Turtuk’s History Part-2 : The Great Power Struggle of Maqpons, Yabgos, and Namgyal Dynasties

Turtuk’s history didn’t conclude with the fall of the Kharpon (as we read in Turtuk’s history part-1. The village continued to be a focal point for various external powers, each leaving its indelible mark. After the Chuli and Yangdrung eras, Turtuk came under the influence of the Maqpon dynasty of Skardu, a powerful ruling family that controlled much of Baltistan. The Maqpon’s influence is still evident in Turtuk today through various structures and cultural practices. However, their rule was eventually supplanted by the Yabgo dynasty of Khaplu and later by the Namgyal dynasty of Ladakh. Turtuk’s history is a tapestry woven from conflicts, power struggles, and cultural exchanges, contributing to its rich and diverse heritage. Turtuk’s history, shaped by these influences, remains a significant aspect of its cultural identity.

Turtuk Under the Maqpon Dynasty

Turtuk’s history under the Maqpon dynasty is particularly fascinating, showcasing the blend of local traditions and external influences that have shaped the village’s unique character.

This period is crucial in understanding Turtuk’s history, as it reflects the socio-political dynamics of the region.

In 1440 AD, during the reign of Maqpon Boqa, Turtuk came under the influence of the Skardu rulers. Oral traditions suggest that the king of Skardu once visited Turtuk on a hunting expedition. He traveled through the Ramdan Valley via La, resting at a place now known as Boqa Duk Pi Nyak—translated as “the place where Boqa stayed.” Near the peak of the pass, he built a small shelter under a juniper tree, which locals now refer to as Boqa Shukpa. He spent several days in the Ramdan Valley, camping at a location still called Boqa or Bokha.

The legacy of Turtuk’s history continues to resonate in its cultural practices and community narratives.

Understanding Turtuk’s history helps illuminate the village’s resilience and adaptability through turbulent times.

According to historical accounts, other kings of Baltistan ruled as divisional chiefs under the Skardu king until the death of Ali Sher Khan Anchan (1588-1625). Ali Sher Khan expanded the Skardu kingdom, acquiring Ladakh and Gilgit. Some theories suggest that the Kharpons of Turtuk were appointed by the Skardu kingdom, linking Turtuk’s local rulers to the broader Baltistan region.

This aspect of Turtuk’s history highlights the importance of local leadership in navigating external threats.

The Yabgo dynasty’s contributions have been pivotal in shaping Turtuk’s history, marking an era of significant change.

Through this lens, Turtuk’s history emerges as a rich narrative of cultural resilience and adaptation.

During the reign of Shah Murad (1656-1673),( As according to historical account, he was the second king to expend the kingdom from Ladakh to Chitral with the help of the Moghul army, ( during that time the ruler of Ladakh was Delden Namgial ) a significant irrigation project known as Murati Ka was initiated. Although the canal was not completed during the Maqpon dynasty due to political upheavals, the people of Turtuk extended it in the 19th century. They employed innovative techniques such as burning juniper wood on the mountain rocks and putting water over it to break and using wooden pipes (known as Was) during the canal’s construction.

Turtuk Under the Yabgo Dynasty

Moreover, the complex interplay of powers in Turtuk’s history showcases the strategic importance of the region.

Turtuk’s history during the Ladakhi rule serves as a reminder of how historical narratives evolve over time.

When Sher Shah of Keres invaded Skardu, the region was plunged into civil war. This allowed Yabgo Hatim Khan (1660-1723), the king of Khaplu, to expand his territory, bringing Turtuk under the Yabgo dynasty. After Skardu regained stability, it attempted to capture Khapulu in 1733, during the reign of Yabgo Dowlat Khan. However, the campaign was unsuccessful, thanks in part to the strategic brilliance of Apo Issup (Yousuf) a resident of turtuk and a commander in the Yabgo army. According to legend, Apo Issup advised his fighters to light wooden flames at night, extinguish them, and hide in residential houses. The enemy, unable to identify each other in the dark, ended up fighting among themselves, leading to Khaplu’s victory over Skardu. During this conflict, Apo Issup sustained a wound that left him with a permanently bent back, a testament to his bravery.

These stories enrich Turtuk’s history, providing depth and context to the village’s vibrant culture.

Turtuk remained under the Yabgo dynasty until 1819, during the rule of Yabgo Yahya Khan.

