Punial

Districts of Gilgit-Baltistan: Punial is the southern part of the Ghizer District

The valley of Punial (Urdu: پونیال) is situated in Ghizer District in the Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, where hundreds of thousands of tourists visit annually. Punial is a mountainous valley situated at an elevation of about 5000–9000 feet. The territory of Punial has an area of about 35,900 km² (13,900 sq mi).

History

The term "Punial" has its roots in the Shina language, where it carries two significant meanings: "fertile land" and "bucket of fruits." The region is closely tied to the neighboring areas of the Gilgit agency. Historically, the inhabitants of Punial were associated with the Arian belief system of Mazdaism (آتش پرست), which contributed to the area's early cultural identity. Over time, the Shina language became deeply embedded in the local culture, serving as a means of communication and connection among the people.

In ancient times, Punial also boasted a notable Hindu presence, which was an integral part of its diverse cultural landscape. Following the era of Dardistan, the Indo-Aryans emerged, who settled in Gilgit-Baltistan. The entire population of Punial gradually transitioned to Buddhism, marking a significant religious and cultural shift in the region's history.

Before the establishment of the Punial rajas, governance in the area operated under a tribal head system, wherein various tribal leaders presided over their respective groups. Prominent figures like Shout and other tribal heads from different clans played crucial roles in the region's early governance. Among the ruling families, the Brush family from Chitral emerged, successfully establishing Punial as an independent state.

The first Mehtar of the Katoor Dynasty was Sifat Bahadur, who chose Gahkuch as the capital, solidifying the dynasty's presence in the region. This dynasty continued its rule until the emergence of the first Ismaili dynasty, known as the House of Ayasho, which took over the region in 1885. By the early 1900s, the Ayasho family extended their influence, bringing vast territories, including whole Ghizer and parts of Nagar and Gilgit, under their direct rule. This transition marked a pivotal moment in Punial's history, as the Ayasho dynasty, followers of the Ismaili faith, began to reshape the political and social landscape of the region.

Raja Nasir ul Din of Punial

Raja Nasir ul Din, also known as Jan Alam, was the grandson of Isa Bahdur and the final ruler of the Katoor Dynasty in the region of Punial, where he adhered to the Sunni sect of Islam. Throughout his reign, Jan Alam faced significant challenges, notably enduring two of the three uprisings that erupted against what many considered the oppressive governance imposed by the local populace of Punial. The first of these uprisings took place in 1895 and ultimately led to the establishment of the First Constitution, known as Dastoor ul Amal, in 1898. This constitutional framework was a strategic move by the ruling Raj to quell the unrest and achieve peace with the House of Ayasho. However, it came at a considerable cost, as it required the ceding of several territories, including Ishkoman, Gupis, Yasin, Phander, and all of Punial except for the area of Sherqila—thus bringing these regions entirely under Ayasho control.

The second uprising arose in 1936, instigated by Raja Anwar Khan, Jan Alam's father, who sought to curb the influence of his cousin, Khan Bahadur. This rebellion was driven by the desire to revoke certain privileges that had been granted in the first Dastoor ul Amal, resulting in amendments that redefined the political landscape and abolished various social categories, including Darkkhan, Raihat, and Gushpur, among others. The third and final uprising occurred in 1951 and was led by the Syeds, marking yet another chapter in the turbulent history of governance in Punial during the declining years of the Katoor Dynasty.

The Syeds, comprising the father and uncle of Pir Karam Ali Shah, have been steadfast supporters of the Ayasho family in Punial since the 1800s. Their loyalty played a significant role during the uprising, which, while suppressed at the time, ultimately led to the Ayasho family gaining direct control over extensive territories, including Ghizer, Ishkoman, Yasin, Gupis, and Kuh (Phander). This shift in power eventually transformed into a broader movement for Ismaili Dawa, which spread into neighboring regions such as Nagar, solidifying the Ayasho family's position as the preeminent ruling family of Punial.

This newfound dominance culminated in the end of autocratic rule in 1974, when Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto implemented nationwide reforms that abolished the princely states.[1][2] In contemporary times, the Ayasho family stands as a living emblem of pride for the people of Punial, with its members held in high regard and deeply respected by the community. A notable figure representing this legacy is His Royal Excellency Prince Sameer Shah, the Crown Prince of the Ayasho family, affectionately known as "The Prince of Punial." His presence continues to inspire admiration and respect among the residents of Punial, reinforcing the family's significant role in the region's history and cultural identity.

