What Are the 7 Hausa States?
The Hausa people are among the most ancient, influential, and culturally united groups in Africa. Known for their deep history, advanced trade systems, powerful kingdoms, and rich traditions, they have left a lasting mark on West African civilization.
But one question often asked by history enthusiasts, students, and cultural researchers is:
👉 What are the 7 Hausa states?
These seven states are known as the Hausa Bakwai — a term that literally means “the Seven True Hausa States.”
In this post, we will explore their names, origins, founders, cultures, locations, and significance — and also discuss how they shaped the identity of the entire Hausa civilization.
1. Meaning of “Hausa Bakwai” (The Seven Hausa States)
The phrase Hausa Bakwai comes from two Hausa words:
- Hausa — meaning “the Hausa people.”
- Bakwai — meaning “seven.”
So, Hausa Bakwai literally translates to “the Seven Hausa States.”
According to Hausa oral tradition, these seven city-states were the original Hausa kingdoms, founded by the sons and descendants of Bawo, the son of Bayajidda — the legendary founder of Hausaland.
These states shared the same language, customs, and governance systems, though each had its own Sarki (king) and political structure.
2. The Origin: Bayajidda and the Birth of the Hausa States
To understand what are the 7 Hausa states, we must go back to the legend of Bayajidda — the hero widely regarded as the founder of Hausaland.
The Legend of Bayajidda
Long ago, a noble warrior named Bayajidda journeyed from Baghdad (Iraq) to West Africa. He arrived in Daura, a city then ruled by Queen Daurama.
At that time, Daura’s people could fetch water from their only well just once a week, because a huge serpent (Sarki) guarded it. Bayajidda killed the serpent, freeing the people, and as a reward, Queen Daurama married him.
Their union produced a son named Bawo, and Bawo later had seven sons, who each founded one of the seven Hausa states.
These sons and their kingdoms became the Hausa Bakwai.
3. The 7 Hausa States (Hausa Bakwai) and Their Founders
Let’s look at each of the seven Hausa states — their founders, origins, and historical significance.
1. Daura – The Cradle of Hausa Civilization
Founder: Bayajidda and Queen Daurama
Location: Present-day Katsina State, Nigeria
Symbolism: Birthplace of the Hausa people
Daura is the oldest and most symbolic Hausa city. It is often referred to as the mother of all Hausa states.
This is where Bayajidda killed the serpent at the Kusugu Well and married Queen Daurama, marking the beginning of the Hausa lineage.
Daura became a political and spiritual center for the Hausa. The Daura Emirate remains one of Nigeria’s most respected traditional monarchies, representing the asalin Hausawa — the true origin of the Hausa.
Daura is also home to several historical sites like:
- Kusugu Well
- Palace of the Emir of Daura
- Bayajidda Shrine
- Queen Daurama’s Tomb
Even today, Daura is celebrated annually during the Bayajidda Festival, which honors the founder of Hausaland.
2. Kano – The Commercial Powerhouse
Founder: Gaya (descendant of Bawo)
Location: Present-day Kano State, Nigeria
Symbolism: Trade, industry, and political power
Kano is one of the most powerful and economically important Hausa states. Historical records suggest it existed as early as the 10th century, growing into a vast empire through commerce and craftsmanship.
The Kano Chronicle, a historical document written in the 19th century, records the line of ancient rulers who transformed Kano into a thriving trade hub along the trans-Saharan trade route.
Kano became famous for:
- Dyeing pits (especially indigo)
- Leather and textile production
- Metalwork and crafts
- Trade in gold, salt, and slaves
The city also became a center of Islamic learning, with scholars teaching the Qur’an, law, and sciences.
Today, Kano remains the largest city in northern Nigeria and a major cultural, economic, and religious center in West Africa.
3. Katsina – The Center of Islamic Scholarship
Founder: Kumayo (descendant of Bawo)
Location: Present-day Katsina State, Nigeria
Symbolism: Knowledge, scholarship, and education
Katsina was one of the earliest Hausa states to adopt Islam, around the 13th century. It became a center for scholars and intellectuals, attracting students from all over West Africa.
