60

was learnt that the Wazir had reached Burkutta, he abandoned the fort and reached Skardu. Now Raja Khurram Khan of Keris also joined the Laddakhi forces. After crossing the river, they reached Gol and presented themselves before Zorawar singh. The combined forces of Laddakhis, Dogras, Kharmang, Khaplu and Keris, reached Skardu without any resistance.

Raja Ahmad Shah shut himself up in the Kharfocho Fort, and the Wazir besieged it. The attach on the Fort continued but was of no avail. The siege lasted for ten or fifteen days without any fruitful result. The Wazir decided to use diplomacy through Raja Ali Sher Khan. It is related that Ali Sher Khan swore before Raja Ahmad Shah that no harm would be done to him and that Ahmad shah should make his submission to the Wazir. Relying on his word Raja Ahmad Shah came out of the fort and went to see the Wazir. He was imprisoned and the Wazir occupied the fort. All the wealth and riches that Ahmad Shah possessed were confiscated as war indemnity and deposited in the royal treasury.

Raja Ali Khan of Rondu and Raja Jabbar Khan of Astore did not submit to the Wazir. The Wazir, dispatched a Balti force via Baghardo and Chhari under Dogra officers and Rajas of Kharmang etc. Raja Ali Khan of Rondu fled from his fort and country. The fort was reduced without opposition. After realizing about Rs. 15,000/- in cash and kind from Raja Ali Khan his kingdom was restored to him. 

Kalon Rahim Khan who had fled to Skardu from Pashkum (Kargil) and from Skardu to Rondu with the intention of going to Gilgit was taken prisoner at Rondu and was brought before the Wazir. Rahim Khan was ring-leader of the revolt in Purik (Kargil). His limbs were cut off and put into the boiling cauldron of oil. His ears, nose and tongue were cut off and was then let off in the Maidan. He died within a few days on the spot where he lay. Similar punishments were awarded to other insurgents of Purik (Kargil). Hashmatullah came across the description of the campaign recorded by one Ganga Ram Naqashi who took part in it. The translation may be seen at appendix “D”.

Hashmatullah remained Wazir Wazarat (Deputy Commissioner) of Baltistan for a long time. Raja Ali Sher Khan of Kharmang had recorded in Persian, in his own hand, the services which he rendered to the Dogras in the conquest of Baltistan. This booklet was given to Hashmatullah

Copyright © 2010. All Right Reserve MyBaltistan.com.
Design by R K Maqpoon