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Chapter 3 continues…
Gilgit was founded in 1842 by Syed Nathe Shah, the commander of Sheikh Ghulam Mohi-ud-din, the governor appointed by Sikhs of Kashmir. Early history of Baltistan begins with the spread of Buddhism under the Kushans. Makpon Bokha is said to have founded the State of Baltistan in about 15th century A.D. He also made an administrative seat and palace at Kharpoche and built a fort there.
After conquering Ladakh in 1836, the Dogras turned towards Baltistan and in 1840 Dogra General Zorawar Singh leading a contingent of Dogra and Ladakhi troops conquered Baltistan and installed a puppet ruler. Zorawar Singh returned to Leh after stationing a garrison at Skardu. Thus, Baltistan became part of Dogra kingdom much before Kashmir Valley and Gilgit.
The British defeated the Sikhs due to the treachery of Raja Gulab Singh, he was handed over all the territories of the Punjab State situated east of river Indus and West of river Ravi. Raja Gulab Singh occupied Kashmir in October 1846. Subsequently, with the signing of Treaty of Amritsar in 1846, the British encouraged Gulab Singh to spread his political influence in the Northern Areas so as to establish a safe buffer state between Russia and British India. By 1866, the entire region had come under the control of the Dogras and the rulers of Hunza and Nagar became vassals of Kashmir.
Consequent to the Russian revolution in 1917, the British anxieties over the region increased and the Maharaja was forced to lease the Gilgit Agency to the British for 60 years on 26 March 1935. This has expired on 27 March 1995, and hence by the Instrument of Accession signed by the Maharaja of J&K, Northern Areas, or Gilgit-Baltistan as it should be known, has merged with India fully and formally. The agreement had given the Viceroy the right to assume civil and military administration of the Wazarat of Gilgit Province that lay beyond the right bank of river Indus. Maharaja was then in no position to resist the British pressure.
To be continued…