Jangir-e-Lae facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Jangir-e-Lae
Part of Hunza–Nagar Campaign
Nilt forts
Date 1 December - 23 December, 1891 (23 days) Location Nagar Result British Indian Victory
Belligerents
Nagar	British Raj
Commanders and leaders
Azur Khan	Algernon George Arnold Durand
Strength
100+	1,000 regulars 2,360 irregulars
Casualties and losses
100+ 127 captured	54+

The Jangir-e-Lae was an important battle fought in December 1891. It was part of a bigger conflict called the Hunza–Nagar Campaign. This battle involved soldiers from the British Raj (which was British rule in India) and the local people of Nagar and Hunza. The fighting took place near a place called Nilt in what is now Pakistan.

The battle lasted for 23 days, from December 1 to December 23, 1891. The British forces were led by Colonel Algernon George Arnold Durand. The people of Nagar and Hunza were led by their chief, Tham Azur Khan. He was in charge because his father, Jafar Zahid Khan, was unable to lead.

What Happened in the Battle?

The British won this battle. They took control of Nagar and its important forts. These forts included Nilt Fort, Mayun Fort, and Thole Fort. The fighting was tough and went on for more than 20 days.

Casualties and Losses

Many people were hurt or lost their lives during the Jangir-e-Lae battle.

• More than 100 people from Nagar died.
• Another 127 people from Nagar were captured.
• On the British side, four British officers died.
• Over 50 soldiers from the Dogra (who were local troops fighting for the British) also died.

Key Events During the Battle

The battle had several important moments:

• On December 2, the British managed to capture Nilt Fort.
• However, they could not take Mayun Fort on the same day.
• Colonel Durand, the British commander, was injured during this fight.
• Mohammad Shah Wazir, one of Nagar's commanders, was killed on December 2.
• Finally, on December 23, the last fort fell to the British forces.

What Happened to Azur Khan?

After the battle, Azur Khan, the chief of Nagar, ran away. He went to a place called Chinese Turkestan. However, the Chinese authorities caught him there. They then handed him over to the British. Azur Khan was first put in prison in Srinagar. Later, he was allowed to live under house arrest, meaning he couldn't leave his home freely.

Why Was This Battle Important?

The Jangir-e-Lae battle and the larger Hunza-Nagar Campaign were part of a big plan by the British Empire. The British wanted to stop the Russian Empire from expanding its power in Central Asia. They also wanted to limit the influence of the Qing Empire (which was China at the time). This competition between empires for control and influence in Central Asia was sometimes called the "Great Game."