FROM PRINCELY AUTONOMY TO STATE INTEGRATION: POLITICAL TRANSFORMATION OF HUNZA UNDER MIR JAMAL KHAN

Abstract

This study explores the political evolution of the princely state of Hunza under the leadership of its last
sovereign, Mir Jamal Khan, with particular attention to the state's accession to Pakistan in 1947 and
the subsequent collapse of its princely power in 1974, and factors leading to the merger of Hunza
State. Situated in the geopolitically sensitive region of Gilgit-Baltistan Hunza enjoyed a semi-
autonomous status under British suzerainty prior to the division of British India. The political
transition of Hunza from a princely state to its eventual merger with Pakistan has received limited
scholarly attention, particularly with regard to the role of Mir Jamal Khan during this critical period.
Despite being a significant historical juncture, there is a lack of comprehensive analysis on how local
leadership negotiated, responded to, and influenced the accession process. This gap makes it essential
to study the unique administrative, political and cultural implications of Hunza’s merger. The present
research is based on primary and secondary sources, including archival materials and first hand
interviews. The present researcher’s key informants include Mir Ghazanfar Ali Khan, son of the last
Mir of Hunza Mir Jamal Khan, and Rani Atiqa Sahiba, the last queen of Hunza and wife of Mir Ghazanfar Ali Khan. The merger brought administrative and political changes, yet the Mir’s family
continued to hold symbolic and social authority post accession.