The Hidden Treasure

(Pata Khazana)
A Biography of Pashtoon Poets
by
Mohammad Hothek
Edited, annotated and translated into Persian by
Abdul Hay Habibi
(1944)
Translated from the Pashto and Persian
by
Khushal Habibi
1997
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Preface
The Hidden Treasure (Pata Khazana) hands down to posterity Pashto poetry of a
thousand years and illustrates the work of eloquent Pashto poets and poetesses. A
hand-written manuscript, transcribed in 1886, was discovered by the late Professor
Abdul Hay Habibi in 1944. He edited, annotated and translated it into Persian and it was
published in Kabul by the Pashto Academy of Afghanistan. This relic of immense value
provides a rare insight into the obscure history of ancient Pashto literature. It sheds light
on classic Pashto poetry and introduces us to eminent men and women of letters whose
work has been lost through the centuries.
My intention to translate Pata Khazana into English is to avail its inspiring poetry to
sholars interested in the subject to enable them to visualize the evolution of the Pashto
language through the annals of history. It also provides a source in English to those who
are interested in the culture and language of the Pashtoons but are unable to read
about it. In order to provide the reader with a fair idea of the of the conceptual spirit of
the original poems, the thoughts and ideas of the poets have been preserved as far as
rhythmic translation permitted. No attempt has been made to edit the work so that it
may not be tainted with the exuberance of translation. Thus in some instances the
translation appears inelegant, but to faithfully adhere to the original and not to impose
my individuality on the work, that was unavoidable. Great care has been taken to
faithfully interpret the thoughts and expressions of the poets as far as the exigencies of
translation permitted.
The 1944 edition of the book contains detailed footnotes and annotations. All the
annotations have been translated. The shorter footnotes relevant to the English text are
presented with the annotations. In the original text, comments on the prose and poetry
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are presented at the end of the book. Here they follow the introduction, together with
Professor Habibi's remarks on the skeptics of Pata Khazana which appeared as a
commentary in the fourth edition of the book, published in 1977 by the Faculty of Letters
and Humanities of Kabul University.
In the course of translating the book I came across an Italian translation of Pata
Khazana. In the bibliography of Il Tesoro Nascosto Degli Afghani, it was noted that a
version of the book had been translated into English in 1979 and published by the
International Center for Pashto Studies, Academy of Science of Afghanistan. In the
preface of the book it is not stated from which edition of Pata Khazana the translation
was done. The annotations, introduction and notes on the prose and poetry, as they
appeared in the first edition, are not included. These are essential for scholars in
understanding the background, etymology and historical context of the subject.
To clarify the doubts raised by various skeptics, Professor Habibi's annotations,
notes and commentary have been included here together with the translation of the full
text of Pata Khazana. In my rendering of the poetry I have tried to follow the exact
pattern of rhyming of the Pashto verse. I do not claim to be a versifier, but to distance
myself from a literal translation, in which the imaginative configuration and spirit of the
poems is often lost, I have tried to present the poetry as a semblance of English verse.
I am neithert a poet or a scholar of the Pashto language. However, my admiration for
this collection of our national heritage encouraged me to translate this renowned book.
It is a labor of love for me and I leave it to the reader to decide how well I have
succeeded in this self-imposed task.
Khushal Habibi,
East Lansing, Michigan
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The following transliteration has been adopted for the Pashto alphabet:

b
p
t
t

j
ch
h
kh
dz
ts
d
z

d
r
rr
z
zh
z
s
sh
s
s
z
t
z

gh

f
q
k
g
l
m
n

w
h
y
hamza

ay

ey

o
h
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Introduction
Among the important relics our national literature which I have submitted to my
countrymen I am forwarding a book, which without any doubt is a testament of our
national heritage and an eloquent work of literature in the Pashto language.
This magnificent book entitled Pata Khazana (The Hidden Treasure), was written in
Qandahar in 1141-1142 H. (1728-29 A.D.) by Mohammad bin Daud bin Qader Khan
Hothek under the patronage of the young emperor Shah Hussain Hothek who was
keenly interested in the promotion of culture and of Pashto literature. The author of the
book was a distinguished literary personality of the court. He was an outstanding
scholar of the Pashto language and dedicated this work to Pashto poets. The book is
composed of three parts. The first treasure is dedicated to the life and work of past
poets, from 100 H. (718 A.D.) to one thousand Hejira. The second treasure concerns
with contemporary poets and the third treasure refers to poetesses of the Pashto
language followed by a conclusion. In the end of the book the author talks about his life
and literary works. Fortunately, the learned author had a gifted style and a strong base
for his work. Throughout the book, the author gives references to published material,
words of other people and tradition.
In the spring of 1944, I obtained a copy of this book, which contains the history of the
Pashto literature, and provides a profile of 50 poets dating from 100 to 1100 H. (718 to
1688 A.D.). Once I realized its importance I presented it to other personalities in the
Afghan literary circles. They were all overwhelmed by the finding and its significance as
a relic of national heritage. Most distinguished among them was Sardar Mohammad
Nim, the Minister of Education who takes a keen interest in national literature. He and
other literary personalities urged the publication of the book.
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Recognizing the strength of public interest for the book, I began to edit, annotate
and translate it into Persian and am now presenting it to all the enlightened people of
our country who are deeply interested in our literature. I am happy and honored that as
a continuation of my published work in Pashto literature an occupation of many years, I
finally succeeded in discovering this treasure and after editing and researching, to
present it as a historical document. For the reader to understand the text better, every
page of the original Pashto is presented with Persian translation on the opposite page.
Where changes have occurred in the spelling of words, the actual word, as found in the
manuscript is described in the footnotes together with the change and its meaning. The
Persian translation of both the prose and poetry is literary so that the originality of the
text is safeguarded. If it is tedious reading I hope that the reader will forgive me for this.
In the footnotes I explain the meaning of some of the rare and difficult to understand
words and present them together with their syntax and roots. Reference is also made to
names of certain locations and places mentioned in the manuscript which have either
changed or are not well-known. The end of the book contains a detailed explanation of
rare words, places and people which are mentioned in the text. A complete index of
people's names, places and sources is also included.
While researching rare words a large volume of reference material was used. The
pages and exact citation of the reference material is presented for ease of access. With
regard to the finding of the original manuscript and its importance I have a lot to say that
does not fit in this short introduction. The style of the poetry and the prose is discussed
in the following sections.
Kabul, Khwabgah, Hamal 1322 H. (March 1944).
Abdul Hay Habibi
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The Book's Prose

In the notes and annotations of the book attention is drawn to the qualitative
significance of some words and historical background. These explanations enables the
readers to appreciate the significance of the book from the point of literature and history
and to recognize its benefits. Here, I would like to dwell with the prose style of the
author and to clarify the importance of the book from the point of view of literary prose.
To clarify the issue, it would be fruitful to glance shortly at the history of Pashto prose
first, and later discuss its historical significance.
Pashto prose before 1000 H. (1592 A.D.)
The oldest document available in Pashto prose is the few pages of Tazkerat-al-Awlia
(Memoirs of Saints) of Sulaiman Maku, written in 612 H. (1215 A.D.) during the time of
the Mongol raids. This document represents the oldest Pashto prose available to us. I
found these pages five years ago. Before that, all those who studied the Pashto
language, told me that the half-poetic prose of Akhund Darweza and his likes was the
oldest sample of Pashto prose. After discovering the lost pages of Sulaiman Maku,
which I have printed in volume one of Pashtana Shura (Pashtoon Poets), it became
clear that Pashto prose was firmly established even before Akhund Darweza and Pir
Roshan.
The style of Sulaiman Maku, who wrote in Arghasan of Qandahar, is different from
present day prose. However, it shows that before the rhythmical prose of Khair-al-
Bayan (Blessed Discourse) and Makhzan-al-Islam (Islamic Treasure) our language had
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a fluent and interesting style of writing, which was closer to speech and distant from the
artificial style of writing of later days.
During the time of the Mongols an overly adorned and unattractive style of prose
became popular in Persian. This style of writing prose was devoid of the excellencies of
the fluid composition of the past. In the rhythmic prose the lucidity of past composition
was lost. It did not have the elegance of the works of Baihaqi, Minhaj Seraj or Sdi and
complex phrases and twisted sentences were introduced to Persian prose resulting in
loss of fluency. This style of writing continued until the time when Dura-e Nadera (Rare
Pearls) was written by Mohammad Mahdi Astarabadi.
This destructive movement also affected Pashto prose and authors started imitating
the Persian writers of the Mongol period. After 900 H. (1495 A.D.) Pir Roshan wrote
Khair-al-Bayan in this crude style using rhythmical prose with liberty. Toward the end of
the book he has rhymed his sentences. Akhund Darweza also followed this style in
Makhzan-al-Islam. This mode of writing was prevalent for a period of 300 years.
The first person who realized its fallacy was Khushal Khan Khatak, the father of the
Pashto language. He adopted the classic style of Pashto prose in his works. His sons
and family followed in his footsteps as is evident in their works such as the Gulistan
(The Flower Garden) in Pashto and Tarekh-e Muras (Bejewelled History), written in the
fluid style of the past.
Forty years after the death of Khushal Khan an illustrious writer lived in Qandahar
who wrote Pashto prose in a fluid and simple style; thus he was able to revive the
classic style of his ancestors. This writer was Mohammad bin Daud Khan Hothek, the
author of Pata Khazana. After this revival, his style is clearly reflected in the works of
authors who followed him; and it can be said that it has been used by Pashto authors
for the past three and a half centuries after 1000 H. (1592 A.D.) Mohammad Hothek is
thus considered the master of the present style of Pashto prose.
Khushal Khan Khatak did try to deviate from the unattractive rendering of Khair-al-
Bayan but did not succeed in eliminating the obstacles altogether and in fact he slightly
became under its influence. However, the famous author of Pata Khazana, successfully
managed to free Pashto prose from the shackles of rhythmic prose. This literary victory
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is attributed to his writing genius, despite the fact that that style was common in Pashto
literary circles of the time.
The characteristics of Mohammad's writing
Mohammad Hothek, the author of Pata Khazana transformed Pashto prose in a
simple style and, as far as he could manage, substituted the common form of speech
for the artificial and convoluted prose of his predecessors.
In the construction of sentences, Sulaiman Maku appears to be under the influence
of Arabic prose. Khushal Khan, Abdul Qadir Khan and Afzal Khan all were influenced
by Persian prose, but Mohammad Hothek managed to stay away from such influences.
When we read his prose it looks as though a Pashtoon is talking to us. He explains the
issues in a simple manner and his penmanship is free from the influence of others.
It cannot be said that thw work of Mohammad is not completely free of defects, but
in comparison to other authors his style of prose is clear and lucid, its meaning is
understandable, the prose is easy to follow and void of any complexity of past authors.
A worthy author is one who does not follow others in order to express himself. Khushal
Khan has said: "One who breaks his own pot will be in need of others." From the prose
of Pata Khazana it is clear that Mohammad Hothek wrote clearly and simply. Sulaiman
Maku's style of writing is good and close to speech, but in ease and elegance it is not on
par with that of Mohammad Hothek, though it is much better than the complex style of
Khair-al-Bayan. The first sentences with which Sulaiman Maku starts his book reveals
that he is not following rhythmic prose and the wording is not artificial. However, his
style deviates from that of speech and a semblance of the effects of Arabic prose is
seen in it.
Khair-al-Bayan was written three centuries after Sulaiman wrote his book. Although
the book is meant to be in prose, in reality it is not, as some of the sentences are poetic
in form, and towards the end of the book the sentences rhyme.
The style of writing of Khair-al-Bayan developed around 900H. (1495 A.D.), was
accepted and followed by others for several centuries. Akhund Darweza who lived
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around 1000 H. (1592 A.D.) disliked the way Khair-al-Bayan was written. Despite that
he was not able to free his penmanship from the accepted style.
As mentioned earlier the first author to break away from this unacceptable style was
Khushal Khan. He laid the foundation of the simple form of writing devoid of rhythmic
prose. However, the influence of Persian can be detected in his writing. His prose
resembles that of Sulaiman Maku and there are no traces of Khair-al-Bayan in it. After
Khushal Khan, his sons follow his style in Gulistan, in Tarekh-e Muras and in the
Pashto translation of Kalela and Damna by Afzal Khan.
The style created by Mohammad is excellent in composition and lucid in expression
of thought. It holds an esteemed place in contemporary Pashto prose and that of the
past. He can be considered the inventor of the contemporary style of Pashto prose.
After him Pir Mohammad Kakarh and Mohammad Khatak, who wrote during the time of
Ahmad Shah Baba and the Mohammadzay era respectively, followed his example.
Later Ahmad Jan of Peshawar followed the same style of writing passing it on to the
present times.
From the comparison of Pashto literature of the past, it is clear that Mohammad
Hothek simplified Pashto prose extensively. In my view the characteristics of his prose
are:
1. Mohammed is the first person who managed not to follow the style in vogue.
2. He managed to write prose closer to speech than previous authors.
3. He was able to express himself in a simple manner and did not use difficult
vocabulary and knotted sentences.
4. His sentences are short and stand out; and he managed to express his thoughts
lucidly.
5. His use of alternate words and structuring of sentences are not disagreeable.
6. The influence of other languages is minimal in his style of writing. The prose of
Sulaiman Maku is influenced by Arabic syntax, but the effect of Persian prose is
barely evident in Mohammad Hothek's writing.
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The work of Mohammad Hothek was different from that of his predecessors, and
shows that the prose of Mohammad Hothek traces back to the classic style of Pashto
prose that was predominant before the unattractive style of Khair-al-Bayan. Khushal
Khan Khatak was the first writer who returned to the style of our ancestors and hoisted
the banner of correctness, and his descendants carried his torch forward. Mohammad
Hothek set us free from the vicissitudes of rhythmic prose. Around 1300 H. (1883 A.D.)
Maulavi Ahmad Jan wrote his glorious prose that remains a precious offering to
contemporary writers of the Pashto language.
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The Book's Poetry
The first book which contains the rich treasure of Pashto poetry is the few pages of
Tazkerat-al-Awlia of Sulaiman Maku described in the first part of volume one of
Pashtana Shura Prior to the publication of volume one of the book in 1320 H. (1942
A.D.), it was believed that writing in the Pashto language was only 300-400 years old
and that the oldest document of the literature of the language dates to around 1000 to
900 H. (1592-1495 A.D). It was shown in Pashtana Shura that some of the ancient
records of Pashto literature date back to the time of the Ghaznavid period 300-400 H.
(913-1010 A.D.) The poems of Bit Nikah, Ismail, Malikyar, Taimani, Kutb Bakhtyar and
others are related to the time of the Ghaznavid and Ghorid dynasties.
Pata Khazana, which in reality is a treasure of the jewels of our national language,
removed a considerable number of obscurities that engulfed the literature of the
language. It proved that this ancient language had eloquent poets during the early part
of the Islamic period, and that it was a language of kings some of whom wrote poetry in
it.
The most outstanding document illuminating the history of Pashto poetry is the
martial poem by Jahan Pahlavan Amir Krorr Suri. From the viewpoint of vigor and style,
pure Pashto words, meter and rhyme, it is a magnificent example of our literature. The
characteristics of this poem can be summarized as follows:
1. It is an ancient document that proves that Pashto literature existed around 130 H.
(752 A.D.). It shows that the language was refined during the first century of the
Islamic era to the extent that magnificent martial poetry was written in it. From this it
can be deduced that it was not a new language. It was probably at least five
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centuries old at the time of Amir Krorr and had a profound literary background to
reach such eminence.
2. This poem proves that the language of some of the people of Ghor at the
beginning of Islamic era was Pashto and that the Pashto spoken at the time was
pure and free from foreign influence.
The rare words used in this poem are our ancestral legacy. Some of them
have fallen out of use due to the influence of other languages wyrrene
32
(pride), atl
33
(champion), mn
34
(will), mrtsamn
6
(enemy),
zhoblh (battle), yunm (I am going) yrghlam
35
(I attack),
hsk
24
(sky), nmndz(respect), pzhandoy
36
(famous), dusan
6
(foe),
plan
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(infantry), zrrn
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(brave), mkhsr
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(honor),
lwrrwe
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(elevate), lowr
41
(kindness), bamm
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(foster), wdna
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(nourish), drdz
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(pulpit), stywl
45
(eulogizer). These words used by
Amir Krorr were common before the literary invasion of the time.
3. In meter and rhyme this poem is also unique and is a treasure of our literature
revealing the mature state of our ancient literature and culture.
4. From the viewpoint of message, we see that the writer speaks of valor exaltingly.
He describes his battles and conquests with pride and on the other hand shows love
and kindness toward his subjects.
Later works mentioned in this book are poems by Abu Mohammad Hashim ibn Zaid
al-Sarwanay born in 223 H. (838 A.D.), followed by the poems of Amir Reza and Amir
Nasr Ludi written around 350-400 H. (961-1010 A.D.). Khrasboon and Ismail lived
around 400 H. (1010 A.D.) and Shaikh Asd Suri was their contemporary 425 H. (1034
A.D.). After that Shaikh Taiman wrote poetry during the time of the Ghorids who lived
during the era of Aluddin Hussain around 550 H. (1155 A.D.) and Skarandoi was a
contemporary of Sultan Shahabuddin Muzuddin around 580 H. (1185 A.D.) Their
works represent the literary triumphs of that era.
After this era, Shaikh Mathi lived around 623 H. (1126 A.D.), Baba Hothek around
660 H. (1162 A.D.) and Malikyar around 749 H. (1348 A.D.) and their important works
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have been documented in Pata Khazana. Then came Sultan Bahlol and a poet of his
court, Neyazay, around 890 H. (1485 A.D.), followed by Esa Meshwaay 900 H. (1495
A.D.), Zarghoon Khan and Dost Mohammad 912 H. (1506 A.D.) and Shaikh Bostan
Barheitsh 990 H. (1582 A.D.) Later we know other poets, who have been mentioned in
the first volume of Pashtana Shura such as Mirza Khan, Darweza, Khushal Khan and
others. The poets mentioned chronologically are ones who have been referred to in
Pata Khazana. According to other documents there are other poets who lived during
this time described in the first volume of Pashtana Shura
Since we are only concerned with those poets mentioned in Pata Khazana, others to
whom reference has been made in Pashtana Shura will not be dealt with in this
treatise. Now, I would like to scrutinize and analyze, under different titles, these ancient
poems from the point of view of their historical significance.
The influence of environment
It has been proved that the effect of environment, i.e. time and place, is universal
and is a characteristic of nature; an element which is always under such influence is
poetry.
The poet is drawn by the power of creation to express his feelings and talk about his
environment and picture it in his lyrics. The poet of the mountainous regions extols the
ruggedness of the mountains and that of the plains describes the beauty of the green
lowlands. If we glance closely at the literature of surrounding nations we will often come
across such descriptions.
This characteristic is also evident in the poems cited in Pata Khazana and can be
described as follows:
I. Those poems that were written in a particular kind of native environment are close
in form to one another with regard to the usage of pure words, meter and rhyme. A
good example is the poem of Jahan Pahlavan Suri that does not resemble later
works in its meaning. Its words are purely Pashto, its meter and rhyming are
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particularly Pashto in character, and it is not tainted by the influence of other
languages of the region.
The poems of Amir Reza and Nasr Ludi were written away from the
environment of Ghor, but the influence of Persian and Arabic had not affected their
language, thus they are also pure Pashto. But the poem of Hashim Sarwanay, even
though it was written well before the time of the Ludis, has Arabic influence in it. This
is because the writer was a student of Arabic, spent a large part of his life in Arab
countries, studied Arabic literature, and translated Arabic poetry into Pashto. Despite
this it is an important work of Pashto literature because the use of words from other
languages was not customary at that time.
II. Later around 300 H. (913 A.D.), at the beginning of the Ghaznavid period, the
time of the growth of Persian, Persian literature was fostered from the court of the
Samanids and the Ghaznids. Subsequently, the Ghorid kings were also attracted by
this trend. Thus from 300 to 400 H. (913-1010 A.D.) we see two kinds of poetry in
the book:
Those poems which were written in mountainous regions, away from urban
civilizations and royal courts, are not tainted by foreign influence. In adornment, style
and use of words, meter and rhyme they show the typical pure Pashto flavor and are
not cast in a foreign mold. Examples are the works of Khrasboon, Ismail and Shaikh
Mathi, which are pure in form.
The poems written and recited in royal courts and near centers of civilizations
form another category. Since these places were under the influence of Persian
literature and the style of prosody of the Ghaznavid court had reached the Ghorid
court, therefore we see that Pashto poetry written in the form of the odes of Farukhi,
Asjudi, Menochheri and others. The poems of the Ghorid court not only rival Persian
literature in excellence but are even superior for example the odes of Shaikh Asd
Suri and Skarandoi. In style and meter their poems resemble Persian odes of the
Ghaznavid period, but in the use of words, thought and imagination they have
particularities of the environment embedded in them and are therefore considered
majestic works of Pashto literature. The use of Persian and Arabic words is seen in
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these works, but the Pashto element is so strong that they cannot be excluded from
the most important works of Pashto literature.
Poems that were written after 600 H. (1204 A.D.), such as the supplications
of Shaikh Mathi, the poem of valor of Baba Hothek and the love song of Malikyar
show the influence of other languages. With regard to eloquence, solidity and
siplicity these are examples of first class Pashto literature, but we know that at this
time Persian had spread from the banks of the Tigris to the Ganges and had
infiltrated the courts of the Mongol kings. Thus we see a large number of Persian
and Arabic words in these poems but their subject matter is purely nationalistic.
Valor and Pride
Poems in this book, written before the eleventh century Hejira, can be divided into
several types. With respect to meaning and thought they have the following
characteristics:
They have a strong flare of national valor and pride. The ballad of Jahan Pahlavan
Suri is a good example of such composition and the poem of Baba Hothek rekindles the
feelings of national defense.
Bravery and valor have been looked upon with pride for ages in our nation. The
gallantry of youths has been praised in poems and Afghan maidens have always taken
pride in the bravery of youth as seen in this national landey:
*
My lover was injured on the chest
I walk proudly among the maidens of the village.
And when the man shows cowardice in battle she regrets kissing him the night
before:
You ran away from the gleaming sword,
I regret letting you kiss me yesterday evening.
In the elegy of Asd Suri such national flavor is clearly visible as he describes his
sadness over the death of Mohammad Suri, but since the king died upholding his honor,
he praises him profusely:
*
* Two lined Pas'hto poetry which contains 8 syllables in the first line and 13 in the second line.
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A brave warrior you were and so you did die,
Upholding honor, you did not lie.
With your departure the Suri are sad today
But they will, your name with pride say.
The encomium of Skarandoi is also laden with such thoughts which is a
characteristic ballad of valor in Pashto poetry.
Description of Scenery
A good poet is capable of imagining the details of scenery in his poetry. This
characteristic is evident in the odes of prominent Persian poets of the Ghaznavid court
who have been able to creatively show their genius of imagination in their famous
works.
After reading the odes of Asd Suri and Skarandoi in this book, it is clear that
Pashtoon poets were also masters of this art. They have been able to portray the
beauty of their mountainous land prominently. They not only show such talent in odes
of joy and pleasure but have also successfully portrayed it at times of sadness and
bereavement. One is capable of understanding the situation of the time clearly by
reading such odes. For example after the defeat and death of Mohammad Suri the
harsh scene of the circumstances has been described as such by Asd Suri:
See the mountains are all crying,
In bereavement the waterfalls are drying,
The verdant greenery of the mountains is gone
Nor do the partridges sing among the herds of mouflon.
See the tulips blossom no more in the valleys
Nor does the bami smile in the alleys.
From Gharj, come not the caravans of musk,
Nor do the caravans of Shar reach Ghor at dusk.
With warm tears the spring clouds unfurls
And April may not rain down its pearls,
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Because Mohammad the cloak of death has donned
And all Ghor is grieving in his memory fond.
In Sur's surroundings dark is the skyline
And on these lands the sun does not shine.
Where young maidens laughed and danced,
Where virgins tiptoed and pranced.
Silent is Ghor, bereft of their king
Like hell, burns there every thing.
Similarly Skarandoi, in his encomium of the Ghorid Sultan, has portrayed lucidly
scenes of nature and the battle march and conquest of brave Ghorid soldiers, thus
manifesting the art of poetic imagination of the highest caliber.
Love and the fondness of beauty
Poets are devoted to nature and it can be said that a major element leading to the
writing of poetry is the love of natural beauty. Their love for the wonders of nature is so
great that they ultimately perceive its source, and such perception leads to the
recognition of God as the creator of all the wonders of nature. Therefore, they envision
eternal beauty in everything they see as is evident from this line: Whatever I look at, I
envision your presence.
The passion for love and fondness of beauty (love of God) are translated into the
language of mysticism. In scientific terms this attraction may be compared to
gravitational force. The two forces disseminate from the same source and their function
is the same i.e. attraction. In this book the best example of love and fondness of beauty
is the poem of Shaikh Mathi which can be considered a masterpiece of perception.
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Social Feelings
The deep social feelings of the Afghans are also represented in the book. In reality
love for society stems from family attachment. Sociologists also consider the family as
the nucleus of social life. Among ancient Aryans the family was the center of glory and
was considered the source of social virtues. Thus attachment to the family acted as the
basis for love of society. A supplication of Rig-Veda says: God is the giver of life and is
the king of kings. He is the bestower of beautiful families. O God we are also your
subjects, let us not die without progeny.
In classic poems of the Pashtoons these feelings of the Aryans are visible with force.
An old lyric of Shaikh Bit Nikah clearly manifests the strong bonds of our ancestors with
the family in these words:
Here at the base of the mountains
Our tents are pitched wide and odd,
May these households grow in numbers
O great God, O great God.
The poems of Khrasboon and Ismail profoundly represent family ties, their closeness
and social bondage. Deep social feelings are also represented in the poem of Shaikh
Reza that he sent to Nasr bin Hamid Ludi, expressing his displeasure at the shame
which the Ludi family had to endure because of Nasr's deeds. He says:
The Ludi have their dignity lost
For centuries kept at a high cost.
In his reply Nasr also stresses social bonds and talks with pride about his relation
with the people, he states:
I am a Ludi, my customs I keep
My ties with the Hamid family are deep...
Do not listen to them (my enemies)
From the Ludis do I stem.
Sociologists say that the feelings of love toward the nation and society stem from the
love for parents, family and society and culminate in love for the nation.
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As mentioned earlier, poetry reflects the feelings of the poet like a mirror. The poet
relates his sentiments in whatever circumstances he finds himself. The poet who has
deep feelings of love for his country and resorts to writing poetry during times of tragedy
finds that national sentiments imbue his lyrics even at such difficult times.
Wailing and lamentation are two important products of eastern literature and such
lyrics have an important place in our literature and language. When poets find
themselves in pain they speak of their sorrow in their lyrics. But at such times they
seldom forget their love for the country. Eastern elegies are profound but rarely does
one find feelings as those expressed by the late Khushal Khan:
I wish he had died young in honor of the Pashtoon name
But to be laid in grave in a coffin with shame.
This elegy was written by Khushal after the death of his son, Nezam. It is clear that
despite his sadness at the loss of his son the feelings of national pride overwhelmed the
great poet as he wrote these lines.
Deep emotions of nationalism are also embedded in the elegies of Shaikh Asd Suri
at the death of Mohammad Suri and of Zeinab, written after the death of her brother
Shah Mahmud. The Afghan poetess was deeply moved at the loss of her brother. She
laments not only for her brother but for the nation left without leadership.
The novelty of imagination and fluency
The merit of poetry lies in its abstract and concrete values. The abstract adorns the
poem with hidden beauty from the point of view of novelty of thought and imagination.
The material side of the poem comprises of eloquence that helps in the selection of
words and the interpretation of meaning. When exalted thoughts are molded into words
they become awe-inspiring and have an eternal effect on the reader. The elegance of
poetry lies in its simplicity of meaning. When noble thoughts are expressed in
unambiguous words they adorn the lyrics with eternal beauty and are most interesting to
read.
The poems in this book show that our ancestors wrote with an astute sense of
imagination. Their style was simple, fluid and eloquent and they were able to interpret
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complex issues clearly. Love, bravery and social episodes have all been expressed
fluently by all the poets whose work appears in the book.
The poems of Shaikh Mathi, Khrasboon, Ismail and Malikyar, the odes of Asd and
Skarandoi and the lyrics of Zarghoon are masterpieces of fluency and eloquence in the
annals of Pashto poetry. As an example I present the quatrain of Nazo, mother of Haji
Mirwais Khan, to see how lucidly she has expressed her deep feelings:
At dawn the narcissus petals were wet
Like tears, flowed each crystalline droplet,
"Why do you cry thus, O pretty flower? " I asked:
"My life is just a fleeting smile", replied the floret.
Imagination is the common inheritance of poets and philosophers. It is for this
reason that insinuation is considered an established principle of the world of poetry.
Here we see how the eminent Nazo thoughtfully molded two abstract ideas 250 years
ago, and a philosopher of this era, lamah Iqbal did the same in these words:
The clouds of spring lamented
That life is a constant cry,
The swift lightening flashed and said:
You are mistaken, it is an instant sigh.
The late Iqbal tried to translate two contradictory philosophies and two important
human thoughts; first the philosophy of pessimism of the German philosopher,
Schopenhauer, who considered lamentation as the halo of life and second the thought
which is related to Nietzche, whose philosophy was based on the enthusiastic love of
life. In her quatrain the contemplative poetess describes both thoughts; in that the short
smile is the cause of continuous crying. She has taken her lessons from mother nature
while the philosopher is a product of schooling. The clarity of thought, lucidity and
firmness of words have been clearly manifested by this poetess of utmost genius.
This was a short glance at the poetry of the Pata Khazana. Further elaboration
would require the writing of a book, therefore I terminate this treatise at this juncture.
Abdul Hay Habibi
Kabul, Chahar Bagh, 10 Mizan 1322 (October, 1944).
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Professor Habibi's Remarks on the
Skeptics of Pata Khazana
The following is a commentary which appeared in the fourth edition of Pata Khazana
published in 1977 by the Faculty of Letters and Human Sciences, Kabul University.
As is evident from the first edition of this book 1323 H. (1944 A.D.), I obtained the
hand-written manuscript with the help of the late Abdul Ali Khanozay, a Kkarh at
Psheen in 1943. First I translated it into Persian, provided explanatory notes and
annotations and published it in 1944 through the Pashto Academy. In 1961 five
thousand copies of the original edition were republished by the Publications and
Translations Department. Due to the great demand for the book, the third edition was
published in 1976 by the Pashto Development Board of the Ministry of Information and
Culture. This edition contained a complete facsimile of the original hand-written
manuscript.
Since its publication 33 years ago different opinions have been expressed about this
book and certain people have cast their doubts upon it. Some have said that I have
composed the book while others have claimed that it was forged by Mohammad Hothek
to please his monarch, Shah Hussain, son of Haji Mirwais Khan. Such claims have
been heard over the years, but unfortunately, the critics have not compiled any detailed
or scholastic analysis of the work so that they may be studied, and if found refutable,
commented upon scholastically.
Scholars in the field have not discussed this book in detail so far. What has been
written has been brief and expressions of doubts. No scholastic or positive criticism
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from the viewpoint of linguistics or etymology has been provided so that the authenticity
or forgery of words may be evaluated and the facts clarified.
The writings of Professor Morgenstierne
When I met the famous Norwegian philologist, Professor Morgenstierne, in Kabul in
1946 I asked him his views regarding the book. Earlier I had sent him a copy of the
book. He answered that his study of Pashto had not reached a level where he could
comment on the literature and poetry and their evolution. However, in the second
edition of the English version of The Encyclopaedia of Islam he has written an article on
the Pashto language where he says:
"Pashto is in its origin and structure an Iranian language, although it has borrowed
freely from Indo-Aryan. It shares all the common Iranian sound-changes. It sides with
other Eastern Ir. languages... In its origin it is probably a "Saka" dialect, introduced from
the North, but it is not possible to define its relationship more closely...
Until recently no Pashto literary work older than the 17th century had been
published. But in the Almanach de Kabul, 1940-1 (Da Kabul Salnama) bd al-Hayy
Habibi published fragments of the Tadhkirat-i Awliya by Sulayman Maku, containing
poems said to go back to the 11th century. In 1944 he published in Kabul the Peta
Khazana by Muhammad Hotak, which is professed to be written in Kandahar (finished
1729), and to be an anthology of Pashto poets from the 8th century down to the time of
the compiler. But these works raise a number of grave linguistic and historical problems,
and the question of their authenticity cannot be finally settled until the manuscripts are
made available for philological investigation. Even if the authenticity of the Khazna is
admitted, however, Muhammad Hotak's dating of the oldest poems may be doubted.
According to Raverty, Shaykh Mali in 1417 wrote a history of the Yusufzays, but nothing
more is known about this work." (The Encyclopaedia of Islam, vol. 1, p. 220, 1960).
Now I would like to conduct a critical analysis of Morgenstierne's assertions:
First: The fact that he considers Pashto to be related to the Saka languages is not
surprising at all. There is no doubt that Pashto has close affiliation with Aryan
languages, because these languages belong to the Indo-European family. Even now
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remnants of old Aryan words are used in Pashto such as ryanavijah (in present day
Pashto avijah means a domicile) or rya warsha; warsho (pasture) is a living Pashto
word. Similarly hundreds of other common Vedic, Avestan, Medic and old Persian
words are seen in the language. Under the name of Saak, a tribe exists among the
Pashtoons until this day. With regard to Morgenstierne's statement that the language is
affiliated with eastern Iranian languages there is ample evidence to consider it a
Bactrian language. It is a link between the Indian (eastern) and Iranian (western)
languages. With respect to the structure of sentences, and etymology it has close
resemblance to the eastern Indian languages such as Vedic, Sanskrit and Prakrit.
Similarly it shares common words and sounds with Iranian and even Aryan-European
languages.
In Pashto the sounds ( te, dal, rhae, noo) are common with Indian languages
while in the ( tse, dze, sen) it is close to the western Aryan languages such as
Slavic and German. On this basis calling it an Eastern-Iranian language is a matter of
concern. Afghan culture manifests many newly acquired western and eastern elements.
The Surkh Kotal inscriptions show that during the second century, the Bactrian-
Koshanid language had old elements of both Pashto and Persian. b, naubakht and
shakhalesi are three Persian words while bag, loy and malwakht are three living Pashto
words seen in the Surkh Kotal inscriptions. Similarly, pohar (por), bad yen (baden),
aweg yak, bo, roz mehr, farman and norla are close to Pahlavi. Just as Professor
Toynbee has said that Afghanistan was at the crossroads of ancient civilizations, it can
be said that Pashto served as a link between the eastern, western and northern Aryan
languages. The words daz, dazhdi which meant a fortress has been written as layz in
the Surkh Kotal inscription. In the northern and Sughd languages deza was used as a
suffix in names such as Chakar Deza, a famous graveyard in Samarkand, or Shahlez,
the name of a place in Ghazni or warw alez which has been changed to walwaloj in
Arabic.
Like other cultural elements, the Bactrian-Koshanid language stood at the
crossroads of eastern, western and northern civilizations, a trait which is seen in Pashto
today.
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Second: If the distinguished scholar would glance at the history of the literature of
eastern languages and evaluate their structure and style of writing, it will be clear that
new research on languages and the finding of new historical material is underway in
these languages. In particular, numerous such findings have been made in Persian
literature.
Another issue is that one cannot just rely on the findings of past European scholars
alone. When Raverty (1825-1906), Darmesteter (1849-1894) and Dorn (1805-1881)
started their research on the language one hundred years ago, their work was based on
a few well-known literary and religious books. Such as the Makhzan of Akhund
Darweza, Fawayed-al-Shariat of Akhund Qasim and the divans of Rahman Baba and
Khushal Khan Khatak. Other works were less famous at the time, but now we have at
our disposal a great deal of new material.
The distinguished scholar cites Raverty and states that Shaikh Mali wrote a history
of the Yusufzay in 821 H. (1418 A.D.). The fact is that this book was not a historical
treatise, but a book on tribal legend and even today the Yusufzay call it the dawtar or
daftar of Shaikh Mali. It contains rules for distribution of land and water rights. This
social system continued among the mountainous people of Swat until the colonial
British system known as band wa bast was imposed on them in 1869. Feudal lords had
tried to abolish this system for a long time to enable them to take personal possession
of the land. Therefore the Dawtar of Shaikh Mali was destroyed. Even in the time of
Khushal Khan the dawtar was kept hidden in Swat as Khushal Khan says:
In Swat there are two things, hidden or revealed,
They are the Makhzan of Darweza or Daftar of Shaikh Mali.
Unfortunately this book has not been found, but it is so revered among the mountain
people of Swat and the Yusufzay that they refer to it as the beginning of the historical
era. When the Swat and Multan elders refer to an event they say it happened so many
years before or after the dawtar.
The distinguished scholar has said that Pata Khazana should be evaluated
linguistically and historically. This is true but who should do such an evaluation? Such
an evaluation will be meaningful if it is done by someone whose mother tongue is
Pashto, knows modern philology and is familiar with etymology. And he or she is totally
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familiar with the history of Afghanistan and the Pashtoons and is well-informed in the
developments of Central Asian languages.
In his writing the distinguished orientalist thinks that the oldest Pashto literary
document, according to Raverty, is Shaikh Mali's (History of Yusufzai?). Since
Mohammad Hothek writes about Pashto works prior to the ninth century thus doubt can
be cast on the authenticity of his book! The fact is that we can show several such
examples in the history of literature of other languages whereby history of literature has
been compiled from known sources. When new material has been found it cannot be
disregarded by saying that the material has not been mentioned in such and such a
book. If Shaikh Mali's dawtar is found and there is no mention of the old references cited
by Mohammad Hothek it cannot be reasoned that Mohammad Hothek has forged Pata
Khazana.
What is evident is that until a century ago, the oldest biography of Persian poets was
Daulat Shah Samarkandi's Tazkerat-al-Shura {written in 892 H. (1487 A.D.)}. Daulat
Shah in the introduction of his book writes: "No scholar has written about the history,
work and life of Persian poets." Thus our information regarding Persian literature was
confined to what Daulat Shah had written in his biographical account. In some instances
he cites references but in many other cases he has failed to cite any references at all.
Toward the end of the book he discusses the biography of only seven contemporary
poets. In 1846, Nathaniel Blend, in the London Asiatic Society Magazine, introduced us
to another biography of the Persian language. The Lubab-al-Albab of wfi. Only two
hand-written manuscripts of this work exist. One is in the possession of Mr. Blend and
the other is preserved in the Berlin Imperial Library. Mr. Blend's version was later
published by the late orientalist Edward Brown and the late Qazweni. Thus with its
publication our knowledge of Persian literature was enhanced. We do not reject the
material provided by wfi merely because it has not been mentioned by Daulat Shah
despite the fact that the wfi manuscripts are of very recent origin.
The divans of most Persian poets have been lost or do not exist, but based on the
information provided by wfi and Daulat Shah, we accept their works if they match the
principles of Persian literature and corroborate with historical events. No doubt has
been cast on such works. The fact that the honorable orientalist states that Pata
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Khazana raises grave philological and historical problems is far from a just statement.
He talks about problems but does not state what the problems are? Nor does he explain
the problems? Beside creating confusion such a statement has no academic value.
After Lubab-al-Albab and a few other Arabic references, Tarkh-e Seistan is only the
other book which cites Persian verse or prose. Neither is the name of the author or the
name of the book known. Its style of writing corresponds to the styles of writing
prevalent from the 5th century Hejira and continues to 725 H. (1325 A.D.). Based on
this it can be said that the book has not been written by one person nor does it follow
one style of writing.
This book had not been recognized previously. Even the author of Ahya-al-Mulook,
Shah Hussain, who was one of the Safavid princes and wrote his book in 1028 H. (1619
A.D.) did not know of its existence. The book was printed from an unknown hand-written
manuscript in the former newspaper of Iran {Issues 474 to 562, 1299-1302 H.
(1882-1885 A.D.)}. Other copies were made after it appeared in the newspaper. Finally
the late poet laureate, Bahar, published it in Tehran in 1936.
This book has added a great deal of information on the history of Persian literature.
Among them is the ballad of the Karkoy fire temple of Seistan, the encomium of
Mohammad bin Waseef Sagarzi and the poems of Mohammad bin Mukhalid are
accepted as examples of old Persian literature based on the style of writing and their
relevance to historical events, despite the fact that neither wfi nor Daulat Shah
mention anything about these writers. It must be added that only one copy of Tarekh-e
Seistan exists. Despite this no one has doubted the poets mentioned in the book or said
that the author of the book had forged it. Nor has anything been stated as to what kind
of problems the book presents with regard to philology or historical events.
A closer look at Lubab, the biographical account by Daulat Shah, Tarekh-e Seistan,
other biographical works and old sources, reveal a great deal of problems which cannot
be accepted in view of philologial and historical facts. For example look at this couplet of
the famous encomium written by Marwazi {circa 210 H. (826 A.D.)} for the Caliph
Mamoon:

