Baltistan

Baltistan بلتستان བལ་ཏི་སྟྰན
Dark blue:Skardu, Ghanche, Shigar and Kharmang (GB) Light blue:Kargil (J&K)
Coordinates: 35°18′N 75°37′E / 35.300°N 75.617°E / 35.300; 75.617
Country	Divided regionPakistan & India
Region	Gilgit-Baltistan,
District	Gilgit Baltistan: Skardu, Ghanche, Shigar and Kharmang Jammu and Kashmir: Kargil, Ladakh
Area
• Total	72,000 km2 (28,000 sq mi)
Elevation	1,500 m (4,900 ft)
Population (2002)
• Total	322,000
Languages	Official: Urdu Spoken: Balti
Website	kargil.nic.in gilgitbaltistan.gov.pk www.skardu.pk

Baltistan (Urdu:بلتستان, Balti: བལ་ཏི་སྟྰན), also known as Baltiyul (Balti: བལ་ཏི་ཡུལ་།), is a mountainous region, the majority of which lies in Pakistan administered Gilgit–Baltistan.^[1] It is situated in the Karakoram mountains just to the south of K2, the world's second highest mountain. It is an extremely mountainous region, with an average altitude of over 3,350 m (11,000 ft).

Baltistan borders Gilgit Division in the west, the Xinjiang Autonomous Region (China) in the north, Ladakh in the east, and the Kashmir Valley in the south.^{[2][3][4][5][6]} Since 1947, the region is divided by the Line of Control, with four of its five districts – Skardu, Gangche, Shigar and Kharmang – being controlled by Pakistan and the Kargil district being part of Indian-administered Kashmir. A small portion of Baltistan, including the village of Turtuk in the Nubra Valley, lies in the Ladakh district of Indian Kashmir.^[7]

The region is inhabited principally by the Balti people of Tibetan descent. The vast majority of the population adheres to Islam. The Skardu district has majority Shia community of around 75%, 23% noorbakhshia and 3% other sect, while the Gangche district has majority of Noorbakhsh community of around 95%.

The region has great strategical importance for both Pakistan and India as the Kargil War and Siachen War were fought here.

Geography

Baltistan was described in the Encyclopaedia Britannica Eleventh Edition, published in 1911, thus:

Baltistan forms the west extremity of Tibet led by the tribes of Hussain Mukhtar and Sumair Ali, whose natural limits here are the Indus from its abrupt southward bend in 74 45 E., and the mountains to the north and west, separating a comparatively peaceful Tibetan population from the fiercer Aryan tribes beyond. Muslim writers about the 16th century speak of Baltistan as Little Tibet, and of Ladakh as Great Tibet, thus ignoring the really Great Tibet altogether. The Balti call Gilgit a Tibet, and Dr Leitner says that the Chilasi call themselves But or Tibetans; but although these districts may have been overrun by the Tibetans, or have received rulers of that race, the ethnological frontier coincides with the geographical one given. Baltistan is a mass of lofty mountains, the prevailing formation being gneiss. In the north is the Baltoro Glacier, the largest out of the arctic regions, 35 miles (56 km) long, contained between two ridges whose highest peaks to the south are 25,000 ft (7,600 m) and to the north 28,265 ft (8,615 m). The Indus, as in Lower Ladakh, runs in a narrow gorge, widening for nearly 20 m. after receiving the Shyok. The capital, Skardu, a scattered collection of houses, stands here, perched on a rock 7,250 ft (2,210 m). above the sea. The house roofs are flat, occupied only in part by a second storey, the remaining space being devoted to drying apricots, the chief staple of the main valley, which supports little cultivation. But the rapid slope westwards is seen generally in the vegetation. Birch, plane, spruce and Pinus wallichiana appear; the fruits are finer, including pomegranate, pear, peach, vine and melon, and where irrigation is available, as in the North Shigar, and at the deltas of the tributary valleys, the crops are more luxuriant and varied.

