Hardship and Triumph in Early Gilgit
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After the onset of the British rule in Gilgit a political agent was stationed in Chilas. Along with local authorities, he identified and punished criminals, as at the time there were no local prisons or jails. All criminals were sent to Haripur Jail and sentenced to 14 years of imprisonment. In this context, our uncle Sawarsha was also sentenced to 14 years. Upon his release, Sawarsha travelled from Kashmir, through Babusar Top, to reach Gilgit-Baltistan and return home. On his journey, when he was 15-20 miles from Babusar Top, he reached Naran in Kagan Valley. Here, he encountered a nomadic tribe called Khanabadosh. Despite the tribe's initial reluctance to host him due to their poverty, a woman eventually invited him to share her meal with him. He spent the night there and, upon leaving, generously gave the woman 40 rupees. This act of kindness changed the tribe's perception, and they invited him to be their guest. However, Sawarsha, being a traveller, continued his journey. When he reached the top, he found only snow and no clear way down. He then confessed his faith by reciting kalima, covered his face with a cloth, and slid down the snowy slope, miraculously reaching a safe place.
Life in Gilgit at that time was fraught with hardships. People were isolated, unaware of the broader world, and lived with minimal facilities. They struggled to find enough food and drink. Despite these challenges, the resilience and generosity of people like Sawarsha highlight the enduring spirit of the region's inhabitants.
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