A HISTORCIAL SURVERY: THE PORTRAYAL OF THE BRITISH IN SIEGE AND RELIEF OF CHITRAL

Abstract

This research study deals the British campaigns in Chitral (the Siege and the Relief of Chitral) during the last decade of 19^th century. This research is on the regional history. Without understanding regional history, we cannot understand the National history. The regional history could not be viewed in the limit of any geographical boundary. Chitral has different history from the other parts of Northern Areas of Pakistan. Chitral is a district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, lies on Pak-Afghan border called Durand line. This region has many ethnic groups like: Broshu of Hunza, Shina of Gilgit, Balti of Baltistan, Kho of Chitral and so many other groups and all ethnic groups have their own cultures, traditions and histories. Chitral region got importance during British Raj due to Great Game and expansion policy of the British Empire. In late 19th century the regions experienced two major military campaigns in 1895 by the British; Siege of Chitral and Relief of Chitral, one was sent through Gilgit, and it was led by Colonel James Kelly and other from Peshawar, which was led by Major General Robert Low. The backdrop of these military campaigns was started from the last phase of the Great Game. Chitral was an important region for British and it was connected with rest of India via Gilgit and Peshawar. Although the upper route of Gilgit was shorter, but very rough and tough in terrain, and snowbound in winters. Both of the routes were used during the British military campaigns. At the end of these Military campaigns the British army got victory and after the victory of British Army Chitral became under the influence of the British Empire.

Keywords: Chitral, history, military campaigns, British Raj