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aye rasaneda ba dawlat farq khwd tha farq din

gustaraneda ba jowd wa fazl dar alam ba din

O ruler, you who can distinguish thyself and religion
You are the forgiver and giver in this world. (Lubab, p. 20).
This encomium is written in a new style and is tainted with forgery. In the same
book, which is considered on of the most renowned and ancient biographies in Persian,
a poem appears which is said to be written by Sultan Mahmud. It is an elegy for a slave
woman named Gulistan. The language of the poem does not at all resemble the style of
Persian verse during the era of the Ghaznavids:
Ta tho aye mah zer-e khak shudie
khak ra bar sephar fazl mad
del juz kard, guftam aye del sabr
ayn qaza az khuday-e dl amad
dam az khak bood wa khaki shud
har khe zawzad baz asal mad
O moon faced when you were buried
Your grave's soil brought kindness all around.
When my heart grieved, I said be calm, O heart
For this is the work of the just God.
From dust we come and to dust we go
For he who wails is the righteous. (Lubab, p. 25).
That a mighty emperor such as Sultan Mahmud would recite an elegy for a slave girl
in these words is difficult to believe. In the book a hemistich is also said to have been
written by Sultan Mahmud: zi beem-e tegh-e jahangir-e qal kushay, (from the fear of
arrow, world conqueror and vanquisher of fortresses) (Lubab, p. 26). The same
hemistch appears in a hand-written manuscript preserved in the National Assembly
Library of Iran and in Tarekh-e Guzedah (p. 457). In these documents it is said that the
line has been written by Mohammad bin Malikshah Saljouqi.
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We do not have any manuscripts close to the wfi period; the available manuscripts
were written later and their date of writing is not known. On the other hand, the author of
Bazm ra, li bin Mohammad Hussaini, copied all the material of Lubab-al-Albab in his
book without citing the references or the name of the author. Does not the question
arise as to who is the creator of this book?
Despite the fact that some of the poems in Lubab-al-Albab have come under
criticism, the prose and poetry seen in the later manuscripts, preserved in London and
Manchester, is reproduced in Bazm ra around 1000 H. (1592 A.D.). Does not this
create doubts and problems.
Despite these doubts, Lubab-al-Albab, Daulat Shah, Azar and Hedayat maintain
their celebrated status, and these books are considered important sources of the history
of Persian literature. A weakness in one part of the book or skepticism about one topic
of the book does not taint the authenticity of the whole book. Those of us whose mother
tongue is Pashto, and who are students of the history of the evolution of our language,
having read and evaluated Pata Khazana word by word have not come across any
problem that may contradict philological or historical facts. Were there such a problem
to arise we would have dealt with it in the annotations of the book. It is regrettable that
the distinguished orientalist does not explain what the philological or historical
anomalies are but creates confusion by alluding to some vague skepticism. A scholar
should not act in this manner.
Formerly, there did not exist a biography of poets in Pashto, and if one did exist, it
probably has been lost like Munaqeb-al-Shura of Khatoni which has been mentioned
by Haji Khalifa and Daulat Shah. In 1942 I published the first volume of Pashtana
Shura through the Pashto Academy. Included in this book was material which I had
gathered until that time. For example I had found six pages of the lost Tazkerat-al-Awlia
in the mosque of a village along the banks of Helmand river. These pages were
photographed and presented in the book together with my comments. This finding
negated what Raverty had said regarding the history of Pashto literature e.g. he had
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dated it back to the 17th century only.
1
The finding showed that Pashto literature dated
back at least to the 12th century A.D. But when other old manuscripts such as the
Keramat of Sultan Sakhi Sarwar, circa 577 H. (1182 A.D.), who was the establisher of
the Sultania sect of Punjab, Pata Khazana and Makhzan-e Afghani of Nmatullah
Herawi, 1018 H. (1609 A.D.) were discovered, it was deemed necessary to revise the
information in Pashtana Shura. All the new material was presented in the second
volume of Tarekh-e Adabiyat, which was published in 1964 by the Pashto Academy. If
more material is found it will be added to it. However, such material should not be
doubted by the distinguished orientalist and other scholars like him because the history
of literature is continually being updated with the discovery of new material. At the
present time there is a great deal of new material at hand regarding the history of
Persian literature than what had been included in Brown's history of Persian literature.
The new material has been added to that book, and some of the older material deleted
from it, for example, the attribution of Tarjuman-al-Balaghah of Mohammad bin Omar
Radwayani to Farukhi and the attribution of the Yusuf and Zuleikha poem to Firdausi.
It is surprising that a scholar of such caliber, a hundred years after Raverty cited
Shaikh Mali's lost Dawtar (Register), incorrectly calls it the history of the Yusufzai and
considers it as the first literary book in Pashto. This work has not been found nor does
the distinguished orientalist sheds light on it. It is surprising and difficult to grasp that
based on a lost book he casts doubt on the known material of Pata Khazana.
In Pata Khazana we come across words which are not used in Pashto today, but
every native student of the language can easily recognize them and with the help of
philology and etymology arrive at their Pashto origin. Words similar in form exist in the
Avestan and Vedic literature.
It is deplorable to note that those who have doubts talk of problems but do not
provide any details so one may understand what these philological and historical
problems are and what is their scholastic merit to discredit a celebrated, useful and rare
book?
1
Translator's note: With regard to the Daftar of Shaikh Mali, Raverty in the Introductory Remarks of A Dictionary of
the Puk'hto, Pus'hto writes: "This is the earliest work I have been able to discover; but, of course, it must not for a
moment be inferred that previous to this there was no Pushto literature... That the Pushto is a very ancient tongue
cannot be doubted."
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Afghanistan: by Louis Dupree and
Wilber's skepticism
Under the title of Afghanistan a book was published in 760 pages by the Princeton
University Press, New Jersey in 1973 authored by Dr. Louis Dupree. The reading of this
book (with reservations) is beneficial to gain information about the country.
The author is an archaeologist and has published several papers in his field which
have proved useful in understanding the ancient history of Afghanistan. The statistics
provided in the book are categorically incorrect. Beside there are other errors in the
book. For example on page 185 he considers koranai (family) as a Pashto word and in
another column gives its meaning as khanawada in Persian. In a following line he
considers koranai to be a Persian word and gives its meaning in Pashto as kahol. In fact
koranai and kahol are both old Pashto words and their Persian equivalents are
doodman, khanadan and khanawada.
On page 75 he has recorded the word par-darya, called mawara-un-nahr in Arabic,
as pay-i-darya. Par is an ancient Aryan root. The people of Afghanistan still use the
word par-darya. In page 80 he states that Mirza Abdul Qadir Bedil was born in Patna in
1644 and died in Delhi in 1720. He is considered to be a teacher of Persian at the
Moghul court of Delhi. However, in page 92 he considers the same Mirza Abdul Qadir to
be among the contemporary poets of the time such as Betab, Qari and Mustaghni.
On page 82 he considers Sardar Ghulam Mohammad Khan Tarzi, a politically exiled
poet and epigrapher and conceives him a master of the shekestah form of writing. The
shekestah form of artistic calligraphy originated after the 9th century Hejira. Dupree
translates this word as broken-line poetry. This is totally incorrect and the word has no
relation to poetry. He further adds that in a period when family names were almost
unheard of in Afghanistan, he called himself 'Tarzi', stylist. This is also incorrect and
shows total non-familiarity with the issue.
Tarzi was the poetic pseudonym of Ghulam Mohammad Khan. For hundreds of
years poets have used pseudonyms in Afghanistan such as Farukhi, Dakiki, Jami,
Mashreqi, Tarzi's uncle, and Andaleeb, Mashriqi's son. These were not family names
but like Mustaghni, Qari and Betab they were poetic pseudonyms. It is necessary that
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family names and poetic pseudonyms are differentiated. The fact that Tarzi's eldest son
adopted his fathers pseudonym as a family name is an issue of modern day and age.
Following western traditions, people started to adopt family names.
There are numerous mistakes in the historical material of the book. For example on
page 312 he talks about the spread of Islam in Afghanistan and states that the first
major Arab raid took place through Qandahar in 80-81 H. (699-700 A.D.). The fact is
that the Arab raids took place through Seistan, Helmand, Bost and Rukhaj. Kabul was
conquered by Ibn Samra in 36 H. (657 A.D.) (Tarekh-e Seistan, p. 85; Futuh-al-Baldan,
p. 488). Similarly there are numerous other errors in the book with which we may not
concern ourselves. On page 75 he mentions the names of past Persian literary figures
such as Mahmud Warraq and Hanzala Badghisi, without any comment or reservations,
and provides translations of examples of their poetry. But in relation to Pashto he writes:
"Pashto as a literature tends to get short shrift even in Afghanistan. In his excellent
survey of Islamic Literature, (1963), Najib Ullah (Afghan scholar and diplomat, whose
last name was Toraviana) almost completely neglected Pashto...
"The authenticity of the Puteh-Khazaneh, published in Qandahar in 1749 (correction:
finished in 1729) and claiming to contain several eighth- and ninth-century poems, has
been recently questioned (Wilber, 1967, 412).
2
No matter, for Pashto literature does not
come into its own until the seventeenth century, but then seems to move along at a
relatively uninspired pace until the twentieth century." (Afghanistan, p. 83).
This short commentary by Dupree does not rest on any reasoning or detail. Apart
from creating confusion, it seems to have no other purpose. The fact that he cites
Wilber, who neither knew Pashto nor had studied the history of the language is not
befitting of a scholar. I have not met Wilber but have read his articles. They are of a
general nature and have a political tone that is not a subject of discussion here.
2
Translator's note: In the bibliography of the book Wilber, D.N., 1967 appears as "Language and Society: The Case
of Iran," Behavior Science Notes 2(1):22-30, 1967. In this article Pata Khazna or Pas'hto literature have not been
discussed. Regarding Pata Khazna, Wilber writes in his book, Afghanistan 1962, p. 108-109: "The Puteh Khazaneh,
published at Qandahar in 1729, includes Pushtu poems of the eighth and ninth centuries. Amir Kror, called Jahan
Pahlavan, a ruler of Ghur in the second half of the eighth century, is said to have composed poems in Pushtu, and in
the ninth century Shaykh Reza Ludi wrote poetry and Abul Mahmud Hashem wrote prose, both also in Pushto..." It
seems that Dupree has not only made an error in citing Wilber but is raising an issue which the author has not even
commented on.
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In that the late Najibullah does not allude to Pashto language or its literature does
not mean that the language does not have an old literature and history. It is possible
that in what he was asked to write, the history of Pashto was not the subject of
discussion.
I remember the time when the late Najibullah participated in the meetings which
were held to discuss the annotations and translation of the poetry of Pata Khazana prior
to its publication. He voiced no objections regarding the poetry or the annotations.
Sometimes when he would hear the translation of the old Pashto poetry he would get so
overwhelmed that tears would roll down his cheeks. It is possible that the editorial policy
of the publisher prevented him from writing anything about Pashto literature. Moreover,
if in some books, published in Afghanistan, nothing has been mentioned about the
history of Pashto this does not have any bearing on the validity of Pata Khazana. The
late Najibullah was not familiar with Pashto literature so how could he have commented
on the extensive literature of the language. Dupree criticizes Shaikh Sdi, for including
the couplet in his book on morality.
If the king says the day is night.
Say here are the moon and the Pleiades.
He accuses him of justifying untruth. If such criticism is valid, it is the opinion of one
person and does not lessen the literary value of Gulistan.
The skepticism of Dr. Ali Akbar Jfari
Several articles appear in the 1968 issues of the literary journal, Sukhan, regarding
Pashto authored by Jfari. Issue 17(4) of this journal contains a discussion of Pashto
literature. It refers to my articles and books and considers Tazkerat-al-Awlia of Sulaiman
Maku and Pata Khazana among the earlier works of Pashto.
In the beginning Jfari admits that he is not familiar with the subject matter to voice
an opinion (Sukhan p. 335), but later it appears that he has come under the influence of
Professor Morgenstierne's writing in The Encyclopaedia of Islam and quotes his
skepticism. Once again no explanation is provided and without giving any examples or
analysis he writes: "By looking at some Indian words, whose pronunciation is not older
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than a few centuries, it appears they have been unknowingly adopted into their
language by Pashtoon conquerors who invaded India". He seems to be baffled by this
issue and believes there are three reasons:
1. In Persian, story writers insert their poetry where they feel fit or use the poetry of
others to praise heroes such as Rustam, Afrasiab, Alexander, the daughter of the
Chinese Kublai Khan, Amir Hamza, etc. It is possible that Pashtoon story writers did
the same and in his references Mohammad Hothek came across such poems... To
what extent Mohammad Hothek examined the validity of such works we do not
know.
2. From old days to the time of Mohammad Hothek these poems have been recited
by people to one another and have been converted (made new).
3. The calligraphers have changed the poems according to the style of the time. But
despite the new tone which is seen in these poems they also retain their old style
(Sukhan, p. 337).
These ambiguous statements do not make mention of any Indian words or new
words nor is there an example provided of the new style that may have raised his
doubts concerning poems with a new tone which also retain their old style.
With regard to Indian words, it is clear that Pashto has similarities with the old Vedic
and Sanskrit languages. A large number of old Vedic and Sanskrit words are in use in
Pashto today or have been used in the Middle or old Pashto literature. This is because
the Aryans went to northern India from this land (Afghanistan) and during their migration
took with them elements of their language. Moreover, due to the exchange of goods and
the movement of people over the eras a large number of Hindi words have been
introduced into Pashto and vice versa. These issues have been discussed in detail in
the History of Pashto Literature, (vol, 1 1947, second edition 1976). In old Pashto
poetry, or in documents prior to the Mongols {around 600 H. (1204 A.D.)}, I have not
come across words, whose pronunciation is not older than just a few centuries, as
hypothesized by Jfari. Since he does not provide any example nor have I come across
such words in the old literature, therefore I cannot add anything further to this argument.
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It would have been fruitful had the critic provided some examples of the issues he
has raised. In his first argument Jfari considers Pata Khazana (the biography of Pashto
poets) to be similar to prose texts of Persian fables. This is an incorrect comparison
because he has mixed the writing of a biography with that of fictitious works. Pata
Khazana is a biography of poets such as the biographical account of Daulat Shah,
Lubab-al-Albab, Majm-al-Fusaha and other such works. In a great many instances
they refer to lost books, while sometimes they do not reveal their sources, a criticism
which can be equally applied to a great number of biographies of eastern languages.
Mohammad Hothek provides a reference for the poem of Amir Krorr e.g. Larghoni
Pashtana of Shaikh Kata, who had taken his material from Tarekh-e Suri in Balishtan of
Ghor {around 750 H. (1349 A.D.)}. Therefore it is incorrect to compare the contents of
Pata Khazana with the fictitious works of Persian tales.
The other issue which he has raised is how does he substantiate his claim that some
of the poems have 'new elements and yet maintain their 'old form'. In reality the
difference between old and new poetry in Pata Khazana is distinct, although he sees
the two styles to be admixed. Is there a logical possibility for such a blend to have
taken place or is the logic of the writer shaky?
Changes brought about by scribes in old texts are real. In the eastern languages no
two copies of a text are alike. If we look at the celebrated Shahnama of Firdausi, which
has been copied several hundred times after the conquests of the Mongols, it is difficult
to find two versions that match each other exactly. Unfortunately, we do not have an old
hand-written version of Pata Khazana nor are the references mentioned therein in our
possession to allow us to make a comparison and see how much text has changed with
the passage of time.
Prior to the advent of the Mongol era, Pashto poets had maintained the originality of
their language and style of writing. Their works contain a large number of words which
are pure from the point of view of etymology, but are not used in the language now.
With regard to Indian words, that Jfari has mentioned, it can be said that these are
those ancient common words of the western and eastern Aryan languages between
which Pashto serves as a link. The use of such words has been going on for centuries.
For example in the encomium of Skarandoi boodtoon has been used. This word has a
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common root with the budd of Hindi. Its usage had started before the advent of Islam in
Pashto and cannot be related to the conquests of Sultan Mahmud.
Al Biruni states in Al Hind (vol. 1, p. 163) that there are three elements of the mind:
intellect, religion and ignorance, the first of which is called budh which brings forth a
state of rest and peace of mind. This word later found usage in other Aryan languages
such as mobadd (protector of faith), sepah jam budd (commander) etc.
According to Al Biruni, the name of Buddah is derived from budd which has been
recorded in the same form in the book Shapoorgan of Mani. In Arabic budd means an
idol. Abu-al-la Mri in the book Conversion of the World writes:
wa al qalb min ahwaya abed
ma ybad alkafer budda
And the heart of the adorer desires
An idol in the infidel's temple.
This analysis and the historical use of the word shows that bdtn (temple) of
Pashto was a compound place noun in use in the Ghorid era (11-12th centuries A.D.).
Such a combination cannot be considered a new element in the language. There are
several hundred such Hindi, Turkish, Pahlavi and Avestan words that were used in old
Pashto literature. They were in use prior to Islam and can not be considered new
elements, as Jfari has stated, but are old words.
At any rate, old works of Pashto which predate the Mongol era should be evaluated
with respect to etymology, the evolution of the language, and correspondence to
historical events. This can be done by a person who is knowledgeable in these fields
and who is able to substantiate the claims with examples. Brief allusions should be
avoided so that it may not result in confusion.
Native Skeptics
Another issue which needs to be discussed here is what has been said by some
people in Afghanistan, or in some instances what they have written about Pata
Khazana. These people have voiced their personal opinions about the book, but what
they have said is not based on facts. Here I do not want to take the position of a total
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defender of the book but would like to scientifically analyze what I have heard. If
someone should criticize the work in a scholarly manner in the future, without showing
bigotry, he or she should be heard, but if the critique is questionable, then it should be
researched and evaluated thoroughly.
One of the writers holds the view that the first poem of Pashto should have strong
historical backing and documentation. Without it researchers cannot rely on its
authenticity.
It should be mentioned that when studying Pata Khazana, or the biographies of
poets in other languages, the use of the terms 'first poem' or oldest prose or poetry is
not correct. It is not proper to state that a certain poem is the first one. Poetry is not
revealed suddenly from heaven but goes through constant transformation and
improvement. Compilers of Persian biographies, who have attributed the oldest Persian
poem to Bahram Gor, Mohammad bin Waseef Seistani, Abas Marwazi or Abu Hafs bin
Ahwas Sughdi have erred in doing so. It should be said that the first known poem
recognized in a certain language has been written by such and such poet. Based on
Pata Khazana we consider the poem of Amir Krorr as the first known poetic work of the
Pashto language. As I have mentioned in the annotations of the book, the literature of
the language evolved well before the writing of Amir Krorr's poem and during the eighth
century A.D. it had reached a highly refined stage. My view regarding this matter is
similar to what scholars have said about old Persian texts.
All of what has been written about ancient poetry in biographies of poets cannot be
taken for granted because in these books one comes across non-scholarly issues which
should be rejected on a scientific basis. Modern research is based on an evaluation of
facts based on philology, etymology, poetics and stylistics. Mohammad 's claim
regarding the qasidah of Marwazi in Lubab-al-Albab is untenable, but the book contains
a great deal of material which has been accepted as genuine.
All aspects of research on poetry (whether new or old), should conform with the
standards of philology and poetics. It is the duty of scholars of poetics to differentiate
good from bad and genuine from non-genuine. By collating all the ancient poems of
Pashto in order of their antiquity, we can say that the poem of Amir Krorr is the oldest
one known to us. It is possible that in the future older works may be discovered.
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The writer states: "Mohammad Hothek's view, in the 12th century Hejira regarding
the poem of Amir Krorr is not convincing, and when a researcher of the day comes
across such an issue it should not convince him". The respected writer should be asked
what he means by researchers of the day? If he is referring to reviewers or researches
of the history of literature, then such scholars would not out rightly reject the book.
In Lubab-al-Albab, Daulat Shah's biography of poets and other such works in
Persian and Arabic and other eastern languages there are thousands of poems that
have been accepted as genuine by scholars on the basis of a singular citation. The
works of Brown, Hamayee, Safa, Seed Nafisi, Dr. Shafaq and others are full of such
narratives. If such people are not considered scholars then who is a scholar?
Today the divan of Hanzala Badghisi does not exist but according to the Chahar
Maqala of Nizami Samarkandi (p. 69), this divan was in possession of Ahmad bin
Abdullah Khajestani {died 262 H. (876 A.D.)} who used to read it. Only one verse of this
anciet Persian poet has been cited in Lubab-al-Albab and Chahar Maqala, although
their style is dubious. wfi states that he had seen the Arabic and Persian divan of Abu-
al-Fatha (Lubab, p. 62). Beside a few couplets we do not have in our hand any other
part of the divan of this famous poet from Bost. His complete Arabic divan was
published by Ibrahim bin Ali Tarablusi in 1294 H. (1877 A.D.) and Dr. Amir Mahmud
Anwar completed the work containing 1350 couplets in Tehran from several hand-
written manuscripts (Maqalat wa Barasiha, vol. 13-16, p. 345). Many ancient divans
have been lost. If we reject the aforementioned arguments, then there will be no
material left for present day scholars to work with. In this manner half the works on the
history of Persian literature would have to be discarded because the material in works
such as Lubab-al-Albab has been collected by the writer of the biography. If we do not
rely on such works then today's researcher will have very little material to work on
because the originals of the old works (including the celebrated Shahnama) do not exist
today and we only have copies in our possession. If some doubt the authenticity of
Mohammad Hothek's work then one could cast doubts on the works of others such as
wfi, Daulat Shah, Azar and Hedayat. It may be stated that wfi and Daulat Shah lived
before Mohammad Hothek but Azar was his contemporary and Hedayat lived after him.
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He further writes: "The opinion of a writer such as Mohammad Hothek..." It is difficult
to understand why he is not convinced by the opinion of Mohammad Hothek? The truth
is that the works of wfi, Daulat Shah, Azar and Hedayat are also under discussion by
scholars. Mohammad Hothek's celebrity in and familiarity with Pashto literature far
exceeds that of wfi and Hedayat in Persian. He has made far less mistakes in the
writing of Pata Khazana than has Daulat Shah and Hedayat in their works. The
command of language which wfi, Daulat Shah, and Nezami Samarkandi had in
Persian, Mohammad Hothek has shown in Pashto. By profession, Mohammad Hothek
was secretary of the Hothek court in Qandahar. He has shown eloquence in his style of
writing and like Arab historians has extensively cited both written works and the
narrations he had heard. A number of the works he refers to are present at this time
such as the Makhzan of Nmatullah Herawi, the works of Khushal Khan and Naf-al-
Muslimeen of Noor Mohammad Ghaljay.
The lost books which Mohammad Hothek saw and has cited cannot be considered
dubious. There is no evidence of forgery in the narrations provided by Mohammad
Hothek with respect to poetics or the presentation of historical events. They resemble
the narrations that Daulat Shah cites from Munaqebat-al-Shura of Abu Tahir Khatuni.
This book is lost but we accept the narrations of Daulat Shah until another source is
found which is contrary to Khatuni.
There are other celebrated historical works such as Tarekh-e Baihaqi and
Tabaqathh-e Nasiri which quote narrations from lost texts. For example the Maqamat of
Abu Nasr Mushkan, secretary of the Ghaznavid court, in ten volumes that does not exist
now. What Baihaqi has narrated from this book is considered valid and we trust what
Baihaqi has said (although the original version of Baihaqi's book is not available today).
The history of Mahmud Warraq, Musamara-e Khwarazm and Maqamat-e Mahmudi are
all lost documents on which Baihaqi relies and provides them as references for his
book. Minhaj Seraj also quotes from lost books such as Takamilat-al-Latayef, Tarekh-e
Mujdool, Ahdas-al-Zaman, Muntakhab-e Tarekh-e Nasiri, Nasab Nama-e Ghoriyan and
Tarekh-e Naabi. We accept Minhaj Seraj's citations from these books even though
neither the versions written during the time of Jouzjani and Baihaqi nor any later
manuscripts are available.
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If these Persian biographies and historical works are accepted there is no reason
whatsoever why Mohammad Hothek's biographical account is not acceptable. If it is
claimed that Mohammad Hothek was referring to old texts during the 12th century Hejira
then the same formula should be applicable to taskkada of Azar and Majm-al-Fusaha
of Hidayat because they were written during the 12th and 13th centuries Hejira.
Historians do not use such reasoning. Therefore, these books should be treated
equally without any doubt or bigotry especially where the writer refers to a certain
source or provides a narration and does not add anything himself. Mohammad Hothek
follows these rules strictly. With respect to the poem of Amir Krorh he cites Larghoni
Pashtana of Shaikh Kata Mathizay Ghoryakhel bin Shaikh Yusuf bin Shaikh Mathi
{around 750 H. (1349 A.D.)}. Shaikh Kata had copied his material from Tarekh-e Suri of
Mohammad bin Ali Bosti. This shows that Mohammad Hothek's citation is well-
documented. If we accept the citations of Minhaj Seraj and Baihaqi, taken from now lost
sources, then there is no reason why Mohammad Hothek's citations should not be
acceptable.
We know that the citations provided by Mohammad Hothek from Makhzan-e
Afghani, the divan of Rahman Baba, the divan of Abdul Qadir Khan and the work of
Khushal Khan are correct and valid, therefore, we should not have any doubt in
accepting his citations from books that are lost. As stated earlier such citations and
narrations are seen in other biographies and we also come across cases where the
authors present material they have collected. There are many such volumes in use in
the history of literature. Prior to the finding of the complete manuscript of Lubab-al-
Albab, Hedayat's latest version was accepted in which he had relied on Arafat-al-
shuqeen. When in 1903-1906 Lubab-al-Albab was published by Brown, according to
the late Seed Nafisi, Hedayat had taken a great deal of the material of Lubab from
Arafat, but had insinuated he had actually seen Lubab himself (refer to the introduction
of Lubab-al-Albab by Seed Nafisi, 1947). How is it possible that the material presented
in Lubab-al-Albab, Daulat Shah and other biographical accounts, is acceptable to
scholars, even though they do not cite their references, while Mohammad Hothek's work
is not. If the validity of Pata Khazana is doubtful then others have the right to look with
uncertainty at the works of wfi, Daulat Shah and their likes. Leaving bigotry aside let
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us evaluate the following narration of Daulat Shah: Abu Tahir Khatuni has said that
during the era of Azd-al-Daula Dailami, the Shereen palace, which is near Khaneqin,
had not been totally destroyed. In the inscription of that palace this couplet, written in
old Persian style, was found:
hazh bara ba kaihan anosha bazi
jahan badedar tusha bazi
Great monarch you secured endless fortune,
The world despises your splendor.
What kind of a verse is this? Is not the Manaqeb-al-Shura of Khatooni lost. Can we
rely only on Daulat Shah's statement? Mohammad Hothek's reference to Larghoni
Pashtana has similar import. There are many instances in biographical anthologies in
which the author is the sole narrator. If such narrations are removed from the literature
of Pashto, Persian and other languages, a large number of poets and old writings will
have to be forgotten, and the 'present day researcher' will be left empty-handed.
He further writes: "It has not been explicitly stated in history what language was
spoken by the people of this era (8th century A.D.) or later and what was their form of
writing? Some scattered documents, however, show that different ethnic groups of the
country wrote their national and local languages, more or less, in their own form of
writing without any foreign influence. During the beginning of the second Islamic century
the language of the people of the central and mountainous regions was free from Arabic
influence. This was because Arab influence had not taken hold, or was in the early
stages of development.
"The antiquity of Pashto and Persian literature can be proved from Vedic and
Avestan ballads and the writings of Greek and Arab historians. The question here deals
with the national language and its present day form of writing, and the time of its origin.
As stated earlier, Arab influence in the central part of the country during the second
century was minimal. Even if there was some influence, it was not much so as to greatly
influence language, religion, style of writing and dialect. Furthermore, Tarekh-e Baihaqi,
Tabaqathh-e Nasiri, Futuh-al-Baldan, Shahnama-e Tabari and the works of neutral
historians and scholars are documents which allow us to form an opinion.
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"These documents and other reliable sources state that Islam's influence had not
spread to Ghor until the 4th century Hejira. Based on this, Arabic had not influenced the
language or writing of the people of Ghor. If samples of the writing of the language are
found they will certainly not be in Arabic. The style of writing can be visualized from the
excavated inscriptions. In my opinion the Arabic script, as in the case of Persian, was
adopted by Pashto when these regions came under the influence of Moslem
administrators.
"If Islam was introduced to Ghor by the Ghaznavids, then how it is possible that the
Arabic language found its way into the area two centuries before the Ghaznavids? Is it
possible that Arabic had so much influence in the area that Amir Krorh was able to write
his poem in Arabic script with such eloquence and leave it to us as a souvenir of his
age. If this unexpected influence spread so quickly in Ghor, then their inscriptions
should also have been written in Arabic."
The first part of this statement belies historical facts and events. The issue of script
has been extensively treated in the writings of Indian, Arab and Greek writers and
clarified by inscriptions, coins and Avestan, Pahlavi and Chinese sources. That the
Avestan script was used in former Aryana is evident from the book of Avesta itself. The
Avestan influence is seen in Balkh, Seistan and the Helmand valley up to Rakhd. Most
of Avestan rulers and events pertain to Afghanistan. That a religion and a book are
produced in this country and that a religious book is written in a particular script does
not mean that the script was popular in this country as history does not show this
clearly.
From the hundreds of Greek inscriptions and coins which have been found in
Afghanistan and are preserved in the museums of the world, one cannot come to the
conclusion that from the time of Alexander's conquests (230 B.C.) until the 8th and 9th
centuries Greek script was in use in Afghanistan.
The religious tablets found in Mansehra and Shahbaz Garhay, related to the
Mauryan king, Ashoka (273-232 B.C.), were written in Kharoshti and Prakrit scripts. The
Daronta tablets have been written in Aramaic, and the Qandahar's old city inscriptions
are in Greek and Aramaic scripts. Is it not possible to say that during the second and
third centuries B.C. that Greek, Aramic and Kharoshti script were used in Afghanistan
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up to the banks of the Indus river by the people? Or is it possible that they wrote
religious sermons in some other form of writing other than the script of the people?
The tablets of the early Koshanid period are in the Takhari language written in Greek
script. The Uruzgan and Jaghato tablets are similar and date back to the 5th century
A.D. Later inscriptions and coins, belonging to the 6th and 7th centuries are in Sarada,
Brahman, Greek and Pahlavi scripts. In later years all these scripts were replaced by
Kufic and Arabic scripts. Thus the statement by the writer, "local languages, without the
influence of other languages, were written, more or less, in a special script...", is
incorrect.
The Aramaic script was introduced by the Achamenids, the Greek script by
Alexander and Greek rulers, the Pahlavi script came from Fars by means of the
Sassanids, and Sarada from Wagri, and Brahmi came from India. Only the Kharoshti
script is believed to have originated in the area between the Helmand and Indus rivers.
Wilson also considers it as the Aryana script (Aryana Antiqua). Therefore, one cannot
say that historical documentation is not clear. Are these not historical documents? If the
writer considers compiled volumes historical documents, I refer him to the two volumes
of History of Afghanistan by Kohzad, my Short History of Afghanistan and the History of
Afghanistan after Islam.
It will become clear that the issue of language is similar to that of culture and
Afghanistan has been considered at the crossroads of different cultures. Then how is it
possible to say that local languages had not come under the influence of other
languages? With the coming of the Hephthalites and the Koshanids many Turanian
words were introduced into our language. In Pashto, Turkish words such as olas, jerga,
aegh, toura and hundreds of others, are in common usage and have become an integral
part of the language. All the words of the 25 line Surkh Kotal inscription are of ancient
Aryan origin, and as mentioned earlier, the deep cultural influence of east and west is
seen in it.
The word mandar, used in the inscription is originally a Sanskrit word which means a
palace, temple, resting place etc. This vividly shows the effect of Indian culture and
language. The month of Neisan is a Babylonian month, also in use in Syriac and Jewish
calendars. In Akhadian the word is written as neisun, in Armaic as neis and in Arabic as
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neisan. This word has found its way from Babylon to Aryana via the Scythian, Median
and Achaemenid civilizations and became established in the civilization of the Koshanid
era.
When it is evident that Afghanistan has served as the central hub of different
civilizations and cultures then how is it possible to say that our language has remained
aloof from the influence of other languages (as the writer of an article has put it)?
The assertion that the effects of Arabic language and culture had not reached Ghor
during the 4th century H. is incorrect. Also Islam was not introduced to Ghor by the
Ghaznavids during the 4th century H. The historical facts are different. Islam was
introduced into the regions of Ghor during the first Islamic century and the influence of
Arabic spread at that time.
Minhaj Seraj states that Malik Shansab bin Kharnak, the Ghorid king, embraced
Islam through Hazrat Ali, the fourth Caliph in 36 H. (657 A.D.) (Tabaqathh-e Nasiri, vol.
1, p. 320), and considers Amir Polad a contemporary of Abu Muslim Marwazi, circa 130
H. (748 A.D.) (vol. 1, p. 324).
The Arabic and Islamic influence did not reach the inner valleys of Ghor until 107 H.
(726 A.D.), when the Arab conqueror, Asd bin Abdullah attacked Gharistan and that
region's ruler, Namroon. Later he also attacked the mountain dwellings of Ghor, who hid
their possessions in a cave in one of the mountains. Asd made coffins in which he hid
his soldiers. The coffins were sent to the cave. Thus his soldiers were able to take out
the possessions (Tabari, vol. 5, p. 328). As far as we know from historical documents,
people living in the far reaches of the mountainous valleys of Ghor had not pledged
allegiance to Islam until 253 H. (867 A.D.) (Tabaqathh-e Nasiri, vol. 1, p. 318).
In the circumstances that the rulers of Ghor were traveling to the courts of Hazrat li
and Haroon al Rashid and Amir Polad participated in the conquests of Abu Muslim, it is
clear that Arab civilization and religion had spread to some parts of Ghor. The rulers of
Ghor maintained their local power until the time of Sultan Mahmud and Sultan Masud.
The possibility exists that in the far reaches of the mountainous regions of Ghor some
people did not embrace Islam for a long time. The influence of Arab culture and
language on the cities of Ghor is evident. The statement that Islam's influence had not
reached Ghor until the 4th century Hejira, and that until the era of Timur, Islam had not
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completely penetrated Ghor is incorrect. One has only to look at Tabari and Tabaqathh-
e Nasiri to clarify this matter. The statements of the skeptics do not correspond with
historical facts.
How is it possible that the rulers of Ghor, who had access to the Arab courts,
participated in Arab conquests, fought in alliance with Abu Muslim's armies, where
Arabic poetry was recited and Arabic was the language of the court, were so distant
from the cultural setting that they did not know a word of Arabic?
The writer of the article has mixed the issue of script with that of language. He
states: "It is far from possible that in 130 H., during the early stages of Islam, a man by
the name of Amir Krorh wrote his poem in Arabic script."
It must be mentioned that in Pata Khazana there is no allusion to the script of the
poem. If for the sake of argument let us accept that the rulers of Ghor, despite being
involved with Abu Muslim Marwazi, did not know how to write Arabic, the possibility
exists that they wrote their language in Greek, Kharoshti or Pahlavi script. With the
spread of the Islamic influence, during the first and second centuries Hejira, in the area
they could have adopted the Arabic script. The ancient relics of Persian language such
as the hymns of the Karkoy temple, the poem of Bahram Gor, manam n sher galah,
and the inscription of the Qasr-e Shireen, were most likely written in Avestan or Pahlavi
script. When these poems found their way into Persian works they were transcribed in
the Arabic script. Based on this, it is important that the issue of the use of script should
not be mixed with that of language.
In the epic poem of Amir Krorh, the names of certain places such as Zaranj, Jurm,
Gharj and Hariwa-al-Rud, have been Arabicized without any doubt. In geographical
works of the time the names appear in similar fashion. During that time Arabic was the
literary language of the court. In the Arabic writings of the people of Khorasan the
Arabicized forms have been used. The fact that the rulers of Ghor had affinities with the
citizens of Khorasan and the Khorasanian courts, the Arabicization of four Ghorid
names in the poem, does not mean that the poem is forged. We see that the Taherid
rulers of Poshang of Herat, who were not that far away from Ghor, recited poetry in
Arabic only 50 years later.
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After the dominance of the Arabs, during the first century Hejira, the names of a
large number of cities were Arabicized and the native people also used the Arabicized
forms. For example Sagistan became Sajistan, and Zarang became Zaranj. These
forms were used in all Persian and Arabic documents. If in the ancient works their
original form was written, the scribes converted them to the Arabic form. For example
the word chol, meaning desert or empty space, is commonly used in Pashto and
Persian. In a copy of Tarekh-e Seistan its Arabicized form appears as jol. Similarly rakhj
which is an Arabicized form of the rakhot in Pahlavi and rakz in Persian, has been
written in the Arabic form in all books. All these changes took place during the early
conquests of the Arabs and the spread of Arab influence. The word jurm was also
coined by the incoming Arabs. It stems from garm, (with reference to a land of hot
clime) Arabicized as jurm, the plural of which is written as juroom. The word, sard (cold),
has been Arabicized with the use of the letter swad instead of the letter seen, the plural
of which was written as surood, referring to cold mountainous areas. These terms came
into use during the middle part of the first Islamic century, gained prevalence in
Khorasan and found their way into Persian and Pashto literature. It is pertinent to say
that the Arabs did not have such usage in their language.
He continues to write: "It is impossible to imagine that the people of Ghor, despite
not accepting Islam, adopted the Arabic script?"
The issue of the acceptance of Islam by the people of Ghor was treated earlier, but
to say that the people of Ghor had no contacts with Islam at that time is negated by
historical facts. According to Ibn Asir (Asad-al-Ghaba, vol. 4, p. 239) and Hafiz ibn Hajr
qalaniani (Alasaba, vol. 5, p. 268), Kais (Arabicized as Qais), one of the forefathers of
the Pashtoons from the Sulaiman mountain, had met with the Holy Prophet. They refer
to Ketab-al-Kabir as a source which deals with the classes of the people of Balkh
(Fazayal-e Balkh, p. 317). It is not possible to disregard such authentic and noteworthy
books.
Arabic script reached Afghanistan and Ghor during the first two Islamic centuries
and had extended one thousand miles toward the east. The Touchi tablet of Waziristan,
preserved in the Peshawar museum, has been inscribed with two scripts, namely
Sanskrit and Arabic. The Arabic is written in the Kufic style of calligraphy. This
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inscription is dated 243 H. (858 A.D.). It reinforces the statement that a hundred years
after the time of Amir Krorr, Arabic script had found its way into the mountains of
Waziristan.
Now let us discuss his statement: "Amir Krorr's language is mixed." Beside the four
Arabicized names of places, there is not a single word in the epic poem of Amir Krorr
that is not pure Pashto. There are certain words with which Pashtoons are not familiar
now. These words have been recognized through etymological analysis. Is it possible to
call the language of such a poem mixed? If someone thinks it is mixed, then the
question arises with what language? Can someone show a single word of another
language in this poem? If there are words which have similarities with other languages,
it is not with Arabic but with Persian. This is a natural phenomenon because in Ghor
both languages were spoken and their linguistic closeness is possible. The language of
Amir Krorr's poem is not mixed and this is clear to students of language.
He continues to write: "According to Habibi, if the language of the people of Ghor
was Pashto after Islam, then prior to Amir Krorr or after him some documents should
have been found in it."
Here it is important to mention that I have not stated that prior to Islam the language
of the people of Ghor was Pashto. I have said that the language was so refined during
the first century of Islamic era that magnificent epic thoughts could be expressed in it.
From this it can be deduced that it was not a new and undeveloped language.
To show that the language of some people of Ghor was Pashto I present a passage
from Tarekh-e Baihaqi. When Prince Masud bin Sultan Mahmud attacked the Juros
region of Ghor in Jamadi-al-Awal of the year 411 H. (1021 A.D.), Baihaqi writes: A
learned messenger was sent there with a Ghorid man...so he may act as translator (p.
125). This shows that the language of the Ghorid people was something other than
Persian as the emissary of Sultan Masud certainly knew Persian and did not need a
translator. So what language did the people of Ghor speak to require a translator. Since
the clues of any other language have not been found in Ghor, then the probability is
high that the language they spoke was Pashto. With regard to his statement that prior or
later documents should have been present, suffice it to say that if we look for
documents predating every literary work, then we assume that every written work
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should be preceded by a former piece of work. Such an argument is negated by logic
and common sense. In Pata Khazana itself later works from the courts of Ghor are
presented. If the skeptics believe that the prior work of every piece of Pashto literature
should have a work prior to it, then the question arises where are such works of Persian
and Arabic literature? If we consider a Persian poem as old, then should we ask what
was it preceded by or what has happened to the older poem? If we are unable to find
such a document then is it logical to reject the work?
He continues to write: "This Amir Krorh is a vague personality because not a single
Arab or non-Arab historian has mentioned anything about him. It is far from possible
that historians should not mention such a mighty and brave king. According to his own
poem, Herat and Jurm were under his sway and he was even known in Rome."
It should be reminded here that the poem in question is a piece of epic poetry. In
such poems poets say whatever they like and not all of it is true. In epic poems, the poet
uses his utmost imagination to boast and exaggerate and to show a great deal of pride.
When a poet says that he is recognized in Rome this does not mean that we should
look for his name in Roman history. And if we are unable to find it then that does not
mean that the poet did not exist. There is no doubt that Amir Krorr has resorted to poetic
exaggeration. It is possible that he was recognized in Herat and Jurm but was certainly
not known in Rome given the limited mode of transportation of the time. Poetic
exaggeration is common in literature as shown in the following lines:
A lord, a world conquering king
The kings of all the world are his subjects.
Sometimes you see his signs in India
Sometimes they read his decree in Rome.
(Jamaluddin Mohammad Nasir, Lubab, p. 107)
Truly, the monarch praised in these lines was neither known in India nor did anyone
read his decree in Rome. Such exaggerations cannot be accepted as historical facts.
When the Arab poet of the court of Yqoub Lais Safari wrote a qasidah as an epic poem
he sent it to the caliph of Baghdad. Let us evaluate four lines of the poem to check its
historical validity:
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Ana ibn al-akaram min nasl jam
wa haiz ars mulook al-jm
ma lam al-kabian al-lazi
ba artaji an aswad al-lamam
I am son of the worthy, from the Jam race
Inheriter from the Alajam sovereigns.
Holder of the Al Kabian banner
With which I will become master of nations.
Was Yqoub in reality of Jam lineage and did he possess the flag of Kawiyans? The
fact is that, during the Sassanid period, this flag fell into the hands of Arab conquerors in
the battle of Qadisia, 14 H. (636 A.D.), and was distributed as booty. Four centuries
after Amir Krorr, Sultan lauddin Hussain, recited these lines after destroying Ghazni:
The world knows I am the Sultan of the world,
The light of the Abbasid dynasty.
When I sit on the royal throne,
The world and sky are one and alike.
Like Alexander, I will conquer the whole world,
And appoint a ruler in every city. (Tabakath-e Nasiri)
Are all these lines realistic and was he the emperor of the world? Was it possible for
him to conquer the world like Alexander? We know that later he was captured by
Khwarazm Shah. When Yqoob Lais claims he is a descendent of Jam and when
Hussain boasts to be the sultan of the world, we know that they are using poetic
hyperbole. The boasting of Amir Krorr, who was a local king, is in the same token, and
he could not have been an international celebrity at the time. The skeptic continues to
write: "Tabaqathh-e Nasiri only speaks about Amir Polad (whom Mohammad Hothek
citing, Shaikh Kata, introduces as the father of Amir Krorr) and does not mention Amir
Krorr. Moreover, in Tabaqathh-e Nasiri, it has been written that after the death of Amir
Polad, the throne was ascended by his nephews. Pata Khazana writes that after Amir
Polad, Amir Krorr became the king. These statements are contradictory."
The silence of Minhaj Seraj regarding Amir Krorr does not negate his existence
because historical narratives are taken from different sources. Every historian discusses
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a particular subject according to his sources of reference and what he hears about the
topic. It is possible that what is written in one book is stated in another or that the other
source may not contain the same information. Minhaj Seraj himself admits that at the
time when he was writing Tabaqath he was away from his country in Delhi and did not
have access to the sources he had left behind in Ghor. The information provided in
Tabaqath and by Mohammad Hothek are complementary. Tabaqath discusses issues
that we do not find in other books. While certain authors may have not treated an issue
this does not mean that the information provided should not be considered correct. With
regard to historical events the two books do not contradict each other. There were
several rulers in different parts of Ghor governing simultaneously. It is possible that Amir
Krorr ruled a certain region at the same time when Amir Folad's nephews were kings in
other regions. Tabaqathh-e Nasiri clearly states that the members of this family were
kings in Mandesh, Khaisar, Bamiyan, Takhar, Gailan and Kajran.
He continues to state: "It must be remembered that the science of Arabic prosody
(urood) was founded at the beginning of the second century Hejira. The poem of Amir
Krorh, though having nationalistic and local flavor conforms to the rules of Arabic
prosody. How is it possible for someone in a far off land, away from Arab influence, to
write poetry in accordance with the rules of Arabic prosody, when those rules were
compiled only a few years earlier? Except that we consider such closeness to Arabic
meter purely on the basis of chance."
This statement completely contradicts scientific thinking. Meter has a long history in
Arabic verse and existed during the era of jahiliyat (ignorance) well before the time of
Khalil bin Ahmad (circa 175 H.). Khalil compiled and classified meter in Arabic; he did
not invent it. In Arabic literature we come across numerous poems which were written
well before the time of Khalil but conform to Khalil's rules of prosody. These qasidahs
were written before Khalil and even before the advent of Islam. Even if we assume that
Amir Krorr's poem is based on Arabic meter, it is not correct to say that it is an
occurrence by pure chance. In fact Amir Krorr's poem does not conform to Khalil's
prosodic system whatsoever.
Personally, I am not aware of any such meter in Khalil bin Ahmad's rules of prosody
where the first and second hemistich are four times the length of the third and fourth
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ones. If the respected skeptic is able to show such a pattern in the rules of Arabic
metric prosody, it will be to good purpose. It is true that some Pashto poetry has been
written with Arabic metric prosody in mind but this does not apply to compiled or non
compiled Pashto poetry. Every Pashto poem cannot be made to fit the rules of Arabic
prosody. Meter in Pashto poetry differs from meter in Arabic and this can be recognized
on the basis of the use of accent, sound and other Aryan metric characteristics.
He states: "It should be remembered that prose was written before poetry. When we
come across a poem written in such an eloquent style in 130 H. (748 A.D.) then there
should be ample evidence of other works of prose and poetry in the language. At this
juncture we will wait for such works to appear."
It is true that prose may have been written before poetry, but incidentally, the ancient
documents of some languages of the world are in verse only. Examples are the Veda,
Avesta, Eliad and others. On the other hand if we are unable to find works of prose this
does not mean that the discovered verse is not acceptable. With this logic Persian
poetic works of the first, second and third century Hejira should be discarded, because
we have not found any work in prose belonging to this period.
We do not understand what is meant by 'pure poetry'? If the skeptics are able to
show one foreign word in the poem of Amir Krorh then we would admit that the poem is
not pure. By comparing this poem with ancient pieces of Persian poetry, recorded in
Tarekh-e Seistan, we can tell which one is pure. In a verse from Mohammad bin Waseyf
five out of ten words are Arabic. He wrote this poem in 296 H. (909 A.D.). Another
couplet written 60 years after the era of Amir Krorh and cited in Lubab (p. 20) contains
seven Arabic words from a total of 11. The skeptics do not have to wait for other pure
Pashto poems to appear. They have at their disposal Pata Khazana which contains
several pure Pashto poems. Such waiting applies to other languages.
After their sickening tirades (which are not based on scientific facts), these
honorable writers come forward with their real motive and reveal their skepticism
regarding Pata Khazana in the following words: "With the encouragement of the ruler of
the time, Mohammad Hothek decided to include in his book such an unknown poem by
an unknown person from unknown sources. The references mentioned in Pata Khazana
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have not been found anywhere, therefore Mohammad Hothek's statements cannot be
believed in their entirety."
From the above it is clear that these skeptics consider the poems to have been
forged by Mohammad Hothek with the encouragement of Shah Hussain. In answer to
this we shall state that it is possible for one person to forge poetry related to one era
and one style of writing. In Pata Khazana, however, we come across different styles of
poetry written in different periods. Is it possible that Mohammad Hothek forged all of the
poems? Is it possible for one person to write poetry of different intellectual trends,
philosophies and tastes with varying dialects? Is it possible to write the epic poem of
Amir Krorr with its special meter and use of words, and then be able to fabricate poems
in the style of the poets of Ghaznavid courts such as Shaikh Asd and Skarandoi?
Furthermore is it possible for one person to fabricate tens of poems in tens of different
styles and meters in tens of different dialects? And, at the same time be so well familiar
with historical events that not a single poem shows any variance with historical events.
If this is not conjecturing on absurdity then Hothek certainly was a genius.
If we look at biographical anthologies with such skepticism and disapproval then
Lubab and other old works fall in the same category. If someone says that the poems
presented in Lubab and other works are forgeries because these books have not
provided references, or if the references cited are lost, and that wfi and others have
forged them for unknown reasons; would it not be appropriate to call such a person
malevolent and a bigot. We do not have doubts and reservations with respect to Persian
and Arabic books and narrations. Is it not unjust to expound such reservations and
skepticism when it comes to Mohammad Hothek?
Let us assume, for arguments sake, that Mohammad Hothek (as he has been
accused) forged the ancient poem in the name of Amir Krorh for the satisfaction of the
king. Why did he not forge it in the name of Amir Polad or his father Amir Kharnak, who
were known personalities, and their exploits recorded in Tabaqathh-e Nasiri. In this case
no one could have accused him or cast doubt on the historical events. Mohammad
Hothek did not indulge in such fabrication because he had access to an old document.
He refers to it on an accepted and scientific basis and cited what he saw in that book.
Mohammad Hothek understood the responsibility of a writer or compiler of a
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biographical anthology to narrate what he saw or heard and to cite his references. If we
continue to doubt biographical anthologies in this manner, then these words will ring
true:
Na tho mani, na owe, nae fakr razi
Neither you will be left, nor him, or Fakhr Razi.
Here, I must add that the original calligraphed manuscript of Pata Khazana is
preserved in the Calligraphy Library of the Ministry of Information and Culture and
available for public viewing. In 1976 it was photographed and published.
Translator's note: Il Tesoro Nascosto Degli Afghani, Lucia S. Loi, Bologna, il Cavaliere azzurro, 1987 is a
study of Pata Khazana. According to her reviewer C.J. Brunner, she provides a lexicographic analysis of
216 words which were listed as rare words by A. H. Habibi in the 1944 edition of the book. The words are
analyzed and most are shown to be usages represented in 19th and 20th century Pashto dictionaries.
Some problems of interpretation are resolved by using Platt's dictionary of Urdu, Classical Hindi and
English. Brunner, in his review notes: "Habibi's mystifications, deliberate or not, are removed and with
them the only prop of Hothek's dating and of the 1729 dating of Pata Khazana."
The list provided by Habibi has no 'mystifications', unless one is looking at it with a biased
perspective. It is clear to Pashto speakers that some of the words are not in use in the language
anymore. Over the years the Pashto Academy of Afghanistan and Pashto writers have started to
reintroduce the words into the language as suggested by Habibi in his annotations. The commentary and
annotations of the book clarify the issue of usage of such words. Pashto has common bonds with Indo-
Iranian languages and the roots of a large number of old Pashto words can be traced in eastern
languages which are out of use such as Sanskrit, Avesta, and Pahlavi and ones that are in use at the
present time i.e. Hindi and Persian. The fact that certain words which appear in Pata Khazana, are not in
use today, but are found in 19th and 20th century dictionaries does not prove that they are not rare or that
the work is a pastiche of authentic old poetry in a fictional framework. To understand and analyze the
subject, a thorough examination of the origin of the words, their etymology, structural relationships,
Pashto poetics and the cultural and social setting of the Pashtoons at the time needs to be undertaken.
This examination should provide a definitive critical study of the book based on philological considerations
of linguistics and historical facts. To appreciate and understand the depth of Pata Khazana one has to
have the ability to engage into another culture.
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In the name of God, the Compassionate,
the Merciful
Praise be to God who elevated man with the power of speech and thus differentiated
him from other animals and revealed to him the holy Koran. This infallible word of God
is most esteemed among all other written works. Praise be to God, there is none more
exalted than Him. He is the Lord who has bestowed man with the power of speech.
Blessed be the Prophet (Peace be upon Him) who showed us the right and virtuous
path.
Verse
The leader of universe, may I be devoted to him
Most exalted in the universe, I am devoted to him.
May God's blessing be on his children and companions, illuminating in the sky like
stars. Were it not for them we would not have found the right and truthful path and
would have perished in ignorance.
Verse
The Prophets are like stars in the sky
Illuminating the earth where we stand
They have enlightened our dark lives
May their soul find peace in the promised land.
In particular may the blessing of God be on Prophet Mohammad and his four
companions, children and grand children.
Let it be known that speech is a special gift of mankind. It is something that God has
only bestowed on man. In every era the Almighty God has created eloquent poets and
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orators who have been considered the disciples of the Lord. They have written heart-
rendering verse through the ages.
I am Mohammad Hothek, a Pashtoon, who lives in Qandahar. It has been for a long
time that I have been interested in poetry and have spent a great deal of my free time
devoted to its reading. It has been a long time since I have wanted to complete a
biography of Pashto poets but have been unable to do so due to the prevailing
circumstances. This is because Qandahar has been under the heel of tyranny.
Sometimes the Mongols raided it and at other times it was oppressed by Gurgin.
Now that the clement God has released us from cruelty we have managed to breath
the air of freedom. The oppressors have been driven away from Qandahar by Haji Mir
Khan, God's mercy be on him, and the Pashtoons have been freed from their cruelty.
With my worries abated I have decided to complete this work. When His Majesty Shah
Hussain Hothek, light of Pashtoonkhwa, leader of Moslems, the vanquisher of the
infidels and the preserver of the faith, learned of my intentions he summoned me to his
court and encouraged me to fulfill this task.
Verse
Shah Hussain Hothek the Pashtoon king
Who is the greatest emperor of them all,
He is the brave and nimble son of Haji Mir
*

