The Sacred Rock of Hunza in Pakistan

Who depicted some mysterious and random lines more than a rock formation in Haldeikish, Hunza? No one is clear in answering this question. Nevertheless this remarkable rock has turn into a cultural asset of extreme significance. The art over this rock consists of some figures , inscriptions and carved compositions.  According to a strong belief, these Chinese and Sogdian inscriptions belong to Kushana period. The names and images of some of the Kushana emperors are also engraved on the sacred rocks of Hunza.

Sacred Rock of Hunza in Pakistan – Image © Toufeeque Siddiqui

This sacred rock of Hunza in Pakistan is situated on the left bank of the Hunza River on a hill prime nearly a mile away from Karimabad. This wonderful cultural heritage is situated on the famous Karakorum Highway and it is a 200 yards long and 30 ft. higher rock structure. The archaeologists divide the sacred rock of Hunza in two portions as the upper portion mostly consist of inscriptions in Kharoshthi, Brahmi, Proto-Sarada, Sarada and Sogdian languages. Mostly the names of the Kushana emperors and the names of other emperors Kanishka and Huviskha and so forth., seem in these inscriptions. Similarly, in 1 of the Brahami inscriptions, the name of Trukha or Turk king Ramudasa is also described.

The engraved figers of Ibexes at the sacred Rock of Hunza in Pakistan

In the other portion of the sacred rock of Hunza in Pakistan, there are many, in reality thousands of carvings of ibexes which is testimony for being the Ibex as the cultural symbol in this location given that Pre-historic era. The figures of Ibexes have shown them in diverse hunting situations along with some horned human deities playing with ibexes. Natural disasters are also the most significant threat to this great cultural heritage as the sudden uprising of the water level at the Hunza river might sweep away this cultural wonder at any time.

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The Baltit Fort of Hunza

Baltit Fort is situated in the valley of Hunza in Pakistan. Erected on prime of a hill it overlooks the complete valley. The fort was constructed some 600 years ago. It is totally made of stones, supported by timber beams and plastered over with sun-dried mud. Elders of Hunza inform that a Balti princess was married with the King of Hunza. She brought Balti masons and artisans to develop this fort as a dowry item. The fort remained the palace and family house of the Kings until 1960 when a witch came to reside in it. The royal household shifted to a new granite palace. The fort has been nicely kept. It maintains a museum, library and a good restaurant. The credit goes to the Agha Khan Trust for Culture.

Image from Flickr © Elise and Matt

Baltit Fort is 3-storey creating with 53 rooms. The principal gate opens into a dark hall or corridor on the ground floor. There are guest rooms, kitchens, storerooms, prisons and living rooms attached to this corridor. A wooden staircase goes up by means of a square opening in the floor above.

The second floor has family members apartments, reception rooms, royal court, arms depot and guards’ chambers. A balcony presents a fascinating view of the valley. One more ladder requires to the roof. This is the very best spot to view the renowned peak of Rakaposhi that rises straight out of cultivated fields and reaches 7788 meters in the sky. Behind the fort, the Korakoram rises in a series of needle-sharp peaks. The most renowned of them is lady’s finger. Locals also contact it Bulbuli’s peak, after a legendary Hunza princess. The peak is so steep that even snow can't sustain on its leading. As a result, the black peak stands in contrast with its snow covered neighbors.

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