Malakand Pedia.
Mehtar Afzal ul Mulk S/o Mehtar Shah Aman ul Mulk of Chitral. one month later Sher Afzal brother of Shah Aman ul Mulk attacked on Chitral and killed Afzal ul Mulk in Chitral fort 1892.
1-Shahzada Shahi Mulk ( Governor of Drosh 1870- 1892). His jurisdiction was from chaghnsrai to Lawari pass, Nooristan and upto Broze.Nawab Muhammad Sharif khan of Dir state was brother in law of Shahzada Shahi Mulk. Shahzada Shahi Mulk was the maternal uncle of Miangul Abdul wadood (Badshah sahib of Swat). He was the beloved son of Shah Aman ul Mulk who gifted a lot of landed property to him at Drosh.
2- Shahzada Wazir ul Mulk. His descendants living at Broze.
3- Shahzada Behram ul Mulk. His descendants living in Sheshi koh.
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| Afzal ul Mulk |
Afzal ul Mulk was a member of the ruling family of Chitral and the son of Mehtar Shah Aman ul Mulk, one of the most powerful rulers of Chitral State. His brief rule and tragic death in 1892 mark an important and turbulent period in the history of the princely state of Chitral.
This article also highlights key members of the royal family and their political connections in the broader North-West Frontier region, including relations with Dir and Swat princely states.
Afzal ul Mulk: Brief Rule and Assassination (1892)
Afzal ul Mulk became Mehtar of Chitral after the death of his father Shah Aman ul Mulk. However, his rule lasted only a short period.
In 1892, internal conflict within the royal family led to a major crisis in Chitral. Sher Afzal, a brother of Shah Aman ul Mulk, launched an attack on Chitral. During this conflict, Afzal ul Mulk was killed inside Chitral Fort.
This event created instability in the region and marked the beginning of a power struggle within the ruling family, which later attracted the attention of British authorities in the frontier region.
Shahzada Shahi Mulk (Governor of Drosh)
Shahzada Shahi Mulk, one of the prominent sons of Shah Aman ul Mulk, served as Governor of Drosh from approximately 1870 to 1892.
His administrative jurisdiction is described in historical accounts as extending from Chaghan Sarai to the Lowari Pass, including parts of present-day Nuristan and Broze region.
He was known for his strong administrative influence in the region and maintained close ties with local tribal and political structures.
Family and Relations
- Nawab Muhammad Sharif Khan of Dir State is recorded as his brother-in-law.
- Shahzada Shahi Mulk was also the maternal uncle of Miangul Abdul Wadud (Badshah Sahib of Swat), the future ruler of Swat State.
- He was a favored son of Shah Aman ul Mulk, who reportedly granted him significant landed property in Drosh.
Shahzada Wazir ul Mulk was another important member of the royal family of Chitral.
His descendants are still reported to reside in the Broze region. He played a role in maintaining the influence of the royal family in local affairs during and after the transitional political period in Chitral.
Shahzada Behram ul Mulk was also a son of Shah Aman ul Mulk.
His descendants are believed to reside in Sheshi Koh. Like other members of the royal family, he remained part of the extended political and social structure of Chitral after the decline of centralized royal authority.
The late 19th century was a period of political instability in Chitral. Internal family disputes over succession often led to conflicts within the ruling elite.
This instability eventually attracted British involvement, as Chitral held strategic importance in the North-West Frontier region due to its proximity to Afghanistan and Central Asia.
The events following Afzal ul Mulk’s death contributed to the broader geopolitical changes in the region, including the strengthening of British influence in frontier states.
The history of Afzal ul Mulk and his family reflects:
- The complex succession politics of Chitral State
- The interconnected relationships between Chitral, Dir, and Swat royal families
- The impact of internal conflict on frontier governance
- The strategic importance of Chitral during British rule
These events are important for understanding the political evolution of the princely states in the region.
Afzal ul Mulk’s short rule and tragic death in 1892 represent a critical turning point in the history of Chitral State. The broader family dynamics of Shah Aman ul Mulk’s descendants show the complexity of governance and succession in princely states of the North-West Frontier.
Understanding these historical figures helps preserve the political and cultural heritage of Chitral and its neighboring regions.
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