One of its most iconic landmarks is the Gobarau Minaret, an ancient mosque and learning center built in the 15th century. It served as both a place of worship and a university-like institution where scholars taught theology, law, and astronomy.
Katsina’s rulers maintained close contact with scholars from Timbuktu and Cairo, further boosting its reputation.
Today, Katsina is still known as a city of knowledge, and many Hausa Muslims see it as a spiritual heart of Islam in Hausaland.
4. Zazzau (Zaria) – The Kingdom of Queen Amina
Founder: Zazzau (descendant of Bawo)
Location: Present-day Kaduna State, Nigeria
Symbolism: Military strength and expansion
Zazzau, or modern-day Zaria, was one of the most powerful Hausa city-states. It became especially famous under Queen Amina of Zazzau, a legendary warrior-queen who ruled in the 16th century.
Queen Amina expanded the Zazzau kingdom through conquest, extending Hausa influence across much of modern-day Nigeria. Her rule symbolized courage, leadership, and the power of women in Hausa history.
Zaria was also known for:
- Agriculture (millet, sorghum, and groundnuts)
- Trade routes linking to Kano, Katsina, and Borno
- Military excellence and fortified city walls
Even today, the city of Zaria honors Queen Amina with statues, cultural events, and historical preservation.
5. Rano – The Land of Traders and Craftsmen
Founder: Dan Rano (descendant of Bawo)
Location: Present-day Kano State, Nigeria
Symbolism: Industry, textiles, and trade
Rano was another key Hausa city known for its industrial and trading activities. It was strategically located between Kano and Zazzau, which allowed it to flourish as a market hub.
Rano’s people were skilled in:
- Weaving and textile production
- Leather tanning
- Iron smelting and tool-making
The city was also known for its rich agricultural land, producing grains and vegetables that supplied neighboring states.
Rano’s importance continues to this day as part of Kano State, maintaining a strong identity within the Hausa cultural sphere.
6. Gobir – The Kingdom of Warriors
Founder: Gobir (descendant of Bawo)
Location: Present-day Sokoto region, Nigeria & parts of Niger
Symbolism: War, bravery, and politics
Gobir was one of the most politically active and warlike Hausa states. It gained fame for its military organization and resistance to foreign invasions.
However, Gobir also played a central role in a major event in Hausa history — the Fulani Jihad of 1804.
Gobir’s ruler, Sarkin Gobir Yunfa, clashed with Shehu Usman dan Fodio, an Islamic reformer who led the Jihad that resulted in the creation of the Sokoto Caliphate.
Although Gobir was eventually conquered, it remains a symbol of Hausa resilience and independence. Its people are still known for their warrior spirit and deep respect for heritage.
7. Biram – The Oldest Royal Lineage
Founder: Biram (descendant of Bawo)
Location: Present-day Jigawa State, Nigeria
Symbolism: Tradition and ancestry
Biram, also known as Hadejia, is regarded as the eldest of Bawo’s sons and thus one of the first Hausa states to emerge.
Though it never grew as powerful as Kano or Zaria, Biram is highly respected because it represents the senior branch of the Hausa royal family.
The ruler of Biram is sometimes referred to as Sarkin Hausawa na Asali — “The Original King of the Hausas.”
This title highlights Biram’s spiritual and genealogical importance as a link to the ancient ancestors of the Hausa people.
4. The Banza Bakwai – The Other Seven Hausa States
While the Hausa Bakwai are considered the true Hausa states, there were also another group called the Banza Bakwai (literally “the Seven Imitation Hausa States”).
These states were not direct descendants of Bayajidda but were influenced by Hausa culture, language, and governance.
The Banza Bakwai included:
- Kebbi
- Zamfara
- Nupe
- Ilorin (Yoruba region)
- Gwari
- Kwararafa (Jukun)
- Yauri
Together, the Hausa Bakwai and Banza Bakwai formed what is broadly known as Hausaland (Kasar Hausa) — a vast cultural and linguistic region stretching across modern Nigeria, Niger, Chad, and parts of Cameroon.
