What Is the Real Hausa State in Nigeria?
Understanding the Hausa people, their historical roots, and the political states they built is one of the most important ways to understand Northern Nigeria. When people ask “What is the real Hausa state in Nigeria?”, the answer is not as straightforward as naming one place. The Hausa identity grew through history, culture, trade, language, religion, migration, and powerful kingdoms that shaped West Africa for centuries.
This article provides a complete, deeply researched, and fully optimized explanation of:
- The real Hausa state
- How Hausa states started and evolved
- Major city-states of Hausa land
- The difference between Hausa and Hausa-Fulani
- Which modern Nigerian states are Hausa
- Culture, politics, language, and identity
- Colonial effects and modern changes
- Frequently asked questions
- And what exactly qualifies as the real Hausa state today
1. Introduction: Understanding the Concept of a “Real Hausa State”
Before identifying a real Hausa state, we need to clarify what “state” means:
Three Possible Meanings of “State”
- A historical Hausa kingdom (such as Kano, Katsina, Zazzau, Daura, Gobir, Rano, Biram).
- A modern Nigerian geopolitical state (such as Kano State, Katsina State, Kaduna State).
- A cultural homeland defined by language and ethnicity.
Because Hausa identity existed long before modern Nigerian states were created, the real Hausa state is connected more to history and culture than Nigeria’s modern political boundaries.
In essence, asking “What is the real Hausa state?” is asking:
- Where did the Hausa civilization originate?
- Which kingdom represents authentic Hausa identity?
- Which Nigerian state(s) reflect true Hausa culture today?
To answer all this, we start from the beginning.
2. The Origin of Hausa Land: Where Hausa Civilization Began
According to the Hausa Bayajidda Legend
The traditional story says the Hausa states originated from Bayajidda, a traveler from Baghdad who arrived in Daura. He helped the queen of Daura by killing a snake blocking the community well. She rewarded him with marriage, and his descendants founded the Seven True Hausa States.
Whether mythical or historical, this legend reveals the cultural belief that the Hausa civilization began in Daura.
According to Historical and Archaeological Evidence
Historians agree that the Hausa civilization:
- Emerged in North-Western and North-Central Nigeria
- Was influenced by trans-Saharan trade
- Consisted of city-states with kingship systems
- Developed independently with strong cultural identity
- Spread through trade, migration, warfare, and Islamic scholarship
This confirms that the Hausa identity was not tied to one kingdom, but to multiple interconnected states.
3. The Seven Real Hausa States (Hausa Bakwai)
Traditionally, the “Hausa Bakwai” are considered the seven original and real Hausa states. They are:
- Daura
- Kano
- Katsina
- Zazzau (Zaria)
- Gobir
- Rano
- Biram (Hadejia region)
These are what many historians consider the true Hausa states because:
- They were founded by descendants of Bayajidda
- They share cultural, linguistic, and political origins
- They built the Hausa civilization long before colonial rule
- They contributed to language standardization
- They shaped Hausa Islamic scholarship
- They controlled major trade routes
- They maintained Hausa kingship and political systems
Let’s look at each one in detail.
3.1 Daura — The Cradle of Hausa Civilization
Daura is widely accepted as the birthplace of the Hausa people.
Why Daura is Important
- Home of the Bayajidda legend
- Origin of Hausa kingship
- One of the oldest political entities in West Africa
- Still ruled by a traditional Emir
- Strong cultural influence over Hausa identity
Is Daura the real Hausa state?
Many scholars say yes. If one must choose one single birthplace of Hausa culture, Daura is the strongest candidate.
3.2 Kano — The Economic and Political Powerhouse
Kano is the most influential Hausa city historically and economically.
Why Kano Stands Out
- The largest Hausa-speaking population
- Historically the richest Hausa state
- Center of trans-Saharan trade
- Home of the famous Kano dye pits
- A center of Islamic learning and culture
- Industrial heart of Northern Nigeria
Is Kano the real Hausa state?
