Course: Social and Cultural Anthropology (SOC - 605)

Report Title: Culture of Gilgit-Baltistan

Submitted by: Rizwana Waseem

Registration no.: 2019-ag-1162

Submitted to: Ms. Asima Rasool

Degree: M.Sc. Sociology (Weekend Program)

Semester: Spring 2021 (4th)

Department of Rural Sociology

University of Agriculture, Faisalabad
Introduction:

Gilgit-Baltistan is situated in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. This area is most

likely surrounded by mountains like k-2, Gasherbrum II, Hidden peak, Kangri,

Gasherbrum I and many more. This region is the habitat of people of Tibet and

some Iranian people. Here the population is low as compared to other regions of

Pakistan so a peaceful environment can be found. Basic language is Shina in Gilgit

but the people of Gilgit Baltistan speak different languages most likely Urdu,

Tebitian, Burushaski, Khowar, Balti, and some people can speak Punjabi and

Pashto too. So here we can clearly observe the cultural glimpse of both Iran and

Tibet as this region has different people from various cultures so here different

patterns of house making and living styles can be seen.

Gilgit-Baltistan has been at the crossroads of various civilizations for centuries.

Not so long ago, it was the central theatre of the “great game in which the erstwhile

empires maneuvered for strategic supremacy while caravan of traders, sundry

adventurers and explorers traversed the serpentine coil of tricky mountain paths

that came to be known as “silk route” .

The isolation associated with the Karakoram Mountains ensured that

Gilgit-Baltistan, developed and preserved its unique history, cultural values and

traditional political identity. The territory of Gilgit-Baltistan consists of seven

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districts namely Gilgit, Ghezir, Hunza Nagar, Diamar, Astore, Baltistan (Skardu)

and Ghanche.

LANGUAGE & LITERATURE:

Urdu is the lingua franca of the region, understood by most of the inhabitants. The

Shina language (with several dialects like Asturjaa, Kharuchaa, chilasi) is the

language of 60% of the population, spoken mainly in Gilgit, Astore throughout

Diamer, and in some parts of Ghizer. The Balti dialect, a sub-dialect of Ladakhi

and part of the Tibetan languages group, is spoken by the entire population of

Baltistan. Minor languages spoken in the region include Wakhi, spoken in upper

Hunza, and in some villages in Ghizer, while Khowar is the language of Ghizer.

Burushaski is an isolated language spoken in Hunza, Nagar, Yasin (where Khowar

is also spoken), in some parts of Gilgit and in some villages of Punyal. Another

interesting language is Domaaki, spoken by the musician clans in the region. A

small minority of people also speak Pashto. Despite being referred to as part of

Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan has few remnants of Kashmiri speaking their own

language.

English is fairly widely spoken among the educated classes and those involved in

the tourist industry.

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Literature in the Shina language is all about bringing harmony among the various

sections of society through humanism, tolerance and pluralism. Literary and

poetical works of Abdul Khaliq Taj and Jamshed Dukhi who have through their

work strived to forge unity among the people of different ethnicities are renowned.

Though Balti has remained under adverse conditions, even then it has proved to be

a very fertile language capable of creating several categories/ kinds of folk and

classical literature. Prose is not found except Proverbs (in hundreds) and some

Epics and Sagas (of King Kesar/Gesar, Rgyalucho-Lo-bZang and Rgyalu-Srasbu

and some others), all in oral tradition. All other literature is in verse. Balti literature

has adopted numerous Persian styles of verse and vocables that have amplified the

beauty and melody of its poetry.

ARCHITECTURE:

People of Gilgit-Baltistan are usually living in remote, mountainous regions. In the

upper mountain region, the architecture has a unique continuity of design, usually

with one central room built around the hearth. The room is laid out in raised

platforms at different heights, each for a certain purpose, with five symbolic pillars

and a diamond-shaped hole in the roof for smoke and light.

Traditional Wakhi houses are single storied, built of mud and stones. The floor is

mud with carpets or animal skins and the door, roof-hole, pillars, and sometimes

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the platforms are made of wood. In the older houses the outside door is about 1.5

meters tall to preserve heat. Light comes from a skylight, the door, the fire, and oil

lamps. The hearth at center is usually fed with brush or yak dung. The pillars have

a peculiar four-spiral device with a fifth spike, said to represent the fingers of the

hand, and the five holy personalities of Ismailism.

The buildings in Baltistan show great indebtedness to Kashmiri style of

architecture. . The rich carvings on the window frames, door frames, at the arches

and panel of the verandahs, while the top horizontal panels all show various

geometric designs, the verandah arches which are trefoil and stilted have scroll

designs at the tympanums. Some buildings have inscriptions fixed over the

doorway. They are mostly historic in content. Historical view of Altit Fort, Baltit

Fort, Ganish fort and skyscraper mountains is also a rich example of architecture.