5. Cultural Importance of the Hausa States
Each of the Hausa states contributed uniquely to Hausa culture, politics, and identity.
A. Language and Communication
All the Hausa states spoke the Hausa language, which eventually became the dominant lingua franca of West Africa.
B. Governance and Leadership
Each state had a Sarki (king) and a council of advisers. This system of governance remains the foundation of Emirates across northern Nigeria today.
C. Trade and Economy
The Hausa states were connected by trade routes, forming a network of economic exchange across Africa. Cities like Kano and Katsina became part of the trans-Saharan trade, linking Africa to the Arab world.
D. Religion
Islam spread through the Hausa states between the 13th and 15th centuries, transforming them into centers of Islamic scholarship and law.
E. Art and Architecture
The Hausa are known for their mud-brick architecture, intricate geometric designs, and colorful crafts — many of which originated from these seven ancient states.
6. Historical Timeline of the Hausa Bakwai
| State | Estimated Foundation | Current Location | Major Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daura | 9th century | Katsina State | Origin of Hausa civilization |
| Kano | 10th century | Kano State | Trade and economy |
| Katsina | 12th century | Katsina State | Islamic learning |
| Zazzau (Zaria) | 13th century | Kaduna State | Military and agriculture |
| Rano | 13th century | Kano State | Textile and crafts |
| Gobir | 13th century | Sokoto region | Politics and warfare |
| Biram | 14th century | Jigawa State | Royal ancestry |
7. The Legacy of the Hausa Bakwai Today
The legacy of the seven Hausa states continues to influence life across northern Nigeria and beyond.
A. Traditional Rulership
The Emirate system seen today in states like Kano, Katsina, Zaria, and Daura originated from the political systems of the Hausa Bakwai.
B. Language and Media
The Hausa language remains a major language in Africa — used in radio, television, newspapers, and even international platforms like the BBC and DW.
C. Education and Religion
The Hausa states laid the foundation for Islamic scholarship, which still thrives in northern Nigeria, Niger, and parts of Ghana and Sudan.
D. Cultural Unity
Despite modern borders, the Hausa people across countries still share common proverbs, dress styles, food, and traditions — all rooted in the heritage of the Hausa Bakwai.
8. Why the Hausa Bakwai Are Historically Significant
The Hausa Bakwai represent more than just seven ancient states; they symbolize:
- Unity among diverse communities
- Cultural identity preserved over centuries
- Innovation and leadership in trade, politics, and religion
Their model of governance inspired later empires, including the Sokoto Caliphate, which united most of northern Nigeria in the 19th century.
9. Summary: What Are the 7 Hausa States?
| No. | State Name | Founder (Descendant of Bawo) | Modern Location | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Daura | Bayajidda & Queen Daurama | Katsina State | Birthplace of Hausa people |
| 2 | Kano | Gaya | Kano State | Trade and industry |
| 3 | Katsina | Kumayo | Katsina State | Islamic scholarship |
| 4 | Zazzau | Zazzau | Kaduna State | Military expansion |
| 5 | Rano | Dan Rano | Kano State | Weaving and crafts |
| 6 | Gobir | Gobir | Sokoto Region | Politics and warfare |
| 7 | Biram | Biram | Jigawa State | Royal ancestry |
10. Conclusion
So, what are the 7 Hausa states?
They are the Hausa Bakwai — Daura, Kano, Katsina, Zazzau, Rano, Gobir, and Biram.
These seven states form the historical foundation of Hausaland, united by a shared language, culture, and origin story that traces back to Bayajidda — the legendary founder of the Hausa people.
Through centuries of trade, scholarship, and leadership, these city-states built one of the most powerful and enduring civilizations in Africa.
Even today, their traditions live on in modern Nigeria and beyond — in the music, religion, festivals, architecture, and royal systems of the Hausa people.