Umara Khan Janduli. An Anonymous Hero of Pashtoon’s History

Ghazi Umara Khan Janduli.

An Anonymous Hero of Pashtoon’s History.

Dr. Badshah-i-Rome, Muhammad Nawaz, Dr. Faiz Ullah Panaizai & Dr. Kaleemullah Bareach

Abstract.

The history of the world is full of epic stories of such heroes who by
their glorious deeds have left remarkable marks in the annals of the world. They waged crusades against the forces of darkness and tyranny for the peaceful and honorable future of their people. Like other nations, the history of Pashtun is also full of such heroes. But unfortunately majority of these heroes are anonymous. The World and even Pashtun do not know about their struggle against the imperialistic powers. Umara Khan of Jandol (lower Dir) can also be classed with the rank and files of those greatest anonymous heroes of the World who devoted his energies throughout of their lives to uphold truth, Pashtun liberty and teachings of Islam. This research paper will highlight the struggle of Umra Khan against the British imperialism. The research will be focusing to bring the achievements of Umra Khan Jandoli into the knowledge of the people specially Pashtunes

Keywords: Pashtun, Umrah Khan

Introduction

 Umara Khan was born in 1860 A.D. in the house of Aman Khan at Jandol (Lower Dir), in the village of Barawa (renamed as Samar Bagh in the 1980s)(Ali, 2012). Under the supervision of his education loving father, he received his early education perform many capable teachers. He received his early education in Persian language from Qazi Muhammad Abdul Jamal and learned the Holy Quran from Hafiz Abdul Manan.(Ali, 2012). In the life of Aman Khan there was a war of succession between his sons, Muhammad Zaman Khan and Umra Khan. Each of them struggled hard to be the successor of their father. After his death in 1879, Muhammad Zaman Khan occupied the throne of Barwa. Realizing the ambitious disposition of Umra Khan, he decided to remove him from his path. He forced him along with his younger brother Muhammad Shah Khan to leave Barwa. (Frontier and overseas, 1907). They first fled to Shamozai and then took refuge in the house of Gul Muhammad Khan of Pachi Gram. (Munir, 2012). In 1880 Umra Khan went to Makka for forming hajj where he met Maulana Mamoodul Hassan and Maulana Rashid Ahmad Gangohi, the active members of Shah Wali Ullah Tahrek. They infused in him the spirit of Jehad with sole aim that he would raise the sword against the British (Asar. N.D).After returning from hajj he decided to try his luck. He came to Peshawar where he secretly purchased a rifle with few bullets and made his way to Jandol. Dressed in female attire, he went to his brother’s forte in Barwa and sneaked in the watch tower of the main gate and lay in wait there for a couple of days .On the third night he saw that Muhammad Zaman Khan was coming out accompanied by his guards.

 Taking opportunity of the situation, he opened fire on him and killed him on the spot. (Times of Indai, 25th March, 1985). When the servants saw their leader in a pool of blood, they turned toward Umra Khan and intended to kill him but in the mid of this uncertain situation the old Queen, Umra Khan’s mother came out and delivered the following impressive speech;
“Oh people of Jandol, why you are trying to kill Umra Khan? Because my elder son has been killed’’ (Times of Indai, 25th March, 1985)
These words pacified the burning situation and the guards of the former Khan left him alive and the next day he declared himself as Khan of Barwa and all local Khans took the oath of loyalty at his hand. (Frontier and overseas, 1907) After having established himself on the throne of Jandol, Umra Khan decided to consolidate his position at home by getting confidence of the local Khans. Some of the Khans paid homage to him peacefully and some of them were compelled to do so (Ali, 2012). 

