Niazi Pathans, troopers of Jacob's horse, 1914

"Niazi Pathans, troopers of Jacob's horse, preparing for sword drill. They still retain the curved swords in the use of which the fighting men of their race have been trained for generations". November 12, 1914.

Hatimpur fort (a 17th century fort built by a Niazi Pashtun)

During the reign of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, a family of Pashtuns rose to prominence in the Ghazipur region of modern Uttar Pradesh (India). Four brothers (Niazi Pashtuns) Ghous, Hatim, Pahar and Inayat were in the service of the army of viceroy of the province. The wife of the Viceroy accompanied him on one of his military expeditions. It so happened, that in the hurry and confusion of a sudden march, her palanquin was left behind in a forest. The Pashtun brothers came up, and finding the lady thus deserted, they took up her palanquin, and with the utmost courtesy conveyed her in safety to the camp of the Viceroy. In return for this service permission was given them to settle in the Ghazipur District. They first tried to establish themselves at Beerpur near Chowsa ; but the Zemindars there showed so much inclination to fight, that the brothers gladly compromised matters by accepting from them a sum of money and departing to try their fortune elsewhere. Ghous Khan settled close to Kuttote and built the village of Ghouspur.

The other brothers settled in Pergunnah Mahaitch, and became the owners of eleven villages, which still bear their names. A remarkably fine fort was built by Hatim Khan in his village Hetimpur, which is the most striking ancient building in the district. [Reference "Historical and Statistical Memoir of the Ghazeepoor District]

Ruins of Hatimpur, a 17th century fort built by Hatim Khan Niazi (a Pashtun), Chandauli district, (U.P, India). Photos taken by Archeological survey of India Department UP, on request of Mohammed Zober Neyazee.

Niazi uprising against the Sikhs (1829-30)

The tahsil Isa Khel of Mianwali district derives its name from the Isa Khel section of the Niazi Afghans, which long maintained its independence of the Mughal empire, and at last succumbed to the Nawab of Dera Ismail Khan. In 1828 Ahmad Khan Zaku Khel Niazi built the present town of Isa Khel, the old one having been washed away by the Indus. On completion of the town, the Nawab of Dera Ismail Khan (who held the Niazi lands in fief for Ranjit Singh) asked Ahmad Khan to build forts at Isa Khel and Trag (a village about 15 kms north of Isa Khel). Apparently, the occupation of their country by Nawab's troops did not bother Niazis one bit, but they also did not care to take measures to protect themselves against other attackers as well. Consequently, the Sikhs occupied their territory.

Soon after, Nau Nihal Singh (grandson of Ranjit Singh) marched through the Derajat, visiting Isa Khel en-route. He replaced the Pashtun garrison of Nawab of Dera Ismail Khan with the Sikhs and moved on to Dera Ismail Khan via Panniala. The Niazis were unable to compete with the trained and powerful Khalsa army.

Niazi tribe (نیازی)

The earliest work which provides the details about origin of Niazis is Makhzani-i-Afghani (1610 AD), written by Naimatullah under the patronage of Khan Jahan Lodi, an Afghan noble of Mughal emperor Jahangir. Makhzan-i-Afghani gives the genealogy of Niazi tribe as follow :-

“To Lodi, God Almighty gave three sons, Niazi, Siani, and Dotani.Niazi had three sons, Bahi, Jam, Khaku.
Jam had seven sons, Bandar, Sambal, Khankhail, Doulatkhail, Isakhail,
Marhil, and Haiki.
Marhil had two sons, Hamim and Naili.
Khaku had five sons, Isa, Musa, Mahyar, Asad, and Khidar.
Isa had two sons, Ala and Gondi.
Ala had two sons, Sud and Saharangh.
Sud had two sons, Jam and Suri.
Jam had two sons, Naiku and Michan ”. [1]

Khulastul-Ansab of Hafiz Rahmat Khan (1708–1774) gives following account of the Niazi tribe :-

