Pakytans to Pushtoons, A Timeline History Of Pushtoon Nation

The Daily Observer London Desk:

Sehrish Ashraf Khan (University of Balochistan Quetta)

A Timeline History Of Pushtoon Nation

Abstract:

This article aims to provide a comprehensive timeline history of the Pushtoon Nation, tracing its origins, major events, cultural developments, and political transformations. The study explores the rich heritage of the Pushtoon people, spanning several centuries, and examines their societal dynamics, tribal affiliations, and interactions with neighboring regions. By delving into historical records, scholarly works, and primary sources, this paper offers valuable insights into the historical evolution of the Pushtoon Nation and sheds light on the factors that have shaped its identity. The research also investigates the influence of external forces, such as colonialism and geopolitical dynamics, on the Pushtoon community. Ultimately, this study contributes to a better understanding of the Pushtoon people’s history and their significance in the broader context of South Asia.

Introduction:

The Pushtoon Nation, also known as the Pashtun or Pathan community, holds a distinct place in the historical and cultural landscape of South Asia. Their centuries-old heritage is marked by unique traditions, tribal affiliations, and a strong sense of identity. My aim is to provide a comprehensive timeline history of the Pushtoon Nation, exploring its historical roots, pivotal events, cultural developments, and political transformations.

The Pushtoon people inhabit a vast region that stretches across modern-day Afghanistan and Pakistan, with significant diaspora communities around the world. They have played a significant role in shaping the history of the Indian subcontinent, as well as the broader region of Central Asia. I tried to shed light on the rich tapestry of the Pushtoon Nation’s past, uncovering the factors that have influenced its evolution and the interactions it has had with neighboring civilizations.

Thesis Statement:

This article aims to chronicle the history of the Pushtoon Nation, highlighting its origins, cultural dynamics, political formations, and the impact of external forces on its development. By examining a range of primary and secondary sources, the paper will provide an in-depth analysis of the historical context in which the Pushtoon people have thrived, thereby enhancing our understanding of their unique place in South Asian history.

Research Questions:

• What are the key historical events that have shaped the development of the Pushtoon Nation?
• Why have tribal affiliations played a significant role in the Pushtoon society?
• How have external factors, such as colonialism and geopolitical dynamics, influenced the trajectory of the Pushtoon community?

Literature Review:

The literature review will explore existing scholarly works, historical texts, and research articles that have delved into various aspects of Pushtoon history, culture, and identity. It will provide a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of the subject.

The study of the Pushtoon Nation’s history has been a subject of great interest among scholars, historians, and anthropologists. Previous research has explored the Pushtoon people’s origins, their connection to ancient civilizations, and their participation in historical events. Several academic works have focused on the unique cultural aspects of the Pushtoon society, such as their code of conduct (Pashtunwali), their language (Pashto), and the tribal system that governs their social structure. Other studies have examined the complex relationships between the Pushtoon Nation and neighboring regions, including interactions with Persia, the Indian subcontinent, and Central Asia.

• Ahmad, Aisha and Boase, Roger. 2003. “Pashtun Tales from the Pakistan-Afghan Frontier: From the Pakistan-Afghan Frontier.” Saqi Books (March 1, 2003). ISBN 0-86356-438-0.
• Ahmed, Akbar S. 1976. “Millennium and Charisma among Pathans: A Critical Essay in Social Anthropology.” London: Routledge & Kegan Paul.
• Ahmed, Akbar S. 1980. “Pukhtun economy and society.” London: Routledge and Kegan Paul.
• Banuazizi, Ali and Myron Weiner (eds.). 1994. “The Politics of Social Transformation in Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan (Contemporary Issues in the Middle East).” Syracuse University Press. ISBN 0-8156-2608-8.
• Banuazizi, Ali and Myron Weiner (eds.). 1988. “The State, Religion, and Ethnic Politics: Afghanistan, Iran, and Pakistan (Contemporary Issues in the Middle East).” Syracuse University Press. ISBN 0-8156-2448-4.
• Caroe, Olaf. 1984. “The Pathans: 500 B.C.-A.D. 1957 (Oxford in Asia Historical Reprints).” Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-577221-0
• Dani, Ahmad Hasan. 1985. “Peshawar: Historic city of the Frontier.” Sang-e-Meel Publications (1995). ISBN 969-35-0554-9.
• Dupree, Louis. 1997. “Afghanistan.” Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-577634-8.
• Elphinstone, Mountstuart. 1815. “An account of the Kingdom of Caubul and its dependencies in Persia, Tartary, and India: comprising a view of the Afghaun nation.” Akadem. Druck- u. Verlagsanst (1969).
• Habibi, Abdul Hai. 2003. “Afghanistan: An Abridged History.” Fenestra Books. ISBN 1-58736-169-8.
• Hopkirk, Peter. 1984. “The Great Game: The Struggle for Empire in Central Asia.” Kodansha Globe; Reprint edition. ISBN 1-56836-022-3.
• Wardak, Ali “Jirga – A Traditional Mechanism of Conflict Resolution in Afghanistan”, 2003, online at UNPAN (the United Nations Online Network in Public Administration and Finance).
• “A Study of the Greek Ancestry of Northern Pakistani Ethnic Groups Using 115 Microsatellite Markers.” A. Mansoor, Q. Ayub, et al.Am. J. Human Genetics, Oct 2001 v69 i4 p399.
• “Y-Chromosomal DNA Variation in Pakistan.”
• “Where west meets east: the complex mtDNA landscape of the southwest and Central Asian corridor.”

