Aqa of Punial
Aqa of Punial is a title historically held by the Ismaili rulers of Punial, part of the Ayasho Dynasty of Punial in the Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan. The title was conferred through a ceremonial event known as takht nisheeni, marking the coronation of the new Aqa. The eldest son of the Aqa is designated as the Prince of Punial, establishing a clear line of succession. During the British colonial period, the British government granted the title of His Royal Highness to the head of the ruling family in recognition of his contributions to the region and his cooperative relationship with the British authorities. The Aqa plays a significant role in both political leadership and cultural preservation within Punial. The first Aqa of the Ayasho Dynasty of Punial was His Royal Highness Colonel Aqa Akbar Ali Shah, while the last was His Royal Highness Aqa Mayoon Shah. This dynasty is associated with the Ismaili sect of Islam and played a vital role in promoting power, peace, and education in the region. The Aqa's leadership significantly contributed to the development and stability of the community, fostering social progress and cultural preservation throughout the valley.[1][2][3]
List of Rulers
change| Title | Reign | Military Designation | Aqa of Punial | Territory Occupied |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Father of the Ayasho Dynasty in Punial | 1857 - 1885 | Major in the British Indian Army | Prince Bakhtawar Shah | Garrison city of Gahkuch. |
| Aqa Shah I | 1885 - 1899 | Honorary Colonel and Founder of Punial Levies | His Royal Highness Aqa Akbar Ali Shah | Punial. |
| Aqa Shah II | 1899 - 1914 | Honorary Lieutenant Colonel of Punial Leveis | His Royal Highness Aqa Ismail Ali Shah | Punial and Ishkoman. |
| Aqa Shah III | 1914 - 1999 | Honorary Lieutenant Colonel of Punial Leveis | His Royal Highness Aqa Zulfiqar Shah | Punial, Ishkoman, Gupis, Yasin and Kuh (Phander). |
| Aqa Shah IV | 1919 - 1930 | Honorary Colonel of Gilgit Scouts | His Royal Highness Aqa Karim Ali Shah | Punial, Ishkoman, Yasin, Gupis, Kuh (Phander), Nagar and Gilgit. |
| Aqa Shah V | 1930 - 1945 | Honorary Colonel of Gilgit Scouts | His Royal Highness Aqa Zarrar Shah | Punial, Ishkoman, Yasin, Gupis, Kuh (Phander), Nagar and Gilgit. |
| Aqa Shah VI | 1945 - 1970 | Air Vice Marshal of Pakistan Air Force | His Royal Highness Aqa Iskandar Shah | Punial, Ihkoman, Yasin, Gupis, Kuh (Phander) and Gilgit. |
| Aqa Shah VII | 1970 - present | Never enlisted | His Royal Highness Aqa Mayoon Shah | Punial, Ishkoman, Yasin and Gupis. |
See Also
changeReferences
change- ↑ "British raj | Imperialism, Impact, History, & Facts | Britannica". www.britannica.com. 2024-09-03. Retrieved 2024-10-20.
- ↑ Bangash, Yaqoob Khan (2022-08-14). "Winning Over The Princely States". DAWN.COM. Retrieved 2024-10-20.
- ↑ McLeod, John (1994). "The English Honours System in Princely India, 1925-1947". Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society. 4 (2): 237–249. ISSN 1356-1863.