Keti
This article has been extracted from THE IMPERIAL GAZETTEER OF INDIA , 1908. OXFORD, AT THE CLARENDON PRESS. |
Note: National, provincial and district boundaries have changed considerably since 1908. Typically, old states, ‘divisions’ and districts have been broken into smaller units, and many tahsils upgraded to districts. Some units have since been renamed. Therefore, this article is being posted mainly for its historical value.
Keti
(or Keti Bandar). — Port, town, and municipality in the Ghora- bari of Karachi District, Sind, Bombay, situated in 24 degree 8' N. and 6 7 degree 30 E., close to the sea, on the Hajamro branch of the Indus. Population (1901), 2,127. Keti is the chief port in the Indus delta for river and sea-going boats, and has taken the place of Ghorabari, a little farther inland on the same branch, which was formerly the principal commercial town of the surrounding tract. In 1848 the Hajamro capriciously receded, and Ghorabari immediately dwindled into comparative insignificance. The trade of the deserted port then betook itself to the first Keti, nearer the sea ; but about 1853 the place was swept away by a flood, and a new site was chosen in the neigh- bourhood. This second Keti, the existing town and harbour, now about fifty years old, soon attracted the river trade, and at present ranks next to Karachi among the ports of Sind. Exports to the Bombay and Madras Presidencies, to Sonmiani, and Makran, comprise grain, pulses, oilseeds, wool, cotton, drugs, dyes, saltpetre, and firewood. Imports, from the same places and the Persian Gulf, include coco-nuts, cotton piece-goods, metals, sugar, spices, coir, and shells. The value of the sea-borne trade of Keti in 1903-4 amounted to 6-8 lakhs: exports, 5-3 lakhs; imports, 1-5 lakhs. During the prevalence of the south-west monsoon trade remains at a standstill, vessels being unable to make the harbour from seaward. In the brisk season, from 70 to 90 boats of various sizes may be seen lining the bandar. Sea-borne goods for transit up the Indus must here be transferred to river boats. The town has several times been in danger of floods, but, owing to its slightly elevated position, has hitherto escaped the fate of its pre- decessor. It communicates by road with Tatta, 60 miles south-west ; with Mirpur Sakro, 36 miles south-west; and with Ghorabari, 13 miles. The municipality was established in 1854, and had an average income during the decade ending 1901 of Rs. 6,400. In 1903-4 the income was Rs. 6,100. The town contains a dispensary, and one school for boys, with an average daily attendance of 88 pupils.
