Hunza (princely state)
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- This article is about the former State of Hunza, for the main article see Hunza Valley
Hunza (Urdu: ہنزہ) was a former princely state in the northernmost part of the Northern Areas of Pakistan, which existed until 1974. The state bordered the Gilgit Agency to the south, the former princely state of Nagar to the east, China to the north and Afghanistan to the northwest. The state capital was the town of Baltit (also known as Karimabad). The area of Hunza now forms the Aliabad tehsil of Gilgit District.
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[edit] History
Hunza was an independent principality for 900 years. The British gained control of Hunza and the neighbouring valley of Nagar between 1889 and 1892. The Tham (Chief) of Hunza escaped to China.
The British retained Hunza's status as a 'principality' until 1947. According to Habib R. Sulemani, the people of Hunza were ruled by a local Mir for more than 900 years, which came to an end in 1974.
Although never ruled directly by neighbouring Kashmir, Hunza was a vassal of Kashmir from the time of Maharaja Ranbir Singh of Jammu and Kashmir. The Mirs of Hunza sent an annual tribute to the Kashmir Durbar until 1947, and along with the ruler of Nagar, was considered to be among the most loyal vassals of the Maharaja of Kashmir.
[edit] Government
The state was governed by hereditary rulers who took the title Mir (ruler) and were assisted by a council of Wazirs or Ministers. Details for early rulers are uncertain with the first definite dates available from 1750 CE onwards.
| Reign | Mirs of Hunza |
|---|---|
| Uncertain dates | Salim Khan II |
| Uncertain dates | Shah Sultan Khan |
| 1710 - uncertain date | Shahbaz Khan |
| Uncertain dates | Shahbeg Khan |
| ~1750 - 1790 | Shah Kisro Khan |
| 1790 | Mirza Khan |
| 1790 - 1825 | Salim Khan III |
| 1825 - 1864 | Ghazanfur Khan |
| 1864 - 1886 | Mohammad Ghazan Khan I |
| 1886 - 15 September 1892 | Safdar Ali Khan |
| 15 September - 22 July 1938 | Mohammad Nazim Khan |
| 22 July 1938 - ? 1946 | Mohammad Ghazan Khan II |
| ? 1946 - 25 September 1974 | Mohammad Jamal Khan |
| 25 September 1974 - | State of Hunza Disolved |
[edit] Geography
The Hunza valley is situated at an elevation of 2,438 metres (7,999 feet). For many centuries, Hunza has provided the quickest access to Swat and Gandhara for a person traveling on foot. The route was impassable to baggage animals; only human porters could get through, and then only with permission from the locals.
Hunza was easily defended as the paths were often less than half a metre (about 18") wide. The high mountain paths often crossed bare cliff faces on logs wedged into cracks in the cliff, with stones balanced on top. They were also constantly exposed to regular damage from weather and falling rocks. These were the much feared "hanging passageways" of the early Chinese histories that terrified all, including several famous Chinese Buddhist monks.
It is pitty, that in the table ruling period of Mir Safdar Khan is written wrong. He ruled 1886 to December 1891 till the British conquest of Hunza in December 1891. Later on his younger brother Mir Mohammad Nazim Khan was installed by the British and Maharaja (Raja) of Kashmir in September 1892. (Ref: History of The Northern Areas of Pakistan By Prof. A.H. Dani, Islamabad 1991)
[edit] Hunza in North Pakistan
The Northern Areas of Pakistan lying under the great mountain ranges of Himalaya –Karakorum –Hindu Kush –Hindu Raj and Pamir, surrounded by high peaks of 6500 m to 8600 meters.
Administratively divided with five districts, which runs by DC,s and the concern authority. Controlled from Gilgit by Chief Secretary. The chief secretary controlled by Federal Government Islamabad.
Gilgit the capital of Northern Areas has been inhabited for thousands of years, the various invaders, reached in the South, reached here. The animism of early inhabitants was over laid by fair worship, brought from in Iran. Which was modified by the Indo Aryans in 1700 BC.
From the 1st century Gilgit was like Kashgar, the trade center from all places as its now. From 4th century to 11th century AD, It was under Buddhism influence of Sogdiana dynasty, Kushans Hindu Shahis and later Islam introduce in this area. Gilgit situated at an important point, Central Asia-China.
Northern Area is connected with air and road with other cities of Pakistan including Islamabad the Capital. There are daily flights to Skardu and Gilgit, which is subject to weather. It’s linked with Karakorum highway through the Indus valley. 620 Kilometers to Gilgit and 832 Kilometers to Skardu. It’s a two days drive to reach Gilgit & Skardu.
Northern Areas is the fairy land, which covers thousands of Square Kilometers if high snow capped mountain, surrounded by Lashed green valleys rivers, Glaciers- High meadows –high passes –Pine Dev Dar Forest, Juniper trees, Cultivated fields, Fruit orchards, which offer Spectacular panoramic view of natural disaster. Northern Area is a tourist paradise for Trekkers, Climbers –Skiers –Jeep Safaris-Rock Climbing –White Water Rafting-Cultural Tours, Silk Route Travelers –Mountain Bike Tours and many many.
