MCQ Detailed View

Basutoland was the name used during the colonial period for what is now the independent country of Lesotho. Located in southern Africa, Lesotho is a small, landlocked nation completely surrounded by South Africa.

The name “Basutoland” was given by the British in the 19th century when they established it as a protectorate. The people of Lesotho are known as the Basotho, and their language is called Sesotho. The term “Basutoland” essentially meant “land of the Basotho people.”

In the mid-1800s, the Basotho Kingdom was led by King Moshoeshoe I, a respected leader who united various clans in the region to defend against external threats, particularly from the Boers during the period of Dutch expansion in southern Africa. In 1868, after facing increasing pressure, King Moshoeshoe I asked the British for protection. The British agreed and declared Basutoland a protectorate, keeping it under direct British rule rather than merging it into the Cape Colony.

Basutoland remained a British territory for nearly a century. On October 4, 1966, the country gained full independence and was renamed Lesotho, restoring its native identity and sovereignty. The new name reflected the pride of the Basotho people and their cultural heritage.Today, Lesotho is known for its mountainous landscape, high altitude, and unique cultural traditions. It is sometimes called the “Kingdom in the Sky” because most of its land lies over 1,000 meters above sea level.

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  Old Name: Basutoland

  
  


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  Modern Name: Lesotho

  
  


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  Location: Southern Africa, surrounded by South Africa

  
  


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  People: Basotho

  
  


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  Language: Sesotho

  
  


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  Colonial Status: British protectorate from 1868 to 1966

  
  


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  Independence: October 4, 1966