Most of the buildings in the region use wood as a building material to preserve old

traditions. However structures have been replaced by new materials. All of the

houses are built in the same design, usually in more out-of-the-way places where

building a large traditional house would be difficult. The carpets made up of

sheep/yak hair, Rolled up sleeping mats and a Back room for storage are

commonly seen.

Winter in Gilgit Baltistan:

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While discussing the culture of Gilgit Baltistan, Gilgit’s dressing style grasps most

of our attention.

Gilgit woolen caps are the most liked thing in Gilgit and also fascinate the tourists

from all over the world, these caps have a feather attached to it and are considered

as integrity in men's dressing. People from other areas of Pakistan also like to wear

these caps in winter. Moreover, in men's clothing, they wear shalwar kameez,

shawl, and weskit.

In women dressing there can be found a fantastic cap. The most famous women's

cap has embroidery on it and jewelry attached to it, which looks so sophisticated.

Women wear colorful frocks, shalwar kameez, and shawl and large caps even on

events.

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ARTS & CRAFTS:

Gilgit-Baltistan is one of the tourist attractions from all over the world. Hence the

arts and crafts of the province are renowned worldwide.

Dori work is done on Choghas or ceremonial gowns. Embroidered caps and

garments are specialties of Gilgit and hunza.

Carpet weaving on handlooms in a simple design formation is also a specialty of

Gilgit-Baltistan.

Stone work (sharma) is one of the famous crafts of the province for making

elaborated stoneware. There are traditional apricot spoons. Hard, seasoned

walnut-wood lends itself well to the artistry of the wood-carver’s hand. Apart from

elegant furniture, the walnut-wood carvers also produce decorative boxes, salad

bowls, trays and cigarette-boxes.

Diamer is famous for its pine forest. Pine wood is used in good quality furniture.

Woolen pattu of this place is unique in design and quality. These days the

traditional designs have been made contemporary with the increase in today�s

demand. Pattu is used for making gowns.

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Ibex hair is used to make hand woven floor rugs. These firm rugs receive their

decorative embroidery usually done by girls. The natural creamy-white base can

also be dyed in vivid colours.

There are other floor-coverings that are unique. Kimma is used for making

Numdah. They are brightly embroidered in metro rectangles to small round ones

which can be scattered all over a room to lend it warmth and colour.

The gabba is another variety of floor-covering. These are exotic, multi-coloured

and geometrically patterned rugs. Embroidered wallets, key chains, caps and other

products are also noticeable.

MUSICS & DANCES:

The famous trio band music is played in this region as in most of the other regions.

On the rhythm of this loud music, men love to dance in their typical way. There are

some variations in lyrics from region to region.

Gilgit, Ghizer Yasin, Puniyal,and Gupis' favorite rhythm is Alghani. The Ajoli

rhythm is played during the bride's departure from her house. Souse is a martial

rhythm and fast rhythm, played when sword dance is performed. Hunza people’s

favorite rhythm is Dani.

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Instruments commonly used in Gilgit Baltistan are, Dadang (drum), Damal and

Surnai while some other instruments like Sitar, Gabi(flut) Rabab and duff represent

the different areas. Beside these khling-boo, chang, porgho-too etc instruments are

used in Baltistan region.

Old Man Dance is performed by more than one man wearing some old style

dresses and a local hat and dance.

Sword Dance is a unique dance that is performed by men taking one sword in right

and Shield in left. One to six participants as a pair can dance.

CowBoy Dance is performed by a man wearing an earlier period dress, long leather

shoes and a stick in hand.

DRESSES AND ORNAMENTS:

As in most other regions of Himalayas, the men generally dress in woolen stuffs of

home manufacture, their garments being the coat (anga), trousers(pyjama) of dark

thick cloth, cap(topi) familiar to all hill men, and very generally a long frock coat

(bakhu), while their shoes are the same as those worn every where in the hills.

Though sometimes they wear woolen boots of chequered color and are solved with

rope very ingeniously and finely plaited. There is a bright iron pipe and a knife in

sheath stuck in his belt.

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Women dress consists of a tight fitting Pyjama and a lady’s gown. A shirt like a

Punjabi kurta is worn as an under cloth. A sash is worn around the waist over the

gown. The lining on the gown is sometimes embroidered along the margins. My

favorite colors are black, red and blue. And finally a head-gear which goes one to

one and half yards down the back and with which the face can be covered. In

winters sometimes ladies wear thick shawls like woolen Chadders. The hair is

plaited into a tail which comes down to the shoulder-blades and sometimes a little

lower. Long woolen boots complete the description.