^[8]

Valley	District	Area (km²)	Population (1998) [2001 census for Kargil]	Numbers of Estate	Headquarters
Khaplu	Ghanche	9,400	88,366	56	Khaplu
Skardu	Skardu	18,000	219,209	40	Skardu
Shigar	Shigar District	6,450	60,295	53	Askole
Kharmang	Kharmang	5,520	62,522	43	Tolti
Roundu	Skardu	_	80,000	23	Thowar
Gultari	Skardu	_	_	10
Purig	Kargil district	14,086 km2	143,388	9	Kargil

History

For centuries, Baltistan consisted of small independent valley states that were connected to each other through blood relationships of the rulers (rajas), trade, common beliefs and strong cultural and language bonds.^[9] These states were subjugated by force by the Dogra rulers of Kashmir in the nineteenth century.^[10] In 1947 when India and Pakistan gained independence, Baltistan was still part of Kashmir. The people of Baltistan being predominantly Muslims revolted against the Dogra rulers and after a struggle lasting a year became independent. Along with Gilgit, it is now administered by Pakistan as the region of Gilgit–Baltistan (formerly Northern Areas). Its links with Kashmir as a subjugated people today continue to be an impediment in granting its population citizenship of Pakistan. On 29 August 2009 the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan announced the creation of Gilgit–Baltistan, a new province-like autonomous region with Gilgit city as its capital and Skardu as the largest city.

Baltistan was known as Little Tibet in olden days^[11] and in course of time this name was extended to include the area of Ladakh as well. Later on, in order to differentiate it from Ladakh, Baltistan was called Little Tibet whereas Ladakh was known as Great Tibet. But locally Ladakh and Baltistan is known as Maryul ("Red Country") and Baltistan is known as Baltiyul.^[12]

Origin of Baltis and Baltistan

“

Tibetan Khampa entered in Khaplu through Chorbat Valley and Dardic tribes came to Baltistan through Roundu Valley from Gilgit prior to civilization, and these groups eventually settled down, creating the Balti people.[13]

”

Today the people of Kharmang, Western Khaplu, and Kargil shows Tibetan race in their physical features while the people of Skardu, Shigar and eastern villages of Khaplu are Dard people.^[14]

It was believed that the Balti people came under the sphere of influence from the kingdom of Zhang Zhung. Baltistan came under the control of the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century. Under Tibetan cultural influence, the Bon and Animist Baltis began to adopt Tibetan Buddhism from Indian Buddhism. Religious artifacts such as the Gompas and Chortens were erected, and Lamas played an important role in the lives of the Baltis.^[15][16][17]
It was in the 14th century that religious Muslim scholars from Iran and Kashmir penetrated Baltistan’s mountainous terrain to spread Islam amongst a people who were originally Buddhist.^[18] The Kharmang came under the control of the Namgyal royal family, and fostered a close relationship with Ladakh in the east when the Raja of Ladakh, Jamyang Mangyal, attacked the principalities in the district of Purik annihilating the Skardu garrison at Kharbu and putting to sword a number of petty Muslim rulers in the Muslim principalities in Purik (Kargil), Ali Sher Khan Anchan, Sher Ghazi, Raja of Khaplu and Raja of Shigar left with a strong army by way of Marol and by passing the Laddakhi army occupied Leh, the capital of Ladakh. The Raja of Ladakh was ultimately taken prisoner.^[19][20][21] Legends show that the Balti army obsessed with success advanced as far as Purang, in the valley of Mansarovar Lake, and won the admiration of their enemies and friends. The Raja of Ladakh sued for peace and since Ali Sher Khan’s intention was not to annex Laddakh, he agreed subject to the condition that the village of Ganokh and Gagra Nullah should be ceded to Skardu and he (the Ladakhi Raja) should pay annual tribute. This tribute was paid through the Gonpa (monastery) of Lama Yuru till the Dogra conquest of Ladakh. Hashmatullah records that the Head Lama of the said Gonpa had admitted before him the payment of yearly tribute to Skardu Darbar till the Dogra conquest of Ladakh.
Ali Sher Khan Anchan also included Gilgit and Chitral into his kingdom of baltistan.^[22] It is related that Baltistan was a flourishing country during the reign of Ali Sher Khan Anchan. They valley from Khepchne to Kachura was flat and fertile and fruit trees abounded in it. The sandy desert now extending from Sundus village to the Skardu Airport was a prosperous town. Skardu had hardly recovered from the shock of the death of the Anchan when it was visited by a great flood converting it into a sandy desert.
In 1845, the area came under the rule of the Dogras.^[23] At the time of the independence of India from the British, the region became divided between India and Pakistan.^[24]

Tourism

The region of Baltistan is bestowed with some of the greatest bounties of Nature. Tourists from all over the world have a great attraction toward this region because of its beautiful valleys, plains, peaks and heritage sites.

