Shimlar and Pashmir

The Princely States of Shimlar and Pashmir شملر اور پشمیر
Flag
Motto: اوکران کا چوراہے، دنیا کی چھت Crossroad of Ochran, Roof of the World
Location of Shimlar and Pashmir (dark green) in Ochran (dark grey)
Capital	Mirshehar
Largest	Singpush
Official languages	Pashmu, Pari
Recognised regional languages	Bayar, Bayad, Lo
Ethnic groups	Pashmiri Pamirani Sohkhi Shimlanese Kybash Huazi
Demonym(s)	Shimpash
Government	Feudal Dynastic Semi-Constitutional Monarchy under a Tribal Dictatorship
• Mir	Salim Ghazan
• Shazad-Pasha	Manzoor Saleh
Formation
• Indepence of Pashmiristan	1741
• Invasion and annexation of Shimlar	1823
Area
•	851,000 km2 (329,000 sq mi)
Population
• 2022 estimate	19,573,000
• Density	23/km2 (59.6/sq mi)
GDP (nominal)	2022 estimate
• Total	$207,473,800,000.00
• Per capita	$10,600.00
HDI	0.557 medium
Currency	Shimlar-Pashmir Rupee (SPR)
Date format	dd.mm.yyyy
Driving side	right
Calling code	+93
ISO 3166 code	SP
Internet TLD	.sp

The Princely States of Shimlar and Pashmir, commonly known as Shimlar and Pashmir, or Shimlar-Pashmir, is a landlocked sovereign nation located at the crossroads of Central Ochran consisting of the historic regions of Pashmiristan and Shimlar. Referred to as the Heart of Ochran, it is bordered by Ankat to the South, and Untsangasar to the North. Occupying approximately 851,000 km2 (328,573 sq mi) of land, the country is predominantly mountainous, with plains in the north separated from the rest of the nation by the Shangri-Shimla mountain range.

Shimlar and Pashmir's strategic location along the historic Jade Road has led it to being described, picturesquely, as the ‘roundabout of the ancient world'. Popularly referred to as the graveyard of empires, the land has historically been home to various peoples and has witnessed numerous military campaigns, including the Bayarids, Jade Road, and Uluujol empires before gaining autonomy during the fragmentation of the Uluujol Empire.

The breakup of Uluujol saw the emergence of two principalities, the southern princely state of Shimlar, and the northern tribes of Pashmiristan. The modern nation of Shimlar and Pashmir emerged when an alliance of Pashmiri tribes conquered the southern Shimlar principality, annexing the region, and installing the Simlar Mir, as ceremonial ruler of the newly unified nation.

Shimlar and Pashmir is prominently rich in natural resources, including lapis lazuli, aquamarine, Pashmiri wool, cotton, and opium. It is an ethnically and linguistically diverse country, with similarly diverse geography and wildlife. The country continues to face challenges, including poverty, illiteracy, corruption and terrorism. Shimlar and Pashmir is a member of the Forum of Nations, and is an observer state to the Association of Ozeros Nations.

Etymology

Shimlar and Pashmir gains its names from the two main historical and cultural regions that unified to establish the modern nation of Shimlar and Pashmir. Shimlar derives from the the mantra or invocation hummed by the people of the valleys of Central Ochran. Pashmir is the shortened version of Pashmiristan, which means "land of the Pashmiri people".

History

Bayarid era

Main article: Bayarid Empire

Pashmiristan independence

The native tribes living in Pashmiristan were ruled by the Jade Road Khanate, and occasionally fought wars with the southern Shimlar clans over the territory of northern Shimlar.

By the late 17th century, the Jade Road Khanate started to decline. Succeeding Uluujol rulers were less effective at asserting authority and regional factions began increasingly autonomous, causing the empire to decline. The foreign Uluujol rulers were hated throughout Pashmiristan. They ruled with brutality towards the local population. This would encourage the Pashmiri tribes to revolt against Uluujol rule.

The opportunity for revolt came in April 1709. The Pamirani people of Parzin refused to pay taxes and revolted, so Uluujol Khan X and his men went out to campaign against them. Khan Hozak, a Pashmiri tribal leader from Singpush, aligned with the Pamirani tribes and rebelled against the Jade Road Khans. Khan Hozak led a contingent of 4,000 Pashmiri tribesmen, capturing Singpush, expelling the local Uluujol garrison, and causing Ulujool survivors to flee to southern Uluujol.

The tribes of Pashmiristan had "unanimously accepted" Khan Hozak as their new leader, and he led multiple campaigns against the declining Jade Road Khanate Empire. Khan Hozak successfully defeated and executed Khan X of Uluujol at the Battle of Singpush when Khan X tried to retake the city.

Hozak successuly established independence for the tribes of Pashmiristan, installing a tribal council guided by the "Pashmiri Way".