After gaining power, Umra Khan realized that the stability of his kingdom depended upon a strong and efficient arms and army, because he was convinced that in this area arms and army had more
respect than money. That’s why he declared; “Any person, who will bring a fine rifle, Will be taken into his service” (Ali, 2012)
In this way, in the short span of time he collected a large number of rifles and organized the state army on strong and firm basis and put this army under the efficient command of his cousin, Abdul Majid Khan. (Thompson, 1895) Having restored the royal authority and organized the internal administration, he now applied himself to the task of subduing the chiefs of the neighboring areas. The first person against whom he unveiled the sword was his brother Mir Hasan Khan, the Khan of Munda. Mir Hassan Khan was not strong enough to meet the forces of Umra Khan, so he requested the Khan of Dir, Rahmat Ullah Khan to help him in this connection. As a result the combined forces of both Khans of Munda and Dir met the forces of Umra Khan at Mayar. A fierce battle was fought in which Umra Khan’s army was routed. Realizing the gravity of the situation Umra Khan requested Dilaram Khan, the Khan of Bajaur for help who accepted the request. Once again the two forces tried their luck in battle field of Sadbar Kali. Muhammad Afzal Khan; the Khan of Sadbar Kali also joined hands with Mir Hassan Khan and Rahmat ullah Khan.

 An intense battle was fought in which the forces of Umra Khan came out victorious. Mir Hassan Khan and Muhammad Afzal Khan fled to Bajaur and thus Munda and Sadbar Kali was annexed to the State of Jandol. (Thompson, 1895) At that time Dir was ruled over by Rahmat Ullah Khan who had appointed his elder son Muhammad Sharif Khan as his successor but later on differences developed between father and son and Rahmat Ullah Khan designated his another son Jamroz Khan as his heir-apparent. The displeased son went to Jandol and prayed for political asylum in the court of Umra Khan who was warmly welcomed there. In order to avenge Rahmat Ullah Khan for his previous actions Umra Khan began to use his own son against him. (Dirvi, 2003) The first encounter between Umra Khan and Khan of Dir was fought in 1882 at Khazana, Walai and Khema which ended in failure of Khan of Dir. Umra Khan annexed all these areas to his State which was a first set back for Rahmat Ullah Khan. (Dirvi, 2003) 

On one side Umra Khan was using Muhammad Sarif Khan against Rahmat Ullah Khan and on the other side he entered into an alliance with Mian Gul Abdul Hanan, the ruler of Swat against the Khan of Dir. According to the plan in the winter of 1882, Mian Gul crossed River Swat at Chakdara and invaded Adenzai territory.

 On hearing this, the Khan of Dir advanced against Mian Gul via Talash and besieged him. On receiving this news, Umra Khan marched towards Adenzai to rescue him. A fierce battle was fought between the two forces in which the forces of Khan of Dir were badly routed. Umra Khan captured the area of Adenzai and Talash and raised posts in these areas. It is worth mentioning here that Umra Khan himself got wounded in this battle. (MacMahan, 1901). After capturing these areas, Umra Khan realized the weak position of the Khan of Dir and marched towards the valley of Maidan in 1883 ruled by Sardar Khan, the nominee of Rahmat Ullah Khan.

 Maidan fell into the hands of Umra Khan without any resistance. Getting information about this set back, Rahmat Ullah Khan mobilized his forces via Kalpani Sar and made a sudden attack and defeated the forces of Umra Khan and recaptured the valley of Maidan. Umra Khan withdrew his forces to Jandol and lived there in peace for few months. A few months passed peacefully, Umra Khan attacked on the fort of Balambat which was easily captured and now the forces marched towards koto kwana tair. Shahzad Khan, the Khan of Hajiabad joined hands with Umra Khan and thus this strategic position was also captured. Rahmat ullah Khan managed to recaptured the area and proceeded with heavy forces but Umra Khan got additional power with the reinforcement of Mian Gul Abdul Hanan of Swat. The combined forces defeated Rahmat Ullah Khan’s forces at the battle field of Shahzadai. Though, the Khan of Dir succeeded in recapturing the forte of Shahzadai but he realized the gravity of the situation and began to search allies against the growing power of Umra Khan. (MacMahan, 1901) The position of Umra Khan was not so strong enough to face the forces of Rahmat Ullah Khan, so he began to exercise the diplomatic channels by offering peace to accept Walai Kandanow as a border between the two States which was categorically rejected by Rahmat ullah Khan and now both resolved to settle the issue in a battle field (Shahid, 2005). 

