Dardistan In 1866, 1886 and 1893

Dardistan or the country of Daradas of Hindu Mythology, embraces, in the narrowest sense of the term, Shina-speaking area (Gilgit); in a wider sense, Hunza, Nagar, Yasin and Chitral; and in the widest sense, also parts of Kafiristan. It was Herodotus who first referred to the country of Dards, placing it on the frontier of Kashmir and in the vicinity of Afghanistan. Later on Starbo and Pliny confirmed the very name of that people as Derda or Darda. The Dards have also settlements in Tibet where they are called Brokhpa.
The book provides an in-depth investigation into the history, religions, customs, legends, fables and songs of Dardistan including Gilgit, Chilas, Gabrial, Yasin, Chitral, Hunza, Nagar and other parts of Hindu Kush. A rough chronological sketch of the history of Dardistan from 1800-1892AD has also been depicted, besides detailing the history of the Dard wars with Kashmir. The book also discusses races and languages of the Hindu Kush as well as gives a rough count of itineraries in the Hindu Kush and to Central Asia. As such, the book contains remarks on Dardistan made by the author in 1866, 1886 and 1893.

The author Dr G W Leitner, MA, PhD, LLD, DOL, of the Middle Temple, Barrister-At-Law was deputed by the Punjab Government in 1866 on a mission of linguistic enquiry to Kashmir and Chilas. Later on he was absorbed on Special Duty with the government of India in the Foreign Department.