Main Article:

I. Origins and Early Settlements:

The origins of the Pushtoon Nation can be traced back to ancient times, with archaeological evidence indicating human habitation in the region dating back thousands of years. The early settlements of the Pushtoon people were situated along the fertile valleys and mountainous terrains of present-day Afghanistan and Pakistan. These early Pushtoon tribes, often organized into kinship-based communities, engaged in agriculture, trade, and animal husbandry.

The region’s strategic location at the crossroads of Central and South Asia facilitated cultural exchanges, as well as interactions with neighboring civilizations, such as the Persians, Greeks, and Mauryans. Over time, this intermingling of cultures influenced the social fabric of the Pushtoon people, contributing to the diverse tapestry of their cultural heritage.

• Various historical sources and archaeological findings indicate that the Pashtun homeland, known as Pashtunistan, was located in the eastern regions of modern-day Afghanistan and western regions of present-day Pakistan. During this period, the Pashtuns were organized into numerous tribes and clans, and their society revolved around a code of conduct known as Pashtunwali.
• During the time of Alexander the Great’s conquests, the region inhabited by the Pashtuns fell under the rule of the Greco-Bactrian Kingdom. Subsequently, the Indo-Scythians, a group of Central Asian nomads, established their control over parts of the Pashtun homeland. However, the Pashtuns fiercely resisted foreign rule and maintained their distinct identity.
• The Kushan Empire, an influential Central Asian power, expanded into the region inhabited by the Pashtuns. During this period, Buddhism gained popularity in the area, and the Pashtuns had notable interactions with the faith, adopting elements of Buddhist culture and architecture.
• With the advent of Islam in the 7th century, Arab armies brought the new religion to the Indian subcontinent. The Pashtuns embraced Islam over time, and during the 10th to 18th centuries, they established their empire known as the Pashtun or Afghan Empire. The most notable of these empires was the Hotak and Durrani Empires, which extended their rule across Afghanistan and parts of present-day Pakistan.

II. The Pushtoon Nation in Medieval Times:

During the medieval period, the Pushtoon Nation emerged as a formidable force in the region. They successfully resisted numerous invasions and maintained their independence from various empires, including the Arab Caliphate and the Mongols. Instead of a centralized authority, the Pushtoon society was organized into autonomous tribal units, each led by a traditional elder or chief, known as a Khan Or Malik.

The concept of Pashtunwali, a traditional honor code, played a central role in regulating social conduct and resolving disputes within the community. Pashtunwali emphasized principles such as hospitality (melmastia), revenge (badal), and community council (jirga), which helped to maintain social order and cohesion among different Pushtoon tribes.

III. The Rise of Tribal Affiliations:

The tribal system became a defining characteristic of the Pushtoon Nation. As the population expanded and resources became scarce, the Pushtoon people began to organize themselves into larger kinship-based tribal confederacies. These tribes, such as the Ghilzai, Durrani, Yusufzai, and Afridi, played a crucial role in shaping the political landscape of the region.

The tribal affiliations not only provided a sense of identity and belonging but also served as a means of defense against external threats and a mechanism for resource-sharing and conflict resolution. However, this tribal structure also led to intertribal rivalries and conflicts, often resulting in protracted feuds that could span generations.

