Culture & Heritage

Hunza State

Hunza valley for long time remained under the central government of Gilgit.  During that time the Raja of Gilgit for part of the season stayed in Altit village to look after the affairs of the region. When the Iranian Prince Azar Jamsheed killed Raja Shree Badath and controlled the throne of Gilgit with the help of his daughter Noor Bakth, the Hunza valley also came under his rule. After Azar Jamsheed, his son Korak and grandson Raja Su Malik ruled over Gilgit and thus on Hunza. One of the sons of Raja Su Malik, Raja Shah Malik II married with a Baltistani Princess Hasham Begum from whom he has 3 sons named Shah Thum, Bukha Thum and Noni Thum. These 3 princes like their parents also stayed in Altit for part of the season. The traces of these princes in Altit are the old Altit Polo Ground (now where schools were constructed) and the Chinar trees at the left side of Polo ground that was also chopped latter. In reference to Prince Shah thum the Altit polo Ground was called Sha Shawarun. But unfortunately this historical polo ground were not preserved which was older than Altit fort. The second brother, Noni thum, planted two Chinar trees on the east end of the polo ground.  After a hundred the trees caught on fire and were destroyed. 

Hunza got the status of independent state during early fifteenth century when the Hunza and Nagar principalities were divided between two twin Tharakhani princes Maghlot and Ghirghis of Gilgit. There is great confusion about the earlier history of the Mirs of Hunza. Like the Raja of Gilgit the new rulers of Hunza retained Altit as the first capital of the Hunza state.

Flag of Hunza State

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