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that is cultivated, or that pays annually to the Raja two kirwahs of wheat or barley, a quantity of roghun, or prepared grease, used as butter, and one goat.

“A suitable provision is made by the Raja for the families of sepahis who are killed action; the widow, under certain restrictions, being allowed to reside on the estate of her husband, for the benefit of his children, although the sepahi held it for general service.”

Mohammad Shah after fleeing to Kargil had been sent to the Court of Ranjit Singh who sent him to Ladakh which had been conquered by Zorawar Singh by this time. Ahmad Shah sent a party of 50 persons to Ladakh to kidnap Mohammad Shah from there. They were successful in their mission and Mohammad Shah was brought to Skardu. Gulab Singh sent an ultimatum to Ahmad Shah to return Mohammad shah which was never answered. Gulab Singh had always been dreaming of conquering Baltistan. The kidnapping of Mohammad Shah provided an excuse for fulfillment of his long desire. He sent a force of twenty one thousand under Wazir Zorawar Singh for the conquest of Baltistan.

When the Wazir reached Hanu, he dispatched the Laddakhi force via Hani La, Chhorbat and Khaplu under Dogra officers, Muddin Shah (Mohyudding Shah). He himself along with the Dogra army left via Garkono. In those days the road from Laddakh to Skardu passed through marol and Kharmang and the present Olding road did not, then, exist. The Wazir after crossing the Indus near Garkono reached Pasari fort in Sot (Purik). The rebels of Purik were punished by the Wazir. He appointed Thanedars (Governors) at Kargil, Daras and Suru.

After arrangement had been made for the administration of Purik, he raised forces and porters from this area also. He crossed over to Chechethang from Pasari fort, on his way to Skardu.