Bajauri tribesmen, 1890 (c)

 

Bajauri Pashtuns, 1890 (c). From "tribes on our frontier" series of photos by Bourne & Shepherd.

Pashtun tribesmen waving their banners, beating drums and playing on flute as they launch their attack on British positions, 1897

 

Pashtun tribesmen waving their banners, beating drums and playing on flute as they launch their attack on British positions, 1897. Drawing by Edmund Hobday.

Tomb of Abdul Rashid known as Bajauṛi Baba in Peshawar

The mausoleum Abdul Rashid Bajauri Baba is located on the Kohat road and Said Hasan Pir road in Peshawar, near Government College of Technology.

A certain Akhundzada (who is notorious for making stuff up) is claiming in his article that Abdul Rashid Bajauri was a Tajik. But actually, there is no evidence that he was a Tajik.

 

1- Akhundzada blatantly lies that Mughal king Babur brought Abdul Rashid Bajauri in chains to Peshawar and made him subedar of Kabul-Peshawar province. Neither Babur nor any other Mughal historian mentions Rashid Bajauri. Akundzada is passing off his speculations as certain facts and is making up the story of Babur bringing him in chains to Peshawar and making him governor of Kabul province. Babur appointed his son Mirza Kamran, not some Bajauri, as governor of Kabul (including Peshawar). Mirza Kamran ruled Kabul till 1552.

 

2- Just because his father was named 'Sakhi Arab Khan', does not mean he was an Arab (or was claiming to be an Arab). It is not uncommon among Pashtuns to name their children after communities/ethnicities and cities; Baloch Khan, Arab Khan, Mughal Khan, Tajik Khan, Multan Khan, Ghazni Khan etc. There is no evidence to prove that the family of Abdul Rashid Bajauri belonged to the Arab community of Bajaur. 

 

3- Akhundzada has purposefully not mentioned the fact that descendants of Bajauri Baba in Peshawar claim to be Tarklanri Pashtuns.

 

4- Akhundzada writes: "Real students of history know that Babur was only Mughal monarch who had anything to do with Bajaur. No succeeding Mughal ever had concerns there — nor did they trouble themselves by sending troops there for any reason". 

 

The "real student of history" (Akhundzada) should know that Akbar's general Zain Khan operated in Bajaur for years and spent more time in Bajaur than Babur. Akbar had more concerns with Bajaur than Babur did.

 

5- According to archaeologists, the building of the tomb of Abdul Rashid Bajauri can be dated to last quarter of 17th century. (Reference: "Tomb architecture in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province (Pakistan)": An analytical study by Shakirullah, p-44). The reason Akhundzada insist that Abdul Rashid Bajauri was from Babur times, is because there was no trace of Tarklanri Pashtuns in Bajaur in the times of Babur. The tomb was built in last quarter of 17th century during the reign of Aurangzeb Alamgir and at that time Bajaur was an abode of Tarkanri Pashtuns. Moreover, Pashtuns in northern districts of KPK rather frequently refer to themselves by their district names; Bajauri, Diroji, Swati, Bunerwal, Swabiwal, Charsadewal etc. 

 

6- Tajiks/Parsiwans did not inhabit Bajaur and Swat. I have debunked this claim of Akhundzada in this article of mine. 

Muhammad Sharif Khan (the Nawab of Dir) and Safdar Khan (the Nawab of Nawagai), 1903

Nawab Mohammad Sharif Khan (the Khan of Dir), Shuja ul-Mulk (Mehtar of Chitral) and Nawab Safdar Khan (the Khan of Nawagai) with attendants 1903. Source

The Nawabs of Dir were descendants of Mullah Ilyas (commonly known as Akhund Baba), a 17th century Yousafzai Pashtun saint.

History of the Utman Khel tribe (اتمان خیل)

Utman Khels are Karlanri Pashtuns whose territory lies between Swat and Bajaur. According to a local legend the Utman Khels are the descendants of Baba Utman, a follower of Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni. 

It is said that their original abode was in the mountains about Tank and Gomal from which they moved away in early 14th century AD and accompanied the Yousafzai by way of Kabul and Nangarhar to Peshawar. In the war between Yousafzai and Dilazak, the Utman Khel remained faithful to the former even though the latter were their Karlanri kinsmen. They contributed to the victory of Yousafzais over Dilazaks by effectively using shields of raw and tanned ox hides that protected them against the arrows of the enemy archers. They advanced boldly into the very lines of their enemies and routed the Dilazaks. 

The whole or part of Utman Khel tribe were found in Tirah in the times of Pir Roshan. Afzal Khan Khattak writes:

"It is stated that, in Pir Roshan's day, the Utman Khel tribe was in Tirah and that on enmity arising between them and the Afridis, they left Tirah and went and took up their quarters in Arang Barang of Bajaur".

