The Chief Commissioner and the Mehtar of Chitral, 1919

Photograph, India, North West Frontier, 1919.

On the outbreak of the 3rd Afghan War (1919) Emir Amanullah of Afghanistan called on the Chitralis to expel the British and sent his forces into the state. However, the Mehtar of Chitral, Shuja-al-Mulk, remained loyal to the British and put his state forces at their disposal. Alongside the Chitral Scouts and regular Indian Army units they helped repel the Afghan incursion into Chitral.

The Mehtar is pictured here next to Lieutenant-Colonel Sir George Roos-Keppel, the Chief Commissioner of North West Frontier Province. 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.