God let not this star among us fall.
Our king, Shah Hussain, venerated by the Shalemkhel, may God prolong his reign,
is a good orator and a lover of poetry. He summoned me to his court, encouraged me
and showed kindness so I may fulfill my desire to write a biography of Pashto poets.
Thus I strived to finish the book with urgency and to complete a biography of Pashtoon
poets.
*
Haji Mirwais Khan, the national leader who liberated Qandahar in 1707, was also known as Haji Mir and Haji Mir
Khan.
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Let it be known that I have been gathering information on Pashtoon poets for the
past 30 years. While traveling in Pashtoonkhwa I heard interesting stories about these
poets and am now able to write about them at the request of our king, shadow of God.
The name of this book is Pata Khazana (The Hidden Treasure). I selected this title
because a great deal of the information presented here has been hidden and remained
obscure over the years. May all Moslems be pardoned by the Almighty and may our
king live long. I started writing this book on Friday, the 16 of Jamadi-al-Thani 1141
Hijera (1728 A.D.).
This book contains three treasures:
The First Treasure: The work of past poets.
The Second Treasure: The work of contemporary poets who are alive.
The Third Treasure: The work of Pashto poetesses whose poetry is known to us.
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The First Treasure
Poets of the past whose work is known to us
BABA
*
HOTHEK
Eminent shaikh, pivot of the sagacious and one who has reached God, God's mercy be
on him
He was a famous saint whose miracles are well known. It is said that his father Baro,
God's mercy be on him, was the son of Tular who was the son of Baba Ghaljay, God's
mercy be on him, a chief of the Pashtoons at his time. Hothek was born in the year 661
H. (1263 A.D.) in Atghar.
1
When he became a man, he devoted his life to prayers. He
was the chief of his tribe at Atghar and Syoray.
2

It has been narrated: At that time the Mongols raided the banks of the Arghandab
river several times and ravaged Atghar, Awlan
3
and Kalat. Baba Hothek gathered his
tribesmen to fight the marauding Mongols near Sur Ghar
4
(Sur mountain). In this battle
the Mongols were defeated and the Pashtoon warriors killed a great number of them.
My father, Daud Khan, narrated to me that: So much Mongol blood was spilled on Sur
Mountain that it glowed under the sun. The Pashtoons were few and weak and when a
number of them were killed, Baba Hothek sang this sonnet loudly and pierced the
oncoming Mongol soldiers with his arrows. When the Pashtoons heard his song they
fought with vigor covering Sur Ghar
4
with the blood of the Mongols, who were all killed.
I have taken down this song from my father, may God's compassion be upon him.
*
Title of respect for an elderly man
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Verses
The Sur mountain is on fire
O, People let not disgrace be your desire.
The Mongols have taken our home and village
Ghazni and Kabul are under their pillage.
Brave men rise, this is your chance,
The Mongols are trying to quickly advance,
Pillaging Pashtoonkhwa
5
with many a lance.
The Mongols have taken our home and village.
Brave warriors of Margha come fight
For the cause of Pashtoonkhwa outright,
With sharpened swords and arrows until light.
The Mongols have taken our home and village.
Young men cast arrows in the battlefield,
With swift blows of the sword make them yield,
Use your breasts as a shield.
The Mongols have taken our home and village.
The blood of young warriors is aflow,
The earth and mountains are aglow,
See them running, the frightened foe.
6
The Mongols have taken our home and village.
There is a battle on the mountain, O Pashtoons hurry,
Sur Ghar with Mongol blood is covered, scurry
Strike boldly, kill the foe without worry.
The Mongols have taken our home and village.
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Young men, in honor do not hesitate to die,
Make the foes with your arrows lie,
Protect Pashtoonkhwa's land and honor high.
The Mongols have taken our home and village.
It is said that Baba Hothek fought many battles with the Mongols and drove them
beyond Arghandab. The Pashtoon warriors from Margha
7
and Atghar always attacked
them and drove them into the mountains. Baba Hothek died at the age of 79 in 740 H.
(1339 A.D.).
SHAIKH MALIKYAR
Discoverer of mysteries
He was the eldest son of Baba Hothek and after his father's death became chief of the
tribe. It is said that Malikyar was a brave and strong warrior and was capable of
challenging ten men at a time. At the time of Baba Hothek's death Malikyar was 25
years of age. He gathered a large number of his relatives near Syoray, dug
underground canals and engaged his people in agriculture. When the Mongols became
aware of this they attacked Syoray. Malikyar fought several battles with the Mongols as
a result of which a large number of Pashtoon homes were destroyed. The Pashtoons
left for Margha, Zhobe and Waza Khwa.
8
There they regrouped and returned back to
Syoray to attack the Mongols and liberate their homeland.
It is said that in 749 H. (1348 A.D.) the Tarnak river was overflowing its banks during
the spring rains and for a period of one month no one was able to ford it. When Malikyar
Baba came to the bank of the river he recited this song:
Malikyar Baba's song
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The Tarnak is flowing, full to its brim, and as it flows
My heart yearns for its beloved, its pretty rose.
O river, O river Tarnak, may God dry your deepest vein,
So I may attain love's solace without such tormenting pain.
Like a torrent, a deluge of separation entwined
You bring forth tears in sadness confined.
A fire that burns within my heart and my restless blood,
I wish may erupt and dry this tormenting flood.
Pay heed to my call, O bright moon, shining above,
See how the Tarnak has estranged my ladylove.
The murky water has separated Malikyar from the embrace
Of his beloved sweetheart, bring forth her enchanting grace.
It is said that after reciting this poem a log came floating on the water and got stuck
among the reeds on two sides of the river, creating a bridge. Malikyar crossed the river
over the log and thus was able to attain his wish.
It is said that one day Malikyar was visiting his uncle Toukhay and saw his cousin
Noor Baba
9
, sharpening arrows. Malikyar asked him: "Cousin, what are you doing."
The cousin replied: "I will be your follower and helper in battles with the Mongols."
Malikyar prayed for his success in his battle against the enemy. It is said that Nour
Baba
9
always fought valiantly and no one remembers his defeat in any battle.
It is said that one day the Mongols attacked Syoray and there were no men in
Malikyar's fortress. When Noor Baba heard of the attack, he immediately arrived at the
fortress and fought the Mongols single handily. He drove them away from the fortress
and killed a number of them. It is believed that Noor's bravery was due to the grace of
Malikyar's prayer.
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SHAIKH KHRASBOON SARRBANAY
Accepted by the divine, eternal helper,
God's mercy be on him
He was the grandson of Abdul Rashid Pashtoon Baba and lived in Kesay
10
mountain.
The Almighty God had bestowed him with miraculous deeds and he spent his time in
prayers. It is said that while his father was still alive he left Kesay and went to Ghwarha
Margha.
11
Sometimes he would visit Ghundan
12
mountain where he worshipped God.
Once a year he visited his sage uncle Baitanay. After the death of Baitanay he visited
his shrine on a regular basis.
Khrasboon Baba grew up with Shaikh Ismail, who had been adopted by Baitnay
Nika. When Khrasboon was leaving Kesay for Ghundan, Ismail was deeply moved by
his departure and wept a great deal.
It is said that one day Khrasboon and Ismail were sitting in the presence of Sarrban
and Baitnay Nika in their house in Kesay. Khrasboon was asked by his father and uncle
to embark on his journey. Upon hearing that Khrasboon was to leave Ismail Baba
recited this nra
*
aloud:
Nra
The time of separation has come not knowing,
From Kesay mountain Khrasboon is agoing.
O brother Khrasboon as you leave tomorrow,
Behold my weary heart's sorrow.
As you depart for Margha, that barren land
What means such parting, I do not understand?
For God's sake, Khrasboon, my friend
Don't forget your kin to the very end.
My heart is aflutter, as I see you depart,
Your separation like a fire, burns my heart.
*
A kind of Pas'hto poetry which is recited in stories in a loud voice.
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It is said that Khrasboon Baba relpied as such.
Khrasboon's quatrains:
In my home I hear separation's sound,
What befalls us in future, I cannot resound;
With red eyes I leave my brethren behind,
Tears flow from my eyes, to travel I am bound.
O Ismail, your lamentation has afflicted my heart,
As fate forces Khrasboon from you apart.
Forget you I will not, till eternity,
Though sorrow's blade pierce my heart as I depart.
Going am I, a long journey have I ahead,
The wayfarer's provisions I carry including bread,
But I will recall Ismail's memories forever
Though the world may shatter, as on my path I tread.
It has been narrated that Khrasboon left and resided in Margha where he died in 411
H. (1020 A.D.). His children (Kand and Zamand)
13
stayed in Ghwarra Margha. The
children of Kasay
14
returned to Kesay and Psheen.
15
The children of Kand and Zamand
dispersed and brought Nangarhar, Khybar and Peshawar under their control.
SHAIKH MATHI GHORYAKHEL SARHBANAY
One who has reached God, repository of divine glory, God's mercy be on him
Shaikh Mathi was the son of Abas, who was the son of Omar, who was the son of
Khalil, who was the son of Ghorya, who was the son of Kand, who was the son of
Khrasboon, who was a son of Hazrat Sarhbani. My father told me that Khrasboon died
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in Margha and his children were scattered in Arghasan,
16
Margha and Psheen. Some of
them went to Zhobe
17
and the mountain of Kozhak.
18
Imran and Hasan, the brothers of
Shaikh Mathi lived on the mountain named the Khwaja Imran Ghar. Bebe Khala, their
sister, lived in Psheen where she is buried. Another brother of Mathi is buried in
Garmam.
It has been narrated that Shaikh Mathi,
19
may he be blessed, was born in the year
623 H. (1226 A.D.) and died at the age of 65 near the Tarnak river. His shrine is on the
hill of Kalat. It is said that there was no water on the hill. The Pashtoon pilgrims who
visited his shrine took water with them from the Tranak river. One day as Shaikh
Mohammad Zahr,
20
the eldest son of Mathi, was sitting in the shrine saw water rush
forth near Shaikh Mathi's grave that later turned into a spring and flows until this day.
They say that Shaikh Mathi was an ascetic and a devout worshipper and a lover of God.
His children
21
settled in Peshawar and Badanay and a number of them were scholars.
Shaikh Zahr narrates from Shaikh Imran that Shaikh Mathi was a distinguished scholar
and religious leader. In Ghundan he wrote a book called D Khuday Mna (Love of
God) which includes his heart rendering poetry. I had heard this poem from my father
and record it here:
Poem
Among the high mountains and the desert's blight,
At early dawn or in the middle of the night.
From the groan of reeds and the songbirds in flight,
Or the lamentation of the bereaved forthright.
There is a soothing sound from up above
A reflection of your
22
kindness and love.
If the flower is abloom
Or is smiling in its plume,
If Tarnak is muddy in the flume
It is due to your wisdom, I presume.
All this beauty do you bestow
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On the rich and the poor equally though.
As the sun shines dazzling in space,
As the moon enchants the night in its golden embrace,
As the lofty mountain stands in delightful grace,
Mirrored in tranquility is the river's face.
All this is a part of your elegance
23
A small sample of your prudence.
As the mighty mountains turn green
Enchanting life in their delightful sheen,
Fluttering butterflies here and there and in between
Bewilder the eyes in this beauteous scene.
O God Almighty, you are above all,
Giving beauty to creatures big and small.
O Savior, graceful is your style,
Manifested in nature's serene profile
Through the ages file by file
A small fragment of your prowess erstwhile.
It is a radiance of your grace
A show of charm in the right place.
For your love my heart yearns with desire,
With your love it is afire,
Your love does it aspire
Without it, it will expire.
Seeing such beauty makes it elated
Without it, to death it will be fated.
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See the mountains are full of love's sound,
With your charm they are abound
Big, small, jagged or round
Your grace they all have found.
I attest that from the day of my birth
I have witnessed your charm on earth.
There was no sky
24
nor earth, but an abyss dark,
Where darkness prevailed, in nonentity there wasn't a spark,
Neither Satan nor Adam on their mission did embark,
But only your beauty left its mark.
As it came forth, it brightened lands untold
And took mankind in its embracing hold.
When in this world appear did I
A pretty face I did espy.
Lovelorn with your grace, lonely will I die.
As with my brethren I have broken my tie.
I cry, for separation is not bland
I am a wayfarer, another is my land.
O people why is Mathi crying?
His call is heard in lands outlying.
What does he want? What is he implying?
He wants to go home before dying.
As a bulbul separated from the flower
Misses the fragrance of the garden every hour.
It has been said that his book D Khuday Mna was kept at his shrine. Visitors read
it and wept. When the Mongols invaded the land they took it away and since then its
whereabouts are unknown.
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AMIR KRORR JAHAN PAHLAVAN SON OF AMIR POLAD SURI GHORI
Shaikh Kata Mathizay Ghoryakhel, who had reached celestial heights, in his book
Larghoni Pashtana (Past Pashtoons) cites from Tarekh-e Suri (History of Suri), which
he had come upon in Balishtan
25
that: Amir Krorh was the son of Amir Polad
26
who
became the governor of Mandesh
27
in Ghor where he was known as Jahan Pahlavan.
He is said to have conquered the fortresses of Ghor, Balishtan, Kheisar
28
Tamran
29
and
Barkoshak
30
and assisted the Caliphate.
Amir Krorr was a valiant fighter and challenged several people at a time. It is for this
reason that he was known as Krorr, meaning hard and strong. During the summer he
stayed in Zamindawar where he had a palace resembling his citadel in Mandesh. In
Zamindawar he spent his time hunting and in leisure. It has been stated in Tarekh-e
Suri
31
that these chieftains reigned over Ghor, Balishtan and Bost for several centuries.
They are the descendants of Sur whose lineage goes back to the Sahak. Amir Polad
heeded the call of Abu-al-Abas Safah against the Bani Umia. Mohammad Ibn Ali Albasti
in Tarekh-e Suri writes that in the call to war by the Abbasids Amir Krorr scored many
victories. Therefore, he wrote this poem known as wyrhn
32
(glorification). Shaikh
Kata, God's mercy be on him, has recorded this poem from Tarekh-e Suri.
Boasting of Amir Krorh Jahan Pahlavan
I am a lion, in this world there is none more powerful,
In India, Sind, Takhar or Kabul,
Nor is there any in the plains of Zabul.
There is none mightier than me.
The arrows of my strong will, like lightning fall
On the fleeing enemy I boldly recall:
Defeated in battle they have been all.
There is none mightier than me.
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The skies above, round my victories revolve
Under the thunder of my horse's hooves mountains dissolve,
Conquer will I countless lands as battles evolve.
There is none mightier than me.
Under the lightening of my sword Jurm and Herat lie
Gharj, Bamiyan and Takhar recant my battle cry;
My name is known under the Roman sky,
There is none mightier than me.
My arrows fall on Merv, the enemy fears me
On the banks of Haryaw-al-Rud infantrymen quickly flee;
Brave warriors tremble when me they see.
There is none mightier than me.
Conquer did I Zaranj and respect to my sword accord,
And the house of Sur the honor of kingship award
But my kin I do reward.
There is none mightier than me.
To my subjects I show grace and remain kind
To their happiness and welfare I am not blind,
For their prosperity, time I find.
There is none mightier than me.
In the mighty mountains, respected is my command,
The world is mine, my name is famous through the land
For days, nights, months and years; understand
There is none mightier than me.
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Shaikh Kata relates from Tarekh-e Suri that Amir Krorr was a just man, who was a
good speaker and often wrote poetry. He died in 154 H. (771 A.D.) in the battle of
Poshanj.
46
After his death his son, Amir Naser, took control of the territories of Ghor,
Sur, Bost and Zamindawar.
SHAIKH ASD SURI
God's mercy be on him
Shaikh Kata in Larghoni Pashtna citing Tarekh-e Suri writes that Asd Suri lived in
Ghor and was well-known in the court of the Suris. Shaikh Asd was the son of
Mohammad who died in Baghnein
47
in 425 H. (1034 A.D.) Shaikh Asd, God's mercy be
on him, wrote good poetry. It is said that Sultan Mahmud Ghazi engaged Amir
Mohammad Suri,
48
God's mercy be on him, in Ghor and was successful in surrounding
him in Ahangaran.
49
At this time Shaikh Asd was also in the fortress of Ahangaran.
When Sultan Mahmud, God's mercy be on him, captured Amir Mohammad Suri he took
him to Ghazni. But Amir Mohammad Suri, who was an extremely brave, just and firm
ruler, died due to the opprobrium of imprisonment. Shaikh Asd who was a friend of
Amir Mohammad Suri was deeply moved by his death and wrote this elegy.
Ode
What can I complain about heaven's power
That wilts the smiling spring flower,
Every tulip that blooms in the desert plain
Is stripped of its petals and left to wane.
Many a cheeks has his slap blue turned,
And countless piteous heads under the soil spurned.
Kings lose their crown and lie dead,
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And the blood of the weak is shed.
Afraid is the lion from his might,
Every oppressor fears his fearsome sight.
His arrows pierce the warrior's shield
Brave men run
50
from him in fear and yield.
See the powerful deprived of their strength,
Oh, how the heavens prevail at length;
See the mighty subdued with one blow
Deprived of their armor and glow.
O heaven the cloak of cruelty you have worn
That not a flower stalk is without a thorn.
On the afflicted mercy you do not show,
And grief on the bereaved you sow.
From your cruelty my heart is afflicted,
Many lovers, from love's nest you have evicted,
From your transgression the clouds cry
Your inauspiciousness make springs go dry.
Your limitless cruelty has no end,
And the poor you do not befriend.
To no one you are kind
A cruel course you always find;
Nor true lovers do you entwine
But the cruel you enshrine.
See the injured cry in pain
And the afflicted call in vain.
Many a hearts you have seen stop beating,
And you deceive the witty while they are cheating.
The pampered you kill with a lightening flash,
And rip holy garments of the saints in a dash.
Great kings do you dethrone,
And from your vengeance the lords groan.
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Your arrows have pierced our hearts again,
And thousands have been injured in vain.
Affliction on the people of Sur befell,
When Mohammad, our king, elsewhere did dwell.
First he was imprisoned by the foe
And then put on death's row.
With his fortitude Ahangaran lived in peace,
And his justice was known as far as Greece.
When a captive of Mahmud's army he became
And sent expeditiously to Ghazna to defame.
As imprisonment to the brave is like death,
To heaven did transpire his breath.
As dark soil obliterated his shrine,
He resembled a lion with chains around its spine.
From grievance the Ghorids wore garments black
Darkness befell in every cirque and crack.
See the mountains are all crying,
In bereavement the waterfalls are drying,
The verdant greenery of the mountains is gone
Nor do the partridges sing among the herds of mouflon.
See the tulips blossom no more in the valleys
Nor does the bami
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smile in the alleys.
From Gharj
52
come not the caravans of musk,
Nor do the caravans of Shar
53
reach Ghor at dusk.
With warm tears the spring clouds unfurls
And April may not rain down its pearls.
Because Mohammad, the cloak of death has donned
And all Ghor is grieving in his memory fond.
In Sur's surroundings dark is the skyline
And on these lands, the sun does not shine,
Where young maidens laughed and danced,
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Where virgins tiptoed and pranced.
Silent is Ghor, bereaved of their king
Like hell, burns there every thing.
O heaven, curse on you for taking Mohammad away
And not letting this lion, among us stay,
O stone hearted heavens, why are you still intact,
O mountains of Ghor, why don't you contract,
O earth why with trembling do not you crumble
Turn upside down so that these words are lost in the rumble.
A chivalrous lion among us is dead,
All Suris are in agony, and tears they shed.
Mohammad, on Ghor you illuminated light,
Your justice was inviolate and right;
A brave warrior you were and so you did die,
Upholding dignity, you did not lie.
With your departure the Suri are sad today
Remember will they, your name with pride and say:
O king, may heaven be your resting place
And forever be with you God's grace.
SKARANDOI
God's mercy be on him
Let this be known he was from Ghor: In his book, Larghoni Pashtana, Shaikh Kata
Mathizay, God's mercy be on him, citing Tarekh-e Suri writes that Skarandoi was a
native of Ghor and sometimes lived in Bost and Ghazni. His father's name was Ahmad,
who was the commissioner of Feroz Koh
54
in Ghor. Skarandoi was a courtier of Sultan
Mohammad Saam Shansabani,
55
shahab-al-dunya wa din (star of the world and
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religion), where he was well respected. When the Sultan attacked India Skarandoi
accompanied his troops. It is said that Skarandoi wrote poetry, known as bolla,
56