 

References: (1) 'Hayat-i-Afghani' by Muhammad Hayat Khan (2) 'History of the Pathans' by Haroon Rashid;

Utman Khel tribesmen, 1890 (c). From "The tribes on our frontier" series of photos by Bourne & Shepherd.. Source.

The Utman Khel country, 1935. Caption: "The inhospital region where the Faquir of Alingar recruited the greater part of his force of nine hundred men which proved so difficult to quell. The Swat River runs through a deep gorge between these hills. Source: "The Sphere" magazine, 13th July 1935, 

1935: A stone shelter built by the Pashtuns of Utman Khel tribe of Malakand to protect themeselves from the British aeroplanes. From ''The Sphere'' magazine.

A Pashtun youth from Malakand, undated. On reverse Captioned “Dora C Kennedy Malakand NWFP India”. Above the framers label on reverse of frame is written “Pathan Youth”. Via Farrukh Husain

Umra Khan of Jandul and a case of blasphemy

In late 19th century, Umra Khan of Jandul (now located in Lower Dir district of KPK) was gaining tremendous power and influence. The growing power of Umra Khan was alarming and worrisome for not only the 'Khans' of surrounding regions but also for Amir Abdur Rahman, the ruler of the Kabul kingdom. Amir Abdur Rahman desired to annex 'Yaghistan' (Bajaur, Dir and Swat) to his kingdom. And for that goal to realize, he had to first curb the influence and power of Umra Khan. For that purpose, he sent Mullah Makarani, an influential scholar, to Jandul in 1882. The real name of Mullah Makarani was Abu Bakar and he was a native of Kabul city.

In 1884 a Hindu Baniyya of Mayar village of Jandul was accused of cursing the Prophet and Islam. Mullah Makarani demanded the death of that Hindu from Umra Khan. The latter refused to do so since that Hindu denied the charge. Mullah Makarani summoned Umra Khan to discuss the matter of blasphemy with him. But Umra Khan distrusted that agent of Amir Abdur Rahman and suspected treachery. Therefore, he did not comply with the summon and insisted that the meeting between two should be at some neutral place. Both parties agreed that the meeting would be at the village of Mian Killi. However, Umra Khan attacked Mullah Makarani's party at Mian Killi. He captured Mullah Makarani and kept him prisoner for three days. 

On release Mullah Makarani proclaimed Umra Khan as apostate and declared him "wajib al-qatal (one who has to be killed as per sharia), and he declared 'jihad' against Umra Khan. The Mamund clans (Tarklarnis) and Salarzais (Tarklanris) under the Khan of Nawagai joined the 'jihad' of Mullah Makarani against Umra Khan.  The latter defeated that large lashkar of Makarani with his small Janduli lashkar. However, the matter got further complicated and worsened. The jihad of Mullah Makarani was joined by the Khan of Dir, Mianguls of Swat and the Utman-Khel tribe. Umra Khan failed to disperse the large coalition force formed against him. He evacuated Barwa (now Samar-bagh) and retired to Jandul. But soon disputes arose between the allies of Mullah Makarani over the territories captured from Umra Khan. The latter was waiting for such an opportunity to arise. He suddenly pounced upon the lashkar of the Khan of Nawagai and defeated him. In that attack of Umra Khan, the brother of Khan of Nawagai got killed. Fearing retribution, Mullah Makarani fled to Kabul and never returned to Yaghistan. Umra Khan recovered all of his lost territories and conquered all the territory up to Chakdarra in one sweep. 

References: 
 
1- "Military Report on Dir , Swat and Bajour" by Intelligence Branch India (confidential)
2-  "History of the Pathans", Vol-2, by Brig (r) Haroon Rashid

Mian Killi in the Jandul valley (in Lower Dir) set on fire by the British. View from Munda fort of Umra Khan, May 1895. Painted by Lt.-Col. Alan David Greenhill Gardyne in 1918. Source

A heavily armed inhabitant of Bajaur, 1835-1840. Illustrations by Imam Bakhsh Lahori for the memoirs of General Claude-Auguste Court (French general of Ranjit Singh), Lahore.

Village of Bilot in the Mamund valley (Bajaur) attacked by British forces, 1897

Village of Bilot in the Mamund valley (Bajaur) attacked by British forces. The caption says: "the losses in men and battery mules (of British) were very large". 

From The Illustrated London News, 13 November 1897. 

Artist: William Barnes Wollen. 

Source: https://www.meisterdrucke.uk/fine-art-prints/William-Barnes-Wollen/210058/The-Indian-Frontier-Rising,-Village-of-Bilot,-Mohmand-Valley,-occupied-by-General-Jeffreys-after-the-Fight-of-16-September-.html

An inhabitant of Bajaur, 1827-1843. Illustrations by Imam Bakhsh Lahori for the memoirs of General Claude-Auguste Court.

