During the period of Arab rule, this region formed the province of Turan, with Khuzdar as the capital. It was an important cantonment and was the headquarters of the Arab General Commanding the Indian frontier. Later Khuzdar became a part of the Kalat State. It was the scene of a battle between the people of Jhalawan and the Khan of Kalat in 1869. The Khan of Kalat Mir Khuda Khan was victorious and built a fort of painted pottery here. Close to the town are the ruins of an old fort built by the Arabs. Khuzdar is the capital of Khuzdar district. It is a district and divisional headquarters town in Balochistan. Previously party of the Kalat district, Khuzdar was upgraded as a separate district on 1 March 1974. The district is subdivided into four tehsils: Khuzdar, Zehri, Naal and Wadh. It is at the apex of a narrow valley at an elevation of 1,237 m (4.000 feet). Over 99% of the people of the area are Muslims. The population of Khuzdar district is estimated to be over 525,000 in 2005. The major tribes in the district are Bizenjo, Mardoi Jattak, Hasni, Siapad, Nausherwani, moosiani Zehri, Mengal, Zarakzai, Ahmadzai' Rekizai ' Sasoli ' Kurd'. A large military complex is near completion near Khuzdar, which would make it the second largest Cantonment in Balochistan after Quetta.