The position of Umra Khan further weakened when the friendship of his previous ally Mian Gul Abdul Hanan changed into enmity and open hostility. Mian Gul Abdul Hanan demanded the handover of Talash, Adanzai and Shamuzai to him which were captured by the forces of Umra Khan during the clashes of MIan Gul and Rahmat Ullah Khan over these areas but Umra Khan turned down this request. Disappointed by Umra Khan, Mian Gul came to the court of Ramat Ullah Khan and begged for help and thus a new alliance was concluded between the two rulers against Umra Khan. According to the plan the combined forces of Mian Gul and Rahmat ullah Khan attacked Adenzai, Shawa, Tendodak and defeated the forces of Jandol. Hearing the news of defeat, Umra Khan himself marched at the head of about 3000 fresh reinforcement and enforced a crushing defeat on the combined forces of Dir and Swat. It is worth mentioning here that Mian Gul along with few notables were arrested and were taken to Jandol as prisoners of war who were latter on pardoned and set free. (Shahid, 2005) In 1884 a series of battles once again started on the soil of Dir. In March,1884 the whole of Timergara fell into his hands and from there he marched towards the fort of Shahzadai which was captured without any resistance. 

In the same year Maidan was recaptured from the forces of Rahmat Ullah Khan. During this somber setting Ramat Ullah Khan died and was succeeded by his son Sharif Khan. After having dealt the internal problems, he demanded Umra Khan to hand over him the areas of Dir which he captured during the reign of his father. Umra Khan not only turned down his demand but asked him to accept his over lordship. Now both Khans resolved to settle the issue in a battle field. (MacMahan, 1901) Umra Khan had already fixed his eyes on the remaining parts of Dir, so he marched out from Jandol and attacked on Rabat. 

After an intense battle he captured Rani and Rabat from the forces of Sharif Khan. Encouraged by this victory, he proceeded to Barun where he was defeated. Here he realized the seriousness of the situation and withdrew his forces to Jandol. (MacMahan, 1901) From May, 1885 to January, 1888 the sword of Umra Khan remained shielded but in the beginning of 1889 clashes again commenced between two arch rivals. Now Umra Khan followed two pronged policy against the ruler of Dir. On one side he focused on his militarily and on the other side he embraced the rivals of Sharif Khan. After capturing several forte and villages of the State of Dir, Umra Khan was acknowledged as a great warrior, conqueror and farsighted statesman. Finding the ground quite ripe and mature, in 1889 he once again undertook expeditions against Sharif Khan. In order to make the expedition decisive and effective he planned to attack from two sides; 1. Northern infantry led by Umra Khan
2. Southern infantry commanded by Umra Khan’s brother, Muhammad Shah Khan. (MacMahan, 1901)