Tarklanri tribe of Bajaur

The Tarklanri (also spelled as Tarkani and Tarkalani) are a Pashtun tribe whose abode is Bajaur. Like the Yousafzais, they are part of the Khashi-Khel designation (descendants of Khashi, son of Kand) and belong to the Sarban division of Pashtuns. Their ancestor is said to be Tarak, son of Khashi by his wife Bassu..

In the 15th century, they accompanied the Yousufzi to Kabul area from southern Afghanistan. When the Yousufzi left Kabul (circa 1480-81) for Peshawar valley, the Tarklanris were settled in Laghman area and their chief at that time was Malik Sarkhabi, son of Shamu. [2]

In 1508 Tarklanris led by Malik Sarkhabi interwened in the conflict between Yousafzais and Umar-Khel Dilazaks of Bajaur but ultimately sided with the former. After defeating the Dilazaks, Tarkanis returned to Laghman. But soon after Mughals expelled them from Laghman. Their Khashi kin, the Yousafzais, assigned them a portion of Bajaur.

Babur mentions Tarklanis in his diary, the Babur-nama, and it is the earliest mention of the tribe in historical records. Babur mentions one Sher Khan Tarkalani, in whose house he had a feast of fresh fish from the fishponds on January 19th, 1520. [3]

Akund Darweza states that the original inhabitants of Lamghan complained of the oppression of the Tarklarnis, who had overran their country, to the governor on the part of Mughal rulers (in the reign of Humayun in all probability). An inroad was made upon the Tarklarnis, and their lands and properties were plundered, some of them carried off into captivity, and the rest fled for Bajaur but Yousafzais would not allow them to settle there [4]. Thereupon, they went to Chaghan Sarai in the Kunar valley, but the Turks, Tajiks and Kafirs of that area repulsed them as well, and the tribe was without a home. They then attacked and seized the country of Gagyanis of Bajaur after slaying thousands of Gagyanis on two occasions [5]. The Shoab clan remained behind and is presently settled in Laghman, Sirah Qila and Nanagarhar. Some of their clans, collectively called Katwar, went over to Badakhshan and Chitral.[6]

Bajauris used to carry out incursions into country of Siah-posh Kafirs for the sake of plunder and slaves. About the end of 18th century, the Afghan chiefs of Bajaur, Panjkorah, Kunar and others , confederated together and entered the Kafir country, where they burnt some hamlets and forced several persons to embrace Islam ; but the invaders were soon compelled to retreat , after sustaining severe loss. Five or six years since, the Bajaur chief made an inroad into that part of Kafiristan adjoining his own district ; burned and sacked some villages , whom he subsequently sold into slavery. [7]

The Tarklanri 'Khans' of Bajaur used to have an authority unusual amongst the Pashtuns and were often called Badshah. The author of Hayat-i-Afghani (completed in 1865) describe the Khans of Bajaur as follow:-

"The Khans of Bajour possess an authority unusual among Afghans, and are often styled "Kings" (padshah). At present Ghulam Haider Khan of Naugai and Faiz Talab Khan of Jandawal are the paramount chiefs, but Firoz Khan of Barawal, Malik Ghulam Khan, Ismailzai, Haider Khan of Nawagi, and Mir Aman Khan of Bajour, are also men of consideration and importance. These Khans levy from all those not of Afghan blood who are subject to their sway, a tax equal to one-fifth the produce of unirrigated land and hlaf that of irrigated land, in addition to one fourth the profits of the trade in iron, and from these sources, a gross revenue of perhaps a lakh of rupees will be realised. The Afghan clansmen, though exempt from taxes or dues, are bound to render their khan snit and service , and to attend his summons to war. The khan has also absolute power to punish crime in any way he thinks fit, and may banish , imprison, kill , fine, lay waste on his own authority, but fine is the usual punishment. Nor indeed, is it customary for the khan to intermeddle in petty disputes where there is no fear of serious commotion. Such cases of individual differences are dealt with by the village maliks and grey-beards. " [8]

The Tarklanris of Bajaur, 1897

An inhabitant of Bajaur, 1827-1843. Illustrations by Imam Bakhsh Lahori for the memoirs of General Claude-Auguste Court.

