Baluchistan

a dependency of India. It lies on the northwestern frontier of India. It lies between Afghanistan and the Arabian Sea. The entire country may be classified as British "administered" territory, native states, and tribal areas. The total area is 131,855 square miles. The population is about 913,751. In matters of religion nineteen-twentieths of the people are Mohammedans. The surface consists largely of deserts, stony plains, and mountains. The climate is considered severe. Rainfall is uncertain. Nevertheless, the soil is fertile wherever water can be had. Corn, potatoes, millet, alfalfa, rice, wheat, and barley are important crops. Melons, grapes, apricots, peaches, apples, and, on the coast, dates, are grown to perfection. Camels, horses, cattle, and donkeys are the most important domestic animals. As in Afghanistan and Persia, the peasants excel in making rugs, blankets, needlework, leather work, and pottery. Baluchistan has been under the protection of the British Empire since 1879. The administration seat is Kelat. Quetta, the most important town, may be reached by rail from the Indus.