Umra Khan at the head of 4000 forces crossed Shahi Pass and stepped into Barawal valley. At Janbatai, a bloody battle was fought between the two rival forces. It was a decisive battle between Umra Khan and Sharif Khan in which the Sun of victory rose in the favor of Umra Khan. Encouraged by the said victory, Umra Khan marched towards the forts of Barawal Bandai, Sundrawal, up to Surbat and all of these fall into his hand without any stiff resistance. The victorious forces at the head of their dynamic and magnetic leader, Umra Khan reached Chukytan, where they encamped, in order to wait for Muhammad Shah Khan, the commander of the Southern forces. (Dirvi, 2003) From Southern side Muhammad Shah Khan reached Shahzadai at the head of 3000 forces via Wali Kandao. He captured this fort and from there he marched towards Barun, another stronghold of Sharif Khan under the charge of Pamjan. Pamjan offered stiff resistance to the invading forces but in vain. After defeating Pamjan at Barun, he then marched to Rabat and from Rabat to Khal. The incharge of these places submitted to him without any strong resistance. But the Jandoli force had to face resistance the fort of Bibyawar where the forces of Sharif Khan had posted themselves under the command of Amir Muhammad Khan to meet the enemy. (Shahid, 2005) Sharif Khan’s forces fought gallantly but fate was against them. After a fierce battle the said fort was captured. Flushed with victory, Muhammad Shah Khan proceeded to Chukyatan where he joined Umra Khan. (Dirvi, 2003) Now Umra Khan led his army towards Dir, the last strong-hold of Sharif Khan. In May1890, Umra Khan reached Dir where a battle was fought in which Sharif Khan was defeated and Sharif Khan along with his family members and few loyal servants fled to Nehag and from there finally to Mingora where he was provided shelter but Malik Taj Nur Khan, the then chief of Mingora. 

With the capture the fort of Dir the whole of Sharif Khan’s dominion fell to Umra Khan and now he was the master of both Dir and Jandol. He placed Muhammad Shah Khan as a Governor of Dir and himself went back to Jandol.(MacMahan, 1895) After consolidating his position in Dir, now Umra Khan determined to extend the boundaries of his State to Swat and thus he invaded the areas of Swat and captured Nekbekhel, Doshkhel, Shamozai, Mianbangora and Badwan. After capturing some parts of Swat, Umra Khan fixed his eyes on Ranzai territory. Sharif Khan and Sadat Khan were the chiefs of Ranezai territory. The former was the supporter the Khan of Dir while the latter was the adherent of Umra Khan. Some differences appeared between the two Khans and Sharif Khan expelled Sadat Khan from his native village Alladand. Sadat Khan took refuge in Chakdara and sought the help of Umra Khan which was warmly accorded by Umra Khan.In 1891, Umra Khan sent forces and after a heavy battle Sharif Khan was defeated and Sadat Khan was installed. 

Thus the Ranezai territory also came under his control. After controlling some parts of upper Ranzai, he advanced towards lower Ranizai and captured some areas of Dargai and Skhakot but he faced strong resistance of the local people and stopped further advancement. He built a fort there and brought these areas under the sway of Jandol. (Ali, 2012). Umra Khan now possessed the command of the whole of Dir and some
parts of Swat and Ranizai territory. He was intoxicated with the wine of expansionism and did not lose any chance to expand the frontiers of Jandol. At this time Asmar was ruled by Shah Tamas Khan who was killed by one of his servants and was succeeded by his nephew Abdul Qadeer Khan. Ghulam Khan, Shah Tamas Khan’s brother could not agree with the new situation, he came to Jandol and invite Umra Khan to come to Asmar to crush the power of Abdul Qadeer Khan. To materialize his scheme of expansion, Umra Khan sent an expedition to Asmar defeated the governor of Asmar and restored Ghulam Khan. On receiving this information, Amir Abd-ur-Rahman the king of Afghanistan got furious and set out a strong force under the command of Ghulam Haider Khan who expelled Ghulam Khan and not only took hold of the region but also captured Nishagam, Bargam, Shortan which were the parts of Jandol. When the news of the fall of these areas reached Umra Khan, he send a force of 1500 men at the head of Abdul Majid Khan who defeated Ghulam Haider and librated the afore said areas. Now Abdul Majid set out for Kunar valley and captured it and from there he marched on Asmar and besieged it. Ghulam Haider reported the changing situation to the King of Afghanistan who at once dispatched heavy force for the relief of Asmar. A heavy combat took place in which Abdul Majid was defeated. (Query.nytimes.com 2015) Amir Abd-ur-Rahman realized that the rising power was a threat to the very
security of Aghanistan, so he requested the British Government to forbid him from interfering in the territory of Afghanistan. On 30th.June, 1892 George Cunningham, Secretary of the Government of India wrote the following letter to Umra Khan:
“Information has reached the Government that your army has recently
attacked Afgahn territory. Due to your this action, you should understand that the British Government does not intend to save you from external aggression. You are asked to refrain yourself from such aggression” (Shahid, 2005)
Umra Khan, in response to George Cunningum letter, wrote the following one: “He had no concern either with the Amir or the British Government. If
any one of them tries to attack his country, he will fight against them till the last moment of his life” (Ghufran, 1893)