The wedding dress of women of Gilgit-Baltistan has a highly decorated bodice. It

is so heavily worked front and back in geometric designs that the shoulders stand

out from the body. The pom poms are made of Hunza wool. The wide sleeves

extend past the hands and are also elaborately embroidered on the cuffs. The

swirling skirt is made of 23 yards of printed cotton.

Ornaments and jewellery are made of gold and silver. Necklaces are of various

types made of turquoise, coral and pearl. Sometimes nose pins are studded with

precious and semi precious stones. In young ladies chains of gold and pearl-beads

are most common now. Silver bangles are also used.

DRESS:

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The dress plays a central role in the identity of a person. Traditional clothing of the

region is influenced by local culture, geography and weather.

Men's Dress:

Male members of Gilgit Baltistan wear different stuff of woollen caps they

consider it as an honour for them.

Men usually wear:

● Woollen hat

● Shalwar kameez

● Woollen robe with long or short sleeve[1]

Women's Dress:

The most elegant part of women's dress is the traditional cap. Various types of caps

are used. The most popular cap is the beautiful embroidered Iraghi cap with the

traditional piece of the jewel called silsila. Many other types of caps are used in

various regions.[1]

The custom of wearing caps is also common in Gilgit Baltistan, especially during

events like bridal makeup. Women usually wear:

● Iraghi cap

● Loose shalwar kameez

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 ● Colorful frock

Cap:

The traditional cap of Gilgit Baltistan has played a major role in defining the

identity of people of Gilgit Baltistan. The cap has different names in major local

languages. In Shina and Khowar languages the cap is called Khoi; in Burushaski,

Phartsun or Pharsen; and in Wakhi, Sekeed. The cap's design is slightly different in

Baltistan and is called Nating in Balti.[1] The traditional hat of Gilgit-Baltistan is a

soft, round-topped, men’s hat, typically made of wool and found in a variety of

earthy colours: brown, black, grey, or ivory. Before it is fitted and worn, the

traditional hat resembles a bag with a round, flat bottom. The wearer rolls up the

sides nearly to the top, forming a thick band, which then rests on the head like a

beret or cap.

Design of Cap:

The traditional cap is a soft round topped woollen hat. Made by local artisans, it is

available in various colours. Whitecaps are most popular in the region and

considered a part of the formal local dress. In many areas, people, especially of the

older generation, still wear the traditional cap all the time with pride. They

consider it a sign of honour. The most striking feature of the cap is the duck plume

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and the feather is stuck in front or side of the cap. It gives a very elegant look to the

cap. It is considered a part of the formal dress cap and is used in the groom's dress.

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TRADITIONAL FOOD:

Every year, many sports rivalries are planned in Gilgit Baltistan like volleyball,

football, ski, and most polo. Polo is the most favorite sport of Gilgit people

specially of Astore, Chilas, Nagar and Hunza. Many tourists visit Gilgit Baltistan

to enjoy the polo festival every year. Polo has been played in Gilgit for decades.

This game is the specialty of Gilgit people. Even people of the United Kingdom

learned this game from Gilgit people during the duration of their stopover in the

region.Food in Gilgit-Baltistan involves the use of mild aromatic spices and less

oil. International cuisine and fast food are popular in cities. Blending local and

foreign recipes (fusion food) such as Pakistani Chinese is common in large urban

centres.

The origins of Balti cooking are wide ranging and owe as much to China (with a

slight resemblance to the spicy cooking of Szechuan) and Tibet as well as to the

ancestry of the Mirpuris, the tastes of the Moghul emperors, the aromatic spices of

Kashmir, and the ‘winter foods’ of lands high in the mountains.”

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The food and its style of presentation proved very popular. Balti cuisine offers very

large “Karack” naan bread pieces, meant to be shared by the whole table.

Ful-cobi ne mutter jo shaak / Cauliflower and Peas curry, Tandoori Bateta nu Ful

Cobi / Tandoori Cauliflower and Potatoes, Machi Bhat / Spicy Coconutty Salmon

with Rice , Tikkha Chilla, Bharela Marcha / Stuffed Peppers , Bakala jo soup .

Mixed Vegetable Soup, Khajur ne Akrot jo Cake / Date and Walnut Cake, kebabs,

bateta shaak (potato curry), chicken saag (chicken curry) and rice are the

traditional specialities of Gilgit-Baltistan. In Ismaili community, the relatively

small Samosas having special recipes are famous.

