46

SHER SHAH 1688 TO 1693

MUHAMMAD RAFI KHAN 1693 TO 1723

It is clear that Sher Shah held his own against all odds and remained in possession of Skardu for a long time. During this period he invaded Shigar, Khaplu and marched on Laddakh; plundered the country and the wealth he collected was hidden near Garkon village on the border of Laddakh and Kharmang. It is know as ‘Maqponi Khesera’ meaning the ‘Treasure of Maqpon’

Shah Murah had entrusted his minor son, Muhammad Rafi Khan, to the care of his brother Ali Shah, who secretly sent a message to Sher Shah to take over the principality. He reached Skardu with his force ostensibly for the purpose of taking part in the mourning of his brother. When he had consolidated his position he imprisoned those who were loyal to Shah Murad and many fled to Shigar and took refuge with Imam Quli Khan. He usurped the throne and took the matters of the State in his own hands. He collected a force of ten thousand from all over the kingdom and attacked Imam Quli Khan of Shigar. After fighting continuously for may years, Sher Shah sued for peace. Eventually Muhammad Rafi Khan occupied the throne of Skardu and died round about 1723 A.D. and was succeeded by his son Sultan Murad.

Sher Shah contented himself with principality of Kharmang while Ali Shah and Shah Sultan ruled over Rondu and Astore respectively.

SULTAN MURAN 1723 TO 153

MOHAMMAD ZAFAR KHAN 1758 TO 1778

The great Moghal Empire was tottering. The invasions of the Afghans and the rising power of the Sikhs in the Punjab were depriving the Maqpon Rulers of the timely succor that was willingly provided by the Moghals. The Maqpons were, now to depend on their own resources. But his kingdom was facing danger from the West as well. The ‘Khushwakt’ family of Yassin and Katoor family of Chitral had made their appearance on the political horizon. The Raees Family of Chitral, a scion of the maqpons, had given place to the Katoors and in conjunction with Khushwakt were threatening Gilgit Rulers. Finding themselves powerless to withstand and the onslaught of the two, the Gilgit Ruler sought help and assistance from their over-lords in Baltistan, Sultan Murad, despite the dangers that were looming large and black on all sides of his own kingdom, marched on Gilgit, and went as far as Chitral forcing the chiefs to give allegiance