Karachi District (Sind)

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Karachi District under British India underwent significant transformation during the period 1936 to 1948. [1] Initially part of Sind Province, it emerged as a pivotal economic and administrative hub. [2]

Contents

The district's role and status underwent a dramatic shift with the Partition of India in 1947, culminating in its transfer to the newly formed Federal Capital Territory of Pakistan in 1948. [3] [4]

Administration

During the British colonial era, the administrative setup of Karachi District included several important talukas:

1. Karachi Taluka - The central hub of trade, administration, and port activities. It included the city and surrounding settlements.

2. Kotri Taluka - Situated near the Indus River, it was significant due to its role in transportation and trade routes.

3. Manora Taluka - A coastal region focused on defense and port operations, including Manora Island.

4. Manjhand Taluka - Located inland, known for its rural settlements and agricultural importance.

5. Thatta Taluka - A historical region with a rich cultural past, once a prominent center of trade and learning.

6. Keti Bunder Taluka - A coastal area serving as a fishing and trading port near the Arabian Sea. Indian Gazetteer of India

History

Following the Partition of India in 1947, Karachi was declared the capital of the newly formed Islamic Republic of Pakistan. [5] To ensure the federal government's autonomy, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) was carved out of Karachi District in 1948. [6]

The FCT remained the capital of Pakistan until 1960 when the capital was shifted to Rawalpindi. While Karachi's status as the federal capital ended, it continued to be a major economic and financial hub of Pakistan. [7]

Demographics

Religious groups in Karachi District (British Sindh era)
Religious
group
1872 [8] 1881 [9] 1891 [10] 1901 [11] 1911 [12] 1921 [13] 1931 [14] 1941 [15]
Pop. %Pop.%Pop.%Pop.%Pop.%Pop.%Pop.%Pop.%
Islam Star and Crescent.svg 347,551390,067453,188483,474396,334386,151465,785457,035
Hinduism Om.svg [a] 72,51382,860103,589115,240111,748138,485162,111222,597
Christianity Christian cross.svg 2,6434,6746,3146,4869,0139,99913,15217,695
Zoroastrianism Faravahar.svg 7179691,4081,8412,2022,7203,3643,721
Judaism Star of David.svg 71061473815736619551,053
Jainism Jain Prateek Chihna.svg 9991266501,1186293,215
Buddhism Dharma Wheel (2).svg 320214153111
Sikhism Khanda.svg 1321,1502,5434,0097,589
Tribal 30347172884
Others640128000100
Total population423,495478,688564,880607,828521,721542,065650,240713,900
Note: British Sindh era district borders are not an exact match in the present-day due to various bifurcations to district borders — which since created new districts — throughout the region during the post-independence era that have taken into account population increases.

Notes

  1. 1872 census: Also includes Tribals, Jains, Buddhists, and Nanakpanthis (Sikhs).

    1881 census: Also includes Tribals and Nanakpanthis (Sikhs).

    1891 census: Also includes Tribals.

    1901 census: Also includes Tribals and Nanakpanthis (Sikhs).

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