The capital of Baltistan, Skardu maintains several tourist resorts, and boasts myriad natural wonders, including plains, mountain valley lakes and alpine mountains. Shangri-la, Deosai plain, Satpara Lake, Basho etc. also host tourists in the region. In the north of Skardu, Shigar valley offers plains, hiking tracks, peaks, and camping sites. Other valleys in Baltistan region are Khaplu, Rondu, Kachura Lake and Kharmang.

Glaciers in Baltistan

Balawaristan has a rocky wilderness of 27000 Sq. Miles (about 68000 km²)^[25] containing the biggest cluster of majestic mountains anywhere in the world and the biggest glaciers anywhere outside the polar region. The mighty Himalayas come advancing into this region from India, Tibet and Nepal and north of them spread the more localized but still majestic Karakoram range, both heading northwest while in between flows the mighty Indus river. Along the Indus are many lovely valleys alongside the main river and in the path of its tributaries.The famous glaciers found in Baltistan are Baltoro Glacier, Biafo Glacier, Siachen Glacier, Trango Glacier and Godwin-Austen Glacier etc.

Mountaineering

Baltistan is home to more than 20 peaks of over 20,000 feet (6,100 m), including K2, the second highest mountain on Earth.^[26] Other well known peaks include Masherbrum (also known as K1), Broad Peak, Hidden Peak, Gasherbrum II, Gasherbrum IV, and Chogolisa, situated in Khaplu Valley. The following peaks have so far been scaled by various expedition:

Name of Peak	Photos	Height	Date of Conquest	Location
1.K-2		(28,250Ft)	31/7/1954	Shigar District
2. Gasherbrum I		(26,360Ft)	7/7/1956	Ghanche District
3. Broad Peak		(26,550)	9/6/1957	Ghanche District
4. Muztagh Tower		(23,800Ft)	6/8/1956	Ghanche District
5. Gasherbrum II		(26,120Ft)	4/7/1958	Ghanche District
6. Hidden Peak		(26,470Ft)	4/7/1957	Ghanche District
7. Khunyang Chhish		(25,761 Ft)	4/7/1971	Skardu District
8. Masherbrum		(25,659 ft)	4/8/1960	Ghanche District
9. Saltoro Kangri		(25,400Ft)	4/6/1962	Ghanche District
10. Chogolisa		(25,148 Ft)	4/8/1963	Ghanche District

Demographics

Balawarisan has a population of about 322,000 which is a blend of many different ethnic groups, predominantly Tibetans, Monpas and Dards while a few Kasmiri merchants settled in Skardu while Syed and Iranian craftsmen came here with the arrival of Islam. Yabgo Royal family of Khapl^[27]u were from Yarkant County.

Most Baltis in Skardu District and Kharmang are Shia, while in Shigar district and most of the rest of Ghanche District is Noorbakhshi Muslims.^[28] There are some Sunni Muslims also.

Religion

Islam came into Baltistan by different sufi missionaries during 16th to 17th century soon the whole region converted to Noorbakhshi muslims. Mir Syed Ali Hamadani came into Baltistan 3 times in diferent periods via Kashmir and Yarkand. Later Mir Shamsuddin Iraqi Mir Arif, Mir Ishaq, Syed Ali, Syed Mehmood came into Baltistan to spread the mission of Syed Ali Hamadani. All these sufi scholars were followers of Kubrawiyya Noorbakhshisufi order.^[29] Later in 19th century some Shia scholars came from Iran and converted Noorbakhshi muslims of Skardu and Rondu valley into Shia Muslims.Khanqah e Muallah Gamba Skardu proves stronghold of Noorbakhshi muslims in Skardu at that time. These scholars were Rizvi Syeds. In Baltistan mostly Mosavi sayeds are descendents of Noorbakhshisufis. While Rizvi Syeds came in 19th century to convert Noorbakhshiinto Shia muslims. Later a man called Mulla Peshawari came and tried to convert Noorbakhshi muslims into Salafi sect. He succesfully converted few Noorbakhshimuslims of Ghwari village of Ghanche district. Today majority of Noorbakhshimuslims live in Ghanche and Shigar district. While 30 % of Noorbakhshi muslims survived their existence in Skardu district.