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Yak’s milk is given special importance. It is used for making butter that has a very

high fat content. It is considered as the best present that a family can give to

another. Those living in the remote regions lead simple lives and the monasteries in

the vicinity have a great impact on their lives.

CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS:

When it comes to events and festivals, mainly there are two types, religious and

cultural. In religious domains Eidain (Eid-e- Baqarah, EID Milad Un Nabi, and

Eid-e-Fitr includes. In cultural festivals, Shandur polo festival is most famous other

festival related to different communities also included in a list like Navroz,

Harvesting festival (which people arrange to thank ALLAH for blessing them with

such prosperity) and Babusar Polo festival another most appealing this is the

traditional sword dance of the people on such events.

Gilgit-Baltistan has been influenced by various cultures and civilizations

throughout history. Its unique location – the main trading route between India,

China and Central Asia (Silk Route) passed through the area – not only made it a

meeting place for traders and pilgrims, but also attracted emperors and conquerors

from Central Asia and Persia. The road was built over an historical caravan trail

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which was once part of the ancient Silk Road, and was a combined effort between

China and Pakistan.

Baltistan is mainly inhabited by Baltis, Muslim tribes of Tibetan origin. The Baltis

are a very forbearing, cheerful, and hospitable people. The Wakhis survive by

herding sheep, goats and yaks or by farming small plots of wheat or barley. Almost

all Wakhis are Ismaili Muslims, a liberal, pacifist branch of Islam led by the Aga

Khan. Wakhis are among the friendliest and most hospitable people of the area.

Gilgit-Baltistan has a rich cultural heritage and a variety of rare plants and flowers.

In the land of Gilgit-Baltistan, many cultures and ethnicities exist, three distinct

sectarians groups practice their respective interpretation of Islam. But this whole

region shares a beautiful landscape of terraced fields, high-mountains, and clean

glacier water. Most people practice some form of agriculture and their beautiful

orchards and wheat and potato fields are fed by these glacial waters.

The people inhabiting this region have a common memory of gaining

independence from the Dogra Raj on November the 1st 1949. These diverse people

who also proudly claim distinct cultural heritages, however, find unity in many

important dimensions of their respective cultures such as the commonality of

musical instruments and their tunes, and unique methods of dance. These people

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can also be uniformly identified from their headgear, the Farzin and the long coat

Shoqa, and of course in their food.

FAIRS & FESTIVALS:

Navroz, Jashn-e-Baharan, Shandur Polo Festival, Babusar Polo Festival and

Harvest time festivals are the major festivals of the province.

Harvest Time festival is performed in the same way as the seeding festival. The

villagers thank “Allah” (God Almighty) for the bounty that they are going to

harvest. For this, it means lively music (drum beats), dancing and eating and on top

of sharing the happiness with one another.

Traditional sport of Gilgit Baltistan is polo. Polo was originally started from Gilgit

centuries ago and Britisher learned to play Polo from Gilgit during their stay in the

sub continent. It is still played in its original version at Gilgit.

Polo is the favourite game of the people of Gilgit, Chilas, Astore, Hunza, Nagar

and the surrounding areas. Every year, many tourists visit to enjoy polo in

Gilgit-Baltistan. Other games such as cricket, Tuksori of Nagar, gulli danda,

kabaddi, and volleyball are also played.

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Simply stand up and cheer for the local teams, when they clash in a unique style of

polo-the game of Kings! Mesmerize Yourself this Summer-Visit Gilgit-Baltistan.

For centuries, the Silk Route remained the main trading route between south Asia

and central Asia. The Silk Routes Festival has provided a great opportunity to

travelers to explore the natural beauty, unique cultural and ancient traditions of the

Northern Areas and together with other Silk Route countries like China,

Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, to Turkmenistan participate in this

event reflecting the work of their artisans, craftsmen and folk musicians.

Trekking in Gilgit Baltistan:

Gilgit Culture is the most fascinating and elegant culture for Pakistani people and

for tourists from other countries. People who come to visit the tourist attractions in

Gilgit Baltistan like Skardu, Deosai plains, Satpara Lake, Basho, and Attabad Lake

become very eager to see and adopt Gilgiti culture during their stay over there.

Many people come to see the most famous Shandur Polo festival as Gilgit Baltistan

has outstanding polo and ski teams.

Gilgit-Baltistan is home to a number of diversified cultural entities, ethnic groups and

various backgrounds. This multitude of cultures is because of the strategic location of

Gilgit. In view of the multicultural and multilingual aspects, people also have a

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beautiful mix of lifestyles and attitudes presenting a pluralistic society living together

with peace and harmony for centuries.

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