IV. Pushtoon Identity and Cultural Traditions:

The Pushtoon people developed a strong collective identity characterized by a shared language (Pashto), cultural traditions, and a code of conduct that upheld honor and hospitality. Pashto, an Indo-European language, served as a unifying factor, fostering communication and cultural exchange among different Pushtoon tribes.

Art, poetry, music, and dance played significant roles in Pushtoon culture, reflecting their rich oral tradition and history. Poetry, in particular, known as Pashto poetry or landay, held a special place in Pushtoon society and was used to express emotions, recount heroic tales, and pass down cultural knowledge from one generation to the next.

V. Pushtoon Society and Governance:

Pushtoon society was primarily organized around the jirga system, a traditional assembly of elders from different tribes who gathered to resolve disputes and make communal decisions. The jirga played a pivotal role in maintaining peace and justice within the community and acted as an alternative form of governance in the absence of centralized state structures.

The Khans & Maliks, as respected elders and leaders within their respective tribes, held considerable influence and authority. However, decisions were often made through consensus, emphasizing collective decision-making rather than unilateral rule.

VI. Pushtoon Relations with Neighboring Regions:

The Pushtoon Nation’s geographic location resulted in frequent interactions and engagements with neighboring regions and civilizations. Their relationship with the Mughal Empire in the Indian subcontinent was particularly significant, with Pushtoon leaders often holding key positions within the empire.

Pushtoon tribes also played an active role in resisting foreign invasions, notably during the Anglo-Afghan wars of the 19th century. These conflicts showcased the Pushtoon people’s fierce resistance and determination to maintain their independence and autonomy.

VII. Colonialism and the Pushtoon Nation:

The arrival of European colonial powers, particularly the British, in the 19th century had a profound impact on the Pushtoon Nation. The region became a focal point of the “Great Game” between the British and Russian Empires, leading to significant geopolitical shifts and power struggles.

The British attempted to exert control over the Pushtoon territories, resulting in numerous conflicts and uprisings. The Pushtoon people fiercely resisted colonial rule, leading to a protracted struggle for independence and autonomy.

VIII. Independence Movements and Political Transformation:

The early 20th century witnessed a surge in nationalist movements across the Indian subcontinent, and the Pushtoon Nation was no exception. Pushtoon leaders emerged as prominent voices advocating for independence from British colonial rule and the creation of a united South Asia.

However, the partition of India in 1947 led to the division of the Pushtoon territories, with some regions becoming part of Pakistan and others remaining within Afghanistan. This division had a lasting impact on the Pushtoon community, as it led to the fragmentation of tribal affiliations and the creation of international borders that continue to shape the region’s dynamics to this day.

IX. Contemporary Challenges and the Pushtoon Community:

The Pushtoon Nation faces a range of contemporary challenges, including political instability, economic disparities, and regional conflicts. The ongoing conflict in Afghanistan, the rise of extremist ideologies, and the influence of external forces continue to impact the Pushtoon community.

Efforts are being made to address these challenges and promote peace, stability, and development in the Pushtoon regions. Various organizations, civil society groups, and Pushtoon leaders are actively engaged in advocating for the rights and well-being of the Pushtoon people, seeking to preserve their cultural heritage and promote socio-economic progress.

X. Pushtoon Diaspora and Global Influence:

The Pushtoon diaspora, spread across different countries around the world, contributes to the global influence of the Pushtoon Nation. Pushtoon communities abroad actively participate in cultural events, establish organizations to promote their heritage, and maintain connections with their ancestral homeland.

The Pushtoon diaspora has also made significant contributions in various fields, including academia, politics, business, and the arts, fostering a positive image of the Pushtoon community on the global stage.

Analysis:

The Pushtoon Nation’s history is deeply intertwined with the geography of the region. Their roots can be traced back to the ancient Indo-Iranian migrations, during which the Pushtoon ancestors moved into the present-day Afghanistan and Pakistan territories. Over time, they developed a distinctive culture and language, forming a unique identity that withstood the influences of successive empires and civilizations.

