Before its independence in 1947, the land encompassing modern-day Pakistan was not known by a single name. Instead, the region was part of British India and comprised several distinct areas.
Pre-1947 Regions
The major regions that formed Pakistan were:
- Punjab: A large and historically significant region known for its fertile plains and rich cultural heritage.
- Sindh: Located in the lower Indus River valley, Sindh has a long and independent history predating British rule.
- Balochistan: A vast and geographically diverse region in the west, Balochistan has a distinct cultural identity.
- North-West Frontier Province (now Khyber Pakhtunkhwa): This mountainous region in the northwest bordered Afghanistan and played a strategic role in the region's history.
In addition to these larger regions, there were also numerous smaller princely states within the area.
Ancient Names
Beyond the British administrative divisions, the region now known as Pakistan has a rich history with various ancient names. For example, the Rigveda mentions "Sapta-Sindhu," meaning "land of seven rivers," which some scholars identify with the Indus River valley. Other ancient names, such as "Melhua," have also been proposed, though their usage and accuracy remain subjects of historical debate.
Post-1947 Naming
After independence, the newly formed nation was officially named "Pakistan." The term "West Pakistan" was briefly used after the 1971 separation of East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) to refer to the remaining western territories.
Therefore, there's no single "old name" for Pakistan. The region's history is complex and encompasses numerous names and administrative divisions depending on the historical period. The answer depends on the timeframe being considered. Before 1947, the region was part of British India, divided into several provinces and princely states. Before British rule, numerous ancient names existed, reflecting the region's long and layered history.