The visitor of Hunza are overwhelmed by the rigged charm, the fragrant breeze singing through graceful popular trees and the velvet like green carpet to wheat fields, set against the background of snow covered mountains. Situated at an elevation of 2,438 meters, Hunza Valley's tourist season is from May to October. The temperature in May is Maximum 27 C and minimum 14 C as well as July is max & min 30 C. The temperature in October are maximum 10 C and minimum 5 C. Most of the people of Hunza are Ismaili Muslims, followers of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan. The local language is Burushaski. English & Urdu are also under- stood by number of people. Karimabad is the capital of Hunza, offers an awe-inspiring view of Rakaposhi 7,788 meters and as well as view of Ulter Peak 1 and 2, Ladyfinger, Daran Peak and Golden Peak. The snow of Rakaposhi glitter in the moonlight, producing an atmosphere at once ethereal and sublime. The fairy tail like castle of Baltit, above Karimabad, is Hunza landmark built 800 years ago. Stilted on massive legs, its wooden look out over the valley.
[edit] Mountaineering And Hiking
Hunza is ideal for mountaineering, trekking and hiking. Special permits are required for mountaineering.
[edit] How to Go There
Regular Buses and Van services operate between Gilgit and Karimabad. Hunza Travels & Tours office at Gilgit, arrange tour and transport for visitors.
[edit] Today's Hunza
Today Hunza is in progress in education agriculture, orchard, business small industries, automobile, wooden work, building construction banking, women development programs, Health programs, Health units as well as first aid posts in every villages, Embroidery, Handicrafts, carpet industries, Mining precious stones etc.
The actual changes started after 1978, when the Karakorum highway opened between China & Pakistan. Again a trade route between Islamabad & Sinking province, the rapid changes happened in the Northern Area of Pakistan. People came into border business with China. The Aga Khan Network with collaboration of Government of Pakistan, their joint efforts brought fruitful result to life of people of Hunza.
There are self-help schools in every second village in the valley and all children male and female attend schools 100 percent, this is the reason, why Hunza people are different from other valleys in North of Pakistan.
The Tourism started in Pakistan in the 1980,s. The flow of tourism was in Hunza valley, till now, which brought the economic revaluation. Hunza has been a tourist destination from a long time.
[edit] People of Hunza
Most of the people of Hunza are Ismaili Muslims, followers of His Highness the Aga Khan. The local language is Brushuski, Urdu and English are also understood by a number of people.
Karimabad, the capital of Hunza, offers an awe-inspiring view of Rakaposhi (7,788 metres). The snows of Rakaposhi glitter in the moonlight, producing an atmosphere at once ethereal and sublime.
The fairy-tale like castle of Baltit, above Karimabad, is a Hunza landmark built abut 600 years ago. Stilted on massive legs, its wooden bay windows look out over the valley. Originally, it was used as the residence of the Mirs (the title of the former rulers of Hunza).
"The Hunzas exist isolated from the rest of the world in the Himalayan Mountains where they live to be 110 to 120 years of age. They have no cancer, heart attacks or other major disorders to speak of. They are active and fit to the end of their lives. Men father children at 100 years of age and older. Overweight people are unheard of because they have the perfect weight control system."
"Hunza men are straight, tall, broad-shouldered, deep-chested, slim-waisted, heavy-legged and have full heads of hair. Hunza women are straight, tall, slim-waisted, developed bosoms, perfect complexions and luxuriant hair. Both men and women have perfect teeth and eyesight even at 100 years of age and older! They are neat, clean, intelligent and friendly and you can't find an overweight person.
Hunza women at 80 look no older than North American women of 40. Fatigue is virtually unknown. Hunza men over 90 years old repeatedly walk the mountain trail of 65 miles from the town of Gilgit with a full pack and immediately start to work in the fields again!"
The Hunzas were originally soldiers of Alexander the Great. This bread may have been designed for the use of his far traveling armies. It would make sense. It's the most compact form of hunger satisfaction and nutrition we know of. According to traces of Macedonian Heritage, this bread could have originated in Egypt over 5,000 years ago. As you know, the Egyptians were capable of doing many things that modern science cannot, even today, duplicate.
[[Image:|thumb|200px|Woman Of Hunza]]
[[Image:|thumb|200px|Man of Hunza]]
[[Image:|thumb|200px|Ali Member Hunzai]]
[[Image:|thumb|200px|Hunza Child]]
[[Image:|thumb|200px|Women Of Hunza In Traditional Dress]]
[edit] See also
- Hunza Valley (main article on Hunza)
- Northern Areas
- Karakoram Highway
- Karakoram Mountains
[edit] External links
Category:Former countries in Asia]]
