Geography
Baltistan (Urdu: بلتستان),
also known as بلتیول
(Baltiyul) in the Balti language, is a region in
northern Pakistan, bordering Xinjiang Autonomous Region of China. It is
situated in the Karakoram mountains just to the south of K2, the world's
second highest mountain. It is an extremely mountainous region, with an
average altitude of over 3,350 m (11,000 ft). It is inhabited principally by
Balti Shia Ithna Ashri, of Tibetan descent who converted from Tibetan
Buddhism prior to the 16th century. There is a small minority of Bahais in
Baltistan.
Baltistan consisted of small independent states who were connected to each
other due to blood relationships of the rulers called rajas, trade, common
beliefs and strong cultural and language bonds. These states were subjugated
by force by the Dogra rulers of Kashmir in the nineteenth century. In 1947
when India and Pakistan gained independence, Baltistan was still part of
Kashmir. The people of Baltistan being predominantly Muslims revolted
against the Dogra rulers and after a struggle lasting a year became
independent. Along with Gilgit, it is now claimed by Pakistan as the region
of Gilgit-Baltistan (formerly Northern Areas). Its links with Kashmir as a
subjugated people today continues to be an impediment in granting its
population citizenship of Pakistan. The Kargil district of this region is
located in the north of Indian-administered Kashmir, while the districts of
Skardu and Ganche, whose main town is Skardu, are located in the
Pakistan-administered Gilgit-Baltistan region. The region has the highest
peaks of the Karakoram, including K2.
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Geography
Baltistan is often called "little Tibet". The adjoining territory of
Baltistan forms the west extremity of Tibet, whose natural limits here are
the Indus from its abrupt southward bend in 74 45 E., and the mountains to
the north and west, separating a comparatively peaceful Tibetan population
from the fiercer Aryan tribes beyond. Muslim writers about the 16th century
speak of Baltistan as Little Tibet, and of Ladakh as Great Tibet, thus
ignoring the really Great Tibet altogether. The Balti call Gilgit a Tibet,
and Dr Leitner says that the Chilasi call themselves But or Tibetans; but,
although these districts may have been overrun by the Tibetans, or have
received rulers of that race, the ethnological frontier coincides with the
geographical one given. Baltistan is a mass of lofty mountains, the
prevailing formation being gneiss. In the north is the Baltoro Glacier, the
largest out of the arctic regions, 35 miles (56 km) long, contained between
two ridges whose highest peaks to the south are 25,000 ft (7,600 m) and to
the north 28,265 ft (8,615 m). The Indus, as in Lower Ladakh, runs in a
narrow gorge, widening for nearly 20 m. after receiving the Shyok. The
capital, Skardu, a scattered collection of houses, stands here, perched on a
rock 7,250 ft (2,210 m). above the sea. The house roofs are flat, occupied
only in part by a second storey, the remaining space being devoted to drying
apricots, the chief staple of the main valley, which supports little
cultivation. But the rapid slope westwards is seen generally in the
vegetation. Birch, plane, spruce and Pinus excelsa appear; the fruits are
finer, including pomegranate, pear, peach, vine and melon, and where
irrigation is available, as in the North Shigar, and at the deltas of the
tributary valleys, the crops are more luxuriant and varied. 29 August 2009
the government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan announced that the
northern areas are a new province of Pakistan. and Gilgit city is its
capital city. This province name is Gilgit-Baltistan.