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The population of Skardu town was
drawn from mixed races from Kashmir and Dards from Gilgit Agency.
The credit of constructing the fort of Skardu called’ KHARPOCHO
meaning’ the king of forts’ is also given to Bukha. Moghul
Historians and other eminent scholars of the later period have
ascribed it to Ali Sher Khan Anchan.
Bukha shifted his capital from Shagari
to the town of Skardu.
ALI KHAN (1540-1565 A.D.)
The next ruler of importance was Ali
Khan, grandson of Maqpon Bukha. He conquered Gultari, Shingo Shigar
areas and Dras and annexed them to his kingdom. Governors were
appointed for the administration of these areas. A strong fort was
constructed at Goshan in Dras to guard against the invades of
robbers. In Gultari and Shingo Shigar areas minor forts with towers
were constructed. The knapa family of Gol was invested with rank of
ministers as reward for services rendered by them in the conquest of
Gultari..
GHAZI MIR (1565-1580 A.D.)
Ali Khan’s son Ghazi Mir conquered the
Rondu Valley on the death of the last childless Lonchhe Ruler.
According to local tradition, towers, check posts etc. were
constructed at Stak and Ganji villages in Rondu and soldiers were
stationed on the Western Frontiers.
ALI SHER KHAN ANCHAN (THE GREAT)
(1580-1624 A.D.)
It is related that Ladakhi kingdom
extended up to Sermik in the West. During the reign of Ghazi Mir,
the Laddakhis were driven out not only from the Kharmang valley but
the entire district of Purik (Kargil) was occupied by Ali Sher Khan,
the heir apparent. He is said to have garrisoned the fort at Kharbu
with soldiers and appointed a ‘Kharpon’ or governor to administer
the border area.
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