This was a turning point in the cordial relation between Umra Khan and the British Government. Umra Khan’s attack on Asmar created gulf between the two friends which widened with each passing day. In1892, Aman-ul-Mulk. Mehtar of Chital exiled his son, Amir-ul-Mulk for being involved in conspiracies against his father. He came to Jandol and requested Umra Khan for help.Umra Khan responded in affirmative and invaded Nasrat valley and occupied Nasrat valley, Arandu and Barikot. In order to consolidate his position in the conquered area he built forts in Arandu and Barikot. He also constructed a bridge between Arandu and Barikot over Chitral River. Mehtar Aman-ul-Mulk lodged a complaint to the British Government against the invasive activities of Umra kha. The British Government already was afraid of the rising power of Umra Khan. Political Agent of Gilgit wrote a letter to Umra
Khan and warned him in the following words; “Left Chitral or he will be out from India by force.”(Nevill, 1977)
After the death of Aman-ul-Mulk in August 1892, a civil war started among his sons for the throne of Chitral and after many blood sheds his son Afzal-ulMulk ascended the throne but he was not allowed to rule for a long time and was killed by his uncle Sher Afzal. Sher Afzal could not remain as a ruler for long time and was dethroned by Nizam-ul-mulk( elder son of Aman-ukmulk).Having ascended the seat of Chitral, Nizam-ul-Mulk found himself surrounded with dangers and difficulties posed to him by the claimants of the throne of Chitral. Moreover, the presence of Umra Khan further aggravated his difficulties. So he requested the Government of India to send an officer for his assistance. In accordance with his request, the Government of India sent Surgeon Major Robertson and Captain Younghusband with the escort of 15 Sihks who reached Chitral on25th.January, 1893.(Nevill, 1977) Having consolidated his position in Nasrat Valley, he diverted his attention to Kafiristan to wage Jehad against the infidels of this area. On 2nd.January, 1894 he sent an expedition against Kafiristan under the command of Mir Aga Khan. A savage battle was fought at Ustargaz in which Mir Aga was defeated. He was soon followed by Abdul Majid Khan and Abdul Ghani Khan who also failed to achieve success.

Umra Khan was deeply mortified at these successive failures and himself set out with a force of 2000 armed men to teach a lesson to these infidels.He marched towards Kamdesh, Gurdesh, Kohi Ghal and Patchi Ghal and obtained the submission of the inhabitants of the said villages.Sheikh Muhammad Ikram, a newly reverted Muslim was nominated at the incharge of the conquered areas.(Frontier and overseas expendition, 1907)32 When the news of the occupation of Kafiristan territory reached to Mr.Dean, the then DC of Peshawar, he expressed the displeasure of his Government over the situation developed in Kafiristan territory but Umra Khan turned deaf ear to him and continued his campaigns.

He invaded Ashret, a village of Chitral but here he was defeated by Nizam-ul-Mulk’s forces. Meanwhile, Nizam-ul-Mulk was killed by his younger brother and seized the throne of Chitral. From Ashrait he proceeded to Drosh and laid siege to the fort of Drosh on 26th.January, 1895.The siege continued for eleven days and at last KoKhan Beg, the incharge of the fort surrendered the fort to Umra Khan. After the fall of Drosh, he advanced and captured Shesh-i-Koh valley without any stiff resistance. When the information of the fall of Drosh furnished to
Robertson, he reacted strongly and warned Umra Khan as; “If he did not live Chitral, he will be forced to leave Chitral” (Frontier and overseas expendition, 1907)
But Umra Khan did not pay any heed to Robertson’s warning and kept his march towards Chitral. 