Invasion of Shimlar

Pashmiri Shazad-Pasha Ali raided the lands of northern Shimlar 8 times during his reign. In August 1919, Pasha Ali invaded Shimlar and captured Mirshehar. With the capture of Mirshehar, Ali absorbed the valley's of Shimlar into the Pashmiri Realm.

Pasha Ali had sought out multiple reasons for his invasions, Pasha Ali saw Pashmiristan in a dire state, and one that needed to expand and exploit a weak but rich neighboring country. Pasha Ali also saw the princely state of Shimlar as strategically vital to Pashmiristans security.

The Mir of Shimlar's was regarded as a meek but compassionate and charitable ruler, and his prestige amongst his subjects was invincible. Despite seeing the Mir as weak, Pasha Ali respected the Mir's compassion. To prevent rebellion of the Shimlar people, and give legitimacy to annexation, Pasha Ali installed the Shimlar Mir as regent and ceremonial ruler of the annexed territory. The Mir was assisted in his executive duties by a Privy Council selected by Pasha Ali. Outsiders generally consider the Shimlar Mir a puppet of the Shazad-Pasha because of the strong Pashmiri presence in Shimlar and strict control of the government administration.

Geography

A typical scene of Shimlar's valley's.

Climate

Shimlar and Pashmir has a different climate for every region owing to the great variation of the level of the altitude. The temperatures ranges from the tropical heat during summer near the Ankat border, to the intensity of the cold which keeps the perpetual snow on the mountains. Lower Shimlar's bordering regions with Ankat features a humid subtropical climate. The Vale of Shimlar has a moderate climate. Other parts of Shimlar can feature an almost rainless climate. Shimlar lies within the monsoon zone, and melting snow and rainfall have led to destructive inundations of Shimlar's valleys.

Pashmiristan has a continental climate with harsh winters where the average temperature in winter is below −15 °C (5 °F) and can reach −26 °C (−15 °F). Pashmiristan is generally arid in the summers.

Governance and politics

Salim Ghazan
Mir of Shimlar and Pashmir
Since 2013

Manzoor Saleh
Shazad-Pasha of Shimlar and Pashmir
Since 2020

Shimlar and Pashmir is a self-described Feudal Semi-Constitutional Monarchy, however outsiders have described the country as a Dynastic Tribal Dictatorship. Officially, the sovereign prince titled ‘Mir’ is the head of state and presides over a tribal council of ‘Pashas’ led by the ‘Shazad-Pasha’. In reality, the Mir is only a de jure ruler, functioning as a figurehead held up as the ultimate source of political sanction for the tribal government’s authority. While the Mir holds virtually no political power, their prestige amongst the nations commoners is invincible.

De facto power is held by a tribal council of ‘Pashas’ led by the ‘Shazad-Pasha’ who acts as both supreme legislative and executive authority. Officially, the ‘Shazad-Pasha’ is a respected and powerful tribal leader appointed by the Mir with the task of national administration. In reality, the Shazad-Pasha is a military dictator with only a nominal appointment from the Mir who holds the ultimate political power in the nation’s Council of Pasha's. The Council of Pasha's has the authority to approve or veto any legislative bills from Parliament, as well as issue decrees.

The unicameral legislative parliament is made up of representatives from the nations provinces however in reality holds little real power. Shimlar and Pashmir's topography of mountains, valleys, and remote passes means central government is unable to assert control on most of the nation’s remote communities, and tribes and villages largely are autonomous. Communities are granted a large degree of autonomy. Education, legal and religious affairs are administered by local leaders, enabling the central government to rule over diverse peoples with minimum of resistance. People a bound by their tribal or village affiliations. All that is required is loyalty to the Executive Council and Mir. When a member of one community commits a crime against a member of another, the law of the injured party applies, however the ruling Pashmir majority being paramount, any dispute involving a Pashmiri falls under traditional Pashmiri law.

Devolved governments

Shimlar, Pashmiristan, and the Huazia Valley, are largely autonomous and each have their own executive councils, and unique governance systems.

Foreign relations

Historically, Shimlar and Pashmir has had strong relations with Ankat. While the Pashmiri people traditionally viewed the horde tribes of Uluujol as savages, relations with Untsangasar are strong in the modern-era.

Shimlar and Pashmir is a member of the Forum of Nations, and is an observer state to the Association of Ozeros Nations.

Military

The Shimlar-Pashmir Security Force (SPSF) consists primarily of the National Army, Frontier Guard, and a small National Air Force. Primarily a small force, the SPSF focuses on policing, border protection, search and rescue, and relies heavily on the nation’s strong diplomatic links, remoteness, and local communities to avoid conflict. The Security Force has faced criticism for its lack of training, discipline, adequate reinforcements, and outdated technology. In contrast the nations various tribal militias are known to be heavily armed, and the nation faces challenges in corruption and potential terrorism. The commander-in-chief is the Shazad-Pasha.

The Mir Bodyguard are a small and elite force independent of the Security Forces under the personal command of the Mir, charged with the security of the Prince of Shimlar and Pashmir, and other members of the Princely Family.