Ultimately, Turtuk’s history is about the people, their struggles, and the legacies they continue to uphold.

Some of the descendants of the Yabgo dynasty still reside in Turtuk, a village that was once part of the Baltistan. This adds a rich historical and cultural layer to the village, where the legacy of the Yabgos is preserved as the presence of these descendants offers a living connection to the region’s past, making Turtuk a unique destination for those interested in Turtuk’s history and culture.

As we delve deeper into Turtuk’s history, we uncover layers of historical significance that resonate today.

This transition is pivotal in Turtuk’s history, illustrating how external influences have shaped local governance.

In this context, Turtuk’s history provides essential insights into the socio-political landscape of the region.

The ongoing narrative of Turtuk’s history reflects the resilience of its people and their connection to their past.

Turtuk Under the Kingdom of Ladakh (Namgyal Dynasty)

After Yabgo Yahya Khan’s death, internal strife broke out among his three sons—Dowlat Ali Khan, Mehdi Ali Khan, and Mohd Shah. With the help of the Ladakhi army, Mehdi Ali Khan seized power, ceding the Chorbat region up to Pyon to the Ladakh kingdom in exchange for military support. During this conflict, many people of Turtuk were imprisoned by the Ladakh kingdom. One famous tale recounts how Apo Mokhtal (Mokhtar) escaped from a Ladakhi jail by digging through a mud-brick wall using his smoking horn.

Under Ladakhi rule, the Araney area in Turtuk became a prominent location for grazing and training horses. Many Turtuk artisans contributed to the construction of the Leh Palace, and taxes imposed by the Ladakh kingdom were known as Anne Zaan. A significant landmark from this period is the Lobzang Pi Changra, a structure near Shela. The Lama-khen Pi Changra served as the gathering or meeting point for villagers and the king’s men.

Turtuk’s Return to the Maqpon Dynasty

In 1819, Ahmed Shah of Skardu launched a campaign against Khaplu, eventually reclaiming Turtuk and its adjoining regions from the Ladakh kingdom around 1830. An interesting tale from this period is that of Gojo Na Ahmed. A shepherd from Turtuk, Apo Ali Noor (who use to graze his goats in purshot lungma, there is a cave namely Tagoy Bakho A cave with a gate or Ali noori Bakho near the no gak pi bakho can accumalate around more than 1000 goats, he use to live in Kamhul) named two of his goats after Ahmed Shah and his prime minister, Gojo. The king, initially insulted, summoned the shepherd to his court. However, upon seeing that one goat led and protected the herd while the other ensured no one was left behind, the king was impressed and rewarded the shepherd. It is also said that the title Moncho (the king of music) was bestowed upon Turtuk’s artists by Ahmed Shah, who was moved by their exceptional musical talent. The great Maqpon pi Changra was also build during this era.

The Era of Dogra Invasion

In 1840, the Dogra dynasty invaded Baltistan ( with the help of the Yabgos as per various historical accounts, in return the dogras settled them in various region of khapulu ), marking a new chapter in Turtuk’s history. just like other parts of baltistan,The Dogras appointed local leaders, known as Lambardaars, for tax collection. Among them were Apo Ali Jaan, Apo Ali Byalu pa, and Lamdaar Ghulam Mohammad Mali Pa. They also appointed Zaildars or administrative officials The last known Zildaar for the region was Zildaar Karim from siksa, some of his relatives still reside in Tyakshi.

Under Dogra rule, Turtuk and the surrounding areas were divided into administrative blocks based on historical borders. Turtuk, up to Kala Bragbu, fell under the Skardu district of Ladakh Wazarat. During this era many British and Indians came to the region as Gilgit agency was under the British, and started to take records of history. Even the locals started to write their own experience.

The region remained under Dogra rule until 1947, marking the end of a significant era in Turtuk’s history. The Dogra dynasty, which had extended its control over Baltistan in the mid-19th century, maintained its grip on the region until the partition of India in 1947. This event led to the end of Dogra rule in Turtuk and the surrounding areas, bringing about significant political and territorial changes.

In 1947, with the independence of India and the creation of Pakistan, Baltistan, including Turtuk, became a contested region, leading to its eventual integration into the newly formed countries. This period marked the beginning of a new chapter in Turtuk’s history, as the region found itself at the crossroads of geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan, which we will discuss in the third part.