The Gilgit Game: The Explorers of the Western Himalayas 1865-95

by John Keay

The exploration and appropriation of the wilderness in the heart of the Western Himalayas has become known as the "Gilgit Game" in recognition of its importance as a crucial episode in the "Great Game"--the century-long rivalry between Russia and British India for control of Central Asia.
Indeed, authors from Kipling to Masters have treated this struggle as the epitome of this competition between nations. But as John Keay shows in this fascinating and readable account of an exciting period in colonial India, the real characters in this drama were more than a match for their
fictional counterparts. With humor, sympathy, and admiration of this small group of intelligence agents, Keay describes the activities that had such far-reaching repercussions in the region. Through extensive research and his own intimate knowledge of the terrain, Keay sheds new light on the once
top secret geographical discoveries made by these men, discoveries they were prevented from publishing during their lifetimes.
A fresh look at a little-known aspect of political intrigue, this is the first narrative account of Himalayan exploration set against the backdrop of espionage and military brinkmanship.

Genres: History, India, Travel, Nonfiction, Pakistan

290 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1979

About the author

John Stanley Melville Keay FRGS is an English journalist and author specialising in writing popular histories about India and the Far East, often with a particular focus on their colonisation and exploration by Europeans.

John Keay is the author of about 20 books, all factual, mostly historical, and largely to do with Asia, exploration or Scotland. His first book stayed in print for thirty years; many others have become classics. His combination of meticulous research, irreverent wit, powerful narrative and lively prose have invariably been complimented by both reviewers and readers.

UK-based and a full-time author since 1973, he also wrote and presented over 100 documentaries for BBC Radios 3 and 4 from 1975-95 and guest-lectured tour groups 1990-2000. He reviews on related subjects, occasionally speaks on them, and travels extensively.

Reviews

[Karel Baloun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Distinguished historian John Keay memorializes the early pioneer explorers of the British Himalaya, detailing what can be known if the cultures, economics and complicated politics of the time. A gifted writer, Keay tells unforgettable compelling stories, amazing enough even without the benefit of being impeccably researched in primary sources and true. I most admire how Keay goes deep into many of the key characters, showing personality and distinct motivations. The originally sourced, duo chrome photographs are haunting and captivating.

The British were harsh colonizers and left little of the native Dard and Kafir cultures. Yet they created roads and infrastructure while offering and alternative to centuries of rather barbaric tribalism.

Even holding this pages faded, classically bound volume from the 70s conveys a musty historical overtone. If he hadn't written this, and if the out of print volume wasn't somehow stored in our local library (checked out only a few times) would all of that rich history be gone? How many stories are now lost, or disfigured beyond recognition?

[Farhan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It appears to be a well researched book about a time period when the Great Game was in full swing. It brings into light the important players of that time period. The book successfully manages to put issues, which emerged in the later half of nineteenth century, in right perspective. It brings clarity to the history of Northern areas of Pakistan which the right amount of political and diplomatic angles suitably tailored in.

[Sicofonia · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Gilgit Game is a classic essay that focuses on one specific theatre of operations in the long struggle between British and Russians in Central Asia known as the Great Game.

For a period of about 20 years, between 1880 and 1900, a full blown conflict that involved covert operations and also open skirmishes took place in the narrow valleys of Gilgit and Chitral. There lived different small communities, independently ruled, that had their own distinct languages and cultures. Wedged between the ambitions of the two biggest imperial powers of their time, their corrupt leaders fell in a game of deceptions and bribes, trying to profit from aligning with whoever was willing to offer them the biggest reward. However, the hawks of the British Empire didn't see with good eyes the double dealing of some of those rulers, and some of them even ventured in military escapades that ended with bloodshed.

This book has been thoroughly researched by expert historian John Keay. It does well in telling the story of a flashpoint in Russian, Afghan and British relations during the late 19th century. However, I did find the text confusing at times and some of the chapters are on the dry side. The biggest let down for me was the abrupt end, there's no conclusion or summary as to what the long-term effects were on the nations that were involved in this conflict.

[Arran Turton-Phillips · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fascinating historical survey of the key characters who played a role in one of the remotest parts of the British Empire.

For me the structure is not very compelling. Each chapter focuses on a different character without much linking of chapters, although this does improve in places.

After having visited the region I was glad to have found this book, so as to give more life and context to a place I wish to return! Visiting the area certainly helped with the place names and mental picture of the struggles of navigating the area in the 19th century.

[Farooq Ahmad · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good

[Shayan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thoroughly entertaining!