eulogizing Sultan Mohammad Saam and Sultan Ghiasuddin Ghori. Mohammad Ibn Ali
says that he saw a thick volume of his odes in Bost. This encomium in praise of
Mohammad Saam is taken from that book.
Encomium
Spring with flowers has bedecked the land
Red tulips are scattered on the mountains grand,
The hills and slopes with green pastures are adorned
And emerald mantles have the mountains downed.
The hand of the April enchantness deserves a kiss
Adorning the gardens with her pearls with bliss,
See how the tulip at the poppy smiles,
In verdant gardens young men and maidens dance in files.
Like a bride with red gems on the forehead
The wild tulip is adorned with jewels red.
Blessings bring the spring clouds when it rains,
Returning greenery to the desolate plains.
The white flowers in green fields are scattered
Like shining stars in the sky spattered.
The resplendent snow melts and flows
Like tears: a forlorn lover knows.
The clear streams are aflow
Splashing water against rocks in a majestic show.
Everywhere fragrant flowers thrive
As if caravans of musk from Tartary arrive
Messiah's breath brought back the dead from death
The spring like Messiah acts with his breath
From the dead earth, beautiful flowers emerge
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Dry plains and mountains toward paradisal verdure surge.
You think that sweet music the musician makes
When at dawn the nightingale with song to the garden takes.
In the garden when the songbirds sing
As if poets verses forth do bring.
57
,
58
See the flowers in their prime
And the smiling buds sublime.
Spring has given the poppy
59
a red hue,
Embrace each other in the season new.
Like mirrors look the mountain lines
When the sun on the fallen snow shines,
The turbulent river is frothing with a chime
Like a mighty elephant in youth's prime.
60
See the bulbul praise the flower's beauty all the time,
In glory of the Sultan will I write many a poems in rhyme.
His empire is large where the sun is always seen
Under his patronage, the verdant meadows are green,
The fields are productive, good crops they yield
From Qusdar
61
to Debal
62
is his battle field.
Not an enemy can face his might
Nor a shield face him outright
He sent battalions to India wave by wave
Conquering new lands in a rave.
63
Today he crossed the Indus, launching a raid,
From his might the lion is afraid.
The rivers to him capitulate outright
Carrying Ghorid boatmen forthright.
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64
greets him every year
Spreading soft sand on its rocky tier.
When the youth of Pashtoonkhwa to India go
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Pretty maidens joyously dance in a row.
See the mountains in their green attire
And the desert shining like a sapphire.
As the sun rises from the east at dawn,
Toward the western horizon it moves on and on,
Whether it is morning, noon or afternoon
65
At sunset it vanishes behind the same dune.
Shahab's armies will continue their quest,
And these youth will keep marching abreast.
A lion faces its enemy with pride
Until it has driven it astride.
In India they will raise their victorious flag
Or their lives will be taken if they drag,
As they forge ahead, many idols
66
they will smash
Shedding blood in their path, when they clash.
O Shahabuddin keep the glory alive,
Let the banners fly on the mosques as you strive;
67
So that your sword may illuminate that land
And nullify idol worshipping on a scale grand.
May God Almighty be your guide
We will always help you as you stride.
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ABU MOHAMMED HASHIM IBN ZAID AL SARWANAY ALBASTI
Exalted in eloquence, God's mercy be on him
Shaikh Kata, God's mercy be on him, in his book Larghoni Pashtana writes: Abu
Mohammad Hashim was born in Sarwan
68
of Helmand in the year 223 H. (838 A.D.).
First he studied under the scholars of Bost and later went to Iraq where he spent a
number of years learning from Iraqi scholars. He was a student of Ibn Khalad who was
famous as Abi-al-ina,
69
under whom he studied Arabic literature. In 294 H. (907 A.D.)
he returned from Iraq to his homeland and died in Bost three years later. It is said that
he wrote poetry in Arabic, Persian and Pashto. When his mentor, Ibn Khalad, became
blind he served him and heard a great deal of Arabic poetry from him. He has translated
a large number of his mentor's poems from Arabic to Pashto. Ibn Khalad who was an
eloquent poet wrote a poem in praise of the dirham, which was translated by Abu
Mohammad as follows:
The tongue speaks well when its owner
Possesses gold and dirham and is not a loner;
Many listeners will come to hear him talk,
See the rich how proudly do they walk.
When they loose their wealth they are afflicted
And with wrong doing they are convicted.
When a wealthy man lies, people say:
He is telling the truth, and him they obey.
But when a poor man tells the truth,
He is accused of transgression and called uncouth.
Yes, money makes people famous and rich,
And puts them in a glamorous niche.
Money talks, when one wants to speak
And buys arms, to havoc wreak.
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They say Abu Mohammad wrote a book called D Saloo Wazmah (The Desert Breeze)
in Pashto elucidating the rules of Arabic prosody.
SHAIKH TAIMAN
Divine gnostic, leader of the devotees,
God's mercy be on him
My father, may he be blessed by God, relates from the book Bostan-al-Awlia (Garden of
Saints), written by the great scholar Bostan Barreitsh
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in 956 H. (1545 A.D.) that
Shaikh Taiman was the son of Shaikh Kkarh. He went and settled in the highlands
(bara khw)
71
of Ghor, therefore people do not consider his children to be related to the
Kkarh tribe, but in reality they stem from the Kkarrs. Taiman was a holy and prudent
man. It is said that Baba Kkarr was alive when Taiman came from Ghor and met him in
Zhobe. He then left and resided in Kajran
72
and later died during the reign of lauddin
Hussain Saam.
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This poem of Baba Taiman was recited to me by my father as he had
read it in Bostan-al-Awlia
Poem
At dawn when the sun's rays started to shine
Sadness befell on this house of mine,
Loneliness and separation engulfed me trine.
Suddenly there was a sound, echoing loneliness will prevail.
My lovelorn heart is afflicted and bereaved,
I cry and lament, what trouble I have perceived,
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My tears enrich the fields, see what I have achieved.
In deep sorrow, from sickness I wail.
I will live not, for she will not come
Nor will my dark night be enlightened some;
She will not reconcile, I feel glum.
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Detachment transcends, my heart is assail.
For God's sake, forget me not
O pretty sweetheart, wherever you trot,
Leaving your homeland for a far away spot.
In fire I burn, as you bid me vale.
SHAIKH BOSTAN BARREITSH
Discoverer of knowledge, may his grave be blessed
My father, compassion of God be upon him, narrates from past scholars that Shaikh
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was from the Barheitsh tribe and lived in Shorawak. His father, Mohammad
Akram, God's mercy be on him, was a sage. He left Shorawak and lived in a hut along
the banks of the Helmand river to commune with the Creater. After acquiring a great
deal of knowledge from his father, Shaikh Bostan went to India where he traveled from
one place to another admiring the works of God. When he returned in 998 H. (1589
A.D.) he wrote Bostan-al-Awlia. My father, God's mercy be on him, had seen this book
in the home of Hasan Khan Barheitsh, who lived in Shorawak. The life, work and
miracles of a number of Pashtoon saints have been described in the book. It also
contains Pashto poetry from other poets and Shaikh Bostan. I heard this bdla
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(poem) from my father, God's compassion be on him.
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Poetry known as bdla
Tear drops fall off my face, throw a glance at me
Come look perchance at me.
As the passion of your love burns my lamenting heart,
This is not the time to depart.
My heart melts under your coquettish charm,
I feel humbled without harm.
Tear drops fall off my face, throw a glance at me
Come look perchance at me.
Throw a glance at me, see how afflicted I am,
With love addicted I am.
My heart is bleeding, I am covered in blood
See how I burn in this flood.
Tear drops fall of my face, throw a glance at me
Come look perchance at me.
From the pangs of love, I constantly cry all the time
I have lost rhythm and rhyme.
Bewilderment afflicts me, I cannot sit calm in one place,
As I crave for your grace.
Tear drops fall off my face, throw a glance at me
Come look perchance at me.
Oh God! You know well how the lovelorn feel
Those whom You help and heal.
With dignity Bostan will win this game,
Keep him away from shame.
Tear drops fall off my face, throw a glance at me
Come look perchance at me.
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SHAIKH REZA LUDI
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Leader of the eloquent, God's mercy be on him
Let it be understood: Kamran Khan son of Sado Khan wrote Keleed Kamrani,
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greetings and praise be on the writer, in the city of Share Safa
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in 1038 H. (1628 A.D.).
In his book Kamran quotes from Al-Alam-al-Loozii fi Akhbar-al-Ludi, which was
written in 686 H. (1287 A.D.) by Shaikh Ahmad son of Saeed-al-Ludi. He notes that
Shaikh Reza Ludi was the nephew of Shaikh Hamid. When Shaikh Hamid became the
governor of Multan he sent his nephew to Pashtoonkhwa to invite its people to embrace
Islam. Shaikh Reza spent two years in the mountains of Kesay and converted a large
number of people to Islam.
It is said that Nasr, son of Shaikh Hamid, met with the infidels and learned the
beliefs of the Ismaili sect from them, becoming an apostate. When Shaikh Hamid died,
Nasr took his place and started to spread apostasy. Shaikh Reza, God's mercy be on
him, who was a pious Moslem, sent the following prrkey
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to his nephew.
Prraekey
On the wrong path you have gone
Nullifying our religion on and on;
With such difficulty we enlightened it
But in disgrace you quit.
Why did you accept it first
When you intended to convert,
From our religion you are an outcast
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Which your forefathers fought to last.
The Ludi's have their dignity lost
For centuries kept at a high cost.
O Nasr, one of us your are not
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What the likes of you have sought,
Of your religion we need not a fragment
Until the day of judgment.
Shaikh Ahmad Ludi writes that Nasr Ludi replied to Shaikh Reza, God's compassion
be on him, with these words:
I am accused of being an atheist
Which I defiantly contest,
It is a false accusation
That has no foundation.
From Islam I did not turn my face
But from my accusers I keep apace.
My religion is the same
With which to this world I came.
Islam I boldly defend
Though my accusers, I may offend.
I am a Ludi, my customs I keep
My ties with the Hamid dynasty are deep,
My enemies are the ones who say
That I have abandoned my religion today,
They are only telling lies
Others they habitually despise;
No one will listen to them
From the Ludis do I stem.
May the benovelent God forgive all those who have passed away.
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SHAIKH ESA MESHWAAY
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Accepted by the divine, God's mercy be on him
It has been narrated: Khwaja Nmatullah Nourzay in Makhzan-e Afghani, which was
written during the time of emperor Jahangir, states that Shaikh Esa was from the
Meshwai tribe and lived in Damla during the reign of Sher Shah. It is said that people
told Sher Shah that Esa drank wine. Sher Shah ordered some men to investigate Esa's
drinking habits. When the people came to his house they found him with a goblet and
glass from which he was drinking. The king's men asked him what he was drinking? The
Shaikh replied. "Come and join me." When the men poured the liquid from the goblet
they found that it was milk. They informed the king about the incident. Nmatullah has
written that Shaikh Esa was a saint who wrote poetry in Pashto, Persian and Hindi on
the unity of God. This is one of his Pashto poem.
First you accept me
Then you disavow,
Sometimes I am the lord
Later a destitute though.
You are all mighty
You rule the world entire,
Sometimes you enlighten me
Then put me on fire.
Esa is confused and bewildered,
He knows not why this change,
Sometimes I am a friend
Then you declare me strange.
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SULTAN BAHLOL LUDI
Exalted sultan, God's mercy be on him
In Makhzan-e Afghani Nmatullah, God's mercy be on him, writes: Malik Bahlol was the
son of Malik Kala and ruled over Hindustan. The Ludi dynasty ruled in India for a long
time. After the death of Islam Khan, Malik Bahlol gained power in India and after several
battles he was declared king of Delhi and coins minted in his name. He controlled
Panipat, Lahore, Hansi, Hisar and Nagor up to Multan and fought fierce battles with the
Hindu rajas. He was a just king who ruled over India for thirty eight years and died in
894 H. (1489 A.D.). The year of his death is recorded in this verse:
In the year eight hundred and ninety four he left the world
The great Bahlol, majestic conqueror of the world.
Sultan Bahlol, God's compassion be on him, died of fever in the hamlet of Jalali.
Mohammad Rasoul Hothek of Kalat has written in his divan that during the monsoon
period Khalil Khan Neyazay recited the following quatrain in front of the monarch:
Quatrain
The gray skies roar and cry from above,
The cuckoo
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is lamenting, awoved from love.
These rain drops are pearls, an offering from heaven,
Our savior do they greet, with the calmness of a dove.
When Sultan Bahlol heard the quatrain he replied:
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Sultan Bahlol's quatrain
This country with generosity I will turn emerald green,
The clouds of justice above will help me keep it clean.
See my crown embedded with pearls of justice,
I will beautify this world, like never before seen.
KHUSHAL KHAN BEG
Resident of heaven, God's mercy be on him
In his collection of poetry Mohammad Rasoul Hothek writes: Khushal Khan Beg was
the son of Shahbaz Khan Khatak and was born in the village of Akora in 1022 H. (1613
A.D.). He was a brave and valiant warrior. Khushal Beg was a prisoner of the Moghuls
for several years, after which he fought several battles with them. He was a bitter
enemy of emperor Aurangzeb until his death and spent most of his life fighting against
the Moghuls.
Khushal Khan Beg was the chief of the Khatak tribe. He had many sons who were
all poets. Khushal Beg has an outstanding divan and has written lyrics and odes. It is
said that when Khushal Beg was a prisoner at the fortress of Rantanbour,
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the Khatak
Afghans went and set him free. Aurangzeb did not have any knowledge of his escape.
When Khushal reached his homeland he fought several battles with the Moghuls.
Khushal Beg's village is called Akora and is occupied by Khataks. He was the most
lucid poet among the Khataks and a profound scholar. It has been narrated: Khushal
Beg translated the guidelines of Islamic jurisprudence, Hidaya, into Pashto and was the
author of several other books. He died in 1100 H.(1688 A.D.). In his anthology
Mohammad Rasoul Hothek includes poetry from Khushal Khan, resident of heaven,
which I am including in this book.
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Lyric
From too much staring
My eyes are ready to burst,
I hear that you are coming
For good or the worst.
But now that you have gone
Leaving me apart,
Perhaps this love I have for you
Will rest in your heart.
Your sight brings freshness
To the lovely flowers,
Like a field which comes to life
After the spring showers.
I do not know what magic spell,
O sorcerer inflicts me;
Although my feet bear me away
My heart is trapped by thee.
I live in endless longing
For that bright and happy day,
When I may kiss your rosy chin
And by your side stay.
Separation from love
Constantly burns me in hell,
As though my soul departs
From my body's shell.
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O fate, I beg for your help
In my vain quest,
So I may clasp my love again
By my throbbing chest.
With confidence Khushal
Greets all his friends,
For he will see them once again
Before the world ends.
Another lyric
If it is a mosque or a temple of fame
Its purpose is the same,
Both are made so one can find,
The heart's contentment of some kind.
I am looking for that place
Where birds have found their grace;
Khushal is happy and feels fine
When he is blessed by power divine.
Quatrains
The greedy or the coward you shall seek not
Because their friendship is not worth a lot,
And they will leave you when hardship prevails;
But worse than them is the craver of the pot.
A wise man listens to what others have to say,
I have advice if I can keep you at bay.
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In need of others shall be the one,
Who recklessly breaks his pot of clay.
ZARGHOON KHAN NOURZAY
Resident of paradise
It has been narrated: Dost Mohammad Kkarh writes in Gharghashth Nama (Book of
Gharghashth) that Zarghoon Khan was a Nourzay from Nouzad. He went to Herat in the
year 891 H. (1486 A.D.), from there he visited Iraq and Khorasan and showed bravery
in the battles of the Uzbeks. When Shaibani Khan reached Seistan, Zarghoon Khan
fought against him inflicting heavy casualties on the Uzbek forces. Dost Mohammad
Kkarh writes: I visited Herat in 912 H. (1506 A.D.) and saw the divan of Zarghoon
Khan's lyrics and poems, in three hundred pages, with Mullah Ayub Taimani. He
continues to say that later in life Zarghoon Khan was very weak and died in Derawat
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in 921 H. (1515 A.D.). The following poem known as Manavi of Saki Nama (Cup-
bearers book) appears in Gharghashth Nama.
Cup-bearer's poem
Cup-bearer give me one cup more
Let me learn the estrangement lore,
Throw water on this flame
Put out the fire of love's game.
It is spring the flowers are burning
The hyacinth is twisting and turning,
See the bulbuls sing their song
In the garden all day long.
The hermit comes out of his cell
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To buy wine, not fearing hell,
Intoxicated here are all
Worshipping flowers big and small.
See the mountains are on fire
Red tulips are their attire,
The whole world is green and red
The tulips are fluttering in the flowerbed.
All people are enchanted,
To each other friendship granted.
Spring is the time to entwine
And drink a glass or two of wine.
Wake up cup-bearer it is spring
Life is short, come and sing,
For tomorrow we will be gone
To the world of yon.
Fill this glass with red wine
Sing and dance and dine.
For once I am a man free
My heart is full of glee.
Cup-bearer wake up it is time
To hear the jar and glass chime,
It is time to pour more wine
And be merry with thine.
Those who hold an empty glass
Are condemned enmasse,
The intoxicated roam the dales
They play happily in the vales,
Holding hands in joy
With each other without ploy.
Like true lovers entwined
The grace of flowers do they find.
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The unhappy are not here,
Nor the heartbroken shed a tear.
Cup-bearer, I love you
How your silence shall I construe,
Give me a glass of contentment
Without rejection or resentment.
Fill my heart with desire,
With love's torch set a fire
Of friendship and affection
And devoid of defection.
Let there be love untold
Replacing darkness with gold.
Let fraud leave thy heart
And sincerity take its part.
Cup-bearer, your beauty do I seek
In spring season every week,
If your love would not be here
Spring would be a season of despair.
The flowers will not look fine
Without love and without wine,
Nor will anyone be dancing
Singing merrily or prancing.
Empty will be the cup of desire,
Gone will be the urge to love and aspire.
Wake up cup-bearer, it is spring
The tavern is waiting for you to bring,
Once again the old wine
Our cheeks to incarnadine.
Come and grant your grace
And with love fill this place.
Fill the cup with red wine
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Give it to friends divine.
When in the tavern wine flows
There is music in the rows,
Forget the world of woes
Make merry, for life goes.
There is separation ahead
Toward oblivion we have to tread.
DOST MOHAMMAD KAKARR
Destined for the Almighty's blessing, God's mercy be on him
He was the son of Baberr Khan and visited the shrine of Kkarr Baba in 912 H. (1506
A.D.) in Herat. When he returned back to Zhobe in 926 H. (1522 A.D.) he wrote a book
in poetry called Gharghasth Nama. I have seen this book. It is in manavi
*
and contains
stories of Gharghasth Baba, may his grave be blessed, and quotes from righteous men.
My father had found this book in Toba
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and in our family the children and youth read it
as a text book.
Dost Mohammad writes: My father, Baberh Khan, had also compiled a book of
poetry called Tazkera-e Gharghasth (Diary of Gharghasth). When he died I was not at
home. The book was lost and was possibly destroyed by someone. When I returned
home, I was not so much shaken at the death of my father, but at the loss of his book.
Since I had heard parts of the book, read it several times, and remembered parts of it by
heart, with the grace of God, I started to write the stories and happenings in poetry. May
God praise my father's endeavors. This narrative is from Gharghasth Nama.
*
Poetry composed of distichs corresponding in measure, each consisting of a pair of rhymes, and besides which the
distichs have distinct poetical endings.
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A narrative from Gharghasth Nama
From good folks I hear
A story very clear,
Nour Mohammad Kkarr relates
That God's blessing never abates.
Kkarr Baba was a saint
Who to God's prayer was well acquaint,
He was constantly praying
And the Almighty's name saying.
Many a night he prayed
And in tears stayed,
Little did he eat
Prayers were his treat.
When in prayer he knelt
Day and night in prayers he dwelt,
He was with the divine
To little food did he incline.
God's name did he call,
In the morning and at nightfall.
One night he was in prayer bent
For his sins to repent.
When his eyes closed to sleep
As for many nights he was in prayer deep.
He met Gharghasth in his dream
Who was relating this good theme:
O Kkarr my son
You are a pious one,
You have followed my call
And dwell the divine hall,
You praise God day and night
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And pray to Him alright,
Leaving other tasks behind
To prayers alone do you bind.
Go do jihad and know
This to him you owe.
A single jihad day
Will bring fortitude to stay.
As in battle you pray and fast
It will help the jihad last.
Its a requirement smidgen
Of faith and religion.
You have abandoned both
Go take jihad's oath.
Pick the sword and go
Put a mighty show,
Go spread light all around
And on this path be bound,
Fulfill your duty in a spin
And wash away your sin.
When Kkarr woke from his sleep
On jihad's path did he leap,
His armor he wore
And rode west to battles galore.
Toward Herat he went then
And joined Sultan Ghiasuddin's
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men,
In jihad he bravely fought
With the Sultan's lot.
In one battle did he die
The martyr's cry did he cry.
Thus ended his holy toil
And he was buried in Herat's soil.
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This is the life of the brave
In God's way they go to the grave.
ABDUL RAHMAN BABA
Beloved by the divine, God's mercy be on him
In his note-book Mohammad Rasoul Hothek, may he be blessed, writes that Abdul
Rahman Baba was from the Mohmand tribe and lived in Peshawar. His father's name
was Abdul Satar, who lived in Bahadur Kelai (village). Abdul Rahman Baba was born in
1042 H. (1632 A.D.) and was a student of Mullah Mohammad Yusufzai from whom he
learned theology and mysticism. Later he went to Kohat
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and continued with his
studies becoming a good scholar. He left the material world in his youth and spent most
of his time in the mountains. Sometimes he visited India and was occupied in prayers,
staying away from mundane deeds. He was a scholar of divinity and wrote an immense
amount of poetry in praise and love of God and gained the title of Rahman Baba among
the Pashtoons. He died in 1118 H (1706 A.D.). People often visit his shrine in Peshawar
and read his poetry. The divan of Rahman Baba's lyrics and odes is available in large
numbers.
Mohammad Hothek, may God forgive his sins, states: Shah Hussain, shadow of
God, sent scribes to Peshawar to copy Abdul Rahman Baba's divan, God's mercy be on
him. They brought the numerous volumes to Qandahar where men of letters and the
pious inscribed many more copies. The book is in wide circulation now and is read by
ascetics and people devoted to the love of God. His verses are held in such esteem that
they are used for auguries. Women also take great interest in reading it. God has
blessed his words; they are soothing to the hearts of the poor and needy.
My father narrated: The cruelty and oppression of Gurgin Khan was so extensive
that the people were willing to sacrifice their lives to end his tyranny. They went to their
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God blessed leader, Haji Mir Khan Hothek Shalemkhel in Kokaran,
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and asked him for
his advice. They all agreed that they would do anything which he recommended. He
conferred with the Pashtoon leaders for a day and night and they all came to the
conclusion that they should put an end to Gurgin's tyranny. In the end Haji Mir Khan
said let us also seek Abdul Rahman Baba's advice. When they opened his divan they
came upon the following quatrain:
Like an epistle I speak in silence,
My silence is more profound than my cry.
Roaming in love's world forlorn, I have not found peace,
An ocean is needed to bear my desert's vengeance.
When they read these lines Haji Mir told his people: "The tyranny of the cruel will be
terminated, but now it will be to our advantage to remain silent. We should all work in
silence to end this violence. When the appropriate time arrives I will then call you. We
shall unite and drive the tyrants from our homeland."
It is said: One month later Haji Mir Khan, heaven be his residence, summoned the
chiefs and leaders of the nation in Manja.
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They all swore upon the Holy Koran that
they will drive away Gurgin from Qandahar. At this time Haji Mir Khan read these lines
from Rahman Baba's divan:
Verse
The sun whose face I could not see
Has come out once again,
God moved away the clouds
And the misty rain.