If “real” means largest, strongest, and culturally dominant, many would say Kano.
3.3 Katsina — The Center of Islamic Scholarship
Katsina is famous for education and religion.
Strengths of Katsina
- Home to the famous Gobarau Islamic University
- Produced generations of scholars
- Played a major role in spreading Islam in Hausa land
- Powerful trade connections with North Africa
Is Katsina the real Hausa state?
If defining “real” by religion, education, and classical scholarship, then Katsina is the answer.
3.4 Zazzau (Zaria) — The Military and Trade State
Zazzau is also one of the original Hausa kingdoms.
Why Zazzau was Important
- Known for military strength
- Played a critical role in regional trade
- Home of Queen Amina of Zazzau (Amina of Zaria)
- Expanded Hausa influence southward
3.5 Gobir — The Warrior State
Gobir was famous for its fighters and resistance.
Gobir’s Significance
- Known for military power
- Last Hausa kingdom to resist the Fulani Jihad
- Gave rise to historical heroes like Sarkin Gobir
3.6 Rano — The Agricultural & Textile State
Rano was influential because of its production strength.
Rano’s Strengths
- Large-scale production of cloth
- Agricultural influence
- Part of the main Hausa trade network
3.7 Biram — The Lesser-Known But Original State
Although not as famous as Kano or Katsina, Biram is one of the original seven.
4. The Seven “Banza Bakwai” (Illegitimate or Mixed Hausa States)
These are seven states culturally influenced by the Hausa but not founded by Bayajidda. They include:
- Gwari
- Jukun
- Igalas
- Nupe
- Yoruba states with Hausa influence
- Ilorin
- Others historically linked by trade and migration
These are not the “real Hausa states,” but they share cultural exchange.
5. So Which One Is the “Real Hausa State”? (The Direct Answer)
To answer directly:
**If we follow tradition:
➡️ Daura is the real Hausa state.**
**If we follow population, influence, and culture:
➡️ Kano is the real Hausa state.**
**If we follow language purity and history:
➡️ Katsina and Daura have the oldest Hausa dialects.**
**If we follow politics and power:
➡️ Kano remained the strongest Hausa kingdom historically.**
**But historically:
➡️ The real Hausa state is NOT one place.
➡️ It is the collective Hausa Bakwai.**
So the real Hausa state = the seven original Hausa states combined.
6. The Modern Nigerian States That Are Truly Hausa Today
The modern Hausa homeland spans several Nigerian states. The core Hausa states today include:
Primary Hausa States (Over 80–95% Hausa-speaking)
- Kano State
- Katsina State
- Jigawa State
- Kaduna State (Zaria axis)
- Sokoto State
- Kebbi State
- Zamfara State
Secondary Hausa States (Significant Hausa population)
- Bauchi State
- Gombe State
- Yobe State
- Borno (partially)
- Plateau (Jos North)
- Taraba (Bali, Jalingo, Wukari)
- Niger State
States Outside Nigeria With Hausa Populations
- Niger Republic
- Ghana
- Cameroon
- Chad
- Sudan
- Togo
- Burkina Faso
- Benin Republic
The Hausa ethnic group is one of the most widespread in Africa.
7. Is Hausa the Same as Hausa-Fulani? (Important Distinction)
Hausa
An ethnic group with:
- A unique language
- Long history
- Distinct culture
- Traditional city-states
- Pre-colonial kingdoms
Fulani
A pastoral ethnic group common in West and Central Africa.
Hausa-Fulani
A modern political and cultural identity formed by:
- Intermarriage
- Shared religion (Islam)
- Jihad of 1804
- Political alliances
- Social integration
Although many Hausa people today identify as Hausa-Fulani, the original pre-colonial Hausa identity is separate.
8. Hausa Language: A Key Part of the Real Hausa State
Language unites the Hausa community.