Robertson realized the delicacy of the situation and dispatched a force of 320 members of the command of Captain Campbell to Gehrait to check the mobilization of Umra Khan’s force. Meanwhile the war situation changed suddenly as on 27th.February, 1895 Sher Afzal came back from Afghanistan and concluded an alliance with Umra Khan against the British. Umra Khan warned Robertson in the following words;
“Go back to Mastuj, otherwise he would be driven out by force”(Frontier and overseas expendition, 1907)
Umra Khan and Sher Afzal Khan decided to settle the issue in a battle field with the Robertson. 

A fierce battle was fought at gherait in which Captain Campbell was humiliated at the hands of Abdul Majid Khan and Sher Afzal Khan. Campbell retreated to Chitral.(britishbattles.com, 2015). 

Robertson realized the growing power of Umra Khan, and set out 200 fresh troops under the command of Captain Witchurch and Captain Baird to safeguard the fort of Chitral. (britishbattles.com, 2015) on 3rd.March,1895, Abdul Majid and Sher Afzal at the head of a large force reached Chitral and stationed their force near the fort of Chitral. Skirmishes took place between the two forces all the day. 

In this fight 22 noncommissioned officers along with Captain Baired, General Baj Singh Major Bhikam were killed while Captain Campbell got sever injuries .From the night of 4th.March, all the British escorts entered the forte and remained in siege up to 19th.April, 1895. (britishbattles.com, 2015).

 On 4th.March Umra Khan’s army tried its level best to conquer the fort but despite the whole day fighting, the fort still remained under the control of British army. On 5th.March Umra Khan made the
following proposal to Robertson; “The British troops must leave Chitral at once and Sher Afzal must be recognized as the Mehtar of Chitral”(Ali, 2015). 

But he turned down the proposal. On the night of 7th.March Umra Khan’s army made a sever attack on the watertower of the forte and set fire to ablaze the tower but the fire was extinguish with water by some of the British soldiers and thus the plan was foiled. On 7th.March Robertson reported to the British higher authorities about the tense situation prevailing in Chitral;
“Our position is very weak. All the Chitralis have gathered around Sher Afzal and Abdul Majid Khan and several our officers have been killed and many left wounded.

 The Government should arrange to set us free from their hold”(Ghufran, 1893) From7th. March to 14th.March a heavy battle was fought between the two forces in which from both side many soldiers were killed and wounded. On 15th March, during a minor fight at Reshune, the Jandoli forces arrested Lieutenant Edwards and Fowler. Both officers were took to Drosh where they were presented to Umra Khan.He treated them humbly but they were not allowed to communicate with other persons. 

Robertson demanded the release of the mentioned officers but Umra Khan refused to do so. On 25th March, Sher Afzal and Abdul Majid made a decisive attack of the fort to ablaze its Gun Tower. In this encounter Robertson himself was wounded severely but Jandoli forces failed to burn the tower. On 27th.March Jandoli forces made a strong attack on all four sides of the fort but they were pushed back by the British forces.(Nevill, 1977) 

This siege remained from 3rd March to 19th.April 1895 and caused serious food shortage to the besiegers. During the siege 104 British soldiers were killed and 62 got sever injuries while a large number of Jandoli forces also lost their lives. The weak position and low moral can be understood from the letter written by Robertson to the Indian Government.

‘’The evening closed in and we sat down to our frugal dinner of inferior horse meat and spoiled rice’ (Ali, 2015). In order to check the growing power of Umra Khan, the British authorities in the light of Robertson’s letters decided to dispatch their military to Chitral to set free the besiegers in the fort of Chitral. This force was named as ‘’The Chitral Relief Force’’ They also sort out the opponents of Umra Khan and took them into confidence. The first one was Muhammad Sharif Khan, the exiled Khan of Dir.

