Culture & Heritage

Hunza under British Rule

In 1891 British captured the Hunza state and this also opened new doors to the local people. The British for the first time established a primary school in 1921 in Baltit from where children of influential people got education which latter served as teachers in the whole valley. The people joined Gilgit scout and some started businesses in Gilgit.

In 19^th century Hunza become strategically important as a playground in the "Great Game"- the race between Russia and the British Empire to gain control over the passes leading southwards to British India. In 1981 the troops of British India conquered Nager and Hunza after a fierce battle. Following the so-called "pacification" of two kingdoms, the British placed a younger brother of the Mir Safdar Ali Khan (who fled to Kashger after the defeat) on the throne and practiced indirect rule until 1947. Mir Nazim Khan ruled from 1892 until 1938 as an absolute monarch backed by British, who established his headquarter in Gilgit. The Mir administered the area, maintained law and order, collected revenues and organized production.

 

Mir Safdar Ali Khan, who fled to China after British Occopation	Mir Nazim Khan, who Ruled after British Occupation

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