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I found my rival mocking me
By locking love's door,
My sweetheart was unperturbed by this
And opened it once more.
Oh Rahman to her forbearance
You must pay heed,
Once deprived of love's contentment,
Love's case you cannot plead.
It has been narrated: The sky was cloudy on that day; when Haji Mir Khan read
these lines the clouds broke and the sun started to shine. The people considered this
omen of help from God. After that Haji Mir Khan, heaven be his residence, told the
people: "God's grace and mercy is with us. It is time to unsheathe our swords and free
ourselves from the enemy's oppression." On the 29th of Moharam 1119 H. (1707 A.D.)
the people gathered and entered Qandahar under the leadership of Haji Mir Khan and
vanquished the enemy.
The writer of this book, may God forgive his sins, copies this lyric from the eminent
Rahman Baba:
Lyric
I do not know the world alas
Or why I am insane?
I left my home and culture
Abandoning them in vain.
I do not know the sorcerer
Who plays these tricks on me,
Lovelorn I live in solitude
Subjected to her glee.
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These coquettish eyes and eyebrows
Which I have come to worship,
How they have belittled me
In my sincere friendship.
The tumult of sedition
I found I cannot bear,
How I got seduced by dark eyes?
Of the pretty and the fair.
Rahman was unaware of love's path
Or where did it lead,
He found himself humbled
And left alone to bleed.
SHAIKH MOHAMMAD SALEH
Pious shaikh, God's mercy be on him
The author of this book, Mohammad, says: Mullah Allah Yar Alekozay in Tuhfa-e Saleh
(Gift of Saleh) writes that Shaikh Mohammad Saleh was from the Alekozay tribe and
lived in Jaldak.
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He was a hermit and a scholar who spent his time in study and
directed people to God's path. It is said that Shah Beg Khan
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the commissioner of
Qandahar, summoned Shaikh Mohammad Saleh and asked him to go to Kabul to
teach. Shaikh Mohammed Saleh wrote back: "I do not covet fame. I do not want to go
after the world but would like the world to come to me. If you respect me, leave me
where I am and do not make me a traveller seeking the world." When Shah Beg
received this note he replied: "My intention was also to respect you and not to disgrace
you."
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Mohammad writes: Mullah Allah Yar dedicated a book to his saint, entitled Tuhfa-e
Saleh, in which the life and works of Shaikh Saleh have been described. Included in it
are the Shaikh's poems in one of which he addresses Shah Beg Khan.
Lyric of Shaikh Mohammad Saleh
My love's grace I see
Every hour of the day,
To useless grace of others
I shall say: nay.
When suddenly my love
Came in the dark of night,
My heart was illumined
Like the sun with its hidden light.
If someone on this earth
Worldly goods proffer,
In the market of the hearts
Love's merchandise I will offer.
One glance of my love
Is not to be sold,
For all the wealth of the world
And the mountains of gold.
O men! If I am placed
On Sulaiman's throne,
In the end what matters
Are the seeds of good deeds that I have sown.
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Without love I know my happiness
I cannot augment,
Though Saleh may look happy
His heart is full of lament.
Another lyric, God's mercy be upon him
One whose heart is afflicted
By his lover's glance,
Is unlikely to be cured
By the doctor's lance.
If your body is healthy
But your heart is ill,
For such an ailment the hakim
Has no cure at will.
But God who is benevolent
With his love can cure all,
And comfort lovers afflicted
With ailments big and small.
O people please listen
How am I immune,
To the words of the counselors
And their pious tune.
Counsel needs a heart
But mine does not exist,
It has been robbed by a fair maiden
Whose beauty I cannot resist.
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If like Saleh one can live
With a bleeding heart,
There is no wealth better,
Let not the secret impart.
ALI SARWAR
Accepted leader of the eloquent, may his grave be blessed
It has been mentioned in Tuhfa-e Saleh: Shaikh Ali Sarwar
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was from the Shahokhel
tribe and lived in Multan. He had many miracles which the people often observed.
Nmatullah writes in Makhzan-e Afghani: The Shaikh showed great miracles and people
became his followers. It has been stated in Tuhfa-e Saleh that the Shaikh preached his
followers, and answered their questions on mysticism.
One day he was asked what is the meaning of: "You face death and resurrection
every minute but the Prophet Mohammad said the world endures just an hour? How are
death and resurrection continuous. If they are, then there shall be several lives after
death and that is the creed of those who believe in metempsychosis? " The learned and
divine saint answered: "The essence is fixed but the body transforms. It is death and
resurrection of the body not the essence. When particles assimilate they are replaced
by adjoining ones. It is such revival which proves impermanence of the world and
corroborates the words of Prophet Mohammad when he said the world endures just an
hour."
Tuhfa-e Saleh contains the poetry of the learned sage, Ali Sarwar Ludi, a lyric of
which is presented here:
Poem of the gnostic saint
I drank from the cup of love
In the worldly state,
In Ayaz's eyes I see
Justice innate.
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Without her embracing glances
In sadness do I live,
Though I cannot see her
Forbearance God will give.
I will raise my head in death
From the earthen wall,
If suddenly I hear
My lover's sweet call.
If my rival may behead me
With a sharpened sword,
I will again go to her
Uninvited to her ward.
We were always united
And deeply in love,
May God on the slanderer
Shower stones from above.
Separation from true friends
Is difficult for those,
Who secretly love each other
In the garden of the rose.
O Sarwar, see these slanderers
They are all around,
May God take their senses
And silence their useless sound.
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The Second Treasure
The works of contemporary poets
MULLAH BAZ TOUKHAY
Sharer of secrets
Mullah
*
Baz Toukhay lives in Atghar; he is an eloquent poet and a master of meter. He
writes lyrics and quatrains, and is a friend of poets and my confidant. When he visits
Qandahar he makes our meetings lively and my friends like his company. Mullah Baz
has studied the elements of the sciences and is a master of Islamic jurisprudence.
Sometimes he studies logic and has a number of students. In his youth he visited India
to study from scholars there.
A witty anecdote: One day when Mullah Baz came to visit me from Kalat I
slaughtered a chicken in his honor and prepared food. When the food was brought
Mullah Baz recited this verse:
The owner of many sheep
Offers Baz a chicken inept;
Though Baz is a hunter of big game
The white lamb he will accept.
I immediately slaughtered the lamb in his honor. This is one of his bdla:
*
A title meaning preacher bestowed on learned religious scholars.
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Bdla
Come my love, come close to me
Come stay by my heart,
Don't hurt my wounded soul
By tearing me apart.
Come my love, come close to me
Do not say you will depart,
It is your sadness that afflicts
My bleeding heart.
Though I want to escape
Your love holds me still,
I have no other recourse
But stay here I will.
Come my love, come close to me
Be my heart's salvation;
I have left all worldly deeds
Devoted to your temptation.
My life has taken a strange turn
Because of my devotion,
I have no other recourse
But suppress my emotion.
Come my love, come close to me
Let me hold you by my heart;
Bring me forth the collyrium
So I may darken your eyes sweetheart.
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As I see your charming face
I don't have any other desire,
Without your sweet embrace
Heavenly beauty I don't aspire.
Come my love, come close to me
So in love we can confide,
And in deep thoughts of love
Put all other sorrows aside.
Baz was free as a bird
Why did you imprison him in a cage?
Let him soar once again
Forever free from this rage.
SHAH HUSSAIN
Most noble among contemporaries, shadow of God, may the shadow of his reign never
disappear over the Moslems
His Majesty Shah Hussain, shadow of God, is a Shalem Khel Hothek. He is the son of
Haji Mir Khan, resident of heaven, who became the ruler at a young age and the
Pashtoons are peaceful under his patronage. The king, bestower of asylum to the world,
was born on 23 of Rabi-al-Awal in 1114 H. (1702 A.D.) in Syoray of Kalat. When Haji
Mir Khan was on his journey to the Holy Mecca and Asfahan, the king, shadow of God,
was young. As a child he studied under the learned Mullah Yar Mohammad Hothek and
until age twelve had studied theology, Koranic interpretation, logic and the science of
eloquence. He learned administrative matters from his father. When Haji Mir Khan,
resident of paradise, died in Qandahar on 28 Zulhajja 1128 H. (1716 A.D.), our king,
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shadow of God, lived with his elder brother Shah Mahmud Khan. After the death of Haji
Mir Khan, his brother Mir Abdulaziz became the governor of Qandahar. He was an ill-
fated ruler and died in 1129 H. (1717 A.D.) after accidentally falling during the night
from the Narenj palace. After the death of his uncle, Mir Mahmud was proclaimed the
king. He lead his armies in the direction of Seistan and Kerman and proclaimed his
brother the king in Qandahar before embarking on the conquest of Asfahan in 1135 H.
(1723 A.D.). Shah Hussain, shadow of God, became the ruler of Qandahar, Farah and
the lands up to Ghazni. All the elders, tribal leaders and chieftains of Ghalji tribe
accepted Shah Hussain as their supreme ruler and minted a coin in his name.
Shah Hussain, may God prolong his reign, is a valiant and intelligent king who
reaches his people and listens to their pleas. He has brought cruelty to an end and the
people live in peace. Scholars are welcome in his court. The learned scholar, Mullah
Yar Mohammad, who is the mentor of the king, is a distinguished scholar who has
written a book on theology entitled Masayel Arkan-e Khamsa (Issues of Five Pillars).
Another famous scholar of the court is Mullah Mohammad Yunus Toukhay, the
preacher of the grand mosque of Qandahar, who is the son of Mullah Mohammad
Akbar. He teaches sciences and has written a book in Pashto entitled Jam Farayez
(Comprehensive Laws). Another distinguished scholar is Mullah Zfaran Tarakay, who
is close to the king and is the teacher of his son Mohammad. Mullah Zfaran is a
scholar of medicine and mathematics and has authored a book on medicine and
mathematics called Guldasta-e Zfarani (Bouquet of Zfaran). I have seen and studied
this book.
Shah Hussain, shadow of God, is a valiant warrior. He is serious in his conquests
and all the Ghalji tribes up to Ghazni have accepted his writ. Among the Abdalis he is
the ruler up to Seistan and Herat. Shah Hussain's troops conquered Shaal
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and
Zhobe
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under the command of Bahadur Khan in 1138 H. (1725 A.D.) In 1139 H.
(1726 A.D.), the king, shadow of God, conquered Derajat up to Gomal under his own
command. His orders are obeyed in all these lands and coins have been minted in his
name.
The king, bestower of asylum to the world, visits the library in Narenj palace once a
week where he holds court. Scholars and poets gather there. I, Mohammad Hothek, the
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writer of this book, also attend these meetings and write down the poems and distichs of
the king. His divan has been compiled. He recites his poems in Pashto and at times in
Persian also. He reads his poetry to Mullah Yar Mohammad, the eminent scholar, so
that it may be corrected, but there are few mistakes in his verse. Most of the scholars
agree that his speech is eloquent and are interested in hearing it.
Mohammad, the author of this books states: One day while the king, shadow of God,
was holding court with his scholars, the news arrived that a messenger has brought a
message from a far away land. Mullah Zfaran
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went out and when he returned he
brought the good news of the conquest of Zhobe and Shaal and recited the following
lines:
Verse
See the spectacle of King Hussain's fortune
Whose armies have conquered Zhobe and Shaal,
One who brings these tidings to the court
Should be rewarded with a golden shawl.
The generous king immediately gave him a golden shawl and gave shawls to all
others present in the meeting and honored them with magnanimity. Mohammad, the
author of this book, states that the king has written different kinds of poetry but here I
present one of his lyrics so that the book of kings of the verse may contain the verse of
the king.
Shah Hussain's lyric, may his reign be prolonged
Separation has bestowed sadness
On this wretched heart of mine,
And in darkness has distanced
My soul from thine.
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My tears flow unabated
I have lost sound and sight,
I feel caught in the whirlpool
Of love's rage and might.
When I felt the noose
Of separation all around,
I knew that in this world
In disgrace I would be bound.
In the company of my love
I am unhappy too,
Because I think of tomorrow
When I will be estranged from you.
When the arrow of your love
Pierced my lonely heart,
I was subjected to your coquetry
From which I cannot depart.
People say that I am
Lovelorn and lovesick,
See Hussain you gained fame
By being an ascetic.
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MOHAMMAD YUNUS KHAN
The eloquent poet
My cousin, Rahmat Hothek, narrates: I met the eloquent poet, Mohammad Yunus Khan,
in the year 1130 H. (1718 A.D.) when I was visiting Peshawar and heard his poetry.
Mohammad Yunus was 31 years old and is from the Musa Khel
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tribe. His father
Mohammad Khan had come from Kesay mountain with the Baberhs and lived in
Khybar. Mohammad Yunus has studied the sciences and he was the student of
Rahman Baba when the eminent poet was alive. He has a divan and is famous in
Khybar. He is a hospitable and kind man and travellers stay at his house in Khybar.
When a poet or scholar visits him, he treats him with hospitality. Rahmat Hothek
narrates: Mohammad Yunus asked me to stay in his house and often told me: "Spend
one more night then leave." I stayed with him for a month; he recited serene poetry.
These two lyrics are from his divan which Rahmat had brought with him and I present
them here. May God keep Mohammad Yunus alive.
Lyric
In pursuance of love
You have to risk your life,
Attachment you will not achieve
Without a lengthy strife.
The splendor of nature
To perfection has things driven,
To the sun and moon
Beauty it has given.
If my own affection
Were not my guide,
Who would reveal the beauty
Of love by my side.
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The scent of your tresses
As it spreads in the dusk,
Makes one forget the fragrance
Of ambergris and musk.
In passion of reunion
I weep blood in pain,
Who has attained contentment
Without failing first in vain.
No one can find love
In the confines of his house,
One has to leave the world
And in solitude carouse.
Separation brings forth bitterness
To those who are aware,
Of the sweetness of union
And are faced with despair.
Yunus, leave the game of life
To God up above,
As no amount of wisdom
Will bring you your love.
Another lyric, may God prolong his life
My love is my sight
She is a special kind,
Without the power of love
You are but blind.
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He who plants the tree of love
In this distraught world,
Should also be responsible
When separation's pain is unfurled.
Too much sorcery of love
Each night and each day,
Will even drive the insane lover
From his parents away.
The cruelty you perpetuate
Has reached a fearful pitch,
For word of your pulchritude
Has entrapped the poor and rich.
The curse of love's misfortune
Which you have brought with you,
Has burdened the poor lover
Of which he nothing knew.
Immune is the one
From winds and gales,
Who walks in the verdure
Of your love's dales.
Without the passion of love
And the courage to be brave,
You may as well consider yourself
A recluse in the grave.
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Yunus became disgraced when
From love he did not refrain,
It is for this same reason
From love he will abstain.
A riddle by Yunus
Tso ch nm lb yay nmak akhsty ndey
D yunus nmky ism pr hram sh
Unless one's lips have tasted salt
Yunu's good name is prohibited to him.
MOHAMMAD GUL MASUD
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Master of contemporary poets
It has been narrated: When Rahmat Hothek was visiting Peshawar he met Mohammad
Gul of the Masud tribe, son of Mohammad Daud. He is a well-versed poet, who always
recites his lyrics. I present a bdla which was dictated to Rahmat, my cousin.
Bdla
At midnight when you left me in strait's dire,
My body was on fire.
You knew not that separation left me in love's mire,
My body was on fire.
O pretty sweetheart you left me yearning,
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See how I am burning.
Estrangement has afflicted my body and soul,
In fire I do roll.
May you perish in your charm, I am burning,
My life is churning.
My wretched rival I certainly blame,
See I am aflame.
For God's sake come, Mohammad Gul is lamenting,
His grief he is venting.
The agony of your love has turned me into a reed,
In fire do I live indeed.
ABDUL QADIR KHAN KHATAK
Pride of the time
He is the son of Khushal Khan. Nawab Mohammad Andarh narrates: After the death of
his father, Abdul Qadir Khan came to Kabul in 1113 H. (1701 A.D.) to negotiate the
passage of caravans through Bangas
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for the Khataks. It is said that Abdul Qadir
Khan was a brave and industrious chief, and the Khatak leaders obeyed him. He was
born on 22 Jamadi-al-Thani in the year 1061 H. (1651 A.D.). As I am writing this book, I
do not know whether this chief is dead or alive? I reckon he may be dead because no
one has brought me any news about him. If he is dead, may God bless him. It is said
that Abdul Qadir Khan spent a number of years in India where he joined the
Naqshbandi movement. He was a devout and holy man, just in administrative matters
and afraid of God. He has compiled a divan and wrote the story of Yusuf and Zuleikha
in verse in 1112 H. (1700 A.D.). He wrote a book of counsel in Pashto and translated
Gulistan of Shaikh Muslehuddin Sdi into Pashto from Persian. In 1115 H. (1703 A.D.)
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he wrote another book in prose called Hadeqa-e Khatak (The Khatak Garden). I saw
this book in the possession of Bahadur Khan in 1140 H. (1728 A.D.) autographed by
the author. Bahadur Khan, forever be his glory, states: I saw this book with a Khatak in
Dera.
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It has been narrated: Abdul Qadir Khan had attained the position of regent in the
Naqshbandi movement, and deputized for his saint and directed the disciples. He had
been ordained with the title of regent by Shaikh Rahmani Sdi Lahori.
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He has written
a large amount of prose. Nawab Mohammad Andarh brought one hundred of his lyrics
from Kabul. Here I present examples his work from Hadeka-e Khatak.
Lyric
I wish all other woes
Would leave my heart,
So that my loves memory
Forever to it sadness impart.
The dew stopped forming when it found
The company of the flower,
And the bulbul thus deprived
Loudly laments that hour.
I saw with happiness the candle
Slowly fade away in vain,
The faintly burning light which
Told a tale of pain.
The wanton lover is unaware
Of the pain of love,
Spread by his beloved
With the calmness of a dove.
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The light cannot be hidden
Behind the lamp's shade,
I saw her face behind the veil
As she was trying to evade.
In bereavement the moth
Has its wings on fire,
And in the heat of light
The candle dissolves in a mire.
Abdul Qadir wails all night
Tossing and turning around,
While you sleep in your bed
Motionless and sound.
Another lyric
You need not be proud
Of the royal throne,
But think of the day
When its fall becomes known.
Be aware of the curse
Which you may bring upon,
The innocent that are here today
But tomorrow will be gone.
Those whose trade is cruelty
And the torture of others,
Are cursed till eternity,
Stay away from them brothers.
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You who wear gold-threaded garments
Still your fortune despise,
Are you unaware of death
And the white shroud that's its prize.
The day of judgment
Will ultimately arrive,
No one can escape it
No matter how much one does strive.
O Abdul Qadir a heart
Without feelings and quest,
Is not worth keeping
In the cage of the chest.
Quatrain
It was autumn and I saw alive
A few weeping bulbuls in misery thrive;
"This is what you deserve", I said:
"How could you without flowers survive."
BAHADUR KHAN
Chief of the powerful, may God prolong his life
He is famous in Qandahar for his bravery and is the commander of the forces of our
king, the shadow of God. He conquered the fortresses of Shaal and Zhobe and
occupied Deras and is capable of occupying any region. Since the beginning of his
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career he has been successful. Everyone knows him in Qandahar and the poor and
needy benefit from his generosity. Our king, Shah Hussain, bestower of asylum to the
world, addresses him brother and the people call him Amir-al-Umra (Amir of the Amirs).
He is a learned person and a well-versed poet. He fosters scholars and poets and they
are always present in his gatherings. He is unique in his bond of friendship and
generous to scholars. Whenever he returns from a journey, he invites scholars and
poets and is kind to them. May God give him a long life.
The author of this book Mohammad Hothek, may God forgive his sins, states: The
exalted Khan gave me a bdla from his collection of poetry to include it in this book so
that the book may not be devoid of his work and every one who reads it may pray for
him. This is the bdla:
Bdla
Separation prevails, my tears fall at dawn,
Akin the dew on the lawn.
In sorrow my blood flows in vain,
See how I bleed in pain.
See my love, my teardrops fall like rain,
See how they flood your lane.
Comes my love dancing to the flower bed,
With hands blood red.
At dawn when the bulbuls start singing their song,
The flowers bloom all day long.
Enchanting dark eyes entice the poor captive,
With collyrium they look deceptive.
My injured heart bleeds all the time,
Like the thawing rime.
O pretty maiden, don't dance and in the garden hover,
Lest you disgrace your lover.
My heart is love-lorn, I wish you do not laugh,
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And stop to chaff.
I am like a moth, and you a candle, burn me not
End this cruel plot.
In your love, I am sad and insane,
Grief and sorrow are my bane.
MULLAH MOHAMMAD SEDIQ POPALZAY
True poet
This young poet who is 23 years old is the son of Yar Mohammad Popalzay and lives in
Arghasan. He studied grammar with Mullah Nour Mohammad Barheitsh and knows
theology and logic. When he comes to Qandahar the author of the book sees and talks
to him. He is an affectionate person and is deeply in love with God. He cries and
laments after his love. He is soft-hearted and his eyes are full of tears. He has been so
deeply affected by love of God that he has become a recluse. He recites painful lyrics
and when he sits in a gathering of friends they weep when they hear his painful lyrics.
His deep love has reached a climax. He recites poems instantaneously and soothes his
pain that way.
One day he was in the house of the author of the book and I asked him how he felt.
He started to weep as he revealed the pain he was going through and recited this
bdla instantaneously.
Bdla
Like the bulbuls desiring flowers
Without which their life is bleak,
The company of their love
True lovers always seek.
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To seek love's company
I cry and sigh,
In a pool of blood
All the time do I lie.
In the company of my love
I have no other desire,
For one who is in love
Love does he aspire.
I sacrifice my life
In your devotion,
Your love always stirs up
Many a restless emotion.
I cry all the time
Oh sweetheart dear,
My restless heart
Wants you to be near.
If you condemn me to death
Or spare my life,
I carry the burden of your love
In both peace and strife.
When you chose to be a guest
In the midst of my heart,
Stay there you will forever
And from it never depart.
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MULLAH PIR MOHAMMAD MIYAJI
Selected by the divine
Mullah Pir Mohammed
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is the son of Mullah Sarwar, whose sins are forgiven, and a
student of Miya Fakirullah Sahib. He learned from his father and accompanied Haji Mir
Khan, resident of heaven, in his battles. When Shah Mahmud, brother of our king,
shadow of God, may his reign be prolonged, went to Asfahan he summoned Mullah Pir
Mohammad to Asfahan to benefit from his auspicious speech. He invites people to join
the sect of The Great Imam. It has been narrated that Miyaji holds discussions with
Shiite scholars and convinces them with his arguments. Ottoman scholars in Asfahan
also respect him and have given him the title of Pir-e Afghan (Afghan Saint). Miyaji
Sahib has written a book on ethics entitled Afzal-al-Tarayeq (The Learned Ways). The
book contains a discussion of ethics and beliefs. He has written another book which is
called Al-qarayed-fi-rad-al-Rawafez. In Afzal-al-Tarayeq he has narrated this poem
which I include in the book as his souvenir.
Narrative
Shaikh Mathi of Khalili tribe
Was a saint, his feats I describe,
As he went on his way
God's forgiveness he sought all day,
To God did he always pray
Idle for a moment he did not stay.
On his way he once found
Many stones scattered around,
Many a nights did he return
To clear the stones and yearn.
A farmer who watered his field
And to idleness did not yield,
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Saw in the darkness of the night
Shaikh Mathi busy forthright.
He did not care to rest
And all night was in his quest.
One night the farmer came
And called Shaikh Mathi by his name:
"Oh chosen one, what do you do?
The object of this toil is who?
You are lord of the good
And a model of sainthood.
The soil at your door is gold,
Collyrium for the eyes, behold.
Many a nights you do not sleep
And in restlessness you weep,
Clearing stones from the way
What fortune is in this clay?"
Shaikh Mathi who was blessed
With these words, he stressed:
"He who serves in God's way
For an hour or a day,
Does the best deed of all
Among creatures big and small."
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ALLAHYAR AFREDAY
Eloquent poet
Abdulaziz Kkarh narrates: This poet lives in Bori
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and is 40 years old. He has a divan
and his poetry is as sweet as honey. Abdulaziz Kkarh gave me this lyric so I may
include it in the book.
Lyric
I am bound by grief
Which I cannot escape,
I shed tears of separation
With my heart's wound agape.
May you fall in love
So you can feel my pain,
Love is like a fruitless tree
All my efforts are in vain.
I lie like an urchin
By the side of your door,
As I die here in pain
You abandon me once more.
As I burn with love
In this everlasting fire,
I see not a clue
Of your love and desire.
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You may treat me kindly or cruelly
I will lie at love's gate,
Nothing else do I desire
But your love's estate.
Allahyar is at your door
Waiting for a glance,
No matter how much you reject him
He will wait for his last chance.
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Chief of the time
He is the son of Karam Khan Babei and lives in Atghar. When Haji Mir Khan, resident of
heaven, was defeating Gurgin's army of oppression, he gathered his men and by way of
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laid siege to Qandahar. When Gurgin Khan was killed he was appointed the
governor of Kalat.
The author of the book writes: When Shah Mahmud, the brother of Shah Hussain,
the present king, marched toward Asfahan in 1134 H. (1723 A.D.), Babojan gathered
3,000 warriors from the Hothek, Toukhay, Taraki and Aka Khel tribes to accompany
Shah Mahmud's army to Asfahan. Babojan fought so bravely that even Rustam's
bravery was forgotten. Babojan was the student and disciple of Miyaji. In 1129 H. (1717
A.D.) he wrote the story of Shaha and Gulan
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into Pashto lyrics. His book is entitled
Kesas-al-Ashoqeen (Stories of Lovers). He praises love in his book and says:
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Love poem
Love's power is innate
Its victory is great,
With its fire unfurled
It burns over the world.
The loveless heart is a dread
Without love it is dead,
Love does not have one mood
It is gracious and sometimes rude.
Pashtoons often chant and say,
A famous proverb every day:
'Without love the head is hollow'
The right path it cannot follow.
A loveless heart I do not demand
Not every heart is worthy of love's hand,
The torment and grief of love
Is hidden in a velvet glove.
True love is worthy of the pure
A blessing of God that shall endure.
REDEI KHAN MOHMAND
Eloquent poet of the time
Reidi Khan is the son of Ghiasuddin Khan and grandson of Masud Khan Mohmand.
The village of Mohmand
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is named after them. Ghias Khan was a companion and
friend of Haji Mir Khan, resident of heaven. Reidi Khan is an active person, and an
intimate friend. He is respected by the king, shadow of God, and is rich and powerful.
He is kind to his friends and is a companion of the author of the book. He is a well-
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versed poet and has studied the science of eloquence. He is knowledgeable in
theology, interpretation of the Koran and grammar and resolves the difficulties of his
students in these fields.
In 1136 H. (1724 A.D.) Reidi Khan went to Asfahan and held discussions with Shah
Mahmud. Later he returned to Qandahar and wrote a book on the battles of Haji Mir
Khan and Shah Mahmud. This book contains 14,000 couplets and is called Mahmud
Nama (Book of Mahmud). When he read it in the presence of the king, shadow of God,
he was awarded one thousand golden coins. He is so generous that within a few days
he offered all the gold to his friends and acquaintances. Redei Khan's poetry contains
lyrics, quatrains and odes. Mahmud Nama is so liked by people that Pashtoons read it
in their gatherings. The story of Gurgin's death and the conquest of Asfahan are
included in it.
Mohammad, the author of this books says: I asked Reidi Khan that I wanted to
include a large portion of Mahmud Nama in this book. Reidi Khan sent me a part of his
divan in which he relates the story of Gurgin Khan's death. With the grace of God
Almighty, I include it here.
A poem from Mahmud Nama:
The death of Gurgin Khan and the encomium in honor of Haji Mir Khan
I will tell you a good story
Of Gurgin Khan's death and vainglory.
When Mir Khan in Asfahan was astay,
Toward Kba did he pray.
He told the King about the Pashtoon's plight
Their misfortune and Gurgin's cruelty outright.
The king answered he could not
Stop the cruelty of the despot.
By dismissal he would not leave
Or let the people of Qandahar to grieve.
Gurgin is like a hungry wolf in a flock
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That kills every member of the stock.
I do not know what to do with this man
Without religion of the Armenian clan,
He does not follow the Islamic code
The teachings of Jesus or the Christain mode.
I am afraid God's anger will prevail
And the kingdom in its endeavors will fail.
Mir Khan replied: Shah Hussain see,
From this tyrant the people cannot flee;
This werewolf among us is astray
Opressing the people in every way.
This is the fourth time that I come
Complaining to you about this scum;
If the king does not perceive
And ask his governor to leave,
There will be cruelty all around
And raze this kingdom to the ground.
An infidel king will stay, but a cruel one will not
An infidel can always rule
If he is just and not cruel,
But a tyrant cannot ascend a throne
The Lord's kindness to everyone is known.
God gives the caliphate to those who are
Kind of heart in their darbar,
O Sultan listen carefully to this
Oppress not the helpless.
The fate of the unjust is doomed
In fire they all will be consumed.
The cry of the oppressed has such power
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That it will burn the tyrant's tower.
The oppressor will become mute
His followers will be destitute,
The tyrant should pity himself and ensure
That he makes not the world and himself poor.
O Sultan always be aware,
Don't put your throne in a snare.
This is what Mir Khan made clear
But the king would not hear,
He left Gurgin in Qandahar to stay
Subjecting the people to his cruel way
He left the werewolf among them free
To torture the people with glee.
Mir Khan went to Hejaz to see
The holy Mecca where he could plea.
Mir Khan's plea to the Holy Prophet
He went away and one night he did cry
To the Prophet that the Pashtoons will die,
Your followers are subjected to oppression
Listen to their cries in succession,
The Pashtoons sacrificed themselves for you
Note their plea clear and true.
From endless cruelty set them free
Send Gurgin to his death to the sea.
In your name the Pashtoons pray
From your teachings they won't stray
For the cause of Islam we all die
And for your soul's peace we do cry.
Don't forget us O benevolent savior
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Enlightening the world with virtuous behavior.
I shed tears at your sacred door
See my people swept into the fire's core,
Save us from this fearful strife
Spare us from the tyrant's knife.
Your love and kindness are well known
And your fortitude in every heart sown.
Without your guidance the Pashtoons will perish
And peace they will not cherish.
O Prophet, I have come to your grave's side
Take my plea to God and be my guide,
So He may bestow kindness on all
And save Pashtoons from cruelty's call.
Shorten this tyrant's reign
Save us from this shameful stain.
Blessed be your Islamic law
Keep us away from the tyrant's jaw
Such is my desire at your door
I need your kindness and nothing more.
With respect I submit my plea,
You who are the savior from cruelty.
Only to you Pashtoons tell woes of their life
Seeking deliverance in death and strife.
Save our nation from torment,
Let the tyrant forever repent.
Raise your head and see our grief
And the oppression of the cruel chief,
Who is not ashamed of you
Nor Jesus who spoke words true.
I have told you my story O gracious guide
Help us in our just stride.
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Mir Khan's dream in the holy city of Medina and the news of freedom from
oppression
As Mir Khan made his plea
The chains of cruelty broke free.
Mir Khan dreamt about Sediqe Akbar,
Accompanied by Farooq Omar.
They told him not to worry anymore,
Your people are free, do not lament at this door,
Go tell your people they are free
The oppressor's tyranny they won't see.
God will help the Pashtoons in their strife
In dignity they will spend their life,
God will bestow grace on them
So they may uproot cruelty's stem.
Devoted to God they will be evermore
Forever forgotten will be the tyrant's lore.
God's words they will to heart take
And for Him their lives they will forsake,
As long as they maintain Islam's name
Throughout the world they will gain fame.
Good tidings and decree of the Saints
Mir Khan heard the good tidings in his sleep
And was moved by it deep,
He looked for the holy shrine's saints
And forwarded them his complaints.
He told them of Gurgin's cruel spree
And from them sought a decree.
They all made the judgment same
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And to one conclusion came:
To end the tyranny once and for all
On all Moslems big and small.
When next year Mir Khan came home
He found his people under the tyrant's dome,
He contemplated to save his nation
From oppression and subjugation.
He gathered leaders of all clans
And told them about his dream and plans;
The Arab saints and what they decreed
To fight for freedom they all agreed.
When Gurgin saw that Mir Khan
Was inciting his brethren, the nation Afghan,
With cruelty he was disposed to the poor
And turned himself into a werewolf for sure.
He imprisoned the leaders of the tribes
And sought informers by giving them bribes.
Mir Khan's plan, people's oath on the holy Koran and Gurgin's death
Mir Khan planned and conferred to resist
The cruelty which in Qandahar did persist,
He gathered his people and they swore
By the Koran to end the tyranny evermore.
Saidal Nasir and Babojan Babei came
To join Bahadur Khan and other men of fame,
Miyaji also came to his aid,
Yusuf
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brought the Hotheks from Syoray for the raid,
Aziz Nourzay of Delaram came to join
Gul Khan Baberr and Nour Khan Barreitsh, the lion.
Nasro Alekozay from Jaldak came
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To join the martial game.
Yahya Khan
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and his son Mohammad Khan were there
And swore that Gurgin, they would not spare.
Yunus Kkerr attacked the wicked foe,
Many were killed before they could run and go.
Gurgin was finally slain
And the motherland was free again.
Haji Mir took Qandahar with his will
And gathered his people fighting still.
He told them that the tyrant is dead
But the Pashtoons have an arduous task ahead,
The King's army may be ready to raid
We have to set a strong blockade,
Asfahan has a large fighting force
To be dispatched our way in due course,
They will all Pashtoons annihilate
And the Afghan's honor and dignity dissipate.
The enemy is strong, let us fight as one force
United we shall proceed on freedom's course.
In Qandahar he gathered all the warriors bold
And the tribal leaders who were told:
Of the danger which lay ahead
And if they fought not they will be dead.
Twenty thousand brave men gathered in town,
Mir Khan addressed them at sundown.
A pious, white-bearded man he was
He explained the urgency of the cause.
This great statesman as he spoke,
Rekindling national pride among the men folk.
In the year one thousand seven hundred and seven
Qandahar was freed with a sign from heaven.
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Tyranny spreads havoc all around
And its consequences are totally unsound,
Tyranny's fire burns the world
In their own fire, the tyrants are hurled,
The tyrant digs his own grave
Of bad deeds he is a slave.
MULLAH MOHAMMAD ADIL BARREITSH
Learned scholar
This preacher is from the Barreitsh tribe. He is an exalted scholar who lives in Shorawak
and is a teacher. His father, Mullah Mohammad Fazel, was also a good scholar and
wrote Rawza-e Rabani (Divine Garden). Mullah Mohammad Adil has written a book in
poetry which is called Mahasen-al-Salawat (Benefits of Prayer), which deals with
prayers, its reward and the punishment of the unenlightened. I present some couplets
from that book so he may be remembered.
Verse
Sinful are the ones who do not care
And are indolent in prayer,
Those who intentionally do not pray
They are infidels, this I can say,
The ones who say we pray, but do not know how
Animals they are like sheep and cow.
Knowledge should be everyone's quest
Without it you cannot rest,
If deliberately you pray not
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In hell you are bound to rot.
In God's court I seek refuge
From the overbearing stooge.
May I join all those
Who God's religion chose.
MOHAMMAD TAHIR JAMARYAEI
The clever poet
He is the son of Mohammad Ali Jamaryaei and is a merchant by profession. He brings
his wares from Skaapur
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and often visits that place. He has a good sense of humor.
Mostly, he writes humorous poetry, but occasionally he has a serious poem. He lived in
Mastung
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with his father where he studied theology under learned men. He is a friend
of the author. His shop is a meeting place of men of letters. He is jovial with his friends.
Mohammad Hothek, the author of this book says: One day a friend of his, named
Mohammad Omar Khan of the Lu tribe, came to his shop. He is friendly with poets due
to his poetic nature, and composes poetry himself.
When Mohammad Omar Khan and Mohammad Tahir meet they joke and tell each
other humorous stories. Mohammad Omar said: "I have been a friend of Mohammad
Tahir for ten years but have not benefited from his company." Instantaneously he
recited these humerous couplets:
Couplets
They say that conversation,
Affects each other's imagination.
For years you have talked wonky
It did not turn me into a donkey.
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Mohammad Tahir who has a sharp sense of humor replied:
Answering couplets
Conversation does affects one a lot
Don't refuse what it has begot;
Formerly you were that beast
Turned into a human being at least.
Mohammad Omar Khan in jest asked Mohammad Tahir that his name was Tahir
(pure) but not mutahar (purified). Mohammad Omar recited this couplet:
To me I am Tahir
But to you I am mutahir (purifier).
MULLAH MOHAMMAD AYAZ NEYAZAY
Pure of mind and knower of secrets
He is an anchorite, a leader in asceticism and the disciple of Miya Abdul Hakim,
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may
he be blessed by God. Although a resident of the city of Qandahar he is not home for
months and wanders in the country side. He visits saints and prays in quite corners. It is
said that Mullah Mohammad Ayaz is awake at night roaming the hills and dales. He is
known to weep in front of his saint and says: "I cannot bear elegance and perfection and
therefore I have to run away." Mullah Mohammad Ayaz has a good voice and when he
sometimes recites his poetry people shed tears. His style of poetry is firm and
sagacious. It is said that as he roams in the wilderness wild animals do not attack him.
His student, Mullah Abdul Halim, states: My mentor did not come home for several
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months. I started to look for him in the mountains. I came upon a pack of wolves that
were fighting with each other. Upon seeing the wolves I concealed myself behind rocks.
When the wolves left I went to the spot and saw my mentor soundly asleep. The wolves
did not pay any attention to him or attack him. He was not even awoken by the
commotion of the wolves. When I woke him up and told him about the incident, he
replied: "A heart which is blessed with the love of God, cannot be destroyed by wild
creatures. True humanity is so exalted that animality cannot affect it. Just as the
material conscience distances itself from virtuous conscience and perishes, the
creatures of the animal world cannot fight civility and run away from its splendor."
Mullah Mohammad Ayaz is the author of a divan, and I present some of his quatrains
here:
Quatrains
They say a heart which has wisdom
Makes you worthy in every kingdom,
One who lacks compassion and knowledge
Does not bring you any stardom.
Love is like a loose foundation
Do not erect on it this house of aggravation.
If you heart is enlightened with God's love
You will be happy in the desert's isolation.
Keeping others happy is a pious deed
Do not oppress those in dire need,
Run not God's home with tyranny
For the pure hearted sow only piety's seed.
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One who grieves for himself is not composed,
And to God's love he is not disposed.
You can either worship yourself or your love,
In truth: to self-pity you need not be exposed.
MULLAH MOHAMMAD HAFIZ BARAKZAY
Eminent preacher
This scholar is the son of Mohammad Akbar Barakzay. He lives in Ksheta Khwa
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of
Qandahar and has studied general sciences. He is a master of theology and conducts
the sermon during the Friday prayers and is famous by the name of Waez. Sometimes
during the sermon he recites his poetry also which is in the form of advice. He has
written a book called Tuhfa-e Waez (Gift of the Sermon) which deals with asceticism
and piety.
Mohammad Hafiz Waez is famous for being righteous and cites God's injunctions
before the king and elders dauntlessly. He is a follower of Miya Nour Mohammad
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and
teaches theology in Qandahar to his students who greatly benefit from his words. I
present this poem of religious advice from Tuhfa-e Waez so all Moslems may read it.
Bdla of holy advice
O unfortunate do not be proud
If you seek paradise aloud.
O unfortunate we are guests in this world,
We live elsewhere, there we will be hurled.
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Good and bad will be remembered
When we all will be tried,
Save yourself from hells fire
If you seek not to be fried.
O unfortunate do not cheat
It is not a good deed,
Those whose habit is to cheat
In life will not succeed.
Rejected will be on judgment's day
All what they have done.
In shame they will live
And happiness they will shun.
O unfortunate be wise
Leave greed aside,
When eulogizing God
Practice patience beside.
Be devoted to your religion
Tell the truth and pray.
In submission to God
You will seek the right way.
O unfortunate stay away
From the illegitimate task,
Let not God's curse
Be your masquerading mask.
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If you heart desires
A beautiful houri,
Then stay away from
Hells wrath and fury.
NASRUDDIN KHAN ANDARR
Nasruddin Khan is the son of Mohammad Zaman who came to Qandahar during the
majestic reign of Shah Hussain from Ghazni. He started serving Bahadur Khan with a
clear conscience and joined the ranks of the courtiers of the king, shadow of God. Since
he is a brave man, he gained the respect of the king and Bahadur Khan in a short time.
Nasruddin Khan Andarr writes good poems and is considered a top poet of the time. In
his divan, he calls himself Nasr. No doubt that he possesses good skills of composition
and is respected among friends. I present a poem by him in the book so he may be
remembered.
Nasruddin Khan's bdla
See the life of the poor loner
Spending day and night in tears,
Though his lips may be shut
In silence he conveys his fears.
The poor lover in life
Has only one desire,
To see his lover's pretty face
Without having to conspire.
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It is his sweetheart's union
That makes him happy forever,
Nothing else does he seek
Nor desires other whatsoever.
God started this fire
In the hearts of lovers true,
Sadness and desperation
In their life they accrue.
While others are happy
And sleep soundly in the night,
The lovelorn spend the dark hours
In anguish and fright.
On the hearts of lovers
God has etched a scar,
In search of a pretty face
They look wide and far.
They cry all the time
And rant and wail,
In the ocean of restlessness
True lovers always sail.
The lover's heart is broken
It is a pain he cannot surpass,
It is impossible to mend
Like the pieces of a broken glass.
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The lover lives in hope
Of reunion one day,
Without love's desire
He is sick and wastes away.
Reunion for true lovers
Is the most happy event,
Only Nasr is vexed
And sadness he cannot prevent.
The fire of separation
Is burning him inside,
He has no relief
From this fateful tide.
MULLAH NOUR MOHAMMAD GHALJAY
Selected by God
He is a Ghaljay and belongs to the Toukhay clan of Ghalji tribe. He is the son of Mullah
Yar Mohammad and lives in Panjwayee.
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He studied Shari and teaches it. He is 80
years of age and was the teacher of Haji Mir Khan's daughters and children for five
years. Nour Mohammad has written a book called Nafe Muslemeen (Of Things
Beneficial to Moslems) which describes the rules of Sharih (Islamic law). It is dedicated
to His Majesty Shah Hussain and is considered an important document of theology and
ethics. At present he teaches Mishkath-e Shareef, Bokhari-e Shareef, Hedaya Kanz and
Tariqa-e Mohammadia and other current texts. The following is a sample of his poetry:
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Poetry of advice
If your are a believer of faith
Always lament and cry,
Repent and ask for forgiveness
Be aware and in hell do not die.
Dear one, be alert at dawn.
Let me tell you a few words
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Be alert at dawn and pray,
Whether you will go to heaven or hell:
When in the grave there you lay.
Dear one, be alert at dawn.
In the company of true Moslems
Stay awake in the morning hour,
Pity thyself and be truthful,
Be humble and refrain from power.
Dear one, be alert at dawn.
Do not lie and betray others
Or you will lose faith in the end.
You will gain by staying humble,
In prayers, with the pious blend.
Dear one, be alert at dawn.
Obey God's sacred rules
Be good natured and cherish true deeds.
Stay calm and do not indulge
Life is short, sow truth's seeds.
Dear one, be alert at dawn.
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Be in hope of kindness
As its door is always open wide.
Kindness descends from heaven
And God's forgiveness at dawn beside.
Dear one, be alert at dawn.
ABDUL LATIF ATSEKZAY
Witty poet and orator of the holy Koran
This poet is exalted among lovers of poetry. He is from Bostan
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and is the son of
Ghulam Mohammad. He came to Qandahar and lives in Mashor. He studied sciences
from his childhood and learned the Koran by heart. He is an outstanding poet capable of
writing humorous poetry. He writes tales and stories in poetry in which he advises
people. He is capable of humorous advice and people enjoy his style. The writer of this
book sometimes meets him and listens to his poems. His sense of humor is outstanding
and people enjoy his company. He is fourty years old, but despite his mature age, acts
like a young man. He is capable of instantaneous recitation of poetry. The writer
includes his story of the camel and the hare in the book so it may not be devoid of
humor.
The fable of the camel and the hare
Listen friends, I will tell you a story
Of the camel and the hare,
Its a story with a tantalizing flair.
Once a hare and a camel
Formed a bond without trammel,
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They were friends very close
And each other they chose.
Said the camel to the hare:
Oh my friend you are rare,
We have formed a happy pair
And everything we will share.
All the time they talked
And together they walked,
Not a moment did they spare
Everything they would share.
In the camel's large home
The hare would happily roam,
From morning till night
They told stories with delight.
The hare was the camel's guest
Their friendship no one did contest,
Always close were they
And their friendship did not sway.
The camel treated his guest well,
In his house the hare did dwell.
Excuses he did not make
His friendship he did not forsake.
One day the happy hare
Invited the camel to his lair,
He gathered all his friends around
A joyous gathering the camel found.
As the camel came to the den
He found it smaller than a hen,
It would not fit his head
Not to speak of his body instead.
A little grass was the treat
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For all the friends to eat,
Whatever more the hares brought
To the camel it was food naught.
Hungry he returned home,
Inside the den he could not roam,
There was no place for him to stay
The hares felt shameful as he went away.
They all sat around,
Responsible, the host they found.
They agreed: When someone you cannot fend,
Then you should not be his friend.
When a camel and a hare
Wants a common to share,
A large field the hare should sow
With many plants row by row.
When you want to be a friend
You should know that in the end,
There will be difficulty in sight
If you do not match in size and height.
If you want to do things right
Then listen to my plight:
In water before you leap
Know ahead if its shallow or deep.
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SAIDAL KHAN NASER
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Champion of the time, commander-in-chief,
bravest of the era
Alif Khan Naser narrated to Mohammad Hothek: Saidal Khan, the son of Abdal Khan, is
from the Naser Barhizay tribe. His father lived in Daela which is near Waza Khwa.
When Sultan Mullkhay Toukhay
120
gained independence and ruled the lands from
Ghazni to Jaldak the Barhizay came with Abdal Khan to Atghar and settled there. With
the assistance of Adil Khan Toukhay, Abdal Khan and Adil Khan fought against the
Beglar Begi
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of Qandahar, who was appointed by the Safavid king, and did not allow
him to spread his domain to Kalat. Saidal Khan who was the son of a valiant father,
grew up to be a brave man. At the time when Haji Mir Khan killed Gurgin Khan, the
Beglar Begi of Qandahar, Saidal Khan was the commander-in-chief of the Pashtoon
forces. He had studied general sciences such as theology, interpretation of the Koran,
grammer and composition and Persian books.
When Mir Khan was alive and the Safavid forces came to inflict revenge on the
people of Qandahar, Saidal Khan was appointed the commander of the Pashtoons by
their leader. He fought large Safavid forces several times and was victorious in every
battle. The word of his bravery soon spread, and after the death of Haji Mir Khan, he
was appointed the commander of Shah Mahmud's forces. He attacked Asfahan and
was victorious in all the battles against the Safavids, occupying the city.
It is said that when Saidal Khan was not engaged in battle and was free from the
confusion of warfare he wrote love poetry. Now that he is involved in administering
Asfahan he does not have the time to write poetry. His days are spent in fierce battles
that would even frighten Rustum. I include this poem from Saidal Khan so that the book
may not be devoid of this great warrior's letter.
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Bdla by Saidal Khan, resident of heaven
My true love is so dear
She is precious far and near,
Others I do not want to see
Her world is full of glee.
The two tresses of her hair
Has set me in a snare,
With jewels on her forehead
In the garden I see her softly tread.
In fire do I burn
In this garden do I yearn.
If love's game you want to try
Day and night you have to cry,
If your lover is cold hearted
From her sight you will be parted.
My gaping wounded heart
Is the target of her dart.
The lovelorn climbs mountains high
Throughout the night without a sigh,
From his homeland to the desert hot
Waiting, what affliction is his lot.
Loves contentment he cannot find
In the dales he leaves behind.
To every one in sight
I cry day and night,
From separation's pain I cannot rest
Come my love do not put my faith to test.
Come throw me a glance
Give my love a second chance.
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Like the drops of dew
I cry desperately for you,
Tear drops flow on my face
As I lament for your grace.
It is known that I am mad
Love's affliction has made me sad.
In the garden of the rose
From my eyes water flows,
The bulbuls pity my bruised heart
But you laugh as you depart.
Lovesick I am pale
I am Saidal, this is my tale.
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The Third Treasure
Known works of poetesses
NAZO TOUKHAY
The chaste one
It has been narrated: Nazo was the daughter of Sultan Mulkhay Toukhay and was born
in 1061 H. (1651 A.D.) near Thazi.
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During that time Sultan Mulkhay governed the
tribes from Ghazni to Jaldak. He was an independent ruler and did not have an
opponent or rival. In childhood Nazo studied from Pashtoon women and elderly
scholars. She grew to be a famous and courageous woman. Men were awed by her
bravery and kindness.
Trusted narrators say: Sultan Mulkhay died in a battle near Sur Ghar (Sur mountain)
and Haji dil, the brother of Nazo, went to the battlefield to avenge his father's death.
He left Nazo to take care of the household and fortress. Nazo girth a sword around her
waist and defended the fortress along with the men of the house against the marauders.
My father narrated that Nazo Ana was well known for her generosity and hospitality
and always helped the poor and wayfarers. In winter when the caravans would arrive
they stayed at Nazo's fortress and she took care of hundreds of guests. She fed them
and those who were in need of clothing were given clothes. The word of her generosity
spread from Khybar to Kosan.
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Nazo was married to Shalem Khan Hothek, the son of
Karam Khan. They were from the Shalemkhel clan, the present rulers of Qandahar and
Asfahan. Nazo had four sons, the eldest of whom was Haji Mir Khan and the others
were Abdulaziz Khan, Yahya Khan and Abdul Qadir Khan.
The author's father narrated to me: Nazo was a pious woman and took good care of
her children. When Haji Mir Khan, resident of heaven, was born she dreamt that Shaikh
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Bitanay, God's mercy be on him, was telling her: "Take good care of your son, he will
grow into a famous man and will undertake good deeds. He will visit the Holy Mecca
and will father monarchs who will enlighten the faith." Nazo raised Haji Mir Khan in a
religious atmosphere and by the age of seven had taught him the essential duties of
religion. She advised him that according to Shaikh Bitanay, may he be blessed, he had
an important task ahead in life. "When you grow up pray to God and be at his service.
God brought you to this world to accomplish great deeds and people will have peace
under your helm," she said.
It has been narrated: Haji Mir Khan, resident of heaven, always said that his mother
had willed great tasks to him and he had to fulfill them. When in 1119 H. (1707 A.D.) he
liberated his nation, he knelt in prayers to God and said: "This was the task that my
mother had bestowed upon me. It was a service for your slaves which I managed to
fulfill." My father has told me, that beside being a generous and pious woman, Nazo
also recited poetry in praise of God. She had a divan of two thousand verses. Her style
was eloquent and better than men. I heard this quatrain from my father which I consider
to be exemplary.
Quatrain
At dawn the narcissus petals were wet,
Like tears, flowed each crystalline droplet.
Why do you cry thus, O pretty flower? I asked:
"My life is just a fleeting smile", replied the floret.
May Almighty God bless all those that have passed until the day of judgement.
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HALIMA, THE HAFIZA
*

Precious pearl of chastity
She is the daughter of the eminent chief, Khushal Khan Khatak, resident of heaven,
and the full sister of Abdul Qadir Khan. My father narrated: When I went to Banu she
was alive. During the lifetime of her father she studied the general sciences and then
became the disciple of Shaikh Sdi Lahori, God's compassion be upon him, and swore
allegiance in the name of the saint on the hand of her brother, Abdul Qadir Khan, who
was also a regent of the Shaikh.
It has been narrated: Bebe

Halima is a learned woman who lives in chastity and

has not married. She prays and teaches other women in the house of her brother, Abdul
Qadir Khan, and knows the Koran by heart. My father has told me that Bebe Halima
writes poetry in Pashto and is a prominent poetess of her time and her peers like her
lyrics. She has studied all books of mystic thought and is capable of explaining the
difficulties of Manavie Sharif (Holy Manavi) and Maktobat-e Hazrat Imam Rabani
(Notes of Hazrat Imam Rabani). In her poetry worldly love is not seen but all her lyrics
are based on the elements of Divine truth and she praises Divine love. My father recited
one of her poems which I include in the Khazana. May the grace of God be upon her.
Lyric
The mere thought of my love
Made me overwhelmingly elated,
I do not know if my happiness
To Mumtaz or Nour-Jahan
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can be related.
*
Female of hafiz, one who has memorized the Koran.