 When the Relief Force reached Dargai Sharif along with some of his adherents was there to welcome them. The British Government also contacted those religious elites who were against of Umra Khan. The followers of Saidu Baba were the arch opponents Umra Khan because of his occupation of some parts of Swat. A well known person among them was Makrani Mulla who had been put on exile by him to Afghanistan. He came back from Kabul and distributed handbills among the people in which he declared that Umra Khan was not an Islamic ruler and supporting him against the British was not Jehad. (Ali, 2015). 

Though the people of Dir,Swat and Bajaur were still stood with Umra
Khan but the propaganda launched by the British Governmet caused big damage to the cause of Umra Khan.The total number of ‘’The Chitral Relief Force’’ was about 20000 composed of infantry, cavalry, artillery, sappers and Miners and engineering corps. After full preparation and satisfaction on Ist April 1895, the force advanced towards Maklakand Pass at the head of Lieutenant General Sir Robert Low. In order to check the movement of British Forces, the people of Dir, Swat ,Malakand and Bajur had gathered at Malakand Pass. They were also joined by 1000 men under the command of Abdul KarimKhan, the cousin of Umra Khan.

 A bloody war was fought between the two forces in which Mujahideen fought gallantly but they were defeated due to shortage of arms and ammunition. The next fight was fought at Amandara and despite the use of modern weapons, Mujahideen engaged the British army for a long time but here also the latter were defeated and on 7th.April, 1895, the British army appeared at Chakdara, where Muhammad Shah Khan, Umra Khan’s brother at the head of 4000 men was present to stop the further passage of the British troops. 

A severe battle was fought but eventually Muhammad ShahKhan was defeated. The British continued its march towards Timergara and ruined Ramora Forte and Talash valley and finally reached Sado on 11th.April, 1895. From Chakdara to Timergara the British army faced stiff resistance from Mujahideen. The British army stayed there at Sado to prepare for crossing River Panjkora. The engineering corps developed a bridge on River Panjkora and when half of the army crossed the river, a high flood came and washed out the bridge. Meanwhile Mujahideen attacked the British army from Kamrani pass and inflicted heavy loss upon them and colonel Kalbot, captain Filebz. Colonel Betye along with 23 soldiers lost their lives. When the news of defeat of forces reached Umra Khan, he at once ordered Abdul Majid Khan, the commander –in-chief of his army to leave Chitral and come to Jandol along with the troops but he used delay tactics and did not come as Robertson promised him to make him the ruler of Jandol after the dismissal of Umra Khan. (Mills, 1987). Now Umra Khan realized his weak position to face the might of the

British army and was struggling together the different tribes to have a final fight with the British army. 

The British army continue its movement towards Munda, and reached Gosam. After successive failure, Umra Khan offered to make peace with Sir Robert Low and sent a messenger to him. In response Robert Low sent Sahibzada Sultan Ibrahim Khan to settle the issue with Umra Khan. He was received by Umra Khan at Munda and after a short discussion, Lieutenant Edward was set free and he came to Sado camp with a verbal message from Umra Khan asking why the British troops attacked his territory. Robert Low replied that the quarrel had been started by him and further said if he released the remaining troops, abstained from further hostilities and help the British troops in their advance to Chital, he would not be dispossessed of his domain. As a result Umra Khan released Lieutenant Fowler along with the remaining prisoners. Diplomatically Robert Low got released the British officers from the prison of Umra Khan and soon after the release of the officers he turned back from his promise and ordered the troops to march towards Munda. As they reached Gosam again negotiation started between Umra Khanand Robert Low. 

