Dear aspirants, if you are preparing for JKSSB, JKPSC or any other Jammu and Kashmir competitive exam, the Chak Dynasty of Kashmir is an important part of Medieval History.
In this article, Exam Waves Academy provides simple and exam-focused notes on the Chak Dynasty, Ghazi Chak, Hussain Shah Chak, Ali Shah, Yousuf Shah Chak, Yaqoob Shah Chak and Mirza Mohammad Haider Dughlat. These notes will help you revise important rulers, dates, events and personalities in an easy way.
Chak Dynasty in Kashmir (1561–1586)
The Chak Dynasty ruled Kashmir from 1561 to 1586.
- Founder: Ghazi Chak
- Period: 1561–1586
- Ghazi Chak ruled from 1561 to 1563.
- The Chaks were associated with the Shia sect.
- The notes describe it as the first Shia dynasty.
- Originally, the Chaks came from Dardistan (Gilgit Hunza).
- Ghazi Chak defeated Sultan Habib Shah.
Founder – Ghazi Chak (1561–1563)
Ghazi Chak was the founder of the Chak Dynasty in Kashmir.
His reign lasted from 1561 to 1563.
Important Facts about Ghazi Chak
- He established the Chak Dynasty.
- He belonged to the Shia community.
- The Chaks originally came from Dardistan (Gilgit Hunza).
- Ghazi Chak defeated Sultan Habib Shah.
Quick Exam Fact
Ghazi Chak → Founder of Chak Dynasty → 1561
Main Rulers of the Chak Dynasty
The sequence of the main Chak rulers given in the notes is:
Ghazi Shah → Hussain Shah → Ali Shah → Yousuf
Hussain Shah Chak (1563–1570)
After Ghazi Chak, Hussain Shah Chak became an important ruler of the Chak Dynasty.
His period is given as 1563–1570.
Important Facts
- He succeeded Ghazi Chak.
- According to the notes, he was elected to the throne in 1570.
- He allowed the Khutba to be read in the name of Mughal Emperor Akbar.
This is an important example of the political relationship between the Chak rulers of Kashmir and the Mughal Empire.
Ali Shah
Ali Shah was another important ruler of the Chak Dynasty.
According to the given notes:
- Ali Chak dethroned Hussain Chak.
- In 1568, during the rule of Ali Shah, Mughal Emperor Akbar sent Mulla Ishaq and Qazi Sadruddin as ambassadors to Kashmir.
Important Exam Fact
Akbar → Mulla Ishaq & Qazi Sadruddin → Kashmir → 1568
Yousuf Shah Chak
Yousuf Shah Chak, the son of Ali Shah, is one of the most important rulers associated with the Chak Dynasty.
The notes give his period as 1570–1588 AD.
Important Facts about Yousuf Shah Chak
- He was the son of Ali Shah.
- His period is given as 1570–1588 AD.
- He was the last independent ruler of Kashmir.
- He married the famous Kashmiri poetess Habba Khatoon.
- He changed the name of Gulmarg from Gaurimarg.
- He was exiled by Akbar.
- He died and was buried in Bihar.
Yousuf Shah Chak and Habba Khatoon
One of the most important associations from this period is between Yousuf Shah Chak and Habba Khatoon.
- Habba Khatoon was the wife of Yousuf Shah Chak.
- Yousuf Shah Chak changed the name of Gaurimarg to Gulmarg.
Yousuf Shah Chak and Akbar
The reign of Yousuf Shah Chak was closely connected with the growing Mughal interest in Kashmir.
- Yousuf Shah Chak was exiled by Mughal Emperor Akbar.
- He later died and was buried in Bihar.
This period is important because it leads towards the end of independent Chak authority in Kashmir.
Last Independent Ruler of Kashmir
Yousuf Shah Chak
Last Ruler of the Chak Dynasty
Yaqoob Shah Chak
Yaqoob Shah Chak
- Yaqoob Shah Chak was the last ruler of the Chak Dynasty.
- He was defeated by the Mughal army under Qasim Khan.
This event is associated with the final decline of Chak rule in Kashmir.
