Rano is one of the seven Hausa states of the legend, known to the Kano Chronicle as a separate kingdom until Yaji of Kano (1349-1385 in Palmer's count) occupied it for two years, after which it never regained its sovereignty.
In 1200 it lies outside Naguji's Kano.
Who holds it
- Title
- sarki of Rano
- Confidence
- low
Lord in 1200
Its own sarki (not known)
How things stand that morning
Independent town-state (tradition).
Council
Not recorded.
Communities
Hausa townspeople.
Fairs and markets
Not recorded.
Militia
Not recorded.
Walls and castle
Not recorded for 1200.
Trade and crafts
Farming; textiles are a later reputation of Kano and Rano.
Where the sources disagree
Evidence: Tradition and later chronicle notices.
On the map: Near land only.
Primary sources for Rano and Biram
Chronicles, registers, sagas and inscriptions written in or near 1200 that cover this entry. Each has its own page with editions, translations and where to read it.
- The Kano Chronicle (about 1880 to 1890, from older written lists and oral tradition). The only narrative of the Hausa towns, but a nineteenth-century compilation whose dates for early kings are reckoned back from reign lengths. Read online
Sources and studies
- Wikipedia: Kingdom of Kano (Dala, Barbushe and Tsumburbura, Gijimasu and Tsaraki's walls, 'by 1200 Kano ruled all the chiefdoms in the area except Santolo')
- Wikipedia: Hausa Kingdoms (Bayajidda legend, Hausa Bakwai and Banza Bakwai, foundation dates unknown)
Last revised 4 November 2026. Published 4 November 2026. Suggest a correction on the OMNIA Discord.