Facts About Hausa Language
- One of the most spoken languages in Africa
- It has over 70 million native speakers
- It is the lingua franca of Northern Nigeria
- Used in trade across West Africa
- Has one of the oldest writing traditions in West Africa (Ajami script)
- Widely broadcast on international radio (BBC Hausa, VOA Hausa, DW Hausa, RFI Hausa)
Where Hausa language dominates, Hausa culture is alive — and this defines the real Hausa state more than any boundary.
9. Culture That Defines the Real Hausa State
Key Cultural Features
- Traditional dressing (Babban Riga, Zanna Bukar, Kaftan)
- Hausa music (Hausa folk music, Kannywood songs)
- Hausa traditional architecture
- Hausa food (tuwo shinkafa, miyan kuka, miyan taushe)
- Marriage traditions
- Strong Islamic foundation
- Traditional titles (Sarkin Kano, Sarkin Katsina, Emir of Zazzau)
- Durbar festivals
- Horse riding culture
Culture is one of the strongest measures of what qualifies as a true Hausa region.
10. Political Evolution: Traditional Hausa States to Modern Nigeria
Before Colonialism
Hausa states were independent kingdoms.
During Colonial Era
The British created the Northern Protectorate and unified Hausa, Fulani, Kanuri, and other groups.
Post-Independence Nigeria
The original Hausa states became part of larger political states like:
- Kano State
- Katsina State
- Kaduna State
- Jigawa State
- Sokoto State
- Kebbi State
- Zamfara State
These states contain the largest Hausa populations today.
11. The Real Hausa State According to Scholars
Anthropologists say:
Hausa identity is defined by language and culture, not borders.
Historians say:
The real Hausa state refers to the Hausa Bakwai.
Modern political scientists say:
Kano is the strongest expression of Hausa civilization.
Linguists say:
Katsina, Daura, and Kano hold the oldest Hausa dialects.
Cultural scholars say:
Daura remains the root of Hausa origin.
Therefore, the concept of the “real Hausa state” is multidimensional, not singular.
12. What Makes an Area Truly Hausa Today?
To qualify as a real Hausa region, a place must:
- Have Hausa as the dominant language
- Practice Hausa cultural traditions
- Use Hausa dress, norms, and social behavior
- Follow Hausa naming systems and lineage
- Maintain Islamic practices integrated with Hausa customs
- Recognize Hausa traditional institutions (e.g., Emirate system)
- Have historical ties to the Hausa kingdoms
If a place meets these criteria, it is part of the real Hausa cultural state, even if it isn’t politically labeled “Hausa.”
13. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which state is the real Hausa state?
Traditionally: Daura.
Politically & culturally: Kano.
Historically: The Hausa Bakwai combined.
2. Is Hausa land only in Nigeria?
No. Hausa people live across West Africa.
3. Is Kano the biggest Hausa state?
Yes. Kano has the largest Hausa population and strongest cultural influence.
4. Is Kaduna a Hausa state?
Partly. Zaria axis is fully Hausa; Southern Kaduna is ethnically diverse.
5. Is Katsina more Hausa than Kano?
Katsina and Daura are considered more “classically Hausa” by tradition, but Kano is more dominant today.
6. Did Hausa exist before Islam?
Yes. The Hausa civilization predates Islam by centuries.
7. Is Sokoto a Hausa or Fulani state?
Culturally Hausa, historically Fulani-led, but linguistically and culturally Hausa today.
14. Conclusion: What Is the Real Hausa State in Nigeria?
The real Hausa state cannot be confined to one modern state. Historically, it refers to the Hausa Bakwai:
- Daura
- Kano
- Katsina
- Zazzau
- Gobir
- Rano
- Biram
Culturally and economically, Kano stands as the strongest Hausa center. Traditionally, Daura is regarded as the origin of Hausa civilization. Linguistically, Hausa land extends far beyond borders.
So the real Hausa state is a cultural, historical, linguistic, and political identity, not a single geographical point.