Bailundo (kingdom)
Kingdom of Bailundo | |
|---|---|
The "Kingdom of Bailundo", c. 1760 | |
| Status | Sovereign kingdom (c. 1700–1770) Vassal of the Portuguese Empire (1770–1904) Currently a non-sovereign monarchy within Angola |
| Capital | Bailundo |
| Common languages | Umbundu Portuguese |
| Demonym(s) | Va-Mbailundu |
| Government | Monarchy |
| Soma inene | |
• 18th century | Katyavala I |
• 2021-present | Tchongolola Tchongonga |
| History | |
• Conquest of Halavala | c. 1700 |
| 1904 (end of sovereign monarchy) | |
| Today part of | Angola |
The Kingdom of Bailundo, also known as Bailundu, Mbailundu or Mbalundu, is an Angolan Ovimbundu kingdom based in the modern-day province of Huambo, in the central highlands of Angola. It was one of the largest and most powerful Ovimbundu kingdoms. Some news reports state the kingdom was founded in the 15th century, however oral histories and archival evidence suggest it emerged as a political entity around 1700. The kingdom was initially called Halavala.