He wrote a letter to Umra Khan and offered him, “To come out into open and have a talk with him in all good faith and without prejudice”(Mills, 1897) In response Umra Khan replied,
“I am surrounded by thousands of Mujahideen, they will not let me negotiate therefore you send your army back and I will send mine then we will have meeting in the field”(Robertson, 1898) But this offer was categorically rejected by Robert Low because he was not interested in negotiation but wanted to put an end to his power and was making plans to arrest him. After the rejection of the above proposal a heavy battle was fought at Gosam in which Umra Khan’s force was defeated with the loss of 300 men and only 3 English soldiers were killed. After seizing Gosam, on 15th.April 1895 the British troops marched toward Munda. The Relief Force was also joined by the force of Safdar Khan; the Khan of Nawagai. 

The combined forces attacked on Munda forte where Umra Khan himself with 1000 men was present to resist the assault. The fight continued for two days but Umra Khan realized that fighting against such well-equipped force was impossible. So he made a plan to flee to Afghanistan to organize a force there to recapture his territory from foreign invaders. 

On 16th.April 1895, after evening prayer he came out and addressed his followers;
“If I had 1600 brave soliders in Malakand, the British will never cross Malaknd. I am not defeated by the enemy rather by my relatives and friends. By this defeat I have lost my State but many have lost their faith. He further said that he is going to Afghanistan and will bring Afghan army and will fight against them to the last” (Robertson, 1898) At the night of 17th.April Umra Khan left Jandol for Afghanistan and thus the lucky star of Umra Khan which had shone for a few years was set on the horizon. When the British came to know about the Umra Khan’s lifting, they captured the Munda forte without any resistance. After capturing Munda, The Chitral Relief force moved Dir via Janbatai pass and Robert Low conferred the title of “Duke” on Muhammad Sharif Khan who was already present there. After the installation of Muhammad Sharif Khan on the throne of Dir, the victorious force moved towards Chitral via Lawari pass, reached Chitral forte and released the besiegers’ British force who had been besieged by Umra Khan’s forces. (Chitral.weebly.com, 2015) Ghazi Umra Khan was warmly welcomed by the Governor of Jalalabad. Amir Abdur Rahman gave him a castle at Chardah valley in Kabul. Though he was given official protocol but he was not allowed to be involved in any kind of political activities. He devoted himself for social works and opened a Madrassa at Chardah. While in Kabul he was always thinking as how he would liberate his native land from foreign domination. The loss of his native state badly affected his health. His health declined with each passing day and breathed his last on 10th. September, 1904 and was buried in Chardah.(Dirvi, 1989)
Conclusion In the preceding pages an attempt has been made to highlight the various dimensions of the life and achievements of Gazi Umra Khan.

 After snatching the State of Jandol from the hand of his brother, he fully applied his energy to expand the frontiers of his tiny State. So he first opened a series of battles against the Rahmat Ullah Khan, the then Khan of Dir and after his death he followed the same policy against his son Muhammad Sharif Khana and brought the whole of Dir under his domination in a short span of time. After the conquest of Dir, he diverted his attention to the territory of Swat, Adenzai and expanded its boundaries up to Skhakot. After having satisfied from the Southern boundaries now he focused his heed on Asmar and captured it.

 After capturing Asmar, he marched on Kafiristan to bring the infidels of the said area into the fold of Islam and succeeded in his mission up to certain extent. The next target of Umra Khan was the neighboring State of Chitral. Though he captured half of Chitral and besieged the British army in the fort of Chitral for more than a month but this victory against the British could not bear fruit for- 113 him for long time and his enmity against the British brought disaster upon him. He fought against the British army with bravery but his untrained army and conventional weapons could not compete the might of the British for a long time. The British army succeeded in libration of its besieged army and occupation of the whole State of Umra Khan. 

Though Umra Khan last his native territory but his movement against the British Raj is an unforgettable part of the history and the people of Dir remembered him with golden words.

چرته چترال چرته انګریز
بې ننګې زور شوہ انګریزان چترال ته څینه

References.

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