References:

•  ^b Lewis, Paul M. (2009). “Pashto, Northern”. SIL International. Dallas, TX: Ethnologue: Languages of the World, Sixteenth edition. Retrieved 18 September 2010. “Ethnic population: 49,529,000 possibly total Pashto in all countries.”
• ^ “South Asia :: Pakistan – The World Factbook – Central Intelligence Agency”. cia.gov. Retrieved 24 February 2019.
• ^ “Afghanistan”. 11 April 2023.
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• ^  ^b Ali, Arshad (15 February 2018). “Khan Abdul Gaffar Khan’s great granddaughter seeks citizenship for ‘Phastoons’ in India”. Daily News and Analysis. Retrieved 21 February 2019. “Interacting with mediapersons on Wednesday, Yasmin, the president of All India Pakhtoon Jirga-e-Hind, said that there were 32 lakh Phastoons in the country who were living and working in India but were yet to get citizenship.”
• ^ “Frontier Gandhi’s granddaughter urges Centre to grant citizenship to Pathans”. The News International. 16 February 2018. Retrieved 28 May 2020.
• ^ Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. “LANGUAGE INDIA, STATES AND UNION TERRITORIES (Table C-16)” (PDF). Office of the Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. Archived (PDF) from the original on 9 October 2022. Retrieved 31 December 2018. “AFGHANI/KABULI/PASHTO 21,677”
•  ^b c “Pakhtoons in Kashmir”. The Hindu. 20 July 1954. Archived from the original on 9 December 2004. Retrieved 28 November 2012. “Over a lakh Pakhtoons living in Jammu and Kashmir as nomad tribesmen without any nationality became Indian subjects on July 17. Batches of them received certificates to this effect from the Kashmir Prime Minister, Bakshi Ghulam Mohammed, at village Gutligabh, 17 miles from Srinagar.”
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• ^ 42% of 200,000 Afghan Americans = 84,000 and 15% of 363,699 Pakistani Americans = 54,554. Total Afghan and Pakistani Pashtuns in USA = 138,554.
•  ^b “Ethnologue report for Southern Pashto: Iran (1993)”. SIL International. Ethnologue: Languages of the World. Retrieved 5 May 2012.
• ^ Maclean, William (10 June 2009). “Support for Taliban dives among British Pashtuns”. Reuters. Retrieved 6 August 2009.
• ^ Relations between Afghanistan and Germany Archived 16 January 2017 at the Wayback Machine: Germany is now home to almost 90,000 people of Afghan origin. 42% of 90,000 = 37,800
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•  ^b Green, Nile (2017). Afghanistan’s Islam: From Conversion to the Taliban. University of California Press. p. 18. ISBN 978-0-520-29413-4. “Many of the communities of ethnic Pashtuns (known as Pathans in India) that had emerged in India over the previous centuries lived peaceably among their Hindu neighbors. Most of these Indo-Afghans lost the ability to speak Pashto and instead spoke Hindi and Punjabi.”
•  Malleson, George Bruce (1878). History of Afghanistan, from the Earliest Period to the Outbreak of the War of 1878. London: Elibron.com. p. 227. ISBN 1402172788. Archived from the original on 2017-04-16. Retrieved 2010-09-27.
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• ^ Jump up to:
  ^a b “The Durrani dynasty”. Louis Dupree, Nancy Hatch Dupree and others. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. 2010. Archived from the original on 2013-02-16. Retrieved 2012-10-01.
• ^ “– Schwartzberg Atlas — Digital South Asia Library”. dsal.uchicago.edu. Archived from the original on 2021-06-05. Retrieved 2023-03-09.
• ^ Khan, Yusuf Husain (1971). Indo-Muslim Polity (Turko-Afghan Period). Indian Institute of Advanced Study. Archived from the original on 2023-03-10. Retrieved 2022-11-23.
• ^ Fisher, Michael H. (18 October 2018). An Environmental History of India: From Earliest Times to the Twenty-First Century. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-1-107-11162-2. Archived from the original on 10 March 2023. Retrieved 23 November 2022. “In 1290, the Turk-Afghan Khalji clan ended the first mamluk dynasty and then ruled in Delhi until one of their own Turkish mamluk commanders rebelled and established his own Tugluq dynasty”

Conclusion:

In conclusion, I tried to provide a detailed timeline history of the Pushtoon Nation, exploring its origins, cultural developments, political transformations, and the impact of external forces. By examining a wide range of primary and secondary sources, the study has shed light on the unique heritage of the Pushtoon people and their contributions to the history of South Asia. This research enhances our understanding of the Pushtoon Nation’s evolution, their enduring tribal affiliations, and the challenges they face in the contemporary world. Further research is warranted to delve deeper into specific aspects of Pushtoon history and to bridge any gaps in our understanding of this rich and vibrant community.