“Niazi, whose descendants are the Musa khail, Isakhail, Sambal, Saharangh, whom they conjointly call Niazies: they all reside about the town of Makhad, on the banks of the Sind river, as far as Dera Ismail Khan.” [2]

Hayat-i-Afghani (completed in 1867 AD) gives the following account of Niazi tribe :-

“ The Niyazi clans are descended from Bahi, the most devout of the three sons of Niyazi, son of Lodi. Their first known settlement was in the vicinity of Ghazni, where a few are still found. In the time of Sultan Bahlul many went away to Hindustan , and in the time of Sher Shah (Sur), we find Haibat Khan (Niyazi) with the title of Azam Humayun, subahdar of Lahore, and many Niyazi in the posts of high honour and dignity. The consciousness of power and influence tempted the Niyazi, in the time of Salim Shah (Sur), to revolt, and ended in their destruction. At present, with the exception of the Isakhel, Mushani and Sarhang, there is no considerable clan of this group now found in Afghanistan. They are now scattered here and there over a wide extent of country, and every where in a reduced and depressed condition. Some are found in Bangash and Togh, a few in Kandahar, Ghazni, the Shioki ilaka, the neighborhood of Kabul, Kohgar, and various parts of Hindustan. The Marhal Niyazi, the Kundi and Mutthi are nomadic traders, and have amassed some wealth, but, on the whole, it may said that the measure of this tribe's former prosperity in Hindustanis now that of its depression in Afghanistan.” [3]

Miscellaneous historical information about Niazis

1- The tomb of Ibrahim Sur (grandfather of Sher Shah Sur) in Narnaul (Haryana, India) was constructed under the supervision of Aba Bakar Kundi, a Niazi. Persian inscriptions on the mausoleum provide following historical information :-

"If any one asks you who made this building, give him the answer if you know the secret :

This dome, whose foundation is the highest heaven, was built by the king of the country, Sher [Shah], the victorious ruler,

The chief of chiefs, the lord of the seven realms, whose sword surpasses the flash of the lightning.

Farid, son of Hasan Sur, son of Ibrahim, ordered a beautiful vault, to be built over the grave of his grandfather.  

If you ask me who was the superintendent, (I say it was) Aba Bakar, son of Shaikh Ahmad, the Niyazi. 

If i use the general term, I may call him a Niyazi, but if I use the special term, I must call him a Kundi, and this reflects honor on his pure character."  [4]

Tomb of Ibrahim Sur, Narnaul.

2-  Niazis were in possession of the Khushab pargana of the Sind-Sagar Sarkar (Punjab, Pakistan) before the close of the 16th century. According to Ain-i-Akbari, the inhabitants of Khushab were Isa Khel and other Niazi Afghans who paid 2,702,509 dams as revenue and who were rated as able to furnish 500 cavalry and 7,000 infantry for military purposes.[5]

3-  Mian Abdullah Niazi was leader of the Mahdawi movement during the reign of Islam Shah Sur. Syed Muhammad Jaunpuri (1443 – 1505 AD), the founder of the movement, had claimed to be Imam Mahdi. Mian Ahmad Niazi was almost beaten to death by Islam Shah Sur. According to Ain-i-Akbari :-

" Islam Shah [Sur] left Agrah in (1548 AD), in order to put down disturbances in the Panjab caused by certain Niyazi Afghans, and when he arrived in the neighbourhood of Bianah, Makhdum ul-Mulk drew the king's attention to Miyan Abdullah Niyazi, who after Shaikh Alai departure for the Deccan roamed about in the hills of the Bianah district [Rajasthan, India] with three or four hundred armed men, and was known to possess great influence over men of his own clan, and consequently over the Niyazi rebels in the Panjab. Islam Shah ordered the governor of Bianah, who had become a Mahdawi, to bring Miyan Abdullah to him. The governor advised his religious leader to conceal himself; but Miyan Abdullah boldly appeared before the king, and so displeased him by his neglect of etiquette, that Islam Shah gave orders to beat him to death. The king watched on horseback for an hour the execution of the punishment, and only left when Miyan 'Abdullah lay apparently lifeless on the ground. But he was with much care brought back to life. He concealed himself for a long time, renounced all Mahdawi principles." [6]

