Nagar and the neighboring state of Hunza were autonomous principalities until the British gained control of both states between 1889 and 1893. Afterwards, they held the status of princely states until 1947 but were considered to be vassals of Jammu and Kashmir, despite never being ruled directly by either. Along with the ruler of Hunza, they were considered amongst the most loyal vassals of the Ma
harajas of Jammu and Kashmir. In November 1947, Nagar acceded to Pakistan, which became responsible for its external affairs and defense, while Nagar continued to self-govern internally. In 1968, Syed Yahya Shah, the first educated politician of the valley, demanded civil rights from the Mir of Nagar. In 1974, when Ayub Khan's dictatorship ended in Pakistan and the Pakistan People's Party, under Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto came into power through elections, the government forced the Mirs of Hunza and Nagar to abdicate. The areas were then merged with the Northern Areas.[1]
The Hunza valley looking across the river to Nagar
Mount Rakaposhi
Government[edit]
The state was governed by the hereditary rulers of the Maglot dynasty who were styled as Mir and were assisted by a council of Wazirs or Ministers, and they were selected from the family of khutayating. Wazir Taifor Shah and his son Wazir Malik Shah were the powerful ministers of that time. At the time of Wazir Malik Shah's death, his son was too small to take his father's duty of ministry. Therefore, the responsibility was divided among three men, Wazir Enayat Ali from Potikuz, Wazir Behlol from Khutayating, and Wazir Sarwar from Chalt Chaprote. The details of these early rulers are uncertain, the first definite dates available are from 1839 CE onward. Over a century later in November 1947, the state became one of the princely states of Pakistan. Brigadier Mir Shaukat Ali Khan was the last ruler of the State before it was abolished by Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto in 1972.