Economy

Agriculture

Pashmiri goats

Tourism

The 7,788-metre-tall (25,551 ft) Huazi mountain towers over Huazia Valley

Demographics

Ethnicity & Languages

Main article: Ethnic groups in Shimlar and Pashmir

Infrastructure

Transport

Due to Shimlar and Pashmir's geography, transport between various parts of the country has historically been difficult. Harsh terrain and the lack of accessible roads means much of the nation continues to remain isolated. Several mountain passes allow travel between Shimlar and Pashmir's various valleys. Serious traffic accidents are common on Pashmir and Shimlar roads and highway, and landslides are common.

The backbone of Shimlar and Pashmir's road network is Highway 1, which connects Ankat to Untsangasar through Mirshehar and Singpush, while skirting around the mountains of the X mountain range. Highway 1 was constructed with the assistance of the Ankat and Untsangasar governments, and was completed in 1978. Highway 1 is crucially important for domestic and international trade and the economy of Shimlar and Pashmir.

The fastest way to travel is by air, but air travel is accessible only to a few privileged local people and to military and civilian officials. Air travel within Shimlar and Pashmir is renown for being some of the most scenic flights in the world.

Culture and society

Sports

Gola game in progress.

Popular sports in Shimlar and Pashmir include cricket, football and winter sports along with sports like golf, water sports, archery, mountaineering, and adventure sports. However, the two national sports on Shimlar and Pashmir are Gola (گیند) and Teer (تیر اندازی) Almost every bigger valley has a gola or teer ground, both sports in such grounds attract locals as well as foreigners visitors during summer season. Competitions are held regularly in most villages. Both gola and teer are social events, and competitions are organised between villages, towns, and amateur teams. There is usually plenty of food and drink complete with singing and dancing.

Local geography means climbing, trekking and other similar sports are also gaining popularity.

Holidays and festivals

Sohkhi musicians.

Code of honor

Pashwali (پښتونولي) is the traditional lifestyle and is best described as a code of honor of the Pashmiri people, by which they live. Scholars widely have interpreted it as being "the way of the Pashmiri" or "the code of life". Pashwali is widely practised by various tribes of Pashmiristan, and is the defacto form of law in Shimlar and Pashmir.

The native tribes of Pashmir, often described as fiercely independent people, have inhabited the Pashmiristan region since at least the 1st millennium BC. During that period, much of their mountainous territory has remained outside government rule or control. Pashmir resistance to outside rule and the terrain they reside in is sometimes speculated to be why Indigenous Pashmir still follow the "code of life".

Passed on from generation to generation, Pashwali guides both individual and communal conduct, and promotes self-respect, independence, justice, hospitality, love, forgiveness, revenge and tolerance toward all (especially to strangers or guests). It is considered to be the personal responsibility of every Pashmiri to discover and rediscover Pashnwali's essence and meaning.

Main principles

Although not exclusive, the following principles form the major components of Pashwali.

1. Hospitality (مېلمستيا, melmastyā́) – Showing hospitality and profound respect to all visitors, regardless of race, religion, national affiliation or economic status and doing so without any hope of remuneration or favour. Pashmiri's will go to great lengths to show their hospitality.
2. Asylum (ننواتې, nənawā́te) – Derived from the verb meaning to go in, this refers to the protection given to a person against his enemies. People are protected at all costs; even those running from the law must be given refuge until the situation can be clarified.Nənawā́te can also be used when the vanquished party in a dispute is prepared to go into the house of the victors and ask for their forgiveness: this is a peculiar form of "chivalrous" surrender, in which an enemy seeks "sanctuary" at the house of their foe.
3. Justice and revenge (نياو او بدل, nyāw aw badál) – To seek justice or take revenge against the wrongdoer. No time limit restricts the period in which revenge can be taken.

Other principles include:

1. Bravery (توره, túra). A Pashmiri must defend his land, property, and family from incursions. Death can follow if anyone offends this principle.
2. Loyalty (وفا, wapā́). A Pashmiri owes loyalty to family, friends and tribe members.
3. Kindness (ښېګړه, x̌egә́ṛa). Pashmiri should act in the welfare of others.
4. Respect (پت, pat) and pride (وياړ, wyāṛ). Pride, has great importance in society and must be preserved. Pashmiri must respect themselves and others in order to be able to do so, especially those they do not know. Respect begins at home, among family members and relatives. Someone who lacks these qualities is not considered worthy of being a Pashmiri.
5. Female honour (ناموس, nāmús). A Pashmiri must defend the honour of women at all costs and must protect them from vocal and physical harm. The killing of women is forbidden in the culture.
6. Honour (ننګ, nang). A Pashmiri must defend the weak around him.
7. Courage, manhood, or chivalry (مېړانه, meṛā́na). Pashmiri must demonstrate courage.
8. Country (هېواد, hewā́d). A Pashmiri is obliged to protect their homeland. Defense of the nation means the protection of Pashmiri custom.