Bolan background

The district is named after the historic pass "Bolan". The pass, 85 kilometres long, extends from Kolpur, the highest place in Bolan district with an altitude of 2,200 metres above sea level, to "Rindli". For centuries the Bolan pass has been the route along which traders, invaders and nomad hordes traversed between India and Central Asia.

The area, today included in Bolan district, used to be part of the old Thal Chotiali district until 1888. Later, until 30 June 1965, it was placed under Kalat district. In 1965, Bolan, Dhadar, Lehri, Balanari, Sanni, Bhag, Gandawa, Mirpur, Jhal, Tamboo and Chatter Tehsils were transferred from Kalat district to constitute Kachhi district. After the 1972 census Tamboo and Chatter Tehsils were detached from Kachhi district and transferred to the new district of Nasirabad. It became part of Nasirabad division, which was created in 1986. Before bifurcation into two districts, the total area of the Kachhi district was 11,114 sq.kms. The area included in Bolan district is 8,036 sq. km.

Kachhi district derives its name from "Khach", i.e. plains. Kachhi was bifurcated into Jhall Magsi and Bolan district on December 31, 1991. The Bolan district started functioning under a district magistrate from 17 May 1992.[1]

District Headquarters          Dhadar*.

*There are two versions about the origin of the word "Dhadar". The first one is that it originated from the "Da ha Ne dar" (i.e. through the pass), as one reached Dhadar through the Bolan pass. The second version is that there were ten gates in the rampart wall around the city in the past, after which the city was named "Da Der" (i.e. ten doors). Both versions are believed to be authentic.