Home > Indian History > History of India > Gilgit Agency
Gilgit Agency
Gilgit Agency was a political unit of the British administration in India that administered the northern region of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Share this Article:

The Gilgit Agency is a former political unit of the British Empire in India, which supervised and administered the northern region of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. The Agency was formed in the year 1877 and was managed by a Resident of British India, also known as political agent, of the Governor General of the British, who was headquartered in Srinagar. In 1935, the Gilgit Agency leased the province which comprised the agency from Maharaja Hari Singh of Jammu and Kashmir for a period of 60 years. After India attained independence from the British dominion in 1947, the Gilgit Agency, along with the lease, ceased to exist. Following to the Partition of India and Pakistan in the year 1947 and the First Kashmir War, Pakistan adopted the name Gilgit Agency to refer to the region that formed the dependency of Pakistan from 1947 to 1970. This name ceased to use after the region was unified with the northern areas.

History of Gilgit Agency
Before the formation of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir in the mid- 19th century by the Dogra rulers, the region of Gilgit had been administered by Indian princes who were styled as Raas. Gilgit and the bordering Baltistan, along with their neighboring regions of Ladakh, Hunza and Nagar, formed the vassals of the Jammu and Kashmir state, but sustained substantial autonomy and independence. After the British Government of India formed the Gilgit Agency in the year 1877, these regions, including the Wazarats of Gilgit and Ladakh, were governed directly by the British administration, though the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir maintained sovereignty. The native rulers or princes of these regions appeared at the Durbars of Jammu and Kashmir until India achieved in 1947.

Due to the Partition of India and the consequent incursion Pakistani forces into Jammu and Kashmir during the First Kashmir War, most of the erstwhile Gilgit Wazarat was incorporated into the Pakistan administered Kashmir; while the Ladakh Wazarat and the Kargil region were included as a part of the Union of India. The Line of Control, thus, established at the culmination of the war is the present border of India and Pakistan.


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in History of India


History of Uttar Pradesh
The state was the heart of Mahabharata war and the history of Uttar Pradesh is very much the history of India. The place finds its mentions in Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.
History Of Archaeology In India
History of archaeology in India contributes a lot to define the past history and the social life of India.
Mughal Architecture during Babur
Mughal Architecture during Babur is of adequate significance in Mughal history, as the emperor introduced Mughal architecture in India, during 16th century.
Princely State of Patdi
Princely State of Patdi or Patri was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was a sub division of Western India States Agency.
Architecture during Sayyid and Lodi Dynasty
Architectures during the Sayyid and Lodi dynasty were mainly the tombs and monuments for the dead rulers. It were carefully designed and meticulously constructed.
Brahmanical Sources of Ancient History
Brahmanical Sources of ancient history are contained in the Vedas and they constitute one of the most important literary sources of information about ancient India.
Female Education In British India
The over brimming enthusiasm among zealous Hindu reformers welcomed female education in British India.
Revenue System of Mauryan Empire
Revenue system of Mauryan Empire can be divided into eight categories. The principal revenue of the state was the land revenue, taxes from traders, artisans and professional taxes were also collected.
Mughal Architecture During Jahangir
Mughal architecture during Jahangir`s period was relative dull in comparison to that of Akbar dynasty.
Princely State of Satlasna
Princely State of Satlasna was amongst the former native states of India that was appointed as one of the Indian princely states during the early 19th century.
Coins of Chola Empire
Coins of Chola Empire were issued in gold, silver and copper and carried the Chola emblem.
Social Life during the Pala Period
Religious toleration and simple living were the characteristics of social life during the Pala period.
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty
Coins of the Chalukya Dynasty was reintroduced in the South India after a brief break of coinage less period of nearly three century. Chalukyas issued coins only in gold and they exhibit a brilliant artistic skill of the engraver.
Costumes of Indus Valley Civilisation
Costumes of Indus valley Civilization have been considered as the basis for Indian clothes. Sophisticated ornaments and make up were used during that age.
Development of Science under Gupta Empire
Development of Science under Gupta Empire was progressive and it had attained considerable perfection. Mathematics, astronomy, medicine, chemistry, physics and metallurgy were the most prominent of the sciences at that time.
Culture under Delhi Sultanate
Culture under Delhi Sultanate had enduring aspects to it. It included the society, the religious condition, literature and art and architecture of that period.
Princely State of Hapa
Princely State of Hapa was incorporated as a part of the Baroda Agency, which was under the administrative control of the Western India States Agency.
Economy Under Chola Dynasty
Economy under Chola dynasty was strong and well developed. The economic life of the people of the Chola Kingdom was well balanced with their social life.
Coins of Khilji Dynasty
Coins of Khilji Dynasty had an influential feature that was followed by the other dynasties.
Religion During Mauryan Dynasty
Religion during Mauryan dynasty became a considerable episode in Indian history with an esteemed lineage of rulers.