The history of Chitral's princely state is the story of the Mehtars, the hereditary rulers of Chitral, a mountain state that stayed largely self-governing under British suzerainty, acceded to Pakistan in 1947 and was merged into the country as an ordinary district in 1969. The ruling family, the Kator dynasty, governed Chitral from the early 1700s until then. Their fort and mosque still stand on the river in Chitral town, and their title survives as a ceremonial one.
This guide covers who the Mehtars were, how the state worked, the key reigns, and the places in Chitral where you can still see their mark.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Ruling family | Kator dynasty, founded by Muhtaram Shah Kator (1700 to 1720) |
| Ruler's title | Mehtar |
| British ties | Suzerainty from 1891; a salute state after 1911 |
| Joined Pakistan | Announced first among the princely states; instrument signed November 1947 |
| Fully merged | 1969, with integration completed by 1972 |
| Court languages | Persian officially; Khowar as the mother tongue and court language |
Who were the Mehtars of Chitral?
Mehtar was the title of the ruler of Chitral. Under the Kator dynasty the Mehtar held civil, military and judicial authority over the state, with an administration centred in Chitral Fort. Persian was the official language of the court, while Khowar was the language people spoke at home and at court.
The Kators followed the earlier Rais dynasty and became the dominant family from the early eighteenth century. Their early rulers faced repeated challenges from within their own family, and that habit of fighting over the throne shaped the story that followed.
The succession wars and the 1895 siege
The most turbulent period came after Aman ul-Mulk, one of the most influential Mehtars, died in 1892. He had ruled from 1857, and in 1891 had brought Chitral under British suzerainty while keeping control of the state's internal affairs. His sons then fought over the throne, several of them killed or murdered in turn, until a boy of about twelve, Shuja ul-Mulk, was put on the seat with British backing in 1895. That crisis led directly to the siege of Chitral Fort, which we cover in our account of the siege of Chitral in 1895.
Shuja ul-Mulk and the long peace (1895 to 1936)
Shuja ul-Mulk's reign lasted 41 years and was remarkably peaceful by the standard of what came before. He travelled widely, promoted education, and attended the Delhi Durbar in 1903. The Chitral Scouts were raised in April 1903, on the initiative of the Viceroy, Lord Curzon, with the Mehtar as honorary commandant. They are now part of the Frontier Corps and are based at Drosh.
His time on the throne left the most visible landmarks. The fort was restored in 1911, and in 1924 he built the Shahi Mosque next to it, in red sandstone and marble, at a reported cost of 9 lakh rupees. Chitral became a salute state in direct relations with the British after 1911.
Joining Pakistan in 1947
Nasir ul-Mulk succeeded in 1936 and died in 1943 without a surviving son. His brother Muzaffar ul-Mulk reigned from 1943 to January 1949, and it was Muzaffar who took Chitral into Pakistan: it was the first princely state to announce accession, with the instrument signed in November 1947.
He also sent the Chitral Bodyguard and the Chitral Scouts into the 1947 to 1948 conflict in Kashmir, notably in the siege of Skardu, which lasted around four months. Muzaffar died in 1949 of complications from diabetes at the age of 47.
From state to district
His young son Saif ur-Rehman, later known as Saif ul-Mulk Nasir, succeeded him as a child and reigned under a council of regency for the next twelve years. During that time Pakistani authority over the state grew step by step. Chitral was merged as an administrative district in 1969, and between 1969 and 1972 it was fully integrated.
The title did not disappear. The present ceremonial Mehtar, Fateh-ul-Mulk Ali Nasir, occupies Chitral Fort, which belongs to the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and has overseen repairs after earthquake damage in 2015.
Where the legacy shows in Chitral today
- Chitral Fort. The Mehtars' seat, built in 1774. It is still occupied and much of it is closed to visitors, so ask locally about access. See our Chitral Fort guide.
- The Shahi Mosque. Built in 1924 beside the fort, with three domes and two minarets, and still used for prayer. See our Shahi Mosque guide.
- Khowar and Kho culture. Khowar, the court language, is still the everyday language of the district; see Chitral culture.
- The Chitral Scouts. Still active and still tied to the area.
Is it worth learning the history before you go?
Yes, because there is little signage in Chitral town and the fort and mosque make more sense with some background. An hour with the story, then a walk along the river from the fort to the mosque, is a good short visit. Our experiences page covers what else to do around the town.
Check the current security situation before travelling, since the UK government advises against all travel on the N45 to Chitral and to the Kalash valleys; see our guide on whether Chitral is safe. Overseas visitors should check their own government's advice, which can affect travel insurance.
Frequently asked questions
What was a Mehtar?
The hereditary ruler of the princely state of Chitral, with civil, military and judicial authority, until the state was merged into Pakistan.
When did Chitral join Pakistan?
Chitral was the first princely state to announce accession, with the instrument signed in November 1947. It was fully merged as a district in 1969.
Who was the longest-serving Mehtar?
Shuja ul-Mulk, who ruled for 41 years from 1895 to 1936.
Is there still a Mehtar of Chitral?
There is a ceremonial Mehtar, who lives in Chitral Fort, but the title carries no governing power.
Which Mehtar built the Shahi Mosque?
Shuja ul-Mulk built it in 1924, beside the fort on the river.