Important Combination
Yaqoob Shah Chak → Last Chak ruler → Defeated by Mughal army under Qasim Khan
Mirza Mohammad Haider Dughlat
The image also provides important information about Mirza Mohammad Haider Dughlat.
Although his campaigns took place before the formal beginning of the Chak Dynasty, they are important for understanding the political background of medieval Kashmir.
First Campaign Towards Kashmir – 1533
- Mirza Mohammad Haider Dughlat made his first campaign towards Kashmir in 1533.
- This campaign was undertaken on behalf of Sultan Said Khan of Kashgar.
Remember
1533 → First campaign → Sultan Said Khan of Kashgar
Second Campaign of Mirza Haider Dughlat
Mirza Haider later launched another campaign.
- His second campaign was undertaken on behalf of Humayun.
- He entered the Kashmir Valley in 1540.
Occupation of Srinagar
Another important date associated with Mirza Haider is October 1540.
- He occupied Srinagar in October 1540.
Return of Shah Mir Rule
- After the death of Mirza Haider, Kashmir again came under Shah Mir rule in 1550.
This development took place before the eventual establishment of the Chak Dynasty under Ghazi Chak.
Tarikh-i-Rashidi
Mirza Mohammad Haider Dughlat was also associated with an important historical work.
- He wrote Tarikh-i-Rashidi.
Quick Revision Table
| Topic | Important Fact |
|---|---|
| Chak Dynasty | 1561–1586 |
| Founder | Ghazi Chak |
| Ghazi Chak’s reign | 1561–1563 |
| Chaks originally came from | Dardistan (Gilgit Hunza) |
| Religious association | Shia |
| Ghazi Chak defeated | Sultan Habib Shah |
| Main rulers | Ghazi Shah → Hussain Shah → Ali Shah → Yousuf |
| Hussain Shah Chak | 1563–1570 |
| Khutba | Allowed in Akbar’s name |
| Akbar’s ambassadors | Mulla Ishaq and Qazi Sadruddin |
| Ambassadors sent | 1568 |
| Yousuf Shah Chak | Son of Ali Shah |
| Last independent ruler | Yousuf Shah Chak |
| Wife of Yousuf Shah | Habba Khatoon |
| Gaurimarg | Renamed Gulmarg |
| Yousuf Shah | Exiled by Akbar |
| Yousuf Shah buried at | Bihar |
| Last ruler of Chak Dynasty | Yaqoob Shah Chak |
| Yaqoob Shah defeated by | Mughal army under Qasim Khan |
| Mirza Haider’s first campaign | 1533 |
| First campaign on behalf of | Sultan Said Khan of Kashgar |
| Second campaign | On behalf of Humayun |
| Entered Kashmir Valley | 1540 |
| Occupied Srinagar | October 1540 |
| Kashmir again under Shah Mir rule | 1550 |
| Tarikh-i-Rashidi | Mirza Mohammad Haider Dughlat |
Important Facts for JKSSB & JKPSC Exams
- Ghazi Chak founded the Chak Dynasty.
- The Chak Dynasty ruled from 1561 to 1586.
- Ghazi Chak ruled from 1561 to 1563.
- The Chaks originally came from Dardistan (Gilgit Hunza).
- The Chaks were associated with the Shia sect.
- Ghazi Chak defeated Sultan Habib Shah.
- The main rulers mentioned in the notes are Ghazi Shah, Hussain Shah, Ali Shah and Yousuf.
- Hussain Shah Chak allowed the Khutba to be read in Akbar’s name.
- Mulla Ishaq and Qazi Sadruddin were sent by Akbar as ambassadors to Kashmir in 1568.
- Yousuf Shah Chak was the son of Ali Shah.
- Habba Khatoon was the wife of Yousuf Shah Chak.
- Yousuf Shah Chak was the last independent ruler of Kashmir, according to the notes.
- He changed the name of Gaurimarg to Gulmarg.
- He was exiled by Akbar.
- Yousuf Shah Chak died and was buried in Bihar.
- Yaqoob Shah Chak was the last ruler of the Chak Dynasty.
- Yaqoob Shah was defeated by the Mughal army under Qasim Khan.
- Mirza Haider Dughlat’s first campaign towards Kashmir took place in 1533.
