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army which was marching through the Deosai Plain. Nawroz happened to be in the Burgey at that time and saw the enemies marching towards Skardu. He played a special tune on the famous ‘Abri Surnai’ which was heard in Skardu and the contents of the song understood. In no time forces were dispatched and the enemies were put to flight. The name of the Gialfo who raised ‘Mon Nawroz’ to the position of Wazir has been forgotten but that of ‘Nawroz’ and the episode are still remembered.

Even today on the occasion of marriage in Raja’s family, one Traqchhos from each of the twelve families accompany the royal bride to the bride-groom’s house in his capacity as brother of the bride.

DEATH OF ANCHAN.

Mutamid Khan, one of the most important members of the Imperial Court of Jahangir records in his book, ‘Iqbal Namah Jahangiri’ with reference to the eighteenth year of the reign of Emperor Jahangir (1032 A.H.) :-

“Ali Mohammad son of Ali Rai, the ruler of Tibet, had the honour of visiting the durbar through the guidance of his father.”

It is not specified where the interview took place. It is presumed that the son of Ali Sher Khan had the audience with the Emperor at Kashmir, (Srinagar) and the Emperor visited Kashmir in 1033 A.D. It is clear from the above that Ali Sher Khan Anchan was living in 1032 A.H. (1622 A.D.) or 1033 A.H. (1623 A.D.) during the reign of Emperor Jahangir. Jahangir died in 1037 A.H. or 1627 A.D. and as such it may be conjectured that the Anchan died during period 1623 to 1625. For, as a consequence of civil war in Baltistan, Jahangir had to send a force in support of one of the pretenders (Adam Khan son of Ali Sher Khan) to the Tibetan throne. Thus the Anchan died at a ripe age in or about 1624 in glory and fame. He left behind him four son Adam Khan, Abdal Khan, Ahmad Khan and Ali Mohammad Khan.

It is related that Skardu 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 airport was a prosperous town. Skardu