjut – The Mir of Hunza told Jinnah that he would like to join The State of Pakistan in November 1947

6. Nagar – neighbour to Hunza – Shaukat Ali Khan, the ruler of Nagar, also acceded in November 1947

7. Amb – though the Nawab joined the State of Pakistan in December 1947, this Princely state remained autonomous until 1969 when the Nawab of Amb passed away – it is now a part of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa

8. Phulra – was a Khanate, with a total area of 36 m2. Ata Muhammed Khan, the last ruler of Phulra also acceded to Pakistan in Dec 1947, and in 1949 it was fused into what is now Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa

9. Dir – Jahan Khan the Nawab of Dir opted to accede to Pakistan in 1947, but the accession of Dir did not take place until February of 1948

10. Kharan – located in Baluchistan – Nawab Habibullah Khan Baluch chose to remain independent initially. The Princely state acceded to the State of Pakistan in March 1948

11. Las Bela – Ghulam Qadir Khan the ruler acceded to his Princely state in March of 1948 – it is now known as the Lasbela District of Baluchistan

12. Makran was initially fused into West Pakistan 1955 – when West and East Pakistan separated in 1970 it became the Makran District of Baluchistan

13. Khanate of Kalat – acceded in March of 1948

Khanate did not remain peaceful; like Las Bela and Makran, it too was a member of the Baluchistan States Union. In June 1958, the Khan of Kalat who was the head of the Union declared Baluchistan independent. The area was recaptured by the Pakistan Army four months later.

Were you aware that Pakistan had so many Princely States when it was created?