History of the Pathans

From before the time of Alexander the Great's struggles against the tribes to the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Pathans inhabit a region stretching from Southern Afghanistan to the North-West Frontier of Pakistan. This land became the graveyard for empires and invaders for the past several centuries. This proud race makes up one of the world's largest and oldest tribal societies, where each clan guards its own territory and honour.The history of the Pathans is wrapped in mystery. Ever since the translation of Niamatullah's early 17th century epic, Makhzan-i-Afghani in English by Professor Bernhard Dorn as the History of the Afghans (1829), several European and British historians have attempted to compile similar works and give their own versions to the origin of these fascinating people. Since most tribal history was recorded by oral tradition rather than in writing, tracing actual lines of descent was a daunting task. The foreign scholars who attempted to record it were either people unacquainted with the language, customs and true ways of the Pathans or were often biased in their approach. A pressing need was therefore felt to re-examine the history objectively, in order to separate the chaff from the grain and to put it into its proper cultural perspective. This task could only have been accomplished by someone who was not an outsider. Brigadier (R) Haroon Rashid, who hails from Kohat, has finally produced a timely and authentic reference work, the most impressive attempt yet by any native scholar on the subject, and is a must read for anyone interested in the historical evolution of these most admired people. Spanning a period since prehistoric times until present-day, History of the Pathans ambitiously covers an incredible scope of this race's origin. The book under review is the first volume of an upcoming ten-volume reference set. The series essentially, is a genealogical based encyclopaedic collection that aims to cover all known Pathan tribes. It proffers fresh insight into a race that in the past has been either dealt with, according to the author, "summarily or in piecemeal". Beginning from pre-historic times, the first volume is devoted preponderantly to the events of the 19th and 20th centuries. The story of the Pathans is one of irresistible appeal, interwoven with a history of drama, heroism, romance, pride, vengeance, honour, intrigue, chivalry, and countless feuds and battles. Though the book focuses mainly on individual tribes and clans whilst covering their history and location, it also includes local folklore, customs and tales. An interesting discussion on religion and Sufism is also represented. There is frequent allusion to poetry and literature, in which a Pathan takes much delight. The book begins with a methodical study on the ethnogenesis of Pathans. There is a point-by-point analysis of various influences from within and without on the evolution of this race in the light of myriad theories put forward by past scholars, including one about a possible link with Jewish Israelites. By year 4000 BC the earliest farming communities had come into existence in southern Afghanistan. The Aryans of East European or Central Asian origin settled here in 1500 BC and initiated the present Pathan stock. Then came wave after wave of different foreign invaders including the Iranians, Turks and a host of others. By the 3rd century BC, Afghanistan was known as Bactria under the Greek Macedonian empire. Herodatus, the Greek historian, in approximately 450 BC mentioned the tribe of 'Paktues' (Pathans) distinguished by their bravery and called their country 'Paktica'. The term 'Afghan' was heard much later and mentioned for the first time in 7th century AD. 'True Afghans' are often differentiated from 'True Pathans' as genetically distinct entities, according to the legend. The former (including Sarabani tribes) claim direct descent from Qais Abdur Rashid of Bani-Israel lineage, while the latter from one Karan whose antecedents are unknown. After the beginning of the Islamic era the division of the nation into various tribes, sub-tribes and clans assumed many ramifications. The tribal structure assumed great complexity and unlike other genealogy books, this has been dealt with in a readable style in the present work. Two volumes of the collection are devoted to the Sarabani tribes alone, of which the present one covers the Tarins, Sheranis, Miana, Urmors and the Durranis in meticulous detail. The last named tribe has considerable historical significance in the geopolitics of the region. The book explores the reign of each leader or monarch and sets him against the broader canvas of Pathan history. Several rare profiles of personalities in the context of their clans are included, for instance, Shah Shuja-ul-Mulk, Amir Dost Mohammad Khan, Amir Abdur Rahman, King Amanullah Khan and so on. The 'high' of the book remains the account of the invasions of India by Ahmad Shah Abdali (later Durrani). The 'great game' between Russia and Britain for imperial conquest, the intrigues and feuds amongst the reigning Afghan dynasties and the Anglo-Afghan wars, are other engrossing narratives. In one chapter titled, "Zahir Shah and the Pukhtunistan Stunt", the author makes no secret of where his sympathies lie on the controversial Durand line issue. The study is bound to arouse an interesting debate amongst the intelligentsia on both sides of the divide, as new facts have been unearthed on a contentious matter that had soured relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan at one time. There has been some needless criticism in the press over the choice of the term 'Pathan' used in the title. Indeed, 'Pukhtun' (or 'Pashtun') is prefered over 'Pathan', but there is no harm if the latter is employed in general usage by non-Pathans. There is no evidence to suggest that coining of the name in the 17th century by the Indians was a "deliberate attempt to disgrace" this nation as some have lately claimed. Such worthless debates serve no constructive purpose today. The book follows a simple narrative style and is well-illustrated, containing 65 rare photographs and four handy geopolitical maps. The text is supplemented by extensive footnotes wherever applicable, along with a useful index. Elaborate hereditary charts and tables grace a greater part of the book. These have been taken, in most instances, from original manuscripts in private or public record collections. Unfortunately, the work is not free from typographical errors. Also the printing and the unusually 'ultra-white' quality of paper leaves much to be desired, which is not suitable for a serious reference book on history. But the addition of glossy plates would have further enhanced the elegance of the photo gallery. The bibliography falls short of the ideal. For instance, many distinguished works rendered by European orientalists on the history of Pushto language are omitted. Reference to more local sources on the subject of the Pathans could have been included. In this regard, the study of rare books and manuscripts adorning private collections of eminent Afghan and Pakistani families would be invaluable. Another area that needs to be more thoroughly explored for future research is the Indian Office Library in London, where new archives keep getting added every month by the heirs of those British officials who had served in the region. Nonetheless, in spite of the minor drawbacks, History of the Pathans will be of much interest to Pathans and non-Pathans alike and should serve as an impetus for further methodological research. The collection is highly recommended for both seasoned academics and all those who wish to trace their ancestry and past family roots to the present-day. Where other books in the past have fallen short of meeting demands of an all-encompassing authentic reference work, Brig Rashid's authoritative collection is a significant step in the right direction. It is hoped that it will stand the test for years to come as the standard on the subject of Pathan history.(Dr Ali Jan)Sarhad Conservation Network ®June 2003------------History of the Pathans Vol 1: The Sarabani Pathans By Brig (R) Haroon Rashid Self-published by the author from 5, Str 26, F-6/2, Islamabad Tel: (051) 282-7075, 922-512164 477pp. Rs1,300