Punial
 |
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. It has pleasant weather and a hospitable populace. The territory of Punial has an area of about 35,900 km2 (13,900 sq mi).[citation needed]
Villages of Punial Valley
[edit]Gulapur (Door of Punial), Sher Qillah, Dalnati, Hamuchal, Gohar Abad (Gutmsas), Japukay, Gitch, Dass Japukay, Singal(Heart of Punial), Thingdass, Gulmuti, Buber, Gurunjur, Gahkuch bala, Gahkuch pine ( Puya ai Mali, translates into Mother of Punial), Silpi, Damas, Ayshi, Golodass, Hatoon, Hasis, Haim, Birgal, Famani and Gohar Abad, Gitch,and Thingdass are mainly part of larger Singal.
History
[edit]The word “Punial” is from the Shina language. It has two meanings: “fertile land” and “bucket of fruits”. Punial is related to neighbour areas of Gilgit agency. Punially people belonged to Arian “Mazdaism” ( آتش پرست ), Shina language penetrated in the area. The area were Hindus in Punial. After Dardistan a great civilization namely Indo-Aryans established in Gilgit Baltistan. The whole population of Punial became Buddhist. Before recent past occupation of Punially rajas there were tribal heads system. Some rulers ruled on Punial like shout and other tribal heads of different tribes. Earlier, the Brush family from Chitral have ruled the region and it becomes a separate independent state. First Mehtar of Katur Dynasty was Sifat Bahadur and set Gahkuch as capital until the Aqa Shah Dynasty (House of Ayesho) of Punial came into power in 1885 and over threw the Katur Dynasty making way for the Ayesho's belonging from Ismaili faith to take control of the region's of Ishkoman and Punial. Punial covered area from Biyarchi to Hoper and up to Birgal.
Raja Nasir ul Din of puniyal
[edit]Raja Nasir ul Din alias Jan Alam grandson of Esa Bahdur and the last ruler of Katur Dynasty in Punial. Jan Alam sustained two out of three uprisings against the autocratic rule by people of Punial. The first uprising was in 1895 which resulted in the First Constitution (Dastoor ul amal) of Punial in 1898 by Raj. The second uprising was instigated by father of Jan Alam (Raja Anwar Khan) the ruler himself to contain his cousin Khan Bahdur by depriving him of the privileges given in the first dastoor ul amal in 1936. This uprising resulted in amendments in the first dastoor and abolished various categories of people like Darkkhan, Raihat and Gushpur etc. The third uprising in 1951 was initiated by Syeds.
Syeds (father and uncle of Pir Karam Ali Shah) who were the loyal supporters of the Ayesho Family of Punial since 1800's. The uprising suppressed for the time being, but it resulted in vast territories which included (Ghizer, Ishkoman, Yasin, Gupis and Kuh) to come under the direct rule of the Ayesho's and it was later converted into a movement of Ismaili Dawa and spread over to other regions like Nagar which made the Ayesho's the dominant ruling family of Punial and resulted into end of autocratic rule in 1971 by Bhutto as part of his nationwide reforms by abolishing the princely states. Today the Ayesho family is a living symbol for the people of Punial and are considered their symbol of pride with the members of the family being respected and admired dearly by the people. The living example is none other than the Crown Prince of the Ayesho Family, His Royal Excellency Prince Sameer Shah also known as "The Prince of Punial".
Prince of Punial
[edit]
His Royal Excellency Prince Sameer Shah is the current crown prince of the Ayesho Family and the ninth in line to hold the esteemed title of Prince of Punial. This title was first conferred in 1885 by the British to his ancestor, His Royal Excellency Prince Ismail Ali Shah. Born on September 7, 2007, at the Aqa Shah Palace in Gahkuch Bala, Prince Sameer is the eldest son of Colonel Prince Amir Shah and Princess Gul Samin. He is the eldest grandson of Aqa Mayoon Shah and eldest great grandson of Aqa AVM Iskandar Shah. His upbringing has been steeped in the rich traditions of the Ayesho Family, which has a long-standing history of leadership and public service. Prince Sameer completed his matriculation in Islamabad, demonstrating academic prowess from an early age. Currently, he is enrolled in the Pakistan Air Force College Chaklala, where he is pursuing his A-Levels while simultaneously training as an Aviation Officer Cadet. His commitment to aviation and military service has set him apart as a distinguished student within the college. Prince Sameer's exceptional skills as a pilot have garnered significant attention. He is recognized as a successful Advanced Jet Trainer Pilot within the Pakistan Air Force College Chaklala's fleet, boasting over 300 solo flights by the age of 17. His remarkable achievements in flight training led to him being awarded flying wings by the College of Flying Training, a prestigious accolade that highlights his abilities and dedication. In addition to his flying accolades, Prince Sameer commands the No. 5 AJT Squadron (Griffins) stationed at PAF Base Nur Khan. His leadership and performance have earned him the rank of Air Fleet Lieutenant Commander, the highest officer cadet rank in the Pakistan Air Force, equivalent to a 16-grade officer. This position reflects not only his skills in aviation but also his leadership qualities and dedication to serving his country. Prince Sameer Shah has been recognized as a National Hero by the President of Pakistan for his courageous actions in the rescue operation of Pakistan International Airlines flight PK-217. His swift and decisive response during the crisis has solidified his status as a prominent figure in national discourse, showcasing the responsibilities that come with his royal title. In recognition of his exemplary service to the Pakistan Air Force, he has been honored with several prestigious awards, including the Tamgha-e-Azm, the Golden Eagle, and the Tamgha-e-Khidmat. These accolades underscore his commitment to excellence in aviation and his dedication to public service. As the Crown Prince of Punial, His Royal Excellency Prince Sameer Shah embodies the values of leadership, bravery, and service that have characterized the Ayesho Family for generations. His ongoing contributions to the Pakistan Air Force and his academic pursuits mark him as a rising star in both military and royal circles. With his remarkable achievements at such a young age, he continues to inspire many as he navigates the responsibilities of his heritage while forging his own path in the annals of history.