Title of respect for a woman.

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When I was honored with Your love
On that auspicious day,
I praised the compassionate Lord
In more than one way.
When the worldly love of Ayaz
My heart managed to disown,
I felt prouder than I would have
Sitting on Mahmud's throne.
To everyone I look
I picture His face,
I am overwhelmed with joy
By His charming grace.
All other thoughts
Have left my weary mind,
Friends and the foe alike
To me are one kind.
The slanderer's deception
Has reached a fearful pitch,
Be aware O Halima
Your love it may bewitch.
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BEBE NAEKBAKHTA
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The perfect gnostic
This chaste and learned woman is the daughter of Shaikh Allahdad of the Mamozai
tribe. Her father and grandfather were religious leaders of the tribe in Ashnagar.
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My
father narrated: Shaikh Imamuddin Khalil Ghoryakhel writes in his book Awliya-e Afghan
(Afghan Saints) that Shaikh Allahdad was a great saint, and his daughter Naekbakhta,
who was a virtuous women, studied theology and spent her life praying to God. In 951
H. (1544 A.D.) she married Shaikh Qadam, may his grave be blessed, son of Khwaja
Mohammad Zahed Khalil Mathizay. In 956 H. (1549 A.D.) she gave birth to Shaikh Miya
Qasim Afghan, helper of the time and axis of the era, in Badani.
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This Shaikh became
famous in India and Pashtoonkhwa for his piety.
It has been narrated that Shaikh Imamuddin also descended this line. In Awliya-e
Afghan he writes: Bebe Naekbakhta was a devotee of God and a gnostic. She has
written a book called Ershad-al-Fuqara (Guide of the Indigent) in which she gives
advice, which is useful to the needy and servants of God. She completed the book in
969 H. (1562 A.D.) and my father had seen it in Banu during his journey to that place.
My father had recited the following poems from that book which he remembered. I copy
them here so that Khazana may contain the work of this gracious woman.
Poem of advice
God bless you O believer
Be truthful in and out,
Pray only with sincerity
In faith do not have doubt.
Be content with what you have
Do not boast of your pride,
You will cry day and night
If like a prisoner you have to hide.
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The soul's prison is a place
For the unbelievers who do not pray,
O God from such curse
Keep me far and away.
Obey God's orders
Leave all other tasks aside,
From this world we are to go
With sincerity do stride.
As your strength prevails
Worship God all the time,
Stay away from sin
Aim for an ideal sublime.
All the world will be your foe
If you are not afraid
Of the day of judgment
And its fateful tirade.
Leave this world aside
If you have any wisdom,
Go and seek eternity
In God's sacred kingdom.
Another poem of advice, God's mercy be on her
Always seek God's love
And serve in his way,
Stay away from sin
From virtue do not sway.
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Live with sincerity
Leave evil and know,
On evil deeds all around
Let your tears flow.
O benevolent God
Forgive my ill deed,
I seek your kindness
In time of greed.
Do not forget God's sanctity
Have fear from his rage,
Take the virtuous path
At life's every stage.
BEBE ZAINAB
Venerable poetess of noble descent, may God lengthen her life
Bebe Zainab is the daughter of Haji Mir Khan, resident of heaven who learnt the lessons
of purity and virtue in childhood. She has studied the Koran, Islamic jurisprudence and
famous books in Persian. Her science teacher is Mullah Nour Mohammad Ghalji who
has been the educator of the royal household for a long time.
It has been narrated: Bebe Zainab is an intelligent and knowledgeable woman and
advises the king, His Majesty Shah Hussain, and helps him in solving administrative
problems. The king listens to her advice and acts accordingly. This royal gem of purity
also recites eloquent poetry and is respected by her peers. She enjoys reading the
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divans of other poets. She spends her time praying, reading the Koran and teaching the
womenfolk of the royal household.
It is said that when the news of the death of Shah Mahmud, resident of haven,
reached Qandahar, the royal family was deeply shocked and saddened, and the women
of the household cried and lamented. When Bebe Zainab heard the news of her
brother's fate she was deeply moved and soothed her grief by reading the Koran and
wrote an elegy in memory of her deceased brother which I am including in the book.
May God keep all the family of the king, shadow of God, in peace and harmony.
Elegy in memory of Shah Mahmoud, resident of heaven
I heard a call that my brother
Has left this world for another.
The whole of Qandahar wept in vain
When they heard Shah Mahmud was slain.
My grieving heart was suddenly
Obsessed with a deep fear,
When I came to realize
That Shah Mahmud was nowhere near.
The bright world so suddenly
Brought darkness to my eyes,
The wound of separation
Deep in my heart lies.
Due to this ominous tragedy
I hear the Hothek's mourning call,
The crown of their kingdom
Is on the verge to fall.
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When it was learned that Shah Mahmud
Died as his enemy he subdued.
The whole of Qandahar wept in vain
When they heard Shah Mahmud was slain.
A youthful warrior he was
Who fought bravely with his sword,
In the struggle for freedom
Death was his last reward.
He left the enemy bludgeoned
With fear it was fraught,
Dauntlessly he ravaged them
And like a lion fought.
He who fights for freedom and truth
With remorse death meets him in youth.
The whole of Qandahar wept in vain
When they heard Shah Mahmud was slain.
O Mahmud, it is not just your sister
That cries in such pain,
All the people of Qandahar
Are also lamenting in vain.
All your relatives are mourning
Your brother, the King is acry,
The infantry and the mounted men
In agony would like to die.
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All Pashtoons who had vowed
To fight with you are crying loud.
The whole of Qandahar wept in vain
When they heard Shah Mahmud was slain.
With Shah Mahmud's death
Our crown fell apart,
Asfahan was spared from destruction
As he was laid to rest with a sad heart.
With his death the Pashtoon's sun
Became hazy and dark,
It is the enemy's turn now
To leave a taunting mark.
Now that the king is gone
The Pashtoons are to poverty drawn.
The whole of Qandahar wept in vain
When they heard Shah Mahmud was slain.
The Pashtoon army is scattered
All around the land,
As our king went to the grave
There was no one to take command.
The Asfahan throne and crown
Have been left behind,
The enemy is celebrating his death
In his death great joy they find.
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They all so merrily sing:
The Pashtoon's are left without a king.
The whole of Qandahar wept in vain
When they heard Shah Mahmud was slain.
O heavens, what injustice
Have you brought on us,
The symbol of unity,
Among the Pashtoons is gone thus.
The enemy is joyful
At our wretched plight,
With Shah Mahmud in grave
See them laugh with delight.
Torment has descended on our home
In pain the people aimlessly roam.
The whole of Qandahar wept in vain
When they heard Shah Mahmud was slain.
O Hotheks cry, Shah Mahmud
Where has he gone?
Without a leader in battle
Who will lead the Pashtoons thereon?
There is no leader to see
From Asfahan to Farah and yon,
The king who brought us glory
Where has he suddenly gone?
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See the glory of the Pashtoon nation
Has vanished without incarnation.
The whole of Qandahar wept in vain
When they heard Shah Mahmud was slain.
O Mahmud you were so young
Why did you leave me to weep?
The royal throne and crown
You did not care to keep.
Asfahan no more falls
Into your kingdom's sphere.
Raise your head brother
See that the foe is here.
The enemy has spread around
On aggression it is bound.
The whole of Qandahar wept in vain
When they heard Shah Mahmud was slain.
I hear the sound of sadness
And lament all over the land,
With Shah Mahmud's death
At stake is the Pashtoon homeland.
All those happy souls
Are in agony confined,
As the wind brings the clamor
Of lamentation of all kind.
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Both the young and the old
Disbelieve what they have been told.
The whole of Qandahar wept in vain
When they heard Shah Mahmud was slain.
O brother, may you rest
In the garden of bliss,
Stay in peace in heaven
Away from earth's malice.
On the day of judgment
May your soul be in joy,
With the grace of God
May eternal life you enjoy.
May the kindness of the Lord
Be forever your reward.
The whole of Qandahar wept in vain
When they heard Shah Mahmud was slain.
ZARGHOONA
Eminent poetess
Zarghoona was the daughter of Mullah Din Mohammad Kkerh who lived in Panjwayee.
She studied sciences under her father, learned the rules of eloquence and read poetry.
She was married to Sdullah Khan Nourzay and raised brave sons who were well-
versed in the sciences and the arts. My father narrated: Zarghoona translated the
Bostan (Garden) of Shaikh Muslihuddin Sdi, God's mercy be on him, into Pashto
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poetry and gave it the title of Bostan-e Pashto. This book was completed in 903 H.
(1498 A.D.) and included all the sage's advice and scholarly persuations in Pashto.
She also recited poetry and lyrics and became famous among other poets who often
read her works. They read Bostan-e Pashto to benefit from the advice presented in the
lyrics. It is said that Zarghoona was a talented woman and a good calligraphist and
scribes learned different styles of writing from her. My father told me: I saw Bostan-e
Pashto in 1102 H. (1691 A.D.) Her hand writing put the beauty of pearls to shame. This
poem is from her book which my father, God's mercy be on him, remembered and I am
including it in Khazana.
A narrative from Bostan
A story I have heard
Sweeter than honey is its every word.
One morning on Eid day
Bayazid was on his way,
He had come out from a bath
And was walking on the path.
Someone threw down some ash
Unknowingly from a stash,
His face and head were soiled
And his clothes were spoiled.
Bayazid thanked God with grace
And said as he cleaned his face:
"I am worthy of this fire
May it burn my attire,
Ash I do not despise
Nor will I complain in guise."
Wise men seek to be humble
With pride they do not rumble,
Those who proudly yelp
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Cannot look at God for help.
By boasting, honor you won't attain
From pride you should abstain,
With humility you will earn fame
Pride will destroy you in shame.
RABI
The chaste one
I do not know the life of this poetess. What we know of her is that she was from
Qandahar and lived at the time of emperor Mohammad Babur. It is said that she wrote
numerous poems and had compiled a divan. My friend, Mohammad Tahir
Jamaryaei
128
read to me one of her quatrains which I include in Khazana.
Quatrain
He brought man to the world's mire
And put his inner body on fire,
By creating hell on earth called separation
To endure, if you divine love desire.
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End of the Book
About the life of the author of this book, the writer of these words, Mohammad Hothek
states: I am Mohammad Hothek, son of Daud Khan, who was the son of Qadir Khan of
the Hothek tribe. Our ancestral home is Margha and my grandfather came to live in
Syoray. After that fate brought him to the village of Kokaran near Qandahar, where he
was a farmer.
Qader Khan died in 1058 H. (1648 A.D.) at the ripe age of 76 years and was buried
in Kokaran. My father was born in 1029 H. (1620 A.D.) in the same village and studied
the sciences in his youth. He was considered a scholar of his time. He left Qandahar for
a long period of time and traveled in the mountains of Kesay, Zhobe, Deras
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Peshawar and other places. When Haji Mir Khan was fighting against Gurgin Khan my
father accompanied the great leader in his battles. It is because of this that I know the
royal family from a long time; and I respect them. When the Safavid army came to
Qandahar in 1120 H. (1708 A.D.) my father was despatched by Haji Mir Khan, resident
of paradise, to Farah, Seistan, Gulistan
130
and other areas to seek the help of the
Pashtoons against the enemy. He managed to enlist the Nourzay, Barakzay and
Eshaqzay tribes and attacked Khusrao Khan.
131
In these battles my father was
commander of Haji Mir Khan's forces. He passed away in 1136 H. (1724 A.D.), after
the death of Haji Mir Khan, resident of heaven, and was buried beside his father in
Kokaran. He had a firm character and sometimes recited poetry. I include two of his
quatrains which represent a unique example of homonymy and eloquence.
Quatrain
When the fire of love is lit in one's heart
His house burns and tears him apart.
The fire of love will not set you free,
Once lovelorn, from torment you cannot depart.
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Another quatrain, God's mercy be on him
When you see how the lover's blood flows
Whether young or old no one knows,
When you see that the old are afflicted too
They are entrapped in love by your love's woes.
Now that I have informed you about the life of my father I will write a few words
about myself to inform the readers of Khazana. I came to this mortal world, meaning I
was born on 13 Rajab-al-Murajab 1084 H. (1673 A.D.) in Kokaran. When I reached
learning age my father started teaching me and until the age of eighteen I studied the
tenets of religion, theology, interpretation of the Koran and the sciences of eloquence
such as rhyme, meter, composition and meaning of words. After the death of my father I
came to Qandahar upon the request of the king, shadow of God, may God prolong his
reign. I live happily under his influence and have been exalted by the generosity of this
majestic family. I spend my life reading and writing books and I do not have the desire
for other worldly delights and am happy with my work. So far in my life, I have written
several books one of which is this Khazana. My other books are on the art of eloquence
which is titled Khulasat-al-Fasahat (Summary of Eloquence), in which I have
summarized the art of eloquence in the Pashto language for Pashtoon students.
Another deals with medicine and therapy which is called Khulasat-al-Tib (Summary of
Medicine). In 1139 H. (1726 A.D.) when I presented this book to the king he gave me
one hundred gold coins as reward as he has always been generous to me. Other court
figures are also kind to me, especially His Excellency Bahadur Khan, who is gracious to
the poor. May God prolong his life.
I have a divan which has been collected into a book and contains lyrics, odes and
quatrains. When I am in a poetic mood I write poems which are liked by my peers.
Since it is not good to praise oneself, and learned people refrain from boasting, I wrote
about myself for the sole reason so that the readers may pray for me and remember me
in their prayers. I present a lyric of mine as an example so that it may remain as a
keepsake. My other poems are in my divan and those interested can read them there.
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Lyric of the writer, may God forgive his sins
Cup bearer fill my cup with red wine
Set me free from this sorrow benign.
Without wine, spring has no flavor,
With good tidings of spring let me savor.
Life is short, let me in happiness entwine,
I seek ecstasy, give me a jug of wine.
In the darkness of separation my heart is blue
In this obscurity light a fire anew.
Life's failure has made my life bitter
Let me taste bitter, sweet-bitter to me glitter.
There is no joy nor anyone drinking with glee
Pour me wine, so that I always cheerful be.
Give my cold heart the warmth of love
Let Mohammad burn in this fire from above.
The book has come to an end with the help of God. O Almighty have mercy on the
writer of this book, its readers and all those who are righteous. May peace be upon the
Prophet Mohammad, his family and followers. This book came to an end on Friday, 24
Shawal 1142 H. (1729 A.D.) in Qandahar and its writer, Mohammad Hothek has
achieved contenment. Praise be to God.
This book was transcribed on 10 Rabi-al-Awal 1265 H. (1849 A.D.) by Nour
Mohammed Kharotay exclusively for Sardar Mehrdil Khan.
He who reads, I long for his prayer,
For I am a sinful servant.
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This book was transcribed by Mohammad Abas of the Kasay tribe in the city of
Quetta of Baluchistan exclusively for His Excellency Haji Mohammad Akbar of the
Hothek tribe in 1303 H. (1886 A.D.). It was transcribed in great haste.
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Annotations
Literary and historical
1. Atghr This word is derived from ata (eight) and ghr (mountain), meaning eight
mountains. It is an area located southeast of Kalat. Moqur is its district center and
domicile of the Toukhi tribes.
2. Sory or Syory: Meaning shade. It is an area south of Kalat and is the original
domicile of the Hotheks.
3. Awlan: Located south of Shahjoi in Qandahar province. It has many ancient relics.
4. Sr Ghr: Meaning red mountain. It is located south of Shahjoi and Awlan.
5. Paktika or Pashtoonkhwa: This historical province of our country has repeatedly
been mentioned in ancient books and old poetry. Its old spelling is Pastankha. Later
it was written as Pastankhwa and now Pashtoonkhwa. Kohzad in his book, Aryana,
explains the word, a summary of which is presented here: Pakth, Pasth or Bakhth
have the same root. They belong to the oldest Vedic tribes of Aryan-Bactrian origin.
During their migration they divided into two groups. One group stayed in Bakhdi and
the other branch, mentioned together with other tribes, in the battle of Ten Kings
migrated to the southern part of the Hindu Kush range and settled in the foothills of
Spinghar. Herodotus mentions the Pakthi, Pakthees or Pakthuis tribe and their land
as Pakthika or Pakthya. In the root of these words, bakhd or bakhdi has been
preserved. The Greek transliteration of these words clearly show that the writer was
referring to the Pasht tribe and to their land called Pashthikha (Aryana, p. 94).
As far as we know, Veda is the oldest document in which the name Pakhath
has been mentioned. One repeatedly finds the word in this book. Rig Veda, which
forms the most important historical part of Veda, refers to an important battle which
took place among ten rulers along the banks of the Ravi river in the Punjab. Ten
Aryan tribes participated in this battle under the leadership of their kings one of
whom was the Pakhath tribe (Cambridge History of India). This shows that among
the Aryan tribes which came to southern Hindukush, Pakhath was a brave and
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eminent tribe. They were famous around 1400 to 1200 B.C. Herodutus, the father of
historians 484-425 B.C., refers to them and calls their land Pak-thi-eka (History of
Herodotus, vol. 1, p. 260-308, vol. 2, p. 157-161; Encyclopedia of Islam, vol. 1 p.
150).
Ptolmey, the famous geographer, while discussing Arakozi, refers to
Paktheen or the land of the Pakthis (Aryana, p. 95). This historical name of a part of
our country is still extant as Pashtoonkhwa in the Pashto language. Without doubt it
is the Pak-thi-eka of Herodotus. This word has been used in ancient texts and after
500 H. (1107 A.D.) it has been frequently noted in Pashto literature. For example, in
this book Skarandoi, a poet at the court of Sultan Mzuddin Mohammad Saam, who
invaded India after 571 H. (1123 A.D.), wrote a poem in eulogy of the king in which
he states:
Pashtoonkha skalay zalmy ch zghly hind t ~ ~
no aghlh pghl knd ataoona .
When the youth of Pashtoonkhwa go to India
Young and pretty maidens dance joyously.
Similarly Sulaiman Maku, the author of Tazkerat-al-Awalia, circa 612 H.
(1215 A.D.) notes Pashtankha without the use of the letter wow (Pashtana Shura,
vol. 1, p. 64-70 ). In Pata Khazana the word occurs in the poem of Baba Hothek and
the preface of the book.
After the early period, we find the word repeatedly in Makhzan-al-Islam of Akhund
Darweza Nangarhari who lived around 1000 H. (1592 A.D.) and died in the year
1054 H. (1644 A.D.) (Tazkera-e ulama-e Hind, p. 59). The father of the Pashto
language, Khushal Khan Khatak, says:
har ch sa d pashtoonkhwa day hl y d day ~ ~
Whatever good is from Pashtoonkhwa, this is its state.
His Majesty King Ahmad Shah Baba states:
d dehli tkht hrawama ch r yad krhm,
zma d skuly pashtoonkhwa d ghroo saronah ~ ~
I am oblivious of the throne of Delhi
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While pondering my beautiful Pashthoonkhwa's towering peaks.
From these historical and literary sources, it is clear that this name has been
used over the centuries from the oldest times to the present day; and it is the same
Pak-thi-eka of Herodotus.
Kohzad in Aryana, considers the geographical boundaries of this historical
region as the extensions of the Sulaiman and Spinghar mountains and the valleys
which are watered by their streams. He adds that Bellew considers the northern
boundaries of this region as the highlands of Swat, Panjkora and the southern banks
of the Logar and Kabul rivers. Its southern boundary consists of the land of
Kkarhistan, Pseen, Shaal and the Bori valley which adjoins the Indus. The Indus
river forms its eastern boundary, while to the west it extends to the farthest points of
the Sulaiman range (Aryana, p. 96).
As we know geographical boundaries change with time. During a certain
period a region expands while at other times it wanes. It is possible that
Pashthoonkhwa contracted during the time of Herodotus and enlarged later. For
example Ptolmey notes Pak-thi-eka within the borders of the Arakozi province. Thus
it is possible that the borders of the ancient province of Pak-thi-eka reached up to
Argandab and Arghasan at one time.
The historical name Pak-thi-eka or Pakthika, is formed from two components.
The first part is the Vedic Pakthi or Pakthkuis of Herodotus. The second part is
composed of khw, which is in usage at the present time, meaning land or side in
Pashto. In the past it was spelled as kha without the letter wow. This is clear in all
past books such as Tazkera-e Sulaiman Maku, Makhzan-e Afghani and this book.
Some Pastoon tribes still pronounce it as such.
In the past it was common to transpose the letter khe with kaf. As kha was
transposed with the letter kaf, it was written as ka. Thus the Pakthika mentioned by
Herodotus 2,500 years ago is without doubt the Pastoonkhwa of today, which is the
name of a historical province of our dear country.
6. Mrts, dusn: Myrts whose plural is myrtsy means enemy. The word is not used in
common language now. It is clear from this book that in the past two words were
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used for enemy. One was mrts and the other dusn. Baba Hothek in his poem of
chivalry says:
mrtsy zgheli aw trhze =
See them running the frightened foe.
In the epic poem of Amir Krorh Suri it has been used as such:
ghshy d mn m dz bresna pur mrtsmnu bandie.
= ~ =
The arrows of my strong will like lightening fall on the enemy.
Skarandoi in his encomium says:
n yay tsok makh t dr d mrtsmnu = =
Not an enemy can face his might.
In the Middle period of Pashto literature this word was also used. For example
Khushal Khan says:
ch d strgo yay taqwa sra mrtsey d =
p na haqah m niwal parsayay d
Her eyes have enmity with piety,
Needlessly do I adhere to piety.
Afzal Khan Khatak writes in his history:
=
yaw mdat ch tr sh biya d yusufza d dlazako sra mrts shwa
After the passing of some time, enmity was established between the Delazak
and the Yusufzay (Tarekh-e Muras).
From these literary references it is seen that from ancient times to a few
centuries ago mrts (enemy), mrrts (plural) and mrts (enmity) were used.
Similarly mrtsman (enemy) and mrtsmani (hostility) were also in use. On the other
hand dusn (enemy), dusna (plural) and dusny (hostility) were its synonyms.
Sulaiman Maku says:
pr dusn yay yarghal kwa ~
sarah wamrhorhal yay dusna ~
They attacked the enemy and vanquished the foes (Pastana Shura, vol. 1).
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After that Malikyar, who was a contemporary of Sultan Muzuddin Ghori,
writes:
turey tr krhy
dusn mo pr krhy ~
Sharpen the swords; kill the foe. (Pashtana Shura, vol. 1, p. 56).
In this book it has also been used several times by old poets. For example
Baba Hothek says:
zalmo pr nang dzanonah mrha krhy
dusn p ghashyoo m pya krhy ~
Young men face death boldly,
Strike the enemy with your arrows.
In the poem of Amir Ludi it has been used as follows: ~ zma
dusna has tr krh, my enemy accuse me thus; or ~ trany dusn
ch way, the accusing enemy says; or ~ d dusno wynaw mghza,
do not listen to the enemy.
The word dusn and its plural dusna were in use until the Middle period as
Abdul Qadir Khan writes in his divan (p. 79):
kh arf d cha p sow shkr guzar day ~
n p bado d dusna lar gla ~
The learned is thankful for good deeds,
And does not complain about the wrong-doing of the enemies.
If we go back to the ancient Aryan times, we see that the root of the word
dusn is present in the literature. For example, in the Urmazd Yeshth of little Avesta
we see dashmino, the original form of the word dushman of Persian. Dash in that
language meant bad and was used as a prefix of many words ( Dictionary of Little
Avesta, p. 490). In a later language, which was similar to Pahlavi, dashmir meant the
opposite or enemy (Dasateer-e smani, p. 245).
If we glance at the Vedic era we can find the root of this word in das and
dasyo, which in Avesta and Veda meant ugly, black and enemy. Non-Aryan tribes
were referred to by these names. The word has also been recorded in the Darius
Inscription ( Vedic India, p. 69-218). Geiger states that dano, das and dasyo means
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rival and foe and they were those tribes which the Aryans clashed with during their
migration from the north to south. These tribes, not being Aryan in origin, were
addressed by such names (West Aryan Civilization, p. 103).
These historical records show that the roots of all these words are dash or
das which during the Aryan times meant bad. Das, dasyo, dash, dashmino,
dushman and dusn all belong to the same family. The dusn of Pashto comes from
das to which the letter (noon) of the relative case has been added at the end, a
common practice in Pashto. Thus the close relationship of Pashto to the ancient
languages of the Aryans is evident.
7. Mrgh: This was the name of a vast stretch of land south of Qandahar which
started from Arghasan and continued up to the Sulaiman mountain and the central
part of Baluchistan. Arghasan, southern Kalat, the foothills of Kozhak mountain, and
a part of Kkarhistan were included in Margha.
8. Waza Khw: A high plateau in the Ghalji territory, located southeast of Ghazni and
extending to the Sulaiman mountains.
9. Noor Baba: Baba Hothek whose life and poetry has been mentioned in this book
had a brother by the name of Toukhay. Toukhay had four sons, one of whom was
named Noor (Hayat, p. 257). Noor Baba, who has been recorded in this book, is a
famous Afghan personality. In Makhzan-e Afghani, Noor Baba has been described
as the son of Baro bin (son of) Touran (Makhzan-e Afghani Qalami p. 320). But
according to this book and local belief Noor is the son of Toukhay bin Baro.
10. Kesay: Pashtoons refer to the Sulaiman mountain as the Kesay Ghar (mountain).
11. Ghwarha Margha: Margha is also known as Ghwarha Margha.
12. Ghundan: This mountain is located between Kalat and Shahjoi, south-east of the
town of Kalat, south of the Tarnak river.
13. Kand and Zamand: They are the sons of Khrasboon bin Sarhban. Kasay is their
brother (Makhzan-e Afghani Qalami, p. 300; Tazkerat-al-Abarar, p. 86). It has been
mentioned in this book that their progeny spread in Nangarhar, Khybar and
Peshawar. Other historians say that they lived in Ghwarha Margha, Arghasan and
Qandahar and migrated through the Kabul and Gomal valleys to Nangarhar and
Peshawar. The last part of the migration is said to have taken place during the
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period of Mirza Ulug Beg, the grandson of Temur-e Lang (Tamerlane) 812-853 H.
(1409-1449 A.D.) (Tarekh-e Muras Afzal Khan Khatak, p. 6; Hayat, p. 177). This
indicates that the migration took place after 700 H. (1301 A.D.)
14. Kasay: A clan by this name lives in Quetta. The name is probably derived from
Kesay mountain which is the name of the Sulaiman mountain in Pashto. The person
named as Kasay in this book is the son of Khrasboon bin Sarhban. According to
historians he had 12 sons (Hayat, p. 229; Makhzan-e Afghani Qalami, p. 352; Khur-
shaid, p. 200). Historical books only give the names of these people, but in this book
reference has been made to their lives and poetry. It is said that the progeny of
Kasay left their native home at Margha and went to the Sulaiman mountain. In
Chaghcharan of Herat there is a place known as Kesay up to this day, which is the
district capital of the area and may be related to this name.
15. Pseen: An area in present day Baluchistan. It is located at the base of Sulaiman and
Kozhak mountains and is the domicile of the Atsek, Thareen and Kkarr tribes.
16. Arghasan: An area southeast of Qandahar. It is the ancient domicile of the Kkarr
tribe or the historical Arakozay.
17. Zhobe: An area located in the eastern foothills of Sulaiman mountains occupied by
the Kkarr tribes.
18. Kozhak: A famous mountain which starts at Shorawak, south of Qandahar, extends
southeast to Arghasan and south of Syoray and Kalat to the southern extensions of
Moqur and Waza Khwa.
19. Shaikh Mathi: He is a famous Afghan literary personality. His life and an example of
his poetry is presented in this book. From other sources we have the following:
Shaikh Mathi was bin Abas bin Omar bin Khalil (Makhzan-e Afghani Qalami, p. 302;
Divan-e Miya Naim Mathizay Khalil, p. 222). Prior to Khalil, several historical sources
agree on the names of his ancestors i.e. Nmatullah (Makhzan, p. 302), Darweza
(Tazkera, p. 87), Hayat (p. 159), Khurshaid (p. 192) and this book. After Khalil, Hayat
Khan and Khurshaid Jahan delete Omar and Abas and consider Mathi to be the son
of Khalil (Khurshaid, p. 198; Hayat, p. 219). The descendants of Shaikh Mathi, who
live in the Nakodak village of Qandahar, and whom I personally interviewed, say that
Nmatullah and the author of this book correctly indicate their lineage.
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Afzal Khan Khatak says: The Ghoryakhel left Arghasan and Qandahar and
through the Kabul valley arrived in the vales of Peshawar, displaced the Delazaks
from those areas and took over the lands (Tarekh-e Muras, p. 10-12; Khurshaid, p.
198). Khalil was a chief of the Ghorya clan and Shaikh Mathi was born several
generations later. This great scholar and poet, according to this book died along the
banks of the Tarnak river in 688 H. (1289 A.D.). His shrine still exists on the Kalat
hill (in the present day Kalat district), northeast of Qandahar. People call him Kalat
Baba. He left behind a legacy of scholarship to his family. His erudition and spiritual
fame have been well known in the country. Several centuries later, Nmatullah
Herawi considers him among the great Afghan scholars and states: He was a
follower of righteousness and explorer of the divine and a champion of faith and
religion. The Afghans consider him a holy figure (Makhzan-e Afghani Qalami, p.
254). In short it can be said that Shaikh Mathi was a pious scholar and a
distinguished poet.
20. Shaikh Mohammad Zahr: Nmatullah Herawi in Makhzan-e Afghani (p. 152, hand-
written manuscript) refers to this learned personality as Shaikh Yusuf Zahr Bin. He
was the eldest son of Shaikh Mathi.
21. Shaikh Mathi's family: As mentioned earlier, Shaikh Mathi's descendants were
among the most famous learned Afghans. After the death of Shaikh Mathi they
spread in all directions and their spiritual influence increased.
Nmatullah Herawi gives a detailed account of this family in his Makhzan.
Among Afghan writers the family came to be known as Mathizay (progeny of Mathi).
Besides what has been written in this book about this family, the following is a
summary on the lives of members of this family from other sources.
Mathi's brothers: According to the contents of this book, Shaikh Mathi had
three brothers (p. 23); Imran, Hasan and Pir-e Germaan and a sister by the name of
Bibi Khala. This statement is corroborated by the epilogue of Diwan-e Miya Nim
Mathizay. The Khwaja Imran mountain of Thoba, southeast of Qandahar, which is
the domicile of the Atskzay tribe, also known as Kozhak in Pashto, is named after
Imran.
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Hasan, who is considered to be a brother of Mathi in this book, according to
Nmatullah, is his son (Makhzan-e Afghani Qalami, p. 256), his other brother is Pir-
e Germaan. Their sister, Bibi Khala, is buried in Pseen and her shrine is still revered
(Epilogue of Divan of Miya Nim, p. 222).
Nmatullah provides a detailed description of this family in his book which is
presented here: Mathi had three wives. First Bibi Piyari bint (daughter) Shaikh
Salman Danaye Sarwani, who gave birth to six sons: Yusuf, Zahr (Zahir), Omar,
Bahlol, Mohammad, Hasan and Alo. Second Bibi Ani Ghalji who had two sons
named Khwaji and Maamaa and third, the daughter of the chief of the Mahyar
Sarhbani tribe who had one son named Hasan.
Hasan is also considered as an eminent Afghan scholar. Nmatullah
mentions him as a learned personality and writes: Hasan bin Mathi was a sage and
eminent scholar (Makhzan-e Afghani Qalami, p. 256).
Shaikh Kata was the son of Shaikh Yusuf bin Mathi, whose mother, Bibi
Murad Bakhta was from the Zamand tribe, gained great fame among the seven sons
of Shaikh Mathi (Makhzan-e Afghani Qalami, p. 204). Besides being a spiritual
leader he was also a great literary figure and an eloquent writer in the Pashto
language. According to Pata Khazana he wrote Larghoni Pashtana in Pashto, which
is an important reference document. The annals of his life are not clear to us but
according to the author of Pata Khazana, who notes the death of Shaikh Mathi
around 688 H. (1289 A.D.), it can be deduced that if three new generations are born
in a century Shaikh Kata was alive around 750 H. (1349 A.D.).
The Shaikh appears to have been a shrewd investigator, as the author of the
book writes: Shaikh Kata saw Tarekh-e Suri of Mohammad bin Ali Albasti, which is
an important reference document of Larghoni Pashtana, in Baleshtan and cites
important events from it in his book (p. 29). Unfortunately, Shaikh Kata's book is not
available, neither have been the references mentioned in the book found. Not much
is known about the life of Shaikh Kata except that he was a steadfast man who had
