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(8/3/03 2:41 am)
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 History of the Pathans (Jews?)
Unravelling the mystery
Reviewed by Dr Ali Jan
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 more eloquent 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 'Pushtun') is prefered over 'Pathan', but there is no harm if the latter is employed in general usage by non-Pathans. There is no concrete 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.
(Reviewed by Dr Ali Jan )
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Who are the Pakhtuns?
By Rahimullah Yusufzai
The unending debate on the origins of the Pakhtuns is still as inconclusive and divisive as ever. The issue crops up at literary and political gatherings and is even discussed by village folks in their hujras. In fact, it is a fascinating topic with everyone from the layman to the scholar having a definite viewpoint as to the beginnings of this enigmatic and much misunderstood race.
The issue was debated once more but never concluded at the launch of Brigadier (retd) Haroon Rashid's book, 'History of the Pathans, Vol 1, The Sarabani Pathans', in Peshawar some time back. As usual, there were advocates of theories ranging from Pakhtuns having an Aryan, Jewish, Arab or mixed origin. None was convincing enough to carry the day. Disagreement was in the air the moment commentators started analysing the voluminous book. Notoriously known for their disunity, the Pakhtuns have been unable even to agree on their origins.
NWFP Governor, Lt Gen (retd) Syed Iftikhar Hussain Shah summed up the proceedings when he noted that the origin of the Pakhtuns was shrouded in mystery. Referring to the different theories in vogue, he reminded the people that author Naimatullah Harawi considered the Pakhtuns to be of Jewish extraction, the British felt they had a mixed origin while Pakhtun writers thought their race was Aryan. He opined that DNA tests could help solve the riddle. Earlier, physician Dr Sher Mohammad Khan had also advocated DNA tests to establish the truth.
Scholars having failed to agree on the Pakhtun origins, it is certainly time to request scientists to do the job. It is possible that some people may not even accept the DNA findings if their own theories are demolished as a consequence. However, most Pakhtuns would accept the DNA tests if their origins were conclusively established. Knowing a definite answer rather than subscribing to widely different theories would certainly be more appealing. This would also bring to an end the twisting and fascinating debate on the Pakhtun roots.
It may not matter much to other races as to how and where did they first originate, but it matters to the Pakhtuns, who are obsessed with their glorious past and extremely proud of their code of honour and way of life. Many Pakhtuns believe they have inherited their chivalry and courage from the great Muslim general Khalid bin Walid, who earned the title Saifullah ('Sword of Allah') from Holy Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) on account of his exceptional bravery. They would be glad if it was established that they were somehow related to Khalid bin Walid through their putative ancestor Qais Abdur Rashid. This would also strengthen the theory that the Pakhtuns are of Arab descent.
The theory about the Aryan roots of the Pakhtuns is also popular. In particular, the Pakhtuns in Afghanistan advanced this argument and named a number of their institutions including the national airline as Aryana. The rise of Adolf Hitler's Germany also prompted many Afghan scholars to link the Afghans to the Aryans. Hitler's fall surely dampened most Afghans but the Aryan theory refused to go away.
The Jewish theory has been around for ages. Each and every Pakhtun is opposed to the Israeli occupation of Palestine, more so of Bait al-Maqdas, the third holiest Islamic city after Makkah and Madina. As such, most Pakhtuns don't like the Jewish connection. They are shy of conceding that their ancestors could be Jews. But there is no way to delete one's past from history. So it pops up again, gaining currency or losing relevance depending on the circumstances. However, some Pakhtuns don't mind being bracketed with the Jews. They would like to believe that the Pakhtuns are the lost tribe of the Jews, a theory that has found many supporters, including noted scholars in Israel and some Western countries. In fact, a small number of Pakhtuns drew satisfaction from the fact that the Jewish state of Israel had time and again proved its military superiority over a host of Arab countries in its neighbourhood. For them it is affirmation of their own bravery as well as glorious past.
A strong case could be made for making use of the research done by Jewish scholars worldwide to trace the lost 13th tribe of the Jews because it could throw light on the origin of the Pakhtuns. There should be no harm in undertaking collaborative studies between Pakhtun and Jewish scholars to find out the truth. A Canadian film crew made a documentary some time ago on the similarities between Jews and Pakhtuns and filmed glimpses of the Pakhtun culture that resembled the Jewish way of life. The team also interviewed Pakhtun scholars in the NWFP and Afghan writers in Afghanistan as part of its project concerning the theory that Pakhtuns could be the lost tribe of the Jews.
Imagination can fly wild while discussing different theories concerning the origins of the Pakhtuns. British authors, mostly military men who served in the Pakhtun areas during the colonial period, reported these theories and added to the confusion. Some of them, such as Sir Winston Churchill, made slanderous and derogatory remarks against the Pakhtuns. Their ire was understandable because Pakhtun warriors resisted British rule and inflicted great losses on the imperial army. Other British writers reluctantly conceded the courage and chivalry of the Pakhtuns and described them as their most formidable foes. Books by Pakhtun writers Roshan Khan, Bahadur Shah Zafar, Qazi Attaullah and Pareshan Khattak about their own race also suffer from deficiencies. A definitive account of the Pakhtuns is yet to be written. Until then, we would have to live with the mystery of the Pakhtun origin.
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