By Syed Shams Uddin
Rustam-e-Gilgit and the Giants of Strength: A Cultural Chronicle from Gilgit-Baltistan
In the timeless valleys and towering mountains of Gilgit-Baltistan, stories of superhuman strength and indomitable will have long echoed through the region’s oral traditions. Carried from generation to generation, these tales celebrate men whose might rivaled myths—embodying not only brute power but also deep humility and unwavering resilience. Among these, two names stand tallest: Doulat Shah of Nagar, revered as Rustam-e-Gilgit, and Mehrban of Sharote, fondly remembered as a mountain of muscle.
1. Lineage of Strength: Giants of the Bygone Era:
Long before Doulat Shah and Mehrban, the rugged terrain of Gilgit-Baltistan had given rise to two unsung heroes of formidable strength namely Zeeraik from Chalokote Farfu and Dodooh Pahlawan from Sinakar, says a chronicler Shah Hussain from Chirah, Bagrote.
From Chalokote in Bagrote Valley came Zeeraik, a legendary figure known to have lifted a live bullock across a raging stream, astonishing even the Mir of Nagar. He is also said to have carried a felled kail tree on his shoulders, a task twelve young men failed to perform.
Equally awe-inspiring was Dodooh Pahlawan of Sinakir, who once subdued a wild bear at Harapseh, a spot between Farfu and Hopeh. Shah Hussain of Chirah Farfu recalls these names with reverence, testifying to their once-renowned feats that now live on in hushed oral narratives.
These legends, though fading, form a golden lineage of strength that made Gilgit-Baltistan synonymous with unparalleled grit, physical endurance, and quiet courage.
2. Mehrban of Sharote: Unconquered Champion of Darabi
Before Doulat Shah rose to fame, Mehrban of Sharote was the region's undisputed champion in traditional strength contests—especially Darabi (tug-of-war). Whenever he led a team, victory was almost guaranteed.
Mehrban’s dominance was quiet yet thunderous—earned not through fanfare or bravado but through awe-inspiring performances. His feats never required self-promotion; they simply spoke for themselves, earning him respect across the valleys. He is fondly remembered as a veteran of humility and physical might, a symbol of the era when character was as weighty as muscle.
3. Origins of Rustam-e-Gilgit: A Legend in the Making:
From the historic princely state of Nagar, emerged Haji Doulat Shah—a towering colossus molded not in gyms, but in the unforgiving ruggedness of mountain life. Born in Phikar, he stood out from childhood with his muscular frame and height, often challenging peers to wrestling matches that few dared to accept.
Waheed Saifi’s tribute on S Television, a social media outlet, captures the essence of Doulat Shah—a man of immense physical strength, modest demeanor, and moral character. Even in his early years, he was regarded as primus inter pares—first among equals—in his community.
4. The Karachi Sojourn and Rise to Fame:
In the 1960s, Doulat Shah moved to Karachi, possibly in search of a better life. Fate, however, had grander plans. Initially competing in intra-Sindh weightlifting contests, he quickly rose in prominence. Encouraged by a close friend, he transitioned to professional wrestling, where his strength, discipline, and determination turned him into a national figure.
He participated in national-level wrestling tournaments and steadily gained renown. His discipline, combined with natural might, propelled him toward the global stage.
5. Legendary Feats and National Glory:
Doulat Shah's wrestling career truly soared when he challenged the celebrated Akram Pahlawan, leading to three memorable but turbulent matches. The first two ended in chaotic disruptions by Bholo Pahlawan’s supporters, but the third—held under tight security—finally crowned Doulat Shah the victor.
In 1968, representing Pakistan at the Asian Games in Kuwait, he defeated the famed Indian wrestler Hardan Singh Pahlawan. In recognition of his feat, President Ayub Khan conferred upon him the title Sher-e-Pakistan (Lion of Pakistan) and awarded him prestigious medals.
In 1972, he achieved what many deemed impossible: defeating Antonio Inoki, the iconic Japanese wrestler, during the International Wrestling Championship—a victory that earned him the title of World Champion.
Over the years, Doulat Shah also competed in wrestling championships in Iran, Bangladesh, and other countries, consistently upholding the flag of Pakistan and Gilgit-Baltistan.
6. Return to Gilgit and Public Demonstrations (1974):
In 1974, Doulat Shah returned to Gilgit with his senior students. Among the audience was the poet Abdul Khaliq Taj, who vividly recalls the public exhibition at Gilgit Boys High School Ground.
The spectacle was unforgettable:
Two Willy Jeeps, belonging to locals Niaz Muhammad and Sultan Muhammad Lala, were tied together with ropes. As the engines roared, Doulat Shah held them back with his bare hands, their tires screeching futilely against the ground.
He then lay flat on the ground as a 1950-model vehicle rolled over his body, a feat that left onlookers speechless.
Finally, a massive grinding millstone was placed on his torso, followed by another of equal weight stacked atop the first—he remained motionless throughout, demonstrating not just strength but astonishing physical control.
Present at the event, Mehrban of Sharote, now aged, was asked if he would wrestle Doulat Shah. He smiled and replied humbly:
“At my age, I can only sit in the arena and perhaps wave my arms a little. Wrestling with Doulat Shah would be like wrestling with my own son.”
To this, Doulat Shah responded with equal grace:
“I could never engage in a bout that would feel like wrestling my own father.”
The moment stands as a profound cultural exchange—respect, strength, and humility personified.
7. Cultural Impact and Enduring Legacy;
The memory of such titans lingers—some celebrated in wrestling academies, like Doulat Shah, and others like Mehrban, who are immortalized in oral folklore.
Yet, the absence of institutional recognition has consigned many such legends to obscurity. Only the fireside tales of elders keep them alive today.
In Gilgit-Baltistan, Doulat Shah is remembered not only as Rustam-e-Gilgit but also as a symbol of potential realized, while Mehrban remains the embodiment of modest might, a man who could have ruled wrestling arenas beyond Gilgit—had he received the opportunity.
8. A Call to Remember and Honor;
Let us remember and pay fitting tributes to these mountain giants, whose strength was matched only by their dignity. Their stories are not merely accounts of personal triumph but cultural testaments to resilience, moral fiber, and community spirit.
In honoring them, we honor the spirit of Gilgit-Baltistan itself—proud, enduring, and fiercely rooted in tradition.
Postscript:
There may well be other legendary souls from distant valleys of Gilgit-Baltistan whose stories remain unearthed. I humbly acknowledge that this account is based on information I have been able to gather. I apologize to any heroic figures I may have unintentionally overlooked. May their memories be revived, their tales rediscovered.
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