Chitral : a study in statecraft (1320-1969)

The mountainous region of Chitral, which recently became the first district in Pakistan to have a conservation strategy, is renowned for its rugged landscape and unique culture. What is perhaps less well known is that the area possesses a rich tradition of customary law and indigenous statecraft. This heritage, spanning a period of nearly 700 years, encompasses a wide range of subjects from defence and civil administration to land tenure systems and natural resource management. This study takes one to the era of the Medhars, the legendary rulers of Chitral and their traditional systems of governance. In the process it also touches upon the history, ethnography and culture of this beautiful land. A glossary and an extensive chronology add further value to this study.