Type: Monument - Tower
Province: Gilgit-Baltistan
District: Hunza
Period: Historic
Relative Chronology: 19th Century CE
Description: This khungra (watchtower) was built by Mir Salim Khan, ruler of Hunza, in the Yarzrich village in Chupursan, and it was strategically constructed near the edge of a cliff, facing the border area just before a mountain stream. This facilitated the intended purpose of the tower i.e. surveillance of the border area, and the protection of Hunza from the attacks of Kyrgyz raiders. The tower has a square plan (4.5 x4.5 m), and rises 4 m above the ground. It is constructed using a cribbage and cator structure, and it has two levels. The lower level was used as a sleeping area, while the upper level served as an observatory space. It has a low -height entrance door on the eastern side, and access to the upper level was provided through a square -shaped opening in the roof. It was once bordered by a fortified defensive wall, now in ruins.
Latitude: 36.722667000
Longitude: 74.722167000
Ownership: Private
Legal Status: Not Protected
Title of Publication: Built Heritage of Gilgit Baltistan by Baltistan Culture and Development Foundation
Published In: Unpublished
Year of Publication: Miscellaneous
Bibliography/Reference: Anonymous
