Punial State

**Punial** was a princely state of the British Raj. The British called it a "Special Political District" of the Gilgit Agency. It was located in the northwest part of the former Northern Areas. This area and other neighbouring states were never ruled directly by Kashmir and Jammu. In 1947, the State of Punial acceded to Pakistan after a three-month-long campaign against dogra rule. Subsequently, in November 1947, Punial became an integral part of Pakistan and remained a principality within the country until 1974.

The Princely State of Punial was strategically located, sharing borders with several neighboring states and territories. To the west, it bordered the former Chitral State, while to the north, it shared a border with the former Hunza State. The former Nagar State lay to the northeast, and the former Skardu State to the east. To the south, Punial was bounded by the states of Darel and Tangir. This unique geographical position made Punial a crucial point in the region, with its capital in Gahkuch playing a significant role in the state's administration, defense, and trade.

## History 
The official name of the state was the Punial State (Takht-e-Punial). The term "Punial" comes from the Shina language, where it means both "fertile land" and "bucket of fruits." The region is closely connected to the neighboring areas of the Gilgit Agency. Historically, the inhabitants of Punial were linked to the Arian belief system of Mazdaism (آتش پرست), which influenced the area's early cultural identity. Over time, the Shina language became deeply ingrained in the local culture, serving as the primary means of communication and unity among the people.

In ancient times, Punial had a notable Hindu presence, contributing to its rich cultural diversity. Following the era of Dardistan, the Indo-Aryans settled in Gilgit-Baltistan, and the entire population of Punial gradually converted to Buddhism, marking a significant shift in the region's religious and cultural landscape.

Before the establishment of the Punial rajas, governance was based on a tribal head system, with various tribal leaders overseeing their respective groups. Key figures like Shout, Nago, and other tribal heads played important roles in early governance. The Burusue family from Chitral (1780 - 1856) eventually emerged as a dominant ruling family, establishing Punial as an independent state.

The Imperial Ayasho Dynasty of Punial (1852 - 1974) was the last ruling family that governed Punial and its neighboring states, including Gilgit, Gupis-Yasin, Ishkoman, and Western Nagar. To consolidate power, they overthrew the Burush, Shout and Katoor dynasties, ultimately gaining complete control.

The Imperial Ayasho Dynasty of Punial, established by Crown Prince Mir Bukhtawar Shah of Hunza State, emerged following his betrayal by his half-brother, Mir Ghazan Khan and the state officials, who seized the throne of Hunza. As a result, Bukhtawar Shah sought refuge in Ishkoman, aligning himself with the Syed Family of Ishkoman, widely known as the Pir’s Family, the ancestors of Hazrat Pir Syed Karam Ali Shah.

On 3 November, 1947, the ruler Aqa Khosho Ali Shah, through his cousin, the ruler of Hunza Mir Muhammad Jamal Khan sent an official telegram to Mohammad Ali Jinnah acceding his state to Pakistan. It stated:

"I declare with pleasure on behalf of myself and my State accession to Pakistan."

## Geography
Punial Valley is situated at an elevation ranging from approximately 1,524 to 2,743 meters (5,000 to 9,000 feet) above sea level. The capital, Gahkuch City, has an elevation of 1,899 meters (6,230 feet).

Recognized as the capital in 1856, Gahkuch succeeded Sher Qillah, which served as the state capital from 1554 to 1856. Today, Gahkuch is the capital of the Ghizer District, home to the Punial Tehsil.

Historically, Punial State encompassed a broader territory, including the present-day Tehsils of Gupis-Yasin, Punial-Ishkoman, Gilgit Wazarat, and parts of Western Nagar. Its strategic location made it a crucial route for the British during the Great Game, particularly for defending the western borders of the Gilgit Agency and Chitral against Russian encroachment.

Punial State was known for its robust defense system, which included a network of signal fires on mountaintops to warn of potential invasions.

## Dastoor of Punial
The Dastoor of Punial, also known as the Constitution of Punial or locally as Dastoor ul Amal, was the foundational legal document of the *Ayāsho (Ayāshkun) Dynasty* of *Punial*. Developed in collaboration with the British Raj, it was fully established by 1856. The constitution was crafted with the assistance of the prominent ismaili vizier family known as the *"Jan Alams,"* who served as judges, state servants, and privy councilors appointed by the Aqa of Punial. Notably, the descendants of this family include *"Ali Ahmad Jan,"* a distinguished scholar, journalist, and historian of Punial.