4-  Shaikh Michan Niazi was an Afghan saint. He is buried in Wana, South Waziristan. His real name was Muhsin and he is generally said to have been 6th in descent from Khako, son of Niazi. A brief account of him is given in Makzan-i-Afghani. [7]

Ziarat of Michan nika, Wana, South Waziristan.

5-  Notable Niazi nobles of Sher Shah Sur ;

Qutb Khan Niazi
Said Khan Niazi
Shams Khan Niazi
Isa Khan Niazi
Saif Khan Niazi
Haibat Khan Niazi
Zain Khan Niazi
Saeed Khan Niazi
Fateh Khan Niazi
Mir Khan Niazi
Parak Niazi
Daulat Khan Niazi

6-  Khan Zaman Khan Niazi was the chief of Niazis in mid 18th century. Ahmad Shah Abdali entrusted him with the collection of the entire Bannu and Derajat region. He was also entrusted with the recipient and transpiration of the King's share of revenue from the Talpurs of Sindh. He accompanied Ahmad Shah Abdali to India and fought against the Marathas in the battle of Panipat. For his valour and gallantry, Ahmad Shah awarded him a bejeweled sword, still in possession of the family. During the reign of Timur Shah Durrrani, he proceeded to Sindh by the royal orders and effectively quelled a revolt. [8]

Tomb of Khan Zaman Khan Niazi at Dara Tang.

7-  The famous tomb of Isa Khan in Delhi is incorrectly attributed to Isa Khan Niazi who died as a rebel during the reign of Islam Shah Sur. The inscription in the tomb records its construction in 954/1547-48 by Masnad-i-'Aali 'Isa Khan, son of Niyaz Aghwan (i.e Niyaz was name of his father, not tribe). The inscriptions says ;

"This tomb, which is an asylum of paradise, was built during the reign of Islam Shah, son of Sher Shah, may God perpetuate his kingdom and sovereignty, by Masnad Ali Isa Khan, son of Niyaz Aghwan, the chief chamberlain, in the Hijra year nine hundred and fifty-four." [9]

The inscription does not even say that the tomb is of Isa Khan. Isa Khan son of Niyaz Aghwan is the name of the person who constructed the mausoleum.

References: 

1- "History Of The Afghans: Translated From The Persian Of Neamet Ullah By Bernhard Dorn", Vol-II, p-49
2-  1- "History Of The Afghans: Translated From The Persian Of Neamet Ullah By Bernhard Dorn", p-128
2- "Afghanistan and its inhabitants / translated from the Hayat-i-Afghan of Muhammad Hayat Khan, by Henry Priestly", pp.192-193
4-  "Proceedings of the Asiatic Society of Bengal", 1875, p-222
5- "Ain-i-Akbari", Vol-2, p-323
6- The Ain i Akbari, Vol-1, p-VIII
7-  "History Of The Afghans: Translated From The Persian Of Neamet Ullah By Bernhard Dorn", Vol-II, p-31
8- "History of the Pathans", By Haroon Rashid,  Vol-III, p-365

9- "Indica", Vol-16, p-206

Shaikh Michan Niazi مچن نيکه | Michan Khel tribe

Ziarat of Mechan Nika (مچن نيکه) , Wana, South Waziristan.