a penchant for travel. Nmatullah recalls his eight sons as follows: Sultan, Sabet,
Haji, Salman and Mamay from his first wife, named Zalo Maghdorazi. His second
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wife who was also named Zalo and belonged to the Akazay Yusufzay tribe, gave
birth to three sons named Ibrahim, Malik and Paji (Makhzan, p. 306).
Shaikh Qadam bin Mohammad Zahed bin Mirdad bin Sultan bin Shaikh Kata
was another famous personality of that family (Makhzan, p. 306). According to the
epilogue of Nim's Divan he died in Sar Hind and is buried there. Nmatullah gives
the name of his mother as Shahri bint Khoydad Kakyanay (Makhzan, p. 307). From
his writing it can be seen that Qadam's father was a contemporary of Mirza
Mohammad Hakim bin Homayun who started ruling in Kabul after 962 H. (1555
A.D.) Therefore it can be estimated that Qadam also lived during that time.
Shaikh Qasim is the son of Shaikh Qadam and his mother was Naekbakhta
bint Shaikh Allahdad Mamozay, who has been mentioned in the third treasure of this
book. Nmatullah considers him a disciple of the descendants of Shaikh Abdul Qadir
Jailani and states: He was born in the spring of 959 H. (1552 A.D.) near the Badani
river (east of Peshawar) and died in 1016 H. (1607 A.D.) (Makhzan, p. 307). Qasim
Afghan became famous for his erudition and spirituality. The people of the area
gathered around him, which put fear among the local administrators of Mirza
Mohammad Hakim bin Homayoun. Therefore, Shadman Khan, the governor of
Peshawar decided to murder him forcing him to leave Peshawar for Qandahar. From
there he went on the pilgrimage of the holy places and became a follower of the
Qaderi faith. After the pilgrimage he returned back to (Doawa) Peshawar and gained
great fame as a scholar and spiritual leader and came to be known as Shaikh Qasim
Sulaimani. This time the Moghul court of India tried to bring an end to his fame and
with the help of one known as Esa, he was called to come to Lahore. After going to
Lahore, Qasim became even more famous and powerful and a large number of the
people of Lahore gathered around him. Because of this Jahangir, the Moghul
emperor, jailed him in the Chenar fort where he later died. Tazkera-e Awlia-e Afghan
is the famous work of this eminent Afghan spiritual personality in which he describes
the life and works of renowned Afghan scholars (Tazkerat-al-Abrar, p. 183-184).
Unfortunately this book has not been found so far.
Nmatullah mentions him among Afghan scholars but he also talks about his
life separately and states: His holy shrine is in Qal Chenar (Tazkerat-al-Abrar, p.
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184) and he had several children. Nmatullah who wrote his book two years after
the death of this renowned saint notes his children as follows:
Shaikh Kabir, known as Bala Pir, was born on Thursday, the 4th of Shawal
994 H. (1586 A.D.) in Badani of Peshawar and died on 12 of Ramadan 1054 H.
(1644 A.D.) (Makhzan, p. 308). Akhund Darweza also mentions Shaikh Kabir. This
shows that his fame had spread throughout the region (Tazkerat-al-Abrar, p. 184).
He died in India and is buried there (Epilogue of Naim's Divan). The other sons of
Shaikh Qasim are: Wasil, born 1007 H. (1599 A.D.), Nour who died in 1061 H.
(1651 A.D.) and Farid born in the year 1000 H. (1592 A.D.) (Makhzan p. 308-309).
Shaikh Imamuddin was also a famous scholar and writer and was well-known
among the 12 sons of Shaikh Kabir. His mother, Taj Bebe bint Malik Darwez, was
from the Khalil clan. He was born on Monday in the month of Moharram in the year
1020 H. (1611 A.D.) and died on 23 Moharram 1060 H. (1650 A.D.) He is buried at
Peshawar. Shaikh Imamuddin wrote Tarekh-e Afghani which contains historical
narratives of the Afghans and provides other historical sources as references.
Among the books listed as references are: Rowzat-al-Ahbab, Majm-al-Ansab,
Asnaf-al-Makhlooqat, Tawarehk-e Ibrahim Shahi of Maulana Mushtaqi, the book of
Khwaja Ahmad Nezami, Ahwal-e Sher Shah and Israr-al-Afghani (hand-written
manuscript of Tarekh-e Afghani). His other work is Awliya-e Afghan, which has not
been found but the author of Pata Khazana mentions it. Among his children the
following are famous:
1. Shaikh Abdul Razak, born 24 Rajab 1037 H. (1627 A.D.)
2. Shaikh Abdul Haq, born on 22 Zulhajja 1039 H. (1629 A.D.)
3. Shaikh Mohammad Fazel, born 22 Rajab 1040 H. (1631 A.D.)
4. Shaikh Abdul Wahed, born 28 Moharram 1048 H. (1638 A.D.)
Another famous personality from this family is Miya Nim bin Mohammad
Shuib, bin Mohammad Saeed bin Qiyamuddin bin Shamsuddin bin Abdul Razak
(mentioned earlier). He was a famous Pashto poet and his hand written divan exists.
Miya Nim was born in Khalil of Peshawar and lived there. He wrote his divan in
1230 H. (1815 A.D.) while still very young. During the reign of Shah Zaman
Sadozay he left Peshawar for Qandahar and lived in the village of Nakodak, where
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he died later. His descendants still live in this village. His divan consists over 3,000
couplets and he is revered in the literary school of Rahman Baba.
22. Pswl: This word probably means keeper, protector or king. It has not been seen in
the works of other scholars and it is not clear on whose authority Pashto Mrka
refers to it as king or amir. From the poem of Shaikh Mathi it is understood that it
had a meaning nearer to that given to it in Pashto Marka. The word is composed of
ps and wl. Pas in Persian also means protection and in Pashto pasna and pasal
have similar meanings. Anyhow pswl is an old Pashto word which can be
reintroduced into present day Pashto literature.
23. Sklel, skl: In Pashto skly is an adjective meaning beautiful which has also been
written as ksly. In Kakarhistan and Pseen it is pronounced as such and in the
Nangarhar and Peshawar valleys it is pronounced as skly. Rahman Baba says:
khabar n yam ch p bb m ksly tsa d ~ =
z rahman p andsna yam l d sklyo ~ ~
I do not know what has been written in my destiny
I Rahman, am afflicted by these beautiful ones.
Those tribes that pronounce it as ksly, use it to mean both written and
beautiful.
From the works of past poets in this book it can be seen that the word had the
infinitive, verbs and verbal noun that have fallen from use. Shaikh Mathi has used
sklal meaning arrangement and decoration:
tola sklal d st l lasa . ~
ay d paswalo pasa pasa
All this decoration is your work
O protector up above.
Skl (beauty) is a verbal noun derived from the same root. There were
several other derivations, some of which are in use up to this day. Shaikh Mathi
says:
st d skla da palwasha d ~
da y yawa spka nandara d
This is a flash of your beauty
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And a slight semblance of its aura.
Skldl (to become beautiful) is an infinitive and skldah is its verbal noun
as used by Mathi:
loya khawanda tola t y .
tl d narhey p sklyda y ~
O protector you are owner of all
Striving for the beauty of the world.
Sklwnkay (one that beautifies) is a noun of agency from the infinitive
skelal (to arrange). Skarandoi says:
d pusarlay sklwnkay biya krha sngaruna ~
The beautifier of spring has decked herself again. Wsklal is the past perfect
tense. Skarandoi says:
mrghalro band wsklal bana ~ .
With pearls she bedecked the gardens.
Beside the word skly or ksly that we know today all its other forms have
become extinct, nor can they be found in the works of the Middle period. As the
pronunciation of the words skly and ksly is close to the Arabic shekl some may
think that the words were derived from the Arabic and have been Afganized. From
the following description this error can be clarified.
These words had a strong root in the ancient Aryan languages, and in the
Sanskrit language they are present in both forms (kshel and shkel) meaning the
same thing. Forbes in the Hindi-English dictionary printed in London in 1807, page
505 writes: Shukl or shukla means light or whiteness. Shukala-paksha is the
brightness of the moon from the first to 14th day and this word is present in Pashto
in the same form (skly-palwasha). Its other form ksly is also present in the
Sanskrit as noted in page 573 of the same dictionary:
kushal means health, prosperity, auspiciousness, success
kushala means good, happy, right
kushali means successful, victorious
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When the form and root of this word are present in the Aryan languages and
all philologist consider Pashto as an Aryan language then how is it possible to say
that: skly of Pashto has been derived from Arabic.
Moreover, if we refer to Arabic dictionaries the word shekl has different
meanings one of which is visage and shakeel in that language does not mean
beautiful. But according to Zabt-al-Munjad and other sources it refers to frothing from
the bridle's mouth-bit and the meaning of beauty or pretty is absolutely not seen in it.
24. Hsk: In ancient documents this word means sky and now anything elevated or high
is considered as hsk. It is first seen in the poem of Hazrat Bit Nika. He states:
hsk aw mdzka nghst st d = ~
d mrroo wad l t d
The sky and earth are yours
You let men grow and multiply (Pashtana Shura vol. 1, p. 50).
In this book hsk has been repeatedly used, showing that it was a common
term in ancient times but was replaced by the word asman, though it has retained its
meaning of high. Shaikh Mathi says:
n hsk n mdzka w tor tm wu =
tyra khpra w tol dm wu .
There was no sky nor earth, but a dark abyss
Where darkness prevailed, in total nothingness.
The ancient poet of the Pashto language, Amir Krorh Jahan Pahlavan says:
zma d bryoo pr khol tawez hsk p nmundz aw p wyarh
_
The sky revolves around my victories with pride.
Shaikh Asad Suri states:
nangyalayoo lra qayd mrhna d dzka =
sh y walwutala hsk t pur d lr
As imprisonment to the brave is like death
To the sky transpired his breath in this way.
Skarandoi says:
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zarghon mdzoko k dzl k lka storya = =
ch pur hsk band dzlez spin gulnah =
The white flowers among the green grass
Resemble stars in a dark sky.
Nasr Ludi, the son of Shaikh Hamid Ludi states:
d islam pr hsk b dzlam =
w tranoo t tyr yam
On Islam's sky I will shine
Though to my accusers I am darkness.
From these literary sources it is clear that among the people of the past hask
meant sky and it is possible that this word may be reintroduced in its original form.
25. Balishtan: In this book Balishtan has been mentioned as a city and fortress in Ghor.
It is an ancient city of Ghor which dates back to the early Islamic period and was the
administrative center of the local rulers. In Tarekh-e Suri it has been stated: Around
139 H., the son of Amir Polad Suri conquered all the fortresses of Ghor including
Balishtan. Shaikh Kata, the famous historian who lived around 750 H. (1349 A.D.)
had seen Tarekh-e Suri in Balishtan. It can be said that Balishtan was known during
Shaikh Kata's life. An area between the Teray district of Qandahar and southeastern
Ghor is known by this name. In historical and geographical documents the area has
been also recorded as Walishtan. The letters (bai) and (wow) often replace one
another in the names of places in Afghanistan such as Zawul=Zabul and
Walishtan=Balishtan. Balishtan has been recorded as a Ghorid city by Baihaqi as
Gorwalisht (Baihaqi, p. 76). Ghorwalisht has also been mentioned in Tabaqathh-e
Nasiri. In a hand written copy of the book, available in St. Petersburg, it has been
written as Ghorwalisht (Raverty's comments on Tabaqathh-e Nasiri). Ghowalisht was
a city between Takinabad and Mandesh of Ghor. The location of present day
Balishtan coincides with that of Ghorwalisht.
Walishtan has also been mentioned as a city between Dawar and Bost in
Tarekh-e Seistan, (p. 206-208), which undoubtedly is Balishtan. Abu-al-Hussan bin
Zaid Baihaqi, famous as Ibin Funduq also considers Walishtan as a district of Bost
whose center was Siwar (Tarekh-e Baihaqi, p. 347). From these documents it can be
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deduced that Walishtan=Balishtan was a famous Ghorid principality. Minhaj Seraj in
Tabaqathh-e Nasiri also considers Walishtan to be a part of Ghor and divides it into
the upper and lower Walishtan. He states that the people of Walishtan were not
Moslems during the time of Amir Suri (Tabaqath, p. 181).
This name, however, should not be confused with Walas=
Balas=Walishistan=Walisistan, which Baihaqi has mentioned along with Makran and
Qusdar of Touran (Baihaqi, p. 294). Maqdasi has mentioned it as Balish in Ahsan-al-
Taqaseem, and in Hudood-al-lam it has been written as Balis. Al Biruni in Qanon-e
Masudi wa Al-Saidala mentions it as Balish and Walisistan. Al Yaqubi in Ketab-al-
Baladan-al-Yqubi has recorded it similarly. Walishistan=Balis=Balish is located in
present day Sind and Baluchistan occupying the lands from Siwi (Sibi) and Sewan of
Sind. Al-Biruni in Qanon-e Masudi considers Siway and Mastung of Baluchistan
and Sewan of Sind as the cities of Walishistan.
26. Suri and Amir Polad: Suri was an important clan that lived in Ghor. They are present
there until this day and are called Zuri. This is an old name and Arab historians and
geographers have recorded it as zur and zuri. The first historian who mentions zur in
the Islamic era is Ahmad bin Yahya Belazeri {circa 255 H. (869 A.D.)}. During the
conquest of Sajistan and Kabul he states: After the year 30 H. (651 A.D.), Abdul
Rahman bin Samra bin Habib bin Abd Shams occupied Sajistan, Zaranj and Kash
and reached the Dawar region by way of Al Rakhj. He besieged the people of the
area in Jabal-al-Zur and later established peace with them. He confiscated the
golden idol, with eyes of ruby, and cut its hands and extracted the rubies. He then
told the governor of Dawar: "This idol will neither harm you nor will you gain anything
from it." After that he marched on Bost and Zabul (Futuh-al-Baladan Belazeri, p.
402).
Later historians such as Abu Zaid Ahmed bin Sahl Balkhi, who died in 322 H.
(934 A.D.), and wrote Ketab-al-Ashkal or Sovar-al-Aqaleem in 309 H. (921 A.D.),
and after him the famous Astakhri who refined it into Al-Masalek wa al-Mamalek also
mentions the idol and the temple of Jabal-al-Zur. Yaqoot quotes them and refers to
the mountain and idol as zur and zoon (Mjam-al-Baladan, vol. 4, p. 28). In another
book he states: Zoor was an idol in the Dawar region (Marased-al-Ithl, p. 206).
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From the writings of pre-Islamic historians it is seen that this temple was
famous before the advent of Islam. Hsuan Tseng, the famous Chinese traveler saw
it in 630 A.D., and calls it Shuna. He says that the temple was located in Tsaw Kota
on a mountain. The idol known as Shuna and its temple located in Jabal Zur is seen
on the coins of two dynasties from southern Hindukush, the Tajan- Shahi and Napki
Malka. It signifies the solar divinity and it is possible that the religion of the people of
Zur was sun-worshipping before Islam (Anis, vol. 190, Kohzad). Le Strange states
that the temple was located near the city of Wartal (The Lands of Eastern Caliphate).
At present it is not possible to correctly identify the location of this temple.
The name Zur becomes more common after the Islamic period. It changes to
Sur and Suri and some tribes and regions have come to be known by this name. For
example Zurabad was a famous city which is present up to this time south of
Sarakhs near the northwestern border of the province of Herat of Afghanistan.
Yaqoot has noted it as Zurabaz in the vicinity of Sarakhas (Marasid, p. 206), but was
considered the domain of Herat in the past. Abubakr Atiq bin Mohammad-al-
Surabadi-al-Herawi was a scholar born in this city who lived during the time of Alp
Arsalan 455-465 H. (1063-1073 A.D.) and Tafseer-al-Soorabadi is his famous work
(Keshf-al-Zunon, vol. 1, p. 234).
Suri bin al-Mtaz, the chief of Khorasan, is another renowned Suri personality
during the reign of Sultan Masud. He apparently is connected to the Suris. Shaikh
Abdul Jabar bin al-Hasan-al- Baihaqi, is a poet of the Masud era who recited
satirical Persian and Arabic poetry. He writes:
Awake and be aware O proud one and see
The relics of Masud and Suri;
You will not find such joy in the world
Indeed until death in the ruins of Sur.
or: O Amir look towards Khorasan. What wealth brings the Suri (Tarekh-e Baihaq ibn
Funduk, p. 179). The historical Suris are very closely related to the Ludis. The Ludis
had famous monarchs such as Shaikh Hamid, Sultan Bahlol and Sultan Ibrahim.
The Suris also had kings of fame i.e. Sher Shah Suri, Adil Khan, Islam Shah and
Adli (Hayat, p. 284; Khurshaid etc.).
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We know from the annals of history that from ancient times to the beginning
of Islam and later the Suris reigned over Ghor, Khorasan and later in Ghazni,
Bamiyan, Takharistan and Zabulistan. They established the mighty Ghorid dynasty
in our country. The eastern borders of their empire reached the Ganges river and
Khorasan in the west. The northern border of their empire was demarcated by the
Oxus river and the Pamir mountains and to the south it stretched to the Arabian sea.
Qazi Minhaj Seraj, a famous historian of the time, wrote about the Ghorid kings.
Since he was a historian of the Ghorid court and lived at that time his statements
seem to be correct. A short statement of his work is presented.
Minhaj Seraj quoting Muntakhab-e Nasiri states: There were two brothers
from the progeny of Zahak. The older was named Sur and the younger Saam. The
first one was a ruler and the second a commander of the army. The descendants of
these rulers governed Ghor centuries before the advent of Islam. They were known
as the Shansabanians, because the king who embraced Islam, during the time of
Hazrat Ali, was named Shansab (Tabaqath, p. 176-177; Jahan Ara Qazi Ahmad
Ghafari).
Moreover, according to Al-Yqubi and Belazeri, another personality related to
the Suris, during the early Islamic period, was the governor of Merv. He was known
as Mahooy Suri who killed Yazd Gard the third, the last Sasanid emperor when he
fled to Merv to escape the Arab armies. During the time of Hazrat Ali he went to Kufa
and was appointed the governor and collector of the region by the Caliph (Futuh-al-
Baladan, p. 323; Al-Baladan ibn Wasekh-al-Yqubi, vol. 2, p. 214).
Firdausi, the great Persian poet, gives a detailed account of Mahooy Suri and
considers him of Suri origin. He writes:
Like the wind he felled a camel
Near Mahooy, of Suri origin.
After killing Yazd Gard, this famous Suri chief spread his empire and sent his
armies to Balkh, Hari and Bokhara. Firdausi notes:
To his first born he gave Balkh and Hari
And sent his armies in every direction,
As the army grew in numbers
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And he attained his goal,
He gave the soldiers money to prosper
And brought pride to his family.
He had a famous and wise man
In his service called Kursiyoon.
Then toward Bokhara they marched
The warriors of the brave army.
Shansab bin Kharnak (Sarnak) is most famous among the Suri kings. Amir
Polad Ghori was one of his sons whose domain was the mountains surrounding
Ghor. He revived the name of his ancestors. When Abu-Muslim drove away the Bani
Omiya rulers from Khorasan, Amir Polad took his Ghorid army to his help. The
palace of Mandesh and the mountains of Ghor were under his sway. Following his
death, his domain was left to his nephews. After that there are no accounts of these
kings until the time of Amir Banji Neharan (Tabaqath, p. 179).
After Amir Polad, who was the contemporary of Abu Muslim Khorasani
{around 130 H. (748 A.D.)}, Minhaj Seraj does not mention anything about this
dynasty until the time of Amir Banji Neharan who lived at the time of Haroon-al-
Rashid 170 H. (787 A.D.) There is no mention of this dynasty after Amir Banji until
the era of Amir Suri, a contemporary of the Safarids 254-296 H. (868-909 A.D.).
With regard to Amir Suri he states: He was a great king, and most of the lands of
Ghor were in his domain...Amir Suri was the leader of the Mandesh Shansabanis
(Tabaqath, p. 181). After Amir Suri he talks about Malik Mohammad Suri. He is the
same person who was imprisoned by Sultan Mahmud and sent to Ghazni but died
on the way.
In summary it can be said that the Suris are the historical Zuris, who played
an important role in the history of our country and Amir Polad is an important
personality of this dynasty. According to Pata Khazana, Amir Krorh Jahan Pahlavan
was his son. We do not have any further information on the life of Amir Krorh, except
that his name lives in Afghan folklore. When the Pashtoons want to say that
something is very old, they say, it is from the time of Amir Krorh.
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27. Mandesh: It is a famous city of Ghor dating back to the Ghorid and Ghaznavid
periods. Documents of the Ghaznavid era mention Mandesh. Abulfazl Mohammad
Baihaqi, the famous historian of the time states: Amir Mohammad bin Mahmud was
imprisoned by his brother, Masud, in Kohtez (or Kohsheer) fortress from where he
was transferred to the citadel of Mandesh.
The name of Kohtez fortress has been documented differently. In Tarekh-e
Seistan it is written as Kohezh. The annotator of the book states that Kohezh is
actually Kohizhak (Tarekh-e Seistan, p. 207). The fortress was in the vicinity of
Takinabad and the present day Kozhak is not far from this place. Therefore it can be
concluded that Kohizhak was located somewhere in the Kozhak mountains. This
mountain range extends from the southern Registan of Qandahar southward to the
southern and eastern parts of Kalat.
Baihaqi notes that Mandesh was a mighty fortress with high walls. He
describes the fortress as follows: When we left the Ayaz forest and reached
Korwalesht, the Mandesh fortress was visible from a long distance. We continued
journeying and finally reached the base of the fortress. Upon arrival we saw a huge
fortress with strong, thick and high walls (Baihaqi, p. 76). When Amir Mohammad
was imprisoned in the Mandesh fortress, Nasir Baghawi, who was his friend, recited
these lines in his memory (Baihaqi, p. 76):
O king what misfortune has befallen you,
That your foe is from your own lot,
Your tribulation is the worst of tribulations
That from your father's kingdom you have inherited Mandesh.
After Baihaqi, Abdul Hay Gardezi, circa 440H. (1049 A.D.), mentions the
Mandesh fortress, that was specifically used to guard the royal treasure (Zain-al-
Akhbar, p. 87). Following the Ghaznavid period, Mandesh has been referred to in
Tabaqathh-e Nasiri of Minhaj Seraj Jouzjani several times. For example with
reference to the progeny of the Ghorid kings, who were known as Sur and Saam,
Zumandesh and Mandesh have been mentioned (Tabaqath, p. 178). Later, in
reference to Amir Polad he states that the Mandesh citadel and other cities of Ghor
were under his sway (Tabaqath, p. 179). Minhaj Seraj considers Mandesh as the
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administrative center of the Shansab dynasty. He writes: There is a large mountain
in Ghor, Zarmurgh, on which Mandesh is situated. It is said that the palace and the
ruling center of the Shansabanis is located at the foot of the mountain. The second
mountain is called Surkhghar. This mountain is also located in the province of
Mandesh (Tabaqath, p. 181). The word surkh ghar has been written as sar hasar
and sar khasar in the hand-written manuscript. According to Raverty it is Surkh ghar
because ghar in Pashto means mountain thus Surkh ghar means red mountain.
Regarding the construction of the citadel, Minhaj Seraj writes: Abas bin Shish
summoned experienced masons from Mandesh and built a palace at the base of the
mountain on a promontory. The walls of the palace extended to the precipice of the
mountain (Tabaqath, p. 183). Later he states: Bahauddin was appointed as the chief
of Sanga, which was the administrative center of Mandesh...and the Sanga fortress
is called Khol Mani (Tabaqath, p. 186, 360). Khol is a Pashto word meaning helmet
and mai in Pashto means palace thus khol mai means Helmet Palace.
From the notes of historians it is clear that Mandesh was a famous area of
Ghor and Sanga was its center. Yaqoot, the famous geographer writes: Sunj is a
village in Bamiyan and Sanja which is pronounced as Sanga by the Persians is a
famous region of Ghor (Marasid, p. 224). Ibn Asir also considers Sanja a city among
the cities of Ghor (Al Kamel, vol. 11, p. 75). Similarly Yaqoot states: Sinja was a
famous center of Ghor (Marasid, p. 225).
The exact location of Mandesh and Sanga cannot be pinpointed with
accuracy. It is possible that these names are still used in Ghor.
28. Kheisar: According to Yaqoot it is a border fortress between Ghazni and Herat
(Mjam-al-Baladan, vol. 3, p. 499). It has often been mentioned in the Ghorid and
Ghaznavid periods. It was famous for its fortifications and strength. In describing
Masud's conquest of Ghor from Herat, Baihaqi states that the first journey was to
Baashaan and then to Kheisar (Baihaqi, vol. 1, p. 122). In another place he gives its
location near Toulak (Baihaqi, p. 130). From this it can be deduced that Kheisar was
a border fortress in the northwestern part of Ghor. Astakhri also states that it is
situated at a distance of two day's walk from Herat (Al-Masalek wa al-Mamalek
Astakhri).
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Minhaj Seraj considers the Kheisar mountain among the five mountains of
Ghor. He says its length, breadth and height are beyond comprehension (Tabaqath,
p. 181). Kheisar was famous around 600 H. (1204 A.D.) because Tajuddin Osman
Margheeni, the first ruler of the Kurts, who was related to Sultan Ghiasuddin
Mohammad bin Saam Suri 668-699 H. (1270-1300 A.D.), lived there. Tajuddin was
given the title of governor of Kheisar and after his death, his son, Malik Ruknuddin
became the governor of Kheisar and a part of Ghor. He was also recognized as the
governor of Kheisar by the Mongols. He died in 643 H. (Tabaqathh-e Nasiri and
Habib-al-Sayr). The fortress became renowned during the period of the Kurt rulers.
Saifi Herawi states: After occupying the fortresses of Khorasan, Genghiz Khan
decided to lay seige to the fortress of Kheisar. He sent one of his sons with an army
to the province of Ghor to occupy the famous fortress. They reported that it was an
unusually strong and large fortress and that no offender had been able to occupy it
except the Islamic rulers of Ghor...Genghiz ordered that artists who have seen the
fortress and know its dimensions be summoned so they may paint the fortress for
him. When he saw the painting the beauty and workmanship of the fortress was
beyond belief. He turned toward his commanders and said: "Nobody has seen such
a place nor will anyone see it in the future..." (Tarekh-e Saifi Herawi).
The historical fortress of Kheisar, which was famous during the time of
Ghorids and the Kurts, has been destroyed like other Ghorid fortresses and citadels.
Its remains, known as Jahan Qal, rise about 40 meters above the ground level in
the western Zarni mountains.
29. Tamran: Tamran was also a famous Ghorid city and during the Shansab period a
number of scholars lived there. Minhaj Seraj repeatedly mentions this place. For
example he writes: In 618 H. (1221 A.D.) the author of Tabaqath, Minhaj Seraj, was
on his way from Tamran to Ghor and he met Malik Hesamudin Hasan Abdul Malik at
the Sanga fortress known as Khol Mani. (Tabaqath, p. 360). Similarly this historian
gives the name of the third mountain among the five mountains of Ghor as Ashk
(Dar Ashk) and states that it is in Tamran and is the highest and largest mountain of
Ghor (Tabaqath, p. 181).
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Hudod-al-lam (p. 59) says that Tamran is located in the vicinity of Karwan in
Khorasan and its chief is called Tamran Qazenda. Tabaqathh-e Nasiri gives the
names of several famous personalities of this city such as: Malik Qutbuddin Yusuf
Tamrani, Malik Saifuddin Masud Tamrani, Malik Tajuddin Tamrani and Malik
Nasiruddin Tamrani were among the administrators and chieftains appointed by
Sultan Ghiasuddin Mohammad Saam (Tabaqath, p. 204).
Tamran was the domicile of the Tamrani people and they are known as the
Teimuri called the Temuri today who may be the original Tamrani. The present day
Teimuri live in the vicinity of Tulak and Farsi of Ghor and south of Herat (Asar-e
Herat, vol. 1, p. 137-138). They are now considered as a branch of the Char Aimaq
of Ghor who are divided into different groups (Hayat, p. 457).
The present day Teimuri and the Tamrani of the past, like the three other
Aimaq groups i.e. first the Zuri=Suri of the Islamic era, second the Taimani=Thamani
of Herodotus and third the Hazari who include the Jamshadi and Feroz Kohi have
lived in Ghor, Badghis and Sabazawar of Herat since ancient times. A study of this
book shows that the language of the people of Ghor and the Taimani was Pashto
and until this day large numbers of the Taimani speak the language. Famous Pashto
poets have arisen from this tribe in the past.
With regard to its geographic location we are only aware of Minhaj Seraj's
statement: From Tamran to Ghor. From this it can be deduced that Tamran was a
region outside the domain of Ghor at that time. In another place he states: The writer
was in the service of Malik Nasiruddin Abu Bakr in the year 618 H. (1221 A.D.) in
the provinces of Gazaiv and Tamran (Tabaqath, p. 188). From this statement it is
seen that Gazaiv and Tamran were close to each other and in the direction of Ghor.
Gazaiv is now pronounced as Gizav and written as Gizab. Under the present day
administrative division it is a part of the Uruzgan province, north of Qandahar. It is
located north of Ajristan (the historical Wajiristan) and south of Daikundi. Therefore
we can say that Tamran was located east of Ghor and the abode of present day
Teimuri tribes, who live in Ghor and in the western parts of the country, cannot be
considered with certainty to be a part of the historical Tamran. According to
historians Tamran was located east of Ghor. It is possible that because of the turmoil
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in Ghor, which resulted in the movement of the Feroz Kohi people from Feroz Koh
(Feroz mountain) to the valley of Murghab, the Teimuri tribes may have left their
original domicile and moved westward.
30. Barkoshak: Koshak means a palace, or a high and strong edifice (Burhan-e Qat). It
was frequently used in Persian after the advent of Islam. The Ahnaf palace, which
was built by Ahnaf bin Qais in Merv was known as Koshak-e Ahnaf by the Persians
(Ibn Khardabah, p. 32; Ashkal-al-lam, p. 209, handwritten manuscript of Jaihani).
Palaces built in high mountainous regions were known as Koshak. With regard to
the life of the mountainous people of Ghor, Minhaj Seraj writes: A Koshak was at
war with another Koshak (Tabaqath, p. 181).
This word is also mentioned by Baihaqi. For example Koshak Mubarak is
mentioned in Herat (Baihaqi, p. 49). But Barkoshak was a famous palace of the
Ghorid dynasty. In the hand-written version of Tabaqath it has been written in two
forms: baz-koshak and bar-koshak, especially in the manuscript which I have seen, it
has been written as Barkoshak in several places. In Pata Khazana it has also been
written as Barkoshak. Since Bazkoshak does not have any meaning therefore the
correct form is Barkoshak as bar in Pashto means high or upper and has often been
used against lar which means low or lower. These words have been used in the
names of places and tribes such as Bar Arghandab (upper Arghandab), Bar Grishk
(upper Grishk), Bar Pashtoon (upper Pashtoon). Bar had the same meaning in
Persian and has been used in Al-Tafheem of Al-Biruni, and in Tarekh-e Seistan (p.
404) as barzara or upper Zara which is a branch of the Zara river.
Minhaj Seraj gives the following account of Ghor's Barkoshak: And that
palace (Barkoshak) is a structure of unparalleled beauty and workmanship which
cannot be seen in any other land and no architect has been able to build it
elsewhere. On top of the palace are five gold studded turrets every one three yards
high and two yards wide, and two golden falcons, each the size of a camel, that
were sent by Sultan Muzuddin after the conquest of Ajmir to Sultan Ghiasuddin
Mohammad Saam as a present... (Tabaqath, p. 210).
Other records of this historian show that the Barkoshak palace was located
on a mountain in the city of Feroz Koh. He states: A celebration and banquet were
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held at the Barkoshak palace, located in Feroz Koh (Tabaqath, p. 21). In another
place he writes: Between the city and the mountain, the Barkoshak palace was fitted
with an iron gate (Tabaqath, p. 215). According to these statements, Barkoshak was
a famous citadel of the city of Feroz Koh unmatched in size and height.
31. Tarekhe Suri: The author of Pata Khazana mentions the name of this book several
times and consider Mohammad ibn Ali Albasti as its writer. This book was an
important source of reference for Shaikh Kata, the author of Larghoni Pashtana, who
saw it in Balishtan. The two books serve as an important source of reference for the
author of Khazana. Unfortunately there is no trace left of either book.
32. Wyrhn: It is derived from the root of wyrh, meaning pride, and was used in the
Middle period, but is not used at the present time. The poems of valor and pride
were referred to as wyrhn, which form an important part of Pashto literature. It is
an important noun and should be introduced into usage once again.
33. Atl: Means strong, genius and outstanding. The Pashtoons also used it as a noun,
for example, Atal Khan, from the Sadozay tribe, Popalzay clan, was a contemporary
of the sons of Ahmad Shah Baba.
34. Mn: This word is not used in Pashto now. In Sanskrit it means heart, soul and will
(Forbes Hindi-English Dictionary, p. 703). In India it was idiomatically used to mean
desire. The great scholar, Abu Raihan al-Biruni, in describing the social moves of the
Indian Aryans says that mn, in reality, means heart. Since the heart is considered
the center of an animal's will therefore "mn" was used by people to express their
desire (Ketab-al-Hind, vol. 1, p. 45).
In this old Pashto poem of Amir Krorr, mn has been used:
ghashy d mn dz bresn pur mertsamnu band
= ~ =
The arrows of my strong will like lightening fall on the enemy.
From its usage it is seen that the word was used in the old Aryan language and was
in use in old Pashto just as in Sanskrit. At the present time the word zrh which
means heart, is sometimes denoted to mean will or desire such as p zrh ks m
d i.e. I have the desire to do this work.
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35. Yrghlam: A verb in the first person present tense from the infinitive yrghlal,
which is not used now. In the poetry of the Middle period it was used as yrghl
meaning to attack. From the following couplet by Khushal Khan Khatak it is clear
that in the past the word had an infinitive and several derivatives:
ma kho toba wakrha k zrhah hum ra sara mal sh

