Things you need to know about Skardu valley

Ancient history

As early as the establishment of the Tibetan Empire under Songtsen Gampo in the middle of the 7th century CE, the Skardu region was a component of Buddhist Tibet. Baltistan was home to numerous Tibetan tantric texts until the ninth century, approximately. Skardu kept in touch with tribes adjacent to Kashgar in what is now the westernmost province of China, Xinjiang, because of the area’s proximity.

Around the 9th–10th century CE, when Tibetan rule over Baltistan ended, Baltistan was taken over by the native Maqpon Dynasty, a Turkic-derived family that, according to local legend, was established when a Kashmiri immigrant named Ibrahim Shah wed a Balti princess.

Maqpon period

Baltistan was the home of the Maqpon kingdom, which was known by its Balti name. For over 700 years, the area was ruled by the Maqpon dynasty, a Balti royal house with its capital in Skardu. Baltistan’s borders were stretched by the Maqpon dynasty’s rulers as far as Gilgit Agency, Chitral, and Ladakh.

Maqpon Bokha established Skardu as his capital after attaining the title of king sometime around the year 1500. Around this period, Skardu Fort was built. To assist the region’s economy to grow during his rule, Makpon Bokha brought artisans from Kashmir and Chilas to Skardu. Skardu’s Baltistan territory remained connected because of its proximity to Ladakh, the region that Skardu and neighboring Khaplu frequently fought against, while nearby Gilgit dropped out of the sphere of Tibetan control. Sikhs have long held the traditional belief that Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, stopped in Skardu between 1510 and 1515 while on his second udasi voyage. The Guru is thought to have stayed at Skardu at the Gurudwara Chota Nanakiana, also called Asthan Nanak Peer by the locals.

Decline

Battles at Wanko Pass and the Thano Kun plains in 1839 saw Dogra commander Zorawar Singh Kahluria beat Balti forces, paving the way for his assault on the Skardu valley.  On behalf of the Dogra Empire centered in Jammu, he took control of Skardu Fort. In addition to publicly torturing Kahlon Rahim Khan of Chigtan in front of a multitude of local Baltis and their chiefs, Singh’s soldiers murdered many of the garrison’s defenders. The last Maqpon King was taken prisoner and the area was subdued by the Dogra rulers of Kashmir in 1845.

Rulers

Ancestry of Maqpon rulers:

1190-1220 Ibrahim

1220-1250 Astak Sange

1250-1280 Zak Sange

1280-1310 Bardak Sange

1310-1340 Sek Sange

1340-1370 Hat Gori Tham

1370-1400 Sa Gori Tham

1400-1437 Khohkor Sange

1437-1464 Ghota Cho Sange

1464-1490 Bahram Cho

1490-1515 Bo Kha

1515-1540 Sher Shah

1540-1565 Ali Khan

1565-1590 Ghazi Mir

1580-1624 Ali Sher Khan Anchan

1624-1636 Abdal Khan

1636-1655 Adam Khan

1655-1670 Murad Khan

1670-1678 Sher Khan

1678-1680 Muhammad Rafi Khan

1680-1710 Shir Khan

1710-1745 Mohammad Rafi

1745-1780 Ruler Murad

1780-1785 Azam Khan

1785-1787 Mohammad Zafar Khan

1787-1811 Ali Shir Khan

1811-1840 Ahmed Shah

(May 1840 Dogra invasion)

What is the culture of Skardu Baltistan?

Skardu culture in  Baltistan is extremely unusual. Baltistan today has a Tibetan culture with certain Islamic and Iranian festivities added. Pure Balti culture includes May-fang, rXrub laa, Lchangra, and other terms. Following the incorporation of Islamic principles, Noroz is incorporated into Balti culture.

One of the essential components of culture is music. Early Islamic teachings in Baltistan become more profound, which has the effect of eradicating a significant portion of the local music. In Balti musical tradition, there were 17 different types of poetic lyrics. Each line has a unique significance. Between Balti states, communications were sent using it. They are currently only found in books.

How do people live in Skardu?

Skardu’s way of life is renowned for its simplicity. Aspects of the Buddha’s teachings—helping others in any way—are still practiced in the area. The inhabitants of Skardu are incredibly friendly, helpful, and hospitable.

The cuisine of Baltistan is straightforward and uncomplicated. With cultural cuisines, every ingredient is organic. Most locals are unaware of serious health conditions like obesity, heart difficulties, and digestion troubles.

Life in Skardu

• Mud blocks are used to build mediocre family homes.
• consumes pure and organic food.
• wears wool clothing made from sheep’s wool.
• Goat furs are used to make carpets.
• lives a straightforward existence amidst the bustle of nature.
• uses horseback and hiking trails to get around.
• mostly depends on natural resources.
• adore working in agriculture.