Karachi District under British India underwent significant transformation during the period 1936 to 1948. Initially part of Sind Province, it emerged as a pivotal economic and administrative hub.
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.
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. To ensure the federal government's autonomy, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) was carved out of Karachi District in 1948.
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.
Demographics + Religious groups in Karachi District (British Sindh era)Religiousgroup18721881189119011911192119311941 Islam 347,551 390,067 453,188 483,474 396,334 386,151 465,785 457,035 Hinduism 72,513 82,860 103,589 115,240 111,748 138,485 162,111 222,597 Christianity 2,643 4,674 6,314 6,486 9,013 9,999 13,152 17,695 Zoroastrianism 717 969 1,408 1,841 2,202 2,720 3,364 3,721 Judaism 7 106 147 381 573 661 955 1,053 Jainism 9 99 126 650 1,118 629 3,215 Buddhism 3 2 0 21 41 53 111 Sikhism 132 1,150 2,543 4,009 7,589 Tribal 30 347 172 884 Others 64 0 1 280 0 0 10 0 Total population 423,495 478,688 564,880 607,828 521,721 542,065 650,240 713,900
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