The Chief Commissioner and the Mehtar riding through the Chitral Bazaar, 1919

Photograph, 3rd Afghan War, 1919.

Lieutenant-Colonel Sir George Roos-Keppel, the Chief Commissioner of North West Frontier Province, and the Mehtar of Chitral, Shuja-al-Mulk, ride through the Chitral bazaar. Roos-Keppel's visit to Chitral helped convince the Mehtar to support the British during the 3rd Afghan War (1919) when Emir Amanullah of Afghanistan called on the Chitralis to expel the British and sent his forces into the state. However, the Mehtar remained loyal and put his state forces at British disposal. For his services in the campaign the Mehtar was granted the title of His Highness with a salute of 11 guns and was created a KCIE. His annual subsidy was also raised and compensation was granted for his state's expenses during the war.

From an album compiled by Lieutenant-Colonel G J Davis, India, North West Frontier.