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Quetta is the largest city and provincial capital of province Baluchistan. It is also known as the fruit garden of Baluchistan because of it’s vast fertile land and biodiversity.
Evidence suggests that Quetta was present in history in 6th century. It belonged to province Sassan of Kingdom of Iran. When Muslims conquered Iran, Quetta became part of the Muslim Kingdom.
A comprehensive account of city of Quetta was found in 15th century when Ghaznavi visited here during his attack to India. After that it was ruled by Ghurids and Mongols in late 15th century. At the end of 15th century it came under the control of Ruler of Herat Shah Beg Arghun.
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Hana Lake close to Quetta.
Ain e Akbari also mentioned Shalkot ( old name of Quetta ) and Pishin as a military supply and revenue service to Akbar. In 1730 Quetta was under the influence of Khan of Kalat who made It his Northern capital. In 1876 British Administrator Sir. Robert Sandeman signed a treaty with Khan of Kalat that gave administration of strategic Quetta to British Rule.
According to a european historian in 1828 a great mud wall was surrounding Quetta which was later made to fort by English Rulers.
The word Quetta was derived from Pashto word “Kuwetta ” which means a fort. Quetta was also called as Shalkotwhich is still used today because of it beautiful and nice shalls (large piece of cloth made of cotton to fend of winter cold) .
It is believed that city name was derived from four surrounding hills (Chiltan, Takatu, Zarghoun, Murdaar).
Quetta didn’t emerge until British Rule, even at that time it was not more than a small arsenal. In late 19 century it grew exponentially but it was almost completely destroyed on 31 May 1935 which almost killed 20000 people. It became part of Pakistan on 14 August 1947 and it is now summer capital of province of Baluchistan.
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Governor House Quetta.
Dr Owais Karni's Blog 