Shaikh Michan Niazi was a medieval Pashtun saint . His real name was Muhsin and he is generally said to have been 6th in descent from Khako, son of Niazi. He was given the title of Michan (meaning handmill in Pashto) when one day, while on hunt in wilderness, he started rotating like a hand-mill in religious ecstasy. A brief account of him is given in Makhzan-i-Afghani (composed in 1612 AD) as follow ;

"Shaikh Mechan, is related, in the prime of youth, to have been addicted to hunting and sporting. One day, while hunting, the divine attraction entered him, and the breeze of the Almighty's grace breathed into him, so that he became affected with with ecstasy and contrition , and, by excessive love , was subjected to periodical rotation. In consequence of which , they called him Mechan , which in the Afghan language, signifies a 'mill' ; that is to say , he turned around like a mill. His descendants, among the Mati tribe, enjoy great authority ; and his threshold is a place of pilgrimage to high and low." [B.Dorn translation]

The descendants of Michan Baba are reputed to posses charms against Snake bites and hydrophobia. They are known to catch living snakes with no fear or danger. Michan Baba is buried at Wana in thr hills of Waziristan. Haji Murad, a descendant of Michan, is a saint of great repute, and his tomb is on the bank of Kurram near Lakki.  ["A Glossary of the Tribes and Castes of the Punjab and North-West", Vol-3, p-101]

Niazi chiefs in the service of Mughals

Muhammad Khan Niazi was a most respected noble of Emperor Akbar's court. He had joined the royal service around 1589 A.D, when Emperor Akbar was busy fighting the Afghan rebels in Bengal. He accompanied Shehbaz Khan Kambo in operations and performed feats of gallantry and leadership in various actions. Soon, he earned the favour of the imperial commanders who preferred to have him in their contingents while taking to the field. In 1591-2 A.D, he fought in Sindh against Mirza Jani Baig, the ruler of Sindh. The imperialists were almost routed; however, it was Muhammad khan Niazi, with 1200 men, who engaged 5,000 strong enemy from the rear and inflicted heavy damage, converting defeat into victory.

During Emperor Jahangir's rule, Muhammad Khan Niazi, was known for gallant and valiant deeds and judgement for making the best use of topography in a battle. Quite a number of times, he earned the emperor's appreciations. The emperor desired to honour him with a title, but he refused. He said,"My name is Muhammad and there could be no greater name or title than Muhammad which i should attach with my name."

Samsam-ud-Daula Shah Nawaz Khan refers to his irritable temperament. At the same time, he praises his principles, which he, till his death, didnt violate. He was religious and spent his leisure time in the study of the religious books and his nights in prayers. His contingent mostly consisted of Niazis, he looked after them during their service with him and after the death of a soldier, he used to support the deceased's dependents.  He died in 1627-8 A.D at the age of eighty-five years. his jagir in Ashti 'pargana' was located on the bank of verda river in Deccan. he declared ashti 'pargana' as his native place and worked for its development and prosperity. He is buried in the Ashti settlement. According to Wardha District Gazetteer, 

When Jahangir succeeded his father, he gave Ashti, Amner, Pavnar, and Talegaon (Berar) paraganas in jagir to Muhammad Khan Niazi, an Afghan nobleman of high rank. The credit of restoring Ashti and bringing large tracts of the surrounding land under cultivation goes to this nobleman. He died at Ashti in A.D. 1627, a handsome mausoleum in the Moghal style being erected over the spot where he was laid to rest.

Ahmad Khan, son of Muhammad Khan Niazi, rose to prominence during Emperor Jahangir's reign. When rahim khan Dakkani raided the town of Elichpur and occupied it, Ahmad khan Niazi, with a handful of men, counter-attacked Rahim khan, defeated him and appointed him the commander of the imperial forces in Deccan. Once he, along with Bihar Singh Bundela, was located in Zafar Nagar when he fell sick. Khan Zaman, another imperial chief, was to escort a supply convoy to Daulatabad. The latter requested for some reinforcements from Ahmad Khan who provided him with his whole force except for a small contingent. Yaqut Habshi, an ally of the Adilshahis, on his way to ambush khan Zaman, came to know about Ahmad khan's sickness and absence of troops for the defense of Zafar Nagar. He changed his mind and attacked Ahmad Khan Niazi. The latter, along with Bihar Singh Bundela, intercepted the attackers near Anberkor and soon made them flee, leaving a large number of dead and wounded. Mohabat khan, a favorite court noble of the emperor, was greatly impressed by Ahmad Khan's courage and gallantry and used to address him as "Khanzada" by way of respect and reverence.

