MOOLTAN, or MOULTAN, a province of Hindustan, which formerly comprehended the country on both sides of the Indus, between the 24th and 30th degrees of north latitude. It is bounded on the north by Lahore and Afghanistan, on the south by Ajmeer and Sind, on the east by Lahore and Ajmeer, and on the west by Beloochistan. The following are the territorial subdivisions of this province, namely, first, Mooltan Proper; second, Bahawulpore; third, Backar; fourth, Sind; fifth, Tatta; sixth, Chalehkaun. The greatest length of this territory is 110 miles, by about 70, its greatest breadth; and it is comprehended between the Sutleje, or the Gurrah, as it is here named, the Ravey, and the Chinaub. The northern and eastern districts of this province are watered by the rivers of the Punjab, and the tract which is within the reach of the inundation is extremely fertile, but becomes gradually more sandy and barren as it approaches the desert situated between Sewee and Backar, over which, during the summer months, the hot winds usually blow. To the west of the Indus the country is still more arid and barren, and terminates in a long ridge of black rocks. Fine camels are produced in many parts of this province; and a breed of excellent horses, said to be descended from those of Nadir Shah, stolen by the natives from him whilst on his return to Persia. It is related, in the Mahomedan annals, that this province was invaded about the year 712, by a body of Arabs under the command of Mohammed Cossim, who converted many of the natives to the Mahomedan religion. It was invaded early in the eleventh century by the celebrated Mahmood of Ghizni, and was afterwards subject to the monarchs of Delhi. After the overthrow of this empire by Timour, in the end of the fourteenth century, it remained an independent kingdom till the middle of the sixteenth century, and soon afterwards became subject to the Mogul dynasty, on the decline of which it fell into the hands of independent chiefs. It was in the hands of the Maharattas a short time before the battle of Paniput, after which it was lost by them, and never subsequently recovered. At a later period it was occupied by the Sikhs. The greater part of it was long held by the nabob of Mooltan, who was obliged to pay tribute to the Afghans, Sikhs, and rulers of Sind, by whom he is surrounded. In 1818 it was taken possession of by Runjeet Singh, under whose rule it still remains. Little is known of the internal government, but it is known to be oppressive and tyrannical, being subject, besides the extortions of the government, to those of a licentious soldiery. The population consists of Afghans, Jats, and other Hindu tribes; but the cities are occupied by people from all parts of the East. Its principal towns are Behawulpore, Adjodin, Cutch, Mooltan, and Debalpore.