- His first campaign was undertaken on behalf of Sultan Said Khan of Kashgar.
- His second campaign was undertaken on behalf of Humayun.
- He entered Kashmir in 1540.
- He occupied Srinagar in October 1540.
- After his death, Kashmir again came under Shah Mir rule in 1550.
- Mirza Haider Dughlat wrote Tarikh-i-Rashidi.
Important MCQ’s on Chak Dynasty in Kashmir for all Competitive Exams
Q1. Consider the following statements regarding the establishment and background of the Chak Dynasty in Kashmir:
- Ghazi Chak was the founder of the Chak Dynasty.
- The period of the Chak Dynasty is given as 1561–1586.
- The Chaks originally came from Dardistan (Gilgit-Hunza).
- Ghazi Chak established the dynasty after defeating Yaqoob Shah Chak.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A) 1, 2 and 3 only
B) 1, 2 and 4 only
C) 1, 3 and 4 only
D) 2, 3 and 4 only
Answer: A
Q2. Match the following rulers/persons with the facts associated with them:
| List-I | List-II |
|---|---|
| A. Ghazi Chak | 1. Wife of Yousuf Shah Chak |
| B. Hussain Shah Chak | 2. Founder of Chak Dynasty |
| C. Yousuf Shah Chak | 3. Allowed Khutba in Akbar’s name |
| D. Habba Khatoon | 4. Last independent ruler of Kashmir |
Select the correct answer:
A) A-3, B-2, C-1, D-4
B) A-2, B-3, C-4, D-1
C) A-4, B-1, C-3, D-2
D) A-1, B-4, C-2, D-3
Answer: B
Q3. Arrange the following rulers of the Chak Dynasty in their correct chronological :
- Yousuf Shah
- Ghazi Shah
- Ali Shah
- Hussain Shah
Which of the following is the correct sequence?
A) 2 → 3 → 4 → 1
B) 4 → 2 → 3 → 1
C) 2 → 4 → 3 → 1
D) 3 → 2 → 4 → 1
Answer: C
Q4. Consider the following pairs regarding Ghazi Chak and the beginning of Chak rule:
- Ghazi Chak — Founder of the Chak Dynasty
- Beginning of Chak rule — 1561
- Ghazi Chak’s reign — 1561–1563
- Ghazi Chak — Author of Tarikh-i-Rashidi
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
A) 1, 2 and 4 only
B) 1, 3 and 4 only
C) 2, 3 and 4 only
D) 1, 2 and 3 only
Answer: D
Q5. Consider the following statements regarding Hussain Shah Chak:
- Hussain Shah Chak succeeded Ghazi Chak.
- His period is given as 1563–1570.
- He allowed the Khutba to be read in the name of Mughal Emperor Akbar.
- He was the last ruler of the Chak Dynasty and was defeated by Qasim Khan.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A) 1, 2 and 3 only
B) 1, 2 and 4 only
C) 1, 3 and 4 only
D) 2, 3 and 4 only
Answer: A
Q6. Match the following personalities/events connected with Mughal–Chak relations:
| List-I | List-II |
|---|---|
| A. Akbar | 1. Dethroned Hussain Chak |
| B. Mulla Ishaq | 2. Mughal Emperor |
| C. Qazi Sadruddin | 3. Ambassador sent to Kashmir |
| D. Ali Chak | 4. Ambassador sent to Kashmir |
Select the correct answer:
A) A-3, B-2, C-4, D-1
B) A-2, B-3, C-4, D-1
C) A-4, B-1, C-2, D-3
D) A-1, B-4, C-3, D-2
Answer: B
Q7. Consider the following statements regarding the diplomatic contact between Akbar and the Chak rulers:
- Akbar sent Mulla Ishaq to Kashmir.
- Qazi Sadruddin was also sent as an ambassador.
- The event is associated with the year 1568 in the supplied notes.
- Both ambassadors were sent by Humayun during Mirza Haider Dughlat’s second campaign.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A) 1, 2 and 4 only
B) 1, 3 and 4 only
C) 1, 2 and 3 only
D) 2, 3 and 4 only
Answer: C
Q8. Consider the following pairs regarding Yousuf Shah Chak:
- Father — Ali Shah
- Wife — Habba Khatoon
- Gaurimarg — Changed to Gulmarg
- Place of burial — Srinagar
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched according to the supplied notes?
