Pashtun tribal flags

Pashtun Tribal Flags

In the past, each section or sub-tribe of a Pashtun tribe used to have its own unique flag or standard (‘bairagh’ بیرغ in Pashto). For example, each of the eight sections of the Afridi tribe had their own particular flags representing them.

The Pashtun tribal flags were triangular in shape and traditionally made by Pashtun women. The designs were usually stitched in cotton, and occasionally embroidered in silk. Unlike many Islamic banners, they rarely carried the kalima or Quranic verses.

During the wars, the Pashtun lashkars were accompanied by flags which formed rallying points for respective clans in battle, and which were not allowed to fall into the hands of the enemy. The flag-bearer, elected by the jirga for that role, was always the bravest man in the clan, and he was responsible for its safety during peace and war. The flag-bearer used to march in the van of the lashkar.

A Pashtun army consisting of many clans marching with tribal flags was a sight to behold in pre-modern times. Anandram Mukhlis, who witness the Pashtun army of Ali Muhammad Khan Rohilla in 1745 AD, writes in his diary:

"Every soldier in his (Ali Muhammad Khan's) army, whether horse or foot, carries a musket; every commander of ten or a hundred infantry has his own banner of particular coloured cloth, and these are carried at the head of cavalcade in marching, so that it looks as if a flower garden is marching with them."
— Safarnama Mukhlis, p.261

The War Flags of Umra Khan of Jandul and Sartor Faqir

The war flags of Umra Khan of Jandul and Sartor faqir had insignia of blood-red hand upon green field. It symbolized the Prophet Muhammad's hand.

The following image from London Illustrated News (18 September 1897) is captioned as follows:

"Chief among the fanatical mullahs, or priests, who have been stirring up the tribesmen on the North West Frontier of India is the Mad Mullah of the Swat valley. His standard bears the same insignia as did of Umra Khan in the Chitral campaign, namely a blood-red hand upon a green field."

War flag of Umra Khan of Jandul featuring a blood-red hand on a green field.

The Afridi Flag of Truce

The blood-red hand also appeared on the white peace banner of Afridis offering truce to British officers in 1930. As described in The Graphic newspaper:

“The above picture shows an Afridi jirgah, or peace assembly, meeting a British political officer. The tribal banner of Afridis is embroidered with a red hand.”

Afridi jirgah presenting peace offerings under a white flag bearing a red hand, 1930.

Afridi jirgah presenting peace offerings under a white flag bearing a red hand, 1930. Source

Pashtun tribal flags seized by the British at the battle of Jalalabad April 1842, presently held in storage at the Somerset Military Museum.

Sikh soldiers of British-Indian Army with captured Pashtun tribal flags, Tirah, 1897. Source

Tribal flags of Yousafzais during the Ambela campaign against the British in 1863.

Yousafzai tribesmen waving flags and launching an attack, 1897. Drawing by Edmund Hobday.

Mohmand hill tribesmen with their flags, early 20th century.

A Pashtun chief of Malakand and his retainers. The flag shows a blood-red hand on a green field.

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