Gahkuch

Kanchey Bridge, which connects Kanchey valley with Gahkuch located near Gahkuch City. A development work of the Ayesho family undertaken in 2006.

Gahkuch is the main town, and the district headquarters.

Sher Qilla is another large village in the Punial valley. The distance is 40 km and time required to reach there is about 45 min to 1 hour.

Gahkuch Bala Fort

The newly renovated shooting tower next to the prayer hall of the fort. The fort originally had 6-8 towers all protected by well mounted cannons but only one of them can be seen today.

The Gahkuch Bala Fort, situated atop the rooftop village of Gahkuch Bala in Gilgit-Baltistan, is a historic fortress dating back approximately 400 years. Notably, it is the second-largest fort in Gilgit Baltistan underscoring its significance in the area's architectural and cultural heritage. Historically, the fort served as a stronghold for the influential Ayesho Family, whose ancestry is intertwined with the ruling family of Hunza, as evidenced by the fort's architectural similarities to the Altit Fort in Hunza. The fort is currently under the possession of the Ayesho Family, and serves as a District Headquarter of Ismaili District Boy Scouts Association Punial. It also served as the first Jamatkhana within the region from 1885 till 1957. The fort's design, featuring defensive towers, suggests that these additions were made to protect against enemy attacks, highlighting the strategic importance of the location. The fort's proximity to the Ayesho Palace and the ancient polo ground further underscores its historical significance, providing valuable insights into the region's social, cultural, and military history. As a testament to the region's rich cultural legacy, the Gahkuch Bala Fort remains an important landmark, warranting preservation and further study.

Sherqilla Fort

The last surviving picture of the Sherqilla Fort before its destruction by the Ayesho's in 1888

Sherqilla Fort, also known as the Lion's Fort, was a historic fortress located near the riverbank of Sherqilla Village, Punial, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. Sherqilla Fort was approximately 380 years old and held strategic importance due to its location. Despite numerous attempts, various rulers failed to conquer the village, including Ali Sher Khan Ancha. In 1888, HRH Colonel Aqa Akbar Ali Shah of the Ayesho Family of Punial successfully laid siege to the village, forcing local ruler Raja Isa Bahadur of Katoor Dynasty to surrender on the fourth day. Subsequently, the fort was plundered and destroyed on HRH Colonel Aqa Akbar Ali Shah's orders. Today, only remnants of the fort exist. Visitors to the area can still view the remains.

Gupis Fort

Gupis Fort, situated in the picturesque Gupis Valley of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, is a 17th-century historic fortress built by Raja Bahadur Khan during the reign of the Punial State. In 1888, following the conquest of Sherqilla, Aqa Akbar Ali Shah of the Ayesho Family captured the fort and subsequently formed the Punial Levis, a personal bodyguard force that later evolved into the Gilgit Baltistan Scouts. Thereafter, the fortress served as the official residence of the Crown Prince of Punial State, a guest house for foreign officers and visitors, and the rear headquarters of Punial Levis, Gilgit Baltistan Scouts, and Northern Light Infantry. Additionally, reports suggest it was utilized for training purposes, with its ground-level construction indicating potential use as a storage facility. The fort's architecture reveals heavy fortification, featuring armoured towers and walls, allowing for easy counterfire from all four sides, making invasion extremely challenging. Today, Gupis Fort attracts tourists due to its scenic location amidst the Himalayas, rich cultural heritage, and historical significance, and is located in the Ghizer district of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan.

Yasin Fort

The remaining tower of Maduri also known as Yasin Fort

Yasin Fort, located in Yasin Valley, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, boasts a storied history dating back to the 14th century, when it was constructed by Raja Ganzal, the local ruler, to play a strategic role in controlling the valley and surrounding regions. The fort exemplifies traditional Himalayan architecture, characterized by sturdy stone walls, wooden structures, and intricate carvings. However, in the 19th century, Yasin Fort was plundered by the Ayesho Family under the rule of Aqa Ismail Ali Shah, who brought the entire fortress to the ground, leaving only one tower standing as a warning to traitors who aligned themselves with the Katoor Dynasty of Chitral. The remaining tower bears an inscription: "Do never forget Gohar Aman and his contributions for you Yasinutz." Today, the fort's remnants serve as a testament to its historical significance, and its location in the Ghizer district of Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan, makes it a notable historical site in the region.

Notable Personalities

Nisha Sultan

Amina Wali and Ifrah Wali

See also

• Punial State