Panorama

Fauna

Baltistan has been called as living museum for wildlife.^[30] The Baltistan High altitude Deosai National Park, in southern Baltistan, is a good habitat for predators as it has abundant prey populations.
There are two main categories of animals which are found in different parts of Baltistan.

Domesticated animals

This includes yaks, cows, bulls and cross between yak and cows viz ‘ZO’ and ZOMOS, sheep, goats, horses and donkeys.

Wild animals

Wild animals of the area include ibex, markhor, musk deer, snow leopard, brown bear, black bear, jackal, fox, wolf, and marmot.

Culture

Balti culture is a mixture of Central Asian, Mughal and Tibetan culture.

Balti music and art

A Balti version says that the Mughal Princess Gul Khatoon better known in Baltistan as Mindoq Gialmo (Flower Queen) brought with her musicians and artisans into Baltistan. The musicians and artisans propagated Mughal music and art under her patronage.^[31] Musical instruments such as the ‘Surnai’, ‘Karnai’, ‘Dhol’, ‘Chang’ etc. found their way into Baltistan.

Dance

The classical and other dances are displayed on Nowruz (21 March) and at the marriages of Rajas etc. These can be classified into Sword Dances, Broqchhos and Dewan or Ghazal.^[32]

Chhogho Prasul commemorates a great victory by the Maqpon Rajas over their enemies. As a mark of respect the musician who plays on the drum (dang) stands up and goes on playing on it for some time. The Maqpon princes would sometimes dance when this tune was played.

Gasho-Pa, also called Ghbus-La-Khorba, is a sword dance associated with the Gasho Dynasty of Purik (Kargil) who loomed large in this region.

Sneopa, or the Marriage Procession Dance, is performed on the occasion of the marriages of Rajas. The Pachones, twelve Wazirs who accompany the bride, take part in it.

Architecture

The architecture of Baltistan contains Tibetan, Mughul^[33] and Mughal influences and monastic architecture reflects a deeply Buddhist approach. The Buddhist Straight painted can be seen on feature on every Fort, and khanqah of Noorbakhshi sect including the likes of Chaqchan Mosque, Amburik mosque Shigar, Khanqah e Muallah Shigar, Khaplu Fort, Shigar Fort, Skardu Fort etc. The Baltit Fort in Hunza valley was built by Balti architects.

Sports

Polo is very popular in Baltistan. This royal sport is indigenous to the Karakoram Range. It was Ali Sher Khan Anchan the Maqpon ruler of Baltistan who introduced this game to other valleys upon his conquests that stretched beyond Gilgit and Chitral.^[34] Polo grounds are almost present in all villages of Baltistan.

Popular culture references

• The region of Baltistan is the focus of Greg Mortenson's book, Three Cups of Tea.

Media

The government radio broadcaster "Radio Pakistan " (AIR)^[35] and government television station "Skardu TV station" both have stations in Khaplu that broadcast local content for all the day.
There are also a handful of private news outlets.

• Daily k2^[36] is a newspaper published from Skardu serving Gilgit-Baltistanin Urdu.
• Bad-e-Shimal, claims to be the largest circulated daily of Gilgit and Baltistan.^[37]
• Nawa-e-Sufia, a monthly magazine covering Baltistan's religious news of Nurbakshi sect.^[38]

olding kharmang is a very beauti ful place of baltistan.the people of olding kharmang are well educated.IT is located near kargil boder.The population of olding is about 25000 thousand.there are many villages.1>harghosil<2>Donga<3>hussain abad<4>baba chan<5>harin go<6>mamush<7>mamush thang<8>brasil<9>wadi<10>Bila rgoo<11>gangni<12>skilma<13>kuool<14>shadas

Notes

External links

Wikisource has the text of the 1905 New International Encyclopedia article Baltistan.

• Pakistan's Northern Areas dilemma
• Britannica Baltistan.

Template:Balawaristan

Coordinates: 35°18′N 75°37′E / 35.300°N 75.617°E / 35.300; 75.617