The Dastoor comprises 221 chapters, outlining various policies including family governance of the Ayashkuns, guidelines for descendants of previous ruling families, sucession acts, land ownership regulations, water treaties, principles for fair governance, religious policies, education policies, servant regulations, and political frameworks. 

The Dastoor remained in effect until 1974, when it was discontinued and replaced by the Administrative Law Act of Gilgit Baltistan, which was incorporated into the Constitutive Assembly of Gilgit Baltistan.

## Ruling Dynasties of Punial 
### Tarakhun Dynasty  
* During the early period of regional governance in the Tarakhun dynasty, the area was ruled by various leaders who exercised authority over different territories. During this time, the territories of Gilgit, Ghizer, Hunza, Nagar, and Skardu were a single kingdom ruled by the local rulers of Gilgit. The Tarakhuns played a pivotal role in shaping the political and social landscape of the region, establishing their dominance through strategic alliances, military campaigns, and governance.

### Yashkun Dynasty 
* The Yashkun tribe, of Indo-Aryan origin, is believed to have migrated to the Punial region through the Hindu Kush mountain ranges in the 13th century. Although their exact origins remain uncertain, they successfully established their rule, supplanting the preceding Shin dynasty. Notably, the Yashkuns introduced the system of Punial Rajas, significantly contributing to the region's governance. Historically, they are classified as a noble and educated tribe, ranking among Punial's prominent groups.

### Khushwaqt Dynasty  
* The first prominent ruling family to emerge from Yasin was the Khushwaqt dynasty, known as the native ruling class. They established their authority over the region and eventually transformed the state into an independent Wazarat, solidifying their rule and influence in the area.

### Burusue Dynasty  
* The Burusue dynasty, also known as Burush in Shina language, trace their lineage directly to the esteemed Katoor house, rose to prominence as Punial's foremost ruling family, establishing their seat of power in Gahkuch. Led by notable figures like Shah Burush, Raja Azad Khan, Raja Bahadur Khan and Raja Isa Bahadur, who consolidated the family's authority and laid the foundations for stable governance, the Burush dynasty played a pivotal role in shaping Punial's early political landscape. Claiming descent from Chitral's royal lineage, they influenced not only governance but also the region's cultural and social fabric, leaving a lasting impact on its history and cementing their legacy as one of the most significant dynasties in Punial's storied past.

### Katoor Dynasty  
* The Katoor Dynasty of Chitral expanded into the region under the rule of Mehtar Aman ul-Mulk, who conquered Yasin and Gupis before advancing into Punial, extending his domain to the city of Sher Qilla. The Katoor rulers and their descendants maintained control over Sher Qilla, with the last ruler, Raja Jan Alam (Nasir ul-Din), governing until 1974.

### Ayasho Dynasty  
* The Ayasho Dynasty of Punial, also known as Ayashkuns, originated from Hunza and was established in Punial by Mir Bukhtawar Shah, the crown prince of Hunza, with Gahkuch as their seat of power. With strategic support from the Syed Family of Ishkoman, they expanded their influence, promoted Ismaili dawa, and conquered territories including Yasin, Gupis, Ishkoman, and Western Nagar. The dynasty remained prominent until 1974, led by the last ruler, His Royal Highness Aqa Mayoon Ali Shah. Renowned for their exceptional educational achievements and rapid territorial expansion, the Ayasho family left a lasting legacy in Punial's history as one of its most influential and educated lineages.

## Ruling Family of Punial 
The origins of the ruling family of Punial have been a subject of historical debate. According to local historian Ali Ahmad Jan, the state of Punial was unified under the Imperial House of Ayasho, which led successful military campaigns against the *Burushai Family* of *Punial-Ishkoman*, the *Khushwaqt Family https://www.sil.org/system/files/reapdata/27/02/58/27025885940262322544465526417847562858/32850_SSNP05.pdf* of *Gupis-Yasin*, and the *Maglot Family* of *Nagar*. This resulted in the establishment of the first Dastoor of Punial, with the Imperial House of Ayasho exercising joint sovereignty with the British Raj. To administer the newly acquired territory, the ruler of Punial entered into an agreement with the families of the conquered territories, appointing them as governors in exchange for their loyalty. However, to prevent potential betrayal, a law was enacted requiring governors to obtain approval from the appointed Tehsildar (Magistrate) before selling land to relatives or friends, with the Tehsildar reporting directly to the Aqa of Punial and the British Raj. This arrangement consolidated the Imperial House of Ayasho's control, establishing them as the supreme ruling family of Punial.

