In the beginning of 11th century Shah Nadir Rais occupied southern Chitral and
defeated the Kalash. Shah Nadir Rais extended his dominion from Gilgit to the
present southern boundaries of Chitral. Rais family ruled over Chitral for about
three hundred years when
Katura family succeeded them.
During
the Rais rule in Chitral its boundaries extended from Narsut in the extreme
south of the state to Gilgit in the east. The rulers had an effective council of
chiefs of the local tribes to run the affairs of the country. The ruler of this
family also worked for the dissemination of the teachings of Islam in the state.
There
were no regular state forces to defend the state frontiers so the local headmen
and chiefs called all the persons of their tribes to fight for the state under
the collective defense system. The Mehtar (ruler) had friendly relations with
the rulers of surrounding countries. (Baig, Hindu Kush study series vol. two)
Katur rule
The Katur succeeded the Rais dynasty in 1595. Muhtaram Shah I was the founder of
Kature rule in Chitral, whose descendants ruled over Chitral until 1969 when the
State was merged as a district of NWFP.
During the rule of Amirul Mulk in 1895, Umra Khan the chief of Jandool crossed
the Lawari pass and invaded lower Chitral. As a result, there was fierce
fighting in which the Mehtar of Chitral and British officers were besieged in
Chitral fort for 42 days. Troops from Gilgit and Nowshera came to the rescue of
the besieged fort and the British rule was extended over entire Chitral in April
1895. Shuja ul Mulk emerged as the ruler after the war who ruled for 42 years
until 1936.
During
the Pakistan movement there was a campaign in Chitral in favor of independence.
The people backed all India Muslim League and Mehtar Muzafarul Mulk openly
declared his backing to the Pakistan movement. In May 1947 H.H. Muzafarul Mulk
informed the Viceroy about his intention to join the new state of Pakistan. The
accession instrument was signed on November 7, 1947.
Go
to up
