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Makran

Indian Princely State

by Chrystian Kretowicz

Makran (sometimes spelled erronously 'Mekran') has a flag in the reverse order of colors of Kharan. According to Filcher (1984), the upper band, green with the crescent moon and star represents the Islamic faith of Makranis and belonging to Pakistan. The red symbolizes the sacrifices in the fights to maintain the independence of the Emirate. And the blue band stands for the extensive sea coast of the country.
Source: Filcher (1984)
Chrystian Kretowicz, 16 January 2003

See also:

EMIRATE OF MAKRAN
Baluchistan Province, Princely States of Baluchistan
11 Gun Salute
Area: 26, 000 sq.mi
Acceded to Pakistan on March 17, 1948

Towards the beginning of the 16th century the Portuguese found their way to India and captured several places along the Makran coast. They never penetrated inland and were unable to establish anything more than heavily defended military bases at various points. In 1581 they destroyed Gwadar and Pasni by burning them to the ground. In the 18th century, Makran came gradually under the control of the Kalat Khanate, which was ruled then by Nasir Khan I. It was not until the 19th century that the British got interested in this area during the time of the First Afghan War in 1838. An expedition was sent into the area to pave way for the building of the Indo-European telegraph line, which passed through Makran. On its completion in1863, Major Goldsmith was posted to Gwadar as Assistant Politic