## Religions timeline 
### Mazdaism (800 - 1200)  
* Zoroastrianism

### Buddhism (1200 - 1400)  
* Dardi

### Hinduism (1400 - 1500)  
* Sati

### Shamanism (1500 - present)  
* Danyal (Shina)
* Bitan (Burushaski)

### Islamism (1500 - present)  
* Sunnism
* Shiaism
* Ismailism

## Rulers of Punial
The rulers of Punial State have a rich and diverse history, with various dynasties and cultures contributing to its governance over the centuries. The foundation of Punial State was laid by the Tarakhuns, also known as Trakhans, in 761 CE. During their rule, the Tarakhuns governed not only Punial but also the states of Gilgit, Hunza, Nagar, and Skardu. A total of 21 rulers from the Tarakhun dynasty were recorded, with the rulers bearing the titles of "Thum" or "Rajah". 

The Tarakhuns were succeeded by the Katoor Dynasty, which extended its influence into Punial through Yasin and Mastuj in the late 14th century. The Katoor rulers were given the titles of "Mehtar" or "Mehtaar", and a total of 6 rulers from this family were documented.

In the 16th century, the Yashkun Dynasty made their presence felt in Punial, although their rule was relatively short-lived, lasting less than a century. During this period, 5 rulers from the Yashkun family were recorded, with the title of "Rah" being bestowed upon them.

The Yashkuns were followed by the Shin Dynasty, who rose to power in the mid-16th century. Only 3 rulers from the Shin family were recorded, and their influence in Punial was limited.

The Shins were succeeded by the Burush Dynasty, also known as the Burusue Dynasty, which produced 4 rulers. The Burush family's rule was eventually supplanted by the Ayashkuns in the mid-17th century. The Ayashkuns, who share a common genealogy with the Tarakhuns, went on to rule Punial for an extended period, with a total of 8 rulers recorded until the abolition of the monarchy.

Notably, the ruling families of Punial can be divided into two distinct genealogical lines. The Tarakhuns and Ayashkuns share a common ancestry, while the Katoors, Yashkuns, Shins, and Burush family share a separate and common genealogy, highlighting the complex and interconnected nature of Punial's royal history.

## Prince of Punial
The title of *Prince of Punial* has its roots in the historical accounts of *Colonel William Alexander Lockhart*, who documented its introduction by the Ayāsho (Ayashkun) Dynasty of Punial in the late 17th century. This title was traditionally bestowed upon the eldest male heir of the Ayashkuns, although the council of elders played a significant role in nominating the most suitable candidate to rule in certain circumstances. The title's purpose was to establish a clear line of succession and legitimacy, particularly in the face of rebellion from other royal houses and to facilitate the British Raj's confirmation of favorable rulers in their political districts.

Historically, the Punial State was governed by three prominent families until 1885, when the Ayashkuns consolidated their power and established Gahkuch as their seat of authority following a period of political influence and conversion to Ismailism.  

The first holder of the title Prince of Punial was *Shēhzada Akbār Alī Shāh*, also known as *His Highness Colonel Aqā Akbār Alī Shāh Ayāsho*, who was designated in 1852 after his father, *Mir Bukhtawar Shah*, conquered Isa *Bahadur*, the Burush Raja of Gahkuch. 

The title remained within the family until 1974, when it lost its political significance following the abolition of the monarchy. However, it continues to be used within the family tradition to nominate the next family head. The current titleholder is *Shēhzada Sāmeer Shāh*, also known as ''Shēhzada Mīr Sāmeer Al'y Shāh Ayāsho*, who is the ninth prince and was designated the title in 2010 after his father relinquished it due to family conflicts and legal issues.

## Political Clashes 
In December 2014, the Divisional Administration of Gilgit adjudicated a significant case, *Pir Syed Karam Ali Shah vs. Raja Muslim Shah'', concerning land ownership in Punial. The case centered on inheritance rights claimed by the ruling family of Punial. The court ruled in favor of the Ayāsho Household, affirming that all legal properties and lands are rightfully owned by the Ayashos and not the Gushpurs. Additionally, the court addressed the claim of Raja Muslim Shah's son, who proclaimed himself as the Prince of Punial. The court after adhering the evidences and recalling the proper timeline genealogy of crown princes of the *Punial State*, officially recognized Shehzada Sameer Shah Ayassho, also known as ''Shēhzada Mīr Sāmeer Al'y Shāh Ayāsho'', as a prominent descendant of the Imperial Ayasho House of Punial, and proclaimed him as the legal title holder. Today, he is widely recognized as the current imperial crown prince of the family and is commonly referred to in the region as the Prince of Punial.

## References