KALAT

town, Balochistan province, Pakistan. The town, known locally as Kalat-e Baluch to distinguish it from Kalat-e Ghilzai (Qalat-e Ghelza'i) in Afghanistan, and Kalat-e Sewa after its legendary founder, occupies a spur of the Shas-i Mardan Hill at the western end of Kalat valley. A small retail-market centre, it is connected by roads with Quetta, Pasni, and Karachi. The old town, within the Miri (citadel), containing the palace of the khans of Kalat, was partially destroyed by a 1935 earthquake. It was then moved to its present site. Captured by the Mirwaris in the 15th century, it remained the capital of the Mirwari Ahmadzai khans (originally from Oman in southeast Arabia) until British occupation in 1839. With the arrival of a British political agent, possession was returned in 1842 to the khan. The region became part of Pakistan in 1948. Situated in a mostly mountainous area, Kalat has moderate summers and cold snowy winters; precipitation is adequate. Wheat, barley, melons, jowar (sorghum), and various fruits are grown in the region. Minerals worked include coal (near Spezand), iron ore, and sulfur. Pile carpets, embroidery, leather goods, and palm bags and mats are local products. Population is sparse, the Brahui and Balochi peoples being the predominant ethnic groups. Pop. (1981 prelim.) 11,000.