Emperor Shahjahan raised his rank and appointed him commander of 2500 infantry and 2,000 cavalry. He subdued the refractory Rajput rulers in Deccan. Later, the emperor made him commander of 3,000 infantry and 3,000 cavalry and appointed him as ruler of Ahmadnagar. He died in 1651 A.D. He was known for his generosity, bravery and chivalry. He was a thorough gentleman and followed the religious injunctions in letter and spirit. Like his father, he worked for the betterment of Ashi 'pargana'. He planted beautiful gardens, constructed a splendid mosque and a mausoleum for his father.

Mubark Khan Niazi was the son of Muzaffar Khan, son of Muhammad khan Niazi. His father didnt rise to prominence. Mubark khan Niazi joined service during emperor Jahangir's reign, however, it was during the time of Emperor Shahjahan that he was made the commander of 1,000 infantry and 700 cavalry and sent to Rajputana under the command of Rao Ratan. Like his ancestors, bravery and chivalry was in his blood and soon he made his presence felt. He played an important role in the capture of Deccan fort. His command was increased to 2,000 infantry and 2,000 cavalry. Subsequently, he was sent to kabul where he remained busy in fighting the rebels. He was appointed 'Thanedar' of both Bangashat (Kohat and Kurram valleys), however he couldnt control the region and was replaced, though he remained in the same pargana. Later, emperor Aurangzeb re-appointed him ruler of Bangashat.

Mubbark Khan Niazi died in the later part of 17th century. He was the last of the Niazis mentioned in the history of Hind. Like his grandfather, he is buried in Ashti, which was remembered for quite some time as the stronghold of the Niazis, particularly, the descendents of Muhammad Khan Niazi.


                                                    References
1- Mughal Archives: Durbar papers and a miscellany of singular documents  
2- The Afghan nobility and the Mughals: 1526-1707
3- History of the Pathans: The Ghurghashti, Beitani and Mati Pathans
4- Wardha District Gazetteer p-634

Pashtun Tribesmen and the 1948 Kashmir Conflict

On October 22, 1947, Pashtun tribesmen entered Kashmir from Pakistan, in response to the mass killing of Muslims in Jammu and in support of insurgents of Poonch, with logistical support from the Government of Pakistan. On October 24, the insurgents in Poonch formally declared independence as the state of Azad Kashmir.

The Muslims, who constituted 61 percent of the population of Jammu region, were reduced to a minority after the killings and displacement by Dogra army (and the forces from Patiala Punjab and RSS who were called in). Five days after the Jammu killings, Pashtun tribesmen invaded Kashmir. https://scroll.in/article/811468/the-killing-fields-of-jammu-when-it-was-muslims-who-were-eliminated

Orakzai tribesmen on their way to fight in Kashmir, 13th November, 1947. Photo by Frank Leeson.

Orakzai tribesmen on their way to fight in Kashmir, 13th November, 1947. Photo by Frank Leeson.

Tribal irregulars from the North West Frontier bound for Kashmir, 1947. From an album, collated and annotated by Lt Frank Leeson, relates to his service during 1946-1947 with the North Waziristan Khassadars, a force of tribal police engaged in protecting communications and military outposts in the Tribal Territory.. [Source: National Army Museum, London]

A Brigadier of Pakistan army distributing arms to tribal fighters during the Kashmir conflict of 1948. Source

A Brigadier of Pakistan army distributing arms to tribal fighters during the Kashmir conflict of 1948. Source

Late Senator Malik Gulab Khan Mahsud (Sub tribe Ishangi) was chief of Behlolzai tribe. He participated in Kashmir war of 1948 and received Hilal-i-Kashmir and Tamgha-i-Kashmir for his role in that war. Source

In this report published in BBC, Hussain Gul, then a soldier of Paramilitary Kurram Militia, shares his experiences of that war:-

"Hussain Gul, a resident of Shalozan village in the Kurram tribal region who was then a soldier of the paramilitary Kurram Militia, was part of that force.