References

1- "History of Afghans" by B.Dorn, Vol-II, p-125
2- "History of the Pathans", Haroon Rashid, Vol.2, p-255
3- "Baburnama", English translation by A.S.Beveridge, p-424

4- "Notes on Afghanistan", H.G.Raverty, p-115

5- "The Transformation of Afghan Tribal Society Tribal Expansion, Mughal Imperialism and the Roshaniyya Insurrection, 1450-1600", p-259

6-  "History of the Pathans", Haroon Rashid, Vol-2, p-256
7- "Notes on Kafiristan", 1859, by H.G.Raverty

8- "Afghanistan and its inhabitants", p-130

Swati tribe of Hazara

The Swatis were the former inhabitants of Swat valley. Yousfzais drove out them of Swat in the early 16th century. Swatis are numerous people, mostly settled in the districts of Mansehra, Battagram, Torghar and to some extent in Kohistan. They have settlements in Agror valley, Konsh and Bhogarmang glens of Mansehra District. Majority of them are bilingual and can speak Hindko in addition to their mother tongue Pashto; the further away a village is from the Indus on the eastern bank, the more Hindko and the less Pashto is spoken. The people of the adjoining Trans-Indus tracts and of the adjoining Swatis all speak Pashto only. Some of their kinsmen are settled in Kashmir. They strictly follow the Pashtun tribal code and call it Swatiwali.

When Babur crossed the Hindu Kush mountains and captured Kabul in 1504, the regions of Swat and Bajaur were peopled by Dardic ethno-linguistic groups commonly referred to as Dehgan or Degan, an ethnic community once spread over parts of Pakistan which are now populated by Khashi tribes of Pashtuns. The Dardic rulers of Swat and Bajaur were called Gibaris. The Gibari sultans of Swat, also referred to as Jahangiris, were the most powerful of several local rulers in the Dardic speaking regions. They not only ruled the Swat valley, Panjkorah and Buner, but through their Shalmani vassals they were also suzerains of the flat country bordering the mountains. Their capital was Manglawar in Swat. Their subjects, referred to as Dehgans or Kohistanis in Afghan histories, were comprised of tribes like Mutravi, Mumiali and Shalmani as well as other Dardic tribes from Chitral to Shangla, including those of Swat-Kohistan and Dir-Kohistan. According to Tarikh-i-Afghana of Khwaja Malezai, written in around 1623 AD, the Mitravi tribe of Swatis reckoned themselves to be descended from Yousafzais in 16th century, and contended that they were separated from Yousafzais in ancient times when the latter lived in the environs of Kandahar [1].

Abu Fazal, the courtier of Mughal emperor Akbar informs us that sultans of Swat claimed to be descended from a daughter of Sultan Sikander-i-Zulqarnain. In Akbarnama he writes,

 "In this land (Swat and Bajaur) there was a tribe that had the title of 'sultani' and claimed to be descended from a daughter of Sultan Sikander-i-Zulqarnain. The Yousafzai for some time zealously served them and then became ungrateful and took possession of the choice lands" [2]

The exact year of invasion of Swat by Yousafzais is unknown. It had to have been between 1510 and 1518. It took the Yousafzai seventeen years to completely subdue the Swat valley, both Upper and Lower Swat. When Babur passed that way in 1519, the Yousafzais were in Swat, but Sultan Awais was still contending with them for control of the country. In the same year, Babur attacked the Gibar fort of Bajaur and conquered it on the 7th January of 1519. Its independent ruler, Sultan Haider Ali Gibari, committed suicide. The entire male Gibari population, numbering 3,000, including their sultans, were cruelly put to sword by the Mughals, and a pillar of their heads was erected. Their women and children were taken as slaves [3]. On hearing of these events, Sultan Awais of Swat sent to offer his submission, which was accepted. Sultan Awais retired northwards before the power of the Yousafzais, towards the sources of the Amu Darya. He, and his descendants, for several generations, ruled therein as far as the frontier of Badakhshan, after which they are suddenly lost sight of. The great probability is that the rulers of Chitral, Kashkar, Shighnan, Wakhan, and some other petty states on the upper Oxus, were their descendants; and, like them, they claimed descent from Alexander of Macedon [4].

Abdu Fazal writes, "Up to present day (1585 A.D) some of the former inhabitants (of Swat) spend their days in distress in the defiles and from love of their native land are unable to leave."[5].

In 1703 AD, the hard pressed Gibaris and other former inhabitants of Swat crossed the river Indus and conquered Pakhli under the leadership of Syed Jalal Baba, a grandson of Pir Baba of Buner. Having for the most part come from Swat, they were styled as Swatis by their immediate neighbors.

Read also: Jahangir sultans of Swat

References

1- Tarwaikh-i-Hafiz Rahmat Khan, Urdu translation by Roshan Khan, p-128
2-  Akbarnama, English translation by H.Beveridge, Vol-III, p-716
3- "Baburnama", English translation by A.S.Beveridge, p-370
4- "Tabakat-i-Nasiri", English translation by H.G.Raverty, p-1044
5- Akbarnama, English translation by H.Beveridge, Vol-III, p-716

Four young Swati tribesmen, c.1890. Photo by Bourne and Shepherd