Gahkuch
[edit]
Gahkuch is the main town, and the district headquarters. It is a popular tourist attraction in the region because of the spectacular surrounding scenery.
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.[clarification needed]
Gahkuch Bala Fort
[edit]
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, as gifted by the crown prince "H.R.E Prince Sameer Shah" to the Scout Movement. 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.[1][2][3]
Sherqilla Fort
[edit]
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, Aqa Akbar Ali Shah of the Ayesho Family of Punial successfully laid siege to the village, forcing local ruler Raja Sifat Khan Bahadur to surrender on the fourth day. Subsequently, the fort was plundered and destroyed on Aqa Akbar Ali Shah's orders. Today, only remnants of the fort exist, serving as a testament to its rich history. Visitors to the area can still view the remains.
Gupis Fort
[edit]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. Following extensive restoration work from the 1990s to the 2020s, H.R.E Prince Sameer Shah generously donated the fort to the people of Gupis, enabling its transformation into a tourist spot to generate local economic growth. 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.[4][5]
Yasin Fort
[edit]
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.[6][7]
Rulers of Punial
[edit]Ayesho Dynasty
Aqa Col. Akbar Ali Shah (1885-1899)
Aqa Lt. Col Ismail Ali Shah (1899-1915)
Aqa Lt. Col Zulfiqar Shah (1915-1919)
Aqa Col. Sher Ali Shah (1919-1930)
Aqa Col. Zarrar Shah (1930-1945)
Aqa AVM. Iskandar Shah (1945-1970)
Aqa Mayoon Shah (1970-abolished)
Katoor Dynasty
Raja Sifat Khan Bahadur (1840-exiled)
Raja Ayub Bahadur (1866-exiled)
Raja Isa Bahadur (1885-executed)
Raja Jan Alam (1910-replaced)
Raja Nasir Ul Din (1960-abolished)
Darkkhan Dynasty
Dynasty hardly survived for only two days.
Raihat Dynasty
Dynasty replaced by Gushpur Family and rivalry caused killing of males amongst both closely linked families.
Gushpur Dynasty
Declared outcast by the Katoor Family and not were given the chance to rule.
Notable Personalities
[edit]Amina Wali and Ifrah Wali[10][11]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "SITES AND FEATURES IN THE VICINITY OF FORT RELIANCE", Fort Reliance, Yukon, Canadian Museum of History, pp. 102–111, retrieved 2024-09-23
- ^ "Forts In Gilgit Baltistan". Prestine Travels And Tours. 2022-10-11. Retrieved 2024-09-23.
- ^ Ali, Saleha (2023-12-07). "Exploring The Valley of Gahkuch". Graana.com. Retrieved 2024-09-23.
- ^ "Gupis | Vertical Explorers". 2019-05-10. Retrieved 2024-09-25.
- ^ Rehman, Gohar; Ahmad, Sajjad; Khan, Shuhab D.; Ali, Fayaz; Ali, Taqweemul H.; Khan, Sadaf F. (2013-10-18). "Threat of glacial lake outburst flood to Tehsil Gupis from Khukush Lake, District Ghizer, Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan". Natural Hazards. 70 (2): 1589–1602. doi:10.1007/s11069-013-0893-6. ISSN 0921-030X.
- ^ "Yasinis wars under Gohar Aman with Sikhs And Dogras". Daily Times. 2019-10-31. Retrieved 2024-09-25.
- ^ "Yasinis wars under Gohar Aman with Sikhs And Dogras". Daily Times. 2019-10-31. Retrieved 2024-09-25.
- ^ "Tehsil Punial". BOL News. Retrieved 2024-09-25.
- ^ "tehsil, n.", Oxford English Dictionary, Oxford University Press, 2023-03-02, retrieved 2024-09-25
- ^ shabbir.mir (2011-02-20). "Winter Games: Skiing sisters from Punial make history". The Express Tribune. Retrieved 2024-09-25.
- ^ Competitive effectiveness in 50 km skiing marathon at winter Olympic Games and World Championships during the whole period of their organization (since 1924 till 2019) (Report). Aleksey G. Batalov, Valentina G. Senatskaya, Andrey V. Shchukin. 2020-06-25.