"We were there to attack and recapture [the 2,800-metre] Pandu ridge which the Indians had occupied during autumn," he says.

"It was a good victory. We were able to occupy a considerable part of Kashmir but we still lost most of it. It made one feel sad, like when you lose a part of your house," 

His father, who went in with a band of friends to fight during the previous season, "came back defeated".

"They brought back war booty though; gold and some women," he chuckles. 

In his mid-90s now, and with a fading memory, he is not sure what happened to the women. As for gold, "they were cheated out of it by Majoor", an ethnic Hazara businessman in Parachinar, the central town of Kurram.

The picture on Hussain Gul's Kurram militia's ID

Kazi Abdul Sarir (Abakhail) from South Waziristan (Makin) brought 28 fighters to the 1947-48 war of Kashmir. He received the title of Sher-i-Kashmir from the Government of Pakistan and a certificate from the Government of Azad Kashmir acknowledging his services. The certificate says he and his men fought well in the battle at Naushera (Kashmir).

Sanad issued by the government of Azad Kashmir to Khalifa Sultan Jan Niazi (Mirali Khel), son of Mullah Nazeem, of Dera Ismail Khan, acknowledging his services in the 1947-48 war of Kashmir. He brought 190 fighters to the war. Photos of his sons.

A sanad issued by the Government of Azad Kashmir acknowledging the services of Karimullah in 1947-48 War of Kashmir. He was the commander of a force, known as Jamat-i-Naajia, assembled by Haji Muhammad Amin of Umarzai, Charsadda district.

A sanad issued by the Government of Azad Kashmir acknowledging the services of Karimullah in 1947-48 War of Kashmir. He was the commander of a force, known as Jamat-i-Naajia, assembled by Haji Muhammad Amin of Umarzai, Charsadda district.

Risaldar Major Ghulam Rasul Niazi of 15th Lancers of British-Indian army participated in the Kashmir war of 1948 and earned the title of Ghazi-i-Kashmir. ["History of the Pathans", Vol-III, p-383]

Risaldar Major Ghulam Rasul Niazi of 15th Lancers of British-Indian army participated in the Kashmir war of 1948 and earned the title of Ghazi-i-Kashmir. ["History of the Pathans", Vol-III, p-383]

A reproduced copy of sanad issued by the government of Azad Kashmir to Khalifa Sultan Jan Niazi, son of Mullah Nazeem, of Dera Ismail Khan, acknowledging his services in the 1947-48 war of Kashmir. He brought 190 fighters to the war. [published in "Tarikh i Niazi Qabial" by Iqbal Khan Niazi]

A reproduced copy of sanad issued by the government of Azad Kashmir to Khalifa Sultan Jan Niazi, son of Mullah Nazeem, of Dera Ismail Khan, acknowledging his services in the 1947-48 war of Kashmir. He brought 190 fighters to the war. [published in "Tarikh i Niazi Qabial" by Iqbal Khan Niazi]

Armed Mohmand tribesmen waiting on the road between Peshawar and Rawalpindi for their leader Bacha Gul [son of Haji Sahib of Turangzai] to arrive with trucks and extra ammo, to lead them into battle in Kashmir, December 1947. Photograph by Margaret Bourke-White.

Armed Mohmand tribesmen waiting on the road between Peshawar and Rawalpindi for their leader Bacha Gul [son of Haji Sahib of Turangzai] to arrive with trucks and extra ammo, to lead them into battle in Kashmir, December 1947. Photograph by Margaret Bourke-White.