Nagar (princely state)

Nagar, established in the 14th century, operated as an autonomous principality until the British exerted control over the region during the Hunza–Nagar Campaign (1889-1893). Subsequently, it became a colonial princely state under the jurisdiction of the Gilgit Agency until 1947.[1] However, starting in 1868, Nagar was a vassal state under the authority of the Maharaja of Jammu and Kashmir, even though it was never directly governed by Kashmir. The rulers of Nagar were considered to be among the most loyal vassals of the Maharajas of Jammu and Kashmir, sending annual tributes to their Durbars until 1947. The British granted them a Hereditary gun salute of 15-guns.

In November 1947, the ruler, Mir Shaukat Ali Khan acceded Nagar to Pakistan, which became responsible for its external affairs and defense, while Nagar maintained internal self-government. In 1968, Syed Yahya Shah, the first educated politician of the valley, demanded civil rights from the Mir of Nagar. In 1973, when Ayub Khan's dictatorship ended in Pakistan and the Pakistan People's Party (under Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto) was elected, the government forced the Mir of Nagar to abdicate. The area was then merged with the Northern Areas.[2]

The Hunza valley looking across the river to Nagar

Mount Rakaposhi

The state was governed by the hereditary rulers of the Maglot dynasty, who were styled as Mir. The details of these early rulers are uncertain; the first definite dates available are from 1839. In November 1947, the state became one of the princely states of Pakistan. Brigadier Mir Shaukat Ali Khan was the last ruler of the State before it was abolished by Pakistani PM Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto in 1972.

The terrain of Nagar is extremely mountainous, which provided a certain degree of protection against invading forces. The highest mountain is the 7,788 m (25,551 ft) Mount Rakaposhi, south of the town of Nagar. The Karakoram Highway crosses Nagar, connecting Pakistan with China via the Khunjerab Pass. The road follows the Hunza river for some distance through Nagar and into the Hunza region. According to local languages Nagar Valley divided into two parts. Nagar Shinaki and Nagar Burosho.

• Mohammad Ismail Nashad, Buroshall say Nagar Tek Ka Safar
• Syed Mohammad Yahya Shah, Rasala Buroshall
• E. F. Knight, Zafar Hayat Paul, Where the Three Empires Meet

• Government of Pakistan