A) 1, 2 and 4 only
B) 1, 3 and 4 only
C) 2, 3 and 4 only
D) 1, 2 and 3 only
Answer: D
Q9. Consider the following statements regarding Yousuf Shah Chak:
- He is described in the notes as the last independent ruler of Kashmir.
- He was married to Habba Khatoon.
- He was exiled by Mughal Emperor Akbar.
- He was defeated by Qasim Khan and is identified as the last ruler of the Chak Dynasty.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A) 1, 2 and 3 only
B) 1, 2 and 4 only
C) 1, 3 and 4 only
D) 2, 3 and 4 only
Answer: A
Q10. Match the following Chak personalities with their correct associations:
| List-I | List-II |
|---|---|
| A. Yousuf Shah Chak | 1. Mughal commander |
| B. Yaqoob Shah Chak | 2. Last independent ruler |
| C. Qasim Khan | 3. Last ruler of Chak Dynasty |
| D. Habba Khatoon | 4. Wife of Yousuf Shah Chak |
Select the correct answer:
A) A-3, B-2, C-4, D-1
B) A-2, B-3, C-1, D-4
C) A-4, B-1, C-3, D-2
D) A-1, B-4, C-2, D-3
Answer: B
Q11. Arrange the following events associated with Mirza Mohammad Haider Dughlat in the correct chronological order:
- Kashmir again came under Shah Mir rule after his death.
- First campaign towards Kashmir.
- Occupation of Srinagar.
- Second campaign and entry into the Kashmir Valley.
Which of the following represents the correct sequence?
A) 4 → 2 → 3 → 1
B) 2 → 3 → 4 → 1
C) 2 → 4 → 3 → 1
D) 3 → 2 → 4 → 1
Answer: C
Q12. Consider the following statements regarding Mirza Mohammad Haider Dughlat:
- His first campaign towards Kashmir took place in 1533.
- His first campaign was undertaken on behalf of Sultan Said Khan of Kashgar.
- His second campaign was undertaken on behalf of Humayun.
- He entered Kashmir for his second campaign in 1561.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A) 1, 2 and 4 only
B) 1, 3 and 4 only
C) 2, 3 and 4 only
D) 1, 2 and 3 only
Answer: D
Q13. Match the following dates with the events associated with Mirza Mohammad Haider Dughlat:
| List-I | List-II |
|---|---|
| A. 1533 | 1. Kashmir again came under Shah Mir rule |
| B. 1540 | 2. First campaign towards Kashmir |
| C. October 1540 | 3. Entry into Kashmir during second campaign |
| D. 1550 | 4. Occupation of Srinagar |
Select the correct answer:
A) A-2, B-3, C-4, D-1
B) A-3, B-2, C-1, D-4
C) A-1, B-4, C-2, D-3
D) A-4, B-1, C-3, D-2
Answer: A
Q14. Consider the following pairs related to Mirza Mohammad Haider Dughlat:
- First campaign — Sultan Said Khan of Kashgar
- Second campaign — Humayun
- Literary work — Tarikh-i-Rashidi
- Founder of Chak Dynasty — Mirza Mohammad Haider Dughlat
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
A) 1, 2 and 4 only
B) 1, 2 and 3 only
C) 1, 3 and 4 only
D) 2, 3 and 4 only
Answer: B
Q15. Arrange the following major developments in the correct chronological sequence:
- Beginning of the Chak Dynasty under Ghazi Chak
- Mirza Haider Dughlat’s first campaign towards Kashmir
- Mirza Haider Dughlat occupied Srinagar
- Kashmir again came under Shah Mir rule
- Akbar sent Mulla Ishaq and Qazi Sadruddin as ambassadors
Which of the following is the correct order?
A) 2 → 4 → 3 → 1 → 5
B) 3 → 2 → 4 → 5 → 1
C) 2 → 3 → 4 → 1 → 5
D) 2 → 3 → 1 → 4 → 5
Answer: C
