Etymology of Gilgit–Baltistan (Pakistan/India)
Gilgit–Baltistan Like other Islamic regions near the Indian subcontinent, the name Baltistan is likely created by adding the Persian suffix -istan to the name of the Balti people, who lived here before the Islamic conquests. The control of the region was left to the Tibetan Empire. They referred to the region as Bruzha, a toponym that is consistent with the ethnonym "Burusho" used today. Tibetan control of the region lasted until late-800s CE. In the Gilgit-Baltistani regions of Northern Pakistan, at a stone's throw from the Amu Darya, is “Bam-e-Dunya” (“The Roof of the World”). This was the name given to the great Pamir Plateau, Apex of six of the mightiest mountain ranges of the Old world. Balawaristan, the name has originated from Polore. Polore was an Ancient state consisting of Baltistan, Gilgit, Ladakh, Chitral and Kohistan. Chinese historian Faxian mentioned it as Pololo. Arab historians mentioned it as Blore. The people of this region have historically been referred to as Balawars or (“The Highlanders”), which is said to have come from the term Bala, which means High, a reference to the high-altitudes prevalent in this area. An alternative theory links the name to a mythic ancient King called Bolor Shah, who had first united the region and from whom local rulers in turn often claimed descent. Yet a third theory was proposed by the National Institute of Historical and Cultural Research of Pakistan that
"The name is most probably derived from the title Patola, the Buddhist royal dynasty which was powerful in the region from the 8th centuries AD."
Historically, the Baltistan Region was called "Great Bolor" and Dardistan and parts of Brooshal (e.g. Gilgit Valley) were called "Little Bolor". Great Boloristan is known to have sent ambassadors to the Chinese Imperial Court.