eshq d ch hamsh yay p thoba band yrghl sh

I have repented and hope my heart sides with me
It is love that always attacks repentance.
36. Pzhandoy: Meaning clear, famous or well-known.
37. Plan: Related to the word (pl ) meaning step which evidently means infantry.
38. Zrhn: This word is not in use today, but in explanatory terms it can be said that
the letter (noon) has been added to the word (zrha) replacing the letter (ha) meaning
valiant and brave. It is among the rare words of the language preserved in the book.
39. Mkhsr: This word is composed of mkh meaning face and sr meaning red. It
means honor and is out of use now.
40. Lwrhaw: This word not in use today is derived from lwrh which means high or
exalted. In similar fashion dranawei meaning respect and graciousness and still in
use today has been derived from drund heavy.
41. Lowr: In this book it has been repeatedly used to mean kindness. From the poem of
Amir Krorh Jahan Pahlavan it is seen that the word was in use in the Pashto
language several centuries ago. He says:
khpal wgarh lra lowr przoyan kawm
To my subjects I graciously show kindness.
In Shaikh Mathi's poem it has been used in the following context:
st d lowrno yaw r d .
It is a radiance of your grace.
Shaikh Asad in his fable states in prayers:
hum p t d w dr lowr d ghafar
May the grace of God be with you.
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In his Saqi Nama Zarghoon Khan says:
m t jam dr bl wlor r
Give me a cup of contentment and grace.
From these examples it is seen that the word has been used to mean kindness,
grace and commiseration. The word lowr is not used by itself in Pashto any more
except in the form of lowrina meaning commiseration.
42. Bml: In Pashto dictionaries bml means endurance and friendship and in
common language it is used in the same context. From the poem of Jahan Pahlavan
it is clear that in the old times it was used to convey the meaning of care-taking and
friendship. At any rate it is an important word of our language.
43. Wdna: To foster or rear. At present wd is used to mean the same and wdna
has become extinct.
44. Drdz: It is a word that is not in use at the present time nor is it seen in the works
of the Middle period. Perhaps, in old times it was a common word. From its use here
and in Skarandoi's poem it can be said that it was used to mean pulpit. In the original
manuscript, an annotator has written the translation manbar (pulpit) twice over the
word. From the viewpoint of structure, it is composed of drdal (to stand) and dza
(place). Literally, it is closer to isthgah in Persian and mouqif in Arabic.
45. Stywl: One who praises or recites an encomium. Styl is a verb which means to
praise and wal is a suffix but this noun is not in use now and instead styunkay is
used.
46. Poshanj: According to Yaqoot it was a fortified city in the Mashjar valley about 10
farsakhs (50 km) from Herat (Marasid-al-Ithl, p. 85). It is the same famous city
mentioned in Masalik wa Mamalik and in historical documents written after Islam. It
was the center of learned men and its Persian spelling is Poshang. According to
Hudod-al-lam (p. 57) it was a fortified citadel surrounded by a moat. From the
beginning of the Islamic era to the conquests of the Moghuls Poshang was a one of
the most famous cities of Khorasan.
47. Baghnein: A region in Zamindawar which is called Baghni at the present time. It is
located between Ghor and Zamindawar. It has also been recorded as Baghni in
Hudod-al-lam (p. 64).
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48. Amir Mohammad Suri: The name Suri and the Suri dynasty were alluded to in
annotation 26. Here, I am concerned with Amir Mohammad Suri who was a
contemporary of Sultan Mahmud and this book contains his elegy. Qazi Minhaj Seraj
gives the following account of Malik Mohammad Suri: ...When Amir Mahmud
Subuktageen ascended the throne, Ghor was under the rule of Amir Mohammad
Suri. He sometimes obeyed Sultan Mahmud, sometime transgressed and at other
times rebelled against him...until Sultan Mahmud invaded Ghor and besieged the
Ahangaran fortress for a long time resulting in many deaths. After a lengthy period,
Mohammad Suri made peace, left the fortress and started serving Sultan Mahmud.
The Sultan sent him to Ghazni with his younger son, Sheish. When they reached
Kailan, Amir Mohammad passed away. Some say that since he was a prisoner he
was unable to bear the humility brought upon him. He was carrying poison under the
gem of his ring and ended his life by taking it (Tabaqath, p. 182).
The statement that he was unable to bear the humility of imprisonment which
resulted in his death is corroborated in Pata Khazana. Baihaqi also writes about
Sultan Mahmud's conquest of Ghor but makes no reference to the Ghorid king. He
merely states that in 405 H. (1044 A.D.) Sultan Mahmud led his armies into Ghor by
way of Bost and Khwabain (Baihaqi, p. 117).
Ibn Asir considers this battle to have taken place in the year 401 H. He says
that Mahmud's army was led by Altontash, the governor of Herat and Arsalan Jazeb,
the governor of Tus. Ibn Suri came out of Ahangaran to meet them with ten
thousand men. They fought bravely for half a day, then Mahmud deceitfully retreated
and the Ghorids chased Mahmud's army and drove them away from the city.
Mahmud gathered his men and attacked, resulting in the capture of Ibn Suri and the
conquest of Ahangaran. Ibn Suri committed suicide by taking poison (Al-Kamel, vol.
9, p. 91).
Like Ibn Asir Hamdullah Mustufi also records these events but says: Suri, the
leader of the Ghorids, was killed in battle and his son was taken prisoner. In rage he
killed himself by taking poison hidden under his gemstone. The Ghorid kings were
from the lineage of the ruler who was defeated by the army of Mahmud. Fearing the
Sultan, his progeny went to Hindustan. (Guzidah, p. 406-497).
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In this way historians of the Ghaznavid and Ghorid era and later ones give a
different account of the events. Some even consider these dynasties to be non-
Moslem; it is possible that during the Ghaznavid and Ghorid periods not all the
people of these regions had become Moslem. But according to Minhaj Seraj and
Pata Khazana, citing Tarekh-e Suri, the name of the king who fought Sultan Mahmud
was Mohammad Suri and the elegy also shows that he was a Moslem.
Minhaj Seraj states that Shansab, the founding father of this dynasty
embraced Islam during the time of the fourth Caliph (see annotation 26). As I have
discussed in annotation 26, Belazeri in Futuh and Yaqubi in Al-Baladan mention
Mahoya Suri, who was received by the fourth Caliph, and was appointed the
governor of Merv. Therefore, the statements that this king was an infidel during the
time of Mahmud is weak and difficult to accept.
From the writings of Baihaqi it is clear that the struggle for Ghor did not end
until the era of Masud, and it was not possible to subdue Ghor (Baihaqi, p. 129).
Thus the struggle with the Suris continued until Masud was able to finally end the
tumult.
49. Ahangaran: It was the most important city of Ghor and was considered the
administrative center of the Ghorid empire. The elegy of Shaikh Asad Suri, recited in
memory of Mohammad Suri, says that Ahangaran was in peace due to his fortitude.
Al- Biruni considers Ahangaran to be in the mountains of Ghor (Muntakhabat-e
Qanon Masudi, p. 28) and Ibn Asir considers Ahangaran to be the most fortified
citadel of Ghor that was conquered by Mahmud in 401 H. (1011 A.D.) (Al-Kamel,
vol. 9, p. 76).
Hamdullah Mustufi writes: Ghor is a famous province and its city is known as
Rud Ahangaran. It is a large city with a healthy climate and has good grapes and
melons (Nazhat-al-Quloob, p. 188).
Ahangaran exists up to this day. Its relics are located along the banks of the
Hari Rud, south of Kasi. Barthold, the famous Russian orientalist, also considers the
location as that of the ancient Ahangaran (Historical Geography of Barthold, p. 405).
Its location is also given in the Royal Atlas, map 34 (Tarekh-e Hind, vol. 1 p. 253).
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In the footnotes of Tabaqathh-e Nasiri (p. 320) Raverty gives the location of
Ahangaran near the Ahang canal of Ghazni, which apparently is an incorrect
statement as the historical Ahangaran is still famous and known by its former name.
50. Dzghl, dzl, zrgh, zlm: By studying Pata Khazana and the poems of the
past we come across verbal nouns of these words. The words zhrh from the
infinitive zhrhal, to cry; khnd from the infinitive khndal, to laugh and nts from
the infinitive ntsal, to dance are examples which are in use in the language but the
words in the title of this section are not in use anymore.
By looking at the words belonging to the same family, that are alive in the
language, we can say that dzghl (meaning effort has been derived from the
infinitive dzgstal to run), dzl (brightness has been derived from dzldal to
illuminate), zrgh (meaning greenery comes from zrgoon green) and zlm
(youth, comes from zlmay young). These words have been used repeatedly in this
book.
When I found the few pages of Tazkerat-al-Awlia of Sulaiman Maku in 1933 in
a mosque of Adam Khan village along the banks of the Helmand river, I noticed the
use of the word mla in the poem of Malikyar, which has been derived from ml
(friend) in the same manner. In volume one, page 65 of Pashtana Shura I had
mentioned its usage with uncertainty. From these old poems it is clear that there
were other words used in the same form in our language but have fallen from use
with the passing of time. Such rare and important words used by our ancestors
should be reintroduced into the language.
51. Bmy: In the qasidah of Shaikh Asad bin Mohammad Suri who died in 425 H. (1034
A.D.) the word bamy has been used in these lines:
n ghtol biya zrghonez p lasuno . ~
n bmy biya masda k p kohsr
Nor does the tulip blossom on the cliffs,
Nor does the bami smile on the mountains.
The noun bmy is not in use now nor is it seen in the literature of the Middle
period. From its use it is seen that bmy was the name of a flower. The word is also
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seen in old Persian literature. It appears with the historical name of Balkh. For
example Farukhi Seistani (circa 429 H.) states:
Greetings O Balkh Bamy with the spring breeze
Enter it through Nawshad gate or the gate of Navbahar. (Divan-e Farukhi, p.
109).
Hakim Asadi Tousi, circa 458 H. (1066 A.D.) says:
With great pomp
The king of Nimroz rode
Toward the domain of the brave
Known as Balkh Bamy by name. (Garshasp Nama, p. 335).
Firdausi Tousi, circa 400 H. (1010 A.D.), says:
Toward Balkh Bamy they were sent
With a great deal of advice.
Elsewhere he says: From Balkh Bamy he extracted gold. (Shahnama, vol. 2, p. 482,
vol. 3, p. 1285).
Anwari says: From Balkh Bamy you can fly to the roof of Al-Aqsa mosque.
Regarding the old name of Balkh, Abu Raihan al-Biruni states: Balkh and its old
name Bamy (Qanoon-e Masudi, p. 43). Some compilers of dictionaries consider the
name of Bamian, one of the famous cities of our country, to have been derived from
bamy and believe that the names of the two centers of civilizations have
etymological links (Anandraj Dictionary, vol. 1, p. 378). Some authors have written
that Balkh Bamy was also called Balkh Bamiyan and it was famous by both names
(Ganj-e Danish, p. 144).
Zaki Walidi Toughan, professor of history of the Istanbul University writes: It is
likely that the name of Bamiyan has been derived from bamy. Bamiyan means
Balkhians. Thus it can be said that Bamiyan belonged to the Balkhians (Zaki Walidi's
comments on Qanoon-e Masudi, p. 43). Thus bamy was used as a title and as a
attributive adjactive with the name of Balkh (Farhang-e Naubahar, vol. 1, p. 98).
We know that a attributive adjective was always used with the historical name
of Balkh and during the time of Avesta the word srira was its attribute. Srira means
beautiful. Later it was replaced by the word bamy (beautiful and illuminating). This
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word takes its root from bamya of Zend (Zend Avista, vol. 1, p. 8). In Pahlavi
bamy(pretty) was bamik. According to Johnson, bamik appears in the Pahlavi
translation of Avesta that dates back to the eighth century A.D. and was found in
Samarkand (Zoroaster, p. 271-272).
This was how bamy was used in the historical context. Now let us see how it
was used in the Pashto language. It is used as a name by the Pashtoons. For
example, Bamy was a person from the Popalzai tribe of the Abdalis (Hayat, p. 118).
A clan by this name still lives in Qandahar, and the street on which they live is called
the Bamizay street.
Our ancestors used the names of flowers as proper names. As mentioned
earlier popal is also the name of a flower and at the present time names of flowers
such as Jandei Khan, Gul Khan, Gulab, Ghatol, and Raiday are commonly used by
Pashtoons. This similitude has a strong reason. The Afghans have lived in open
country in the midst of natural beauty and have close ties to nature. Thus when they
were naming their children, nature had an instinctual effect on their decision making.
Therefore the names of flowers, beautiful plants, birds, mountains etc. are used as
names of people. The use of the name of the bamy flower as a proper noun is one
such example.
What is the relation between the use of the word bamy, the name of a flower,
possibly some kind of a tulip, with the ancient bamy meaning beautiful? To answer
this question we have to look into the cultural affinities of the people of Balkh. The
use of flowers, during spring, was an ancient tradition of the people of the region.
The famous temple of Nau-wa-hara which later became Navbahar was a place
visited by the common people. According to historians its tall flags could be seen
from far away (Mjam-al-Baladan, vol. 8, p. 320). Avesta mentions "the land of high
flags". One of the flags is still preserved in the shrine of Hazrat Ali in Mazare Sharif.
It is raised with great ceremony on the Afghan new year day (March 22) and the
celebration of gul-e surkh (red flower) is still held there every year. People from all
over the country visit the city to participate in this celebration.
Yaqoot gives an interesting account of this temple: The temple of Navbahar in
Balkh was very large and famous. It was covered with silk and other fine cloths. It
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was the habit of the people to cover every new edifice with flowers. With the start of
spring season they embellished the temple with the first flowers of spring (Mjam-al-
Baladan, vol. 8, p. 320). Therefore the meaning of bamy can be interpreted in two
ways. First, it may have replaced srira which in Avesta means beautiful. Second,
bamy was a flower. As flowers are always identified with beauty and nature,
therefore it was allegorically used to mean beauty. At any rate the bamy of Pashto
has close ties with Balkh Bami and both words seem to have an Aryan origin.
52. Gharj: Gharj is historical Gharjistan, Gharshistan or Gharistan of our country which
has been recorded in different forms by scholars. Yaqoot in Mjam-al-Baladan says
that the original form of the word is ghar meaning mountain. Ghar is an old Pashto
word. Yaqoot says that the boundaries of this province extend westward to Herat,
eastward to Ghor, northward to Mervalrod and southward to Ghazni. He states that it
is a vast region with a lot of habitations and that the Mervalrod flows through it
(Marasid, p. 291). In Hudod-al-lam (p. 58) it is considered a part of Khorasan and
its administrator is called Shar. It has good agricultural land where large quantities of
cereals are grown and it is surrounded by mountains.
53. Shar: Same as Gharj as explained in annotation 52.
54. Feroz Koh: It was the capital of the Shansab rulers of Ghor and was destroyed
during the Mongol invasion. It was one of the most famous cities of our country that
has been praised by historians such as Minhaj Seraj.
55. Shansab and Shansabani: These names are explained in annotation 26.
56. Bolla: In this book the word bolla, meaning the same as the Arabic qasida,
occurs in several places. It is possible that the word fell out of use after the early
times. It is one of the old words of Pashto preserved in the book.
57. Chndy In the encomium of Skarandoi, written for Sultan Shahab al-Dunya wa al-
Din Ghori, the word chndy has been used:
pr brb ch zgh d chuoo nghwzdh s .
t w chndy srh poody shlkonah
In the garden when the songbirds sing,
You say it is like a poet reciting poetry.
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In the original text the word (poet) is written over chndy. This word is totally out of
use. Chndy is probably a word left over from the ancient Aryan times because it
was used in Sanskrit. Among the Hindi Aryans, samarti was the science of holy
narratives. Of the six branches of this science one was known as chahand, the
science of poetry. Every Vedic scholar was required to study the six sciences;
among them the study of chahand was also necessary (Hind Veda, p. 88).
Abu Raihan al-Biruni, who has made a thorough investigation of the Indian
sciences, states: Chanad refers to the science of metering in poetry. Since most of
the Indian sciences and books are written in poetry, according to the rules of
chahand, therefore, the study of this science is of utmost importance. The
understanding of this science is difficult. He continues to give a detailed description
of the rules of this science and adds: This science was created by two Indian
scholars named Pangal and Chalat and the famous book of this science was written
by Giest (Ketab-al-Hind, vol. 1, p. 180).
From this explanatory note it can be deduced: that chahand is the science of
metering in poetry and chanday, which in Pashto has been used to mean a poet, has
the same root as the Aryan word. Since the Aryans went to India from our country,
therefore, we can say that the word has entered the Indian languages from here.
58. shluk: In the couplet of Skarandoi presented in annotation 57, an annotator has
written the translation "poems" over the word shlokuna. In Forbes Hindi-English
dictionary it has the same meaning and is referred to as a Sanskrit word (Forbes
Hindi-English dictionary, p. 42). Al-Biruni writes: Most of the Hindi books are shluk,
which is a form of poetry called charrud. Every pud has eight words, the fifth word of
which is light and the sixth heavy (Ketab-al-Hind, vol. 1, p. 194).
To summarize: Among the Indian Aryans, shlok was a form of poetry.
Originally, it may have strictly meant poetry or rhythmic prose. Thus shluk is an
ancient Aryan word meaning poetry. It was also used in old Pashto.
59. Popl: Popl is the name of an Afghan clan which belongs to the Abdali (Durani)
tribe (Hayat, p. 117) and Popal has always been used as a name by the Afghans.
From this book it is evident that popl was the name of a flower, since it has been
customary to use the names of flowers such as bmy, rday and ghtol as proper
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nouns. Thus it can be said with certainty that popl was the name of a flower which
was Arabicized to fofal. It is said that a tree by the same name grows in India.
Farukhi Seistani states: In it are trees such as the Indian gawz and popl that yield
fruit throughout the year. Popl is called kobal in Hindi and separi and dali in Urdu,
which yields a famous Indian medicament. In English the fruit is called betel-nut.
60. Sh and Sha: In the original text an annotator has written the translations rutted
and rut. Their usage also shows they have the same meaning. Evidently these
words are not in use now and only shdal is used in some parts of Nangarhar
meaning the neighing of a horse which is called shshnel and shihn in Qandahar.
Since horses neigh during the rut in spring it is possible that the word shdal,
which originally meant to rut has been applied to the neighing of a horse. Sh
meaning rutted is not used anymore and I have not come across it in latter day
Pashto literature.
61. Qusdar: Qusdar was a famous city during the early Islamic period. It was located in
the southeastern part of our country known as Touran. It is still known by the same
name and is situated in Kalat of Baluchistan (Historical Geography of Barthold, p.
128).
Al-Biruni recorded it as Quzdar of the Sind (Muntakhabat-e Qanon Masudi,
p. 29) and Astakhri, on the road from Fahraj (Seistan) to Sind, considers it a city of
Sind (Astakhri, p. 55-56). Yaqoot says: Qusdar is a city of Hind or Sind and is
located in the region known as Touran. It is a small city with many bazaars (Marasid,
p. 321). This city, which in Hudod-al-lam has been spelled with the letter seen, in
other books with swad and in the historical documents of the Ghaznavid and Ghorid
periods with zay (for example Adab-al-Harb of Mubarak Shah, p. 11-58), was a
famous place between Seistan and India and its excise revenues reached one
million dirhams (Ahsan-al-Taqaseem, p. 485). It was the stronghold of the Khariji
sect, and in the mid fourth century Hejira Abulhasan Ali bin Latif was its
commissioner. It had numerous mosques and buildings and was famous for its law
and order (Mjam-al- Baladan, vol. 7, p. 78).
Bashari says that Qusdar lies 12 manzils (manzil is the distance walked in
one day) from the Tez port of Baluchistan in the direction of Makran (Ahsan-al-
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Taqaseem, p. 385) and Abulfida places it 20 manzils from Multan (Taqweem, p.
349). Ibn Hawqal states: There are some villages in the vicinity of Qazdar, and the
commissioner of the place is Muyan bin Ahmad (circa 367 H. ), who reads the
sermon in the name of the caliph and lives at Bakaznan.
Al-Bashari who saw the city in 375 H. (986 A.D.) writes: Quzdar, the capital of
Touran is located on a plane. The city is divided into two parts. The sultan's house
and fortress are in the first section and the second part known as Bodein, contains
the merchant's houses. It is an extremely clean place. It is a small prosperous city.
The people of Khorasan, Pars, Kirman and Hind visit it, but its water, which comes
from a canal, is not good (Ahsan-al-Taqaseem, p. 478).
62. Debal: It was a famous port situated west of the Indus River delta on the shore of
the Arabian Sea and is now called Tahtha. It was considered to be within the limits
of Sind (Ayeen-e Akbari). It is well-known for its compilers of Hadis and scholars
whose names are included in Samni's genealogies. This port was a center for Arab
merchants (Tluqath Hind wa Arab, p. 391).
Al-Biruni considers it to be located in Sind (Qanoon, p. 16), a statement
corroborated by Muqadassi. The author of Hudod-allam writes: It is a city in Sind
on the bank of the River Indus and is the domicile of merchants (Hudod-al-lam, p.
74). Astakhri notes its location to be two farsakhs from the delta of the Indus, and a
journey of seven days from the border of Pars (Sara) (Astakhri, p. 62). Yaqoot
writes: It is a famous city on the shores of the Indian Ocean and the waters of
Lahore and Multan flow in its direction and empty into the ocean (Marasid, p. 174).
It was an important port city of India and according to Sayoti in Tarekh-e
Khulafa, 150 thousand people lost their lives there in an earthquake in the year 280
H. (894 A.D.), during reign of the Abassid Caliph, Motamid. From this statement the
size of the city can be estimated. Albashari states: There are one hundred villages
around it and in it live merchants who speak Sindi and Arabic and its revenues are
high (Tluqath, p. 392).
63. Sthan: This word which has been used in the encomium of Skarandoi means
country or land. At present no such word is in use in the Pashto language. However,
the word was used by the ancient Aryans and also used in old Pashto. In other
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Aryan languages stan means land or place and is used up to the present time. It is
also seen in Persian from the beginning of the Islamic era in words such as
Sharistan, Ghargistan and Gulistan etc. In Sanskrit sthan means site, place, center
or station (Forbes Hindi Dictionary, p. 458). The word Hindustan was originally
Hindu-Sthan, meaning the land of Hindus. Sthan was also known as Baharat and in
old Indian records Hindustan was also called Dev-sthan meaning the land of piety
(Ketab-al-lam, vol. 1, p 54).
In the Persian of the Ghaznavid period sthan had the same meaning. Fakhr
Modabir Mubarak Shah states: To the sthan of Lohore they went...(Adab-al-Harb, p.
39). From these documents we understand that sthan was an old Aryan word which
was commonly used in Pashto, Sanskrit and Persian and is the root of stan,
currently used in Persian; toon of Pashto also seems to have the same root.
64. Attock: The area where the Indus River passes east of Peshawar through a narrow
gorge is known as Attock.
65. Brmal, lrmal, thrmal: These three words are neither present in the literature of
the Middle period nor used in present day conversation. In the hand written
manuscript of Pata Khazana an annotator has written the word noon over brmal,
afternoon over lrmal and evening over thrmal. These times of the day are now
called (mapsn, mazgr and masam).
Tarekh-e Baihaqi and other old Persian texts show us that from those times
until now the different times of prayer e.g. namaz pesheen, namaz digar and namaz
shm were applied to the times of the day. It is possible that these words were
Afghanized in Pashto and became mapsn, mazgr and masam.
Pata Khazana and the encomium of Skarandoi give us the old names of
these times and show that our national language contained such precious literary
treasures that have now been replaced by foreign words. Some people consider
these words to be the condensed versions of barmahal (high time), larmahal (low
time) and tor mahal (dark time). Mahal is still used in Pashto and means time. At any
rate these are ancient treasures of our language.
66. Boodthoon: This word has been used twice in the encomium of Skarandoi.
y b wran k boodthoononah d bmbo .
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He will destroy the boodthoons of the Brahmans;
tso ch nast krr l narrya boodthoononah =
To annihilate boodthoons from the world.
In the first hemstitch the word budkhana meaning place of idol worship has been
written over boodthoon by an annotator. Its usage in the hemstitch suggests the
same meaning.
Structurally the word is formed from two elements i.e. bood and thoon. We
know the second element from Pata Khazana where it has repeatedly been used to
mean home and place. But bood is not spelt as such in modern Pashto. However, in
Pashto vowels are added to words to ensure correct pronunciation. The letter (waw)
has been added to the word while the original word is bud. Ibn al-Nadeem gives a
complete description of bud and states that Indians had an idol by this name in their
temples. It is said that the idol had the likeness of Bhudda, who was sent to direct
them (Al-Fahrest, p. 487). Belazeri also talks about the bud of Multan for which a
great temple had been built (Futuh-al-Baladan, p. 437).
Mohammad bin Ahmad al-Khwarazmi 387 H. (997 A.D.) says: Bud is a large
Indian idol which people visit. Every other idol is also called a bud (Mafateh-al-
oloom, p. 74). The Arabs have borrowed this word and according to the rules of
their language its plural is buddat (Al-Fehrest, p. 484).
The word is pronounced buth in Persian. These words have originated from
the word buddha. As the people worshipped idols of Buddha, first those idols and
later all idols were called buth. In Pashto the word has remained in its old form, bud,
the form also recorded by Arab historians. In Pashto it has been preserved in the
form of bood-thoon. Beside being the name of every kind of idol, the Bhuddists
consider buddh among the three absolute elements of the mind i.e. intellect, religion
and ignorance. The first has been called buddh which brings forth the states of
happiness and peace (Ketab-al-Hind, vol. 1, p. 41). It is possible that due to the
importance of buddh intellect is inferred from it. The word is still used in this context.
In Pashto and in the Kabuli dialect of Persian, bud means an intellectual and a
scholar.
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In pre-Islamic Persian and Pahlavi the word was written as buz and meant
keeper, chief and head. Masudi explains that in Pars there are ranks and dignities,
the highest of which is mobuz meaning the keeper of faith. In these languages mo
meant religion and buz meant keeper, the plural of which has been written as
muabeza. Similarly asfahbuz is composed of asaba meaning army and buz meaning
commander. In the same way dabeerbuz meant the keeper of books, Hothekhsha-
buz was leader of merchants (Al-Tabniya wa al-Sharaf Masudi). In same manner
hirbuz was the fire chief and kohbuz was chief of mountains as described by
Khwarazmi (Mafateh-al-loom, p. 64, 65, 71). The meaning of head, keeper and
chief was implied by the word buz. It is close to the bud of Pashto and Hindi.
After studying these documents it can be said that bud, buz and bood had the
meaning of chief, head and owner among the ancient Aryans and later it became the
name of the famous Indian missionary, and people built a large number of his idols
to which they prayed and which they called bud, bood and buth. In boodthoon of
Pashto, meaning a temple or place of idol, the same word has been preserved.
67. Nmzdk: In Skarandoi's encomium it has been stated:
nm d tl w pr drdz pr nmzdkona _
Let the banners fly on the mosques as you strive.
On top of the word nmzdk an annotator has written mosque. This word is used
among the nomadic tribes of Nasir as muzdk with the same meaning. In my opinion
the word lmundz or nmundz meaning prayers and nmzdk (mosque) have their root
in lmandzal and lmndzanh. In this book they have been used in several instances
meaning praise, benediction and prayers. For example:
shp yay ruy p lmandzo w . =
p zhrr aw p naroo w
ch b hkswoot p lmandzna ~ =
y b kswoot p stayana ~
yawa wrdz jahd afzal
tr klo klo lmandzl =
Many a night he prayed
And in tears stayed.
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When in prayer he knelt,
Day and night in prayers he dwelt.
One day of jihad,
Is better than several year's prayers.
These couplets are from the poem of Dost Mohammad Kkarh and in all
instances the use of the word lmndzana and its likes mean prayers. Such usage of
the word is also seen in the poems of the Middle period. For example, Khushal Khan
says:
pr dzoyana sa sulook nmndzna dl = ~ =
k d d khoyna shta tsa ghwarr nor =
Saintliness, good deeds, to pray and justice.
If you have these attributes, what else do you want?
Abdul Qadir Khan says:
sr wa ml sndl znat d shoqano ~
enayat, mhr, nmndznah, zenat sta s =
To dispense wealth is the work of lovers
Favor, love and prayer be your ornaments.
Nmndzan is from the same root meaning prayers, blessings and kindness as Abdul
Qader Khan states:
k nmandzn wyl d n kz w ma t =
kla kla rata krr khbra spora
Kind words you do not have for me
Then sometimes do chide me.
Nmndzeli is a past participle from the same root as Khushal Khan writes:
khudy haghah p dwarroo kawno day nmndzly
=
ch p wradz y dl wedad p shpah nmundzonah
=
God has blessed the one
Who practices justice at day and prays at night.
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The words nmndzal, nmndzana, nmndzan, nmndzeli, nmundz, nmzdak,
namaz and mazkat, which have been used in Pashto and Persian, all have the same
ancient Aryan root. In Pashto they are also written with the letter lam at the
beginning of the word. The word namaz, which is the first of the five pillars of Islam,
also meant benediction, humility and respect in old Persian (according to Forbes
Hindi Dictionary, p. 749, the root of all these words is the same in Aryan languages.
In Sanskrit namast means respectful and namsiya is honored or revered). For
example Abdul Hay bin Zahak Gardezi writes in Zein-al-Akhbar (p. 75):
Choon amir ra bededand, hama namaz burdand wa khedmat kardand, wa
baro-e padshahi salam kardand.
When they saw the amir, they bowed and saluted the king.
Firdausi says:
Zameen ra beboseed wa burdash namaz
hami bood peshash zamani daraz
He kissed the earth and prostrated himself for a long time (Shahnama, vol.
5, p. 315).
Thus we can say that like namaz, the words nmundz and lmundz were also
used in this context to mean humility, submission, respect and politeness. The old
nmzdak and the present muzdak of Pashto, which mean place of prayer and
mosque, were also used in old Persian but spelt as mazkat, as seen in old Persian
texts. For example in Hudod-al-lam (372 H.), Masjide Jam, the grand mosque has
been written as mazkat adena and mazkat jam (p. 56). With respect to the grand
mosque of Herat he writes in page 57: The grand mosque (mazkat jam) of this city
is the most well constructed among all mosques (mazkatha).
Similarly, Abu Ali Mohammad Balmi, the famous Sassanid vizier (circa 363
H.), in the translation of Tarekh-e Tabari, uses this word to mean a mosque. For
example he says: And Maryam was with Zekriya in that cell of mazkat (p. 228)
or...on Friday they prayed in the grand mazkat (p. 728).
68. Sarwan: Abu Mohammad Hashim ibn Zaid-al-Sarwanay is from Sarwan. The author
of the book in reference to Larghoni Pastana states: He was born in Sarwan of
Helmand. Sarwan is the historical city which has been mentioned by a large number
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of past geographers. Ibn Howqal says: Sarwan is a small city of Seistan with a lot of
fruits, especially dates and grapes. It is located two manzils from Bost (Taqweem, p.
342).
Ashkal-al-lam of Jaihani says: Zarwan is smaller than Qarmain and is near
Ferozqand with plenty of agricultural lands, buildings and abundant water (Ashkal, p.
66). Hudod-al-am gives the following description: Sarwan is located between Bost
and Zamindawar and is a part of Khorasan; it is a small town with a hot climate
where dates grow; it is a pleasant place (Hudod, p. 63). In Qanoon-e Masudi, it has
been incorrectly recorded as Zardan and this may be an error of the scriibe. Al-Biruni
also considers Zarwan to be in Bost (Qanoon, p. 28). He writes in Al-Jamahir: There
are gold mines called Zarwan in the vicinity of the village of Khashbaji near
Zabulistan where this metal is found among the rocks and in wells. In the mountains
near the Khashbaji village silver, iron, lead and magnet etc. are found (Al-Jamahir, p.
213).
Astakhri also considers Sarwan to be in Bost (Astaghri, p. 238-248) and it has
been recorded in the same way in Tarekh-e Seistan (p. 30). Sarwan or Zarwan
stands up to this day along the eastern bank of the Helmand river and is a part of the
Nahre Seraj district. Ancient relics of a fortress and other buildings are seen around
it and at the present time people call it Sarwan Qala. It is the domicile of the
Alekozay and Alizay tribes.
69. Abu-al-ina: Ibn Khalad also famous as Abu-al-ina was a famous Arab scholar,
poet and writer. He was the mentor of Abu Mohammad Hashim al-Sarwani. His
name is Mohammad bin al-Qasim or Ibn Khalad bin Yasser bin Sulaiman and he
was in the service of Bani Hashim. His nickname was Abu Abdullah, and he was a
famous writer and poet. He studied under al-Nabeel, Asmaee, Aba Obeida, Aba
Zaid al-Ansari and others. Suli, Ibn Najeeh and Ahmad bin Kamel talk about his life
as follows: He was a well-versed and eloquent person, a great scholar, intelligent
and an excellent orator. He was born in Ahwaz in the year (191 H.) and died in the
month of Jamadi-al-Awal, toward the end of the year (282 or 283 H.) in Baghdad
(Mjam-al-odaba, vol. 7, p. 61).
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Historians consider him the most eloquent Arab poet and he was well-known
for his humor. Some of his humor can be read in Arabic and Persian books. Amin
Ahmad Razi writes: He was a humorous character. One day in the court of the vizier
he was talking in someone's ear. The vizier asked: "What lies are you telling him?".
He answered: "Just praising you". He lost his sight as a young man and spent 40
years in blindness (Haft Eqleem, vol. 1, p. 161).
Hashim al-Sarwani, one of the ancient poets of our national language, who
was a student of this famous Arab genius, translated a poem of his mentor into
Pashto that we saw in the biography of Abu Mohammad Hashim al-Sarwani.
Fortunately Yaqoot has also recorded the Arabic version of the poem which is
presented here to the readers so that it may be compared with the Pashto
translation. (Not presented in this English translation. For comparison please refer to
the 1944 edition of Pata Khazana).
70. Bostan-al-Awlia: The date of the completion of this book has been recorded as 956
H. (1549 A.D.) but in the description of the life of Shaikh Bostan the date appears
as 998 H. (1590 A.D.) This discrepancy is probably due to an error by the scribe as
in Makhzan-e Afghani of Nmatullah (p. 250, hand written manuscript) his death
occurred on Friday the 11th of Rabi-al-Thani in 1002 H. (1593 A.D.). Therefore it
can be said that the date 998 H. (1590 A.D.) is close to reality because in 965 H.
(1558 A.D.) the Shaikh was either a young boy or an infant. As Nmatullah states
that Sarwani traveled to India in his youth, therefore he probably did not have the
time to write during his journeys.
71. Bara Khwa: Meaning a high side or an elevated land. People of the lowlands call the
plains of Qandahar and Arghandab, the elevated lands of Ghor and the lands
beyond Kalat up to Ghazni as pasa khwa, bara khwa and lwarha khwa i.e. high land.
72. Kajran: This is the historical Kajooran which is mentioned in Ghorid episodes. It is
called Kajran up to this day. It is formed of highlands, over eight thousand feet,
which occur northeast of Dawar and south of Ghor. The people of the area are
known as Kajrani. The historical record of this word Kajooran is frequently seen in
Tabaqathh-e Nasiri. It was an important urban center of the Ghorid period. Al-Biruni
states: Kajran of Ghor is in the midst of mountains (Muntakhabat-e Qanoon
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Masudi, p. 28). Zaki Walidi Toughan, the editor and publisher of the book writes:
This name has not been mentioned in other geographical sources.
73. Saam: The original is Shaam. It is misspelled in the book.
74. Shahi and Shaha: These words are frequently seen in Pashto literature and have
been in use since the old times. Shahu is a third form. It is a common name for the
beloved. In the Pashto language the love stories of Shaha and Gulan and Shahi and
Deli are famous. In both stories the heroine was desired and loved by the shahi or
shaha. From the poem of this book and other sources it is clear that the sweetheart
is referred to as shahi, shaha or shahu. His Majesty King Ahmad Shah Baba says:
d shah d ang sl s ahmadah
k taslm khpla rza krr zm dlah
See the compassion of the beloved O Ahmad
If you want to submit O heart of mine.
Khushal Khan says:
d shhey thro sunbolo _
pr spn mkh y tslsolo
The beloved's dark tresses
Hanging around her white face.
75. Shaikh Bostan Barheits: This person, whose life history and an example of his
poetry is presented in Pata Khazana, is from the Barheits Sarhbani family. His book
Bostan-al-Awlia was seen by the father of the author of Pata Khazana. Beside what
has been written about him in Pata Khazana, Nmatullah, who was his
contemporary, provides the following information: This distinguished servant of God
who has been burnt in the divine fire, is a symbol of unity and erudition, Shaikh
Bostan Barheits, came to India from Rah during his youth and settled in the village of
Samaana. He made his living as a merchant. He was a man of deep feelings and his
eyes were never dry. He lamented all the time and despite his pain he read 15
chapters of the Koran every day. Most of the time he recited sorrowful Pashto poetry
which made people cry. He performed the ablution and prayed five times a day. The
writer of this history befriended him during a sea voyage. One night the sea was
stormy. The ship mates became frightened and started to pray for mercy. Since my
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relationship with him was sincere I asked him that it was time to seek help. He
replied that it was merely the confusion of the mind and there was nothing to fear.
After saying these words, the storm subsided and a desirable wind started to blow
and saved the ship from danger. Upon returning to Ahmadabad of Gujrat he told me
one day that his life had come to an end and whether I would be willing to arrange a
coffin for him. I agreed. He died from dysentery on Friday the 11th of Rabi-al-Thani
in the year one thousand and two after the noon prayers.
In short this exalted figure whom Nmatullah Herawi had met personally, and
was his friend for a long time, was a great scholar and poet.
76. Bdla: This is a special form of Pashto poetry which is read with a distinct tone. It
is subject to a special rule of prosody known as kar . Throughout its length the first
hemistich is repeated after every distich. There are several ways of metering the
verses of a bdla.
77. Ludis of Multan: Shaikh Hamid was the governor of Multan during the time of
Alaptageen and Subuktageen 351-390 H. (962-1000 A.D.). After his death, his son,
Nasr ascended the throne. During the time of Sultan Mahmud, i.e. after 390 to 401
H. (1000-1011 A.D.), when Multan became part of the domain of Ghaznavids, Abu
al-Futuh Daud bin Nasr was the governor of the area. This book presents a detailed
and useful account of this dynasty little seen in other historical works.
The author of Pata Khazana extracted this information from Kelid-e Kamrani
(see annotation 78). Kelid-e Kamrani quotes Alam-al-Louz fi Akhbar-al-Ludi
written by Shaikh Ahmad ibn Ludi 686 H. (1287 A.D.). Since these statements do not
lack references therefore they can be relied upon. Beside the names of the three
governors, the name of another person, Shaikh Reza, who was the nephew of
Shaikh Hamid, has also been mentioned in the book while he is not mentioned in
other sources. The name of Nasr has been recorded as Naseer by later historians
such as Fereshta but in Zain-al-Akhbar of Gardezi it is Nasr without the letter ya.
This book has also spelled his name in the same manner as Gardezi. From this it
can be deduced that the original citation i.e. Tarekh-al-Ludi is a reliable source.
Mohammad Qasim Fereshta, extensively deals with the subject that Shaikh
Hamid was a Ludi Afghan and states: He administered Lamghan and Multan under
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the tutelage of Raja Jaipal. From 351 to 356 H. (962-655 A.D.) he helped the Raja
against western invaders. When Subuktageen ascended the throne, Shaikh Hamid
signed a peace treaty with him and in 395 H. (1005 A.D.) when Sultan Mahmud
started his Indian campaign, the administration of Multan was in the hands of Abu al-
Futuh Daud, the grandson of Shaikh Hamid. Next year, that is in 396 H. (1006
A.D.), Sultan Mahmud did not go to India by the direct way of Gomal and Derajat but
attacked Multan by way of Peshawar. Abu al-Futuh was surrounded, but he made
peace, repented from the Ismaili faith, and accepted to pay taxes to the Sultan. After
a few years (around 402 H. ) Sultan Mahmud once again attacked Multan and
vanquished the Ismailis. He captured Daud bin Nasr and brought him to Ghazni
where he died later (Fereshta, p. 17-27).
This is a summary of the account by Fereshta regarding the Afghan Ludi
dynasty. After him other writers such as Hayat Khan (Hayat-e Afghani, p. 45), Sher
Mohammad (Khurshaid Jahan, p. 67) and Malleson (History of Afghanistan, p. 44),
consider them Afghan Ludis, most likely based on the writings of Fereshta.
Previous historians who have referred to these events do not mention
anything about their nationality. For example, Abdul Hay Gardezi, who wrote his
history during the Ghaznavid period {around 441 H. (1050 A.D.)} writes: With the
advent of the fourth century, he decided to capture Multan. He went there and
conquered the remaining territories of Multan and captured most of the Qaramitha or
killed some or cut the hands of others and chastised them. Others were imprisoned
in fortresses where they eventually died. In the same year, he captured Daud bin
Nasr and took him to Ghazni, from where he sent him to the Ghorak fortress (located
30 miles northwest of Qandahar) where he died... (Zain-al-Akhbar, p. 55).
Arab historians also mention these events. For example the summary of the
statements of Ibn Asir and Ibn Khaldoon is as follows: Sultan Mahmud attacked
Multan in the year 396 H. (1006 A.D.) because the governor of Multan, Abu al-
Futuh, had embraced atheism and had invited his subjects to join him. When the
governor heard about the Sultan's arrival he abandoned Multan. The Sultan
besieged him and fined him twenty thousand dirhams (Al-Kamel, vol. 9, p. 122; Ibn
Khaldoon, vol. 4, p. 366).
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This is what Arab historians have written regarding the Ludi dynasty, but a
contemporary Indian scholar, Maulana Sulaiman Nadawi, discusses this issue in his
book Taloqat Hind wa Arab (p. 315-329). He states that the family of Shaikh Hamid
was Arab and the progeny of Julm bin Shaiban, the Arab governor of Sind, who is
considered to be the first Qaramithi governor of the region (Taloqat, p. 328).
From their genuine Arab names such as Hamid, Nasr, Daud and Abu al-
Futuh and the use of words such as shaikh, Nadwi concludes that these rulers were
of Arab origin. He further states that Mohammad Qasim Fereshta considers them
Afghan Ludis without any strong documentation and that he has faked their roots.
In fact, before the discovery of Pata Khazana, there was no document to
substantiate that this family was of Afghan origin. Fereshta has also not clarified his
references with respect to this family. By reading Pata Khazana the issue becomes
clear. It shows that Fereshta was not making false claims. With such positive
documentation there is no doubt that the Ludi family of Multan is of Afghan origin.
This is because what has been documented in Pata Khazana is in conformance with
the names and events recorded in Arab texts. In short this book shows:
1. The story of the Afghan origin of Shaikh Hamid. This family was not a
fabrication of Fereshta. This fact has also been stated by historians preceding
Fereshta. The progeny of this family once again rose to power in India during the
eighth century until their defeat by Babur, the first Moghul emperor, in the battle
of Pani Pat in 932 H. (1526 A.D.).
2. The members of this family spoke Pashto. The poetry of Shaikh Reza and
Nasr bin Hamid has been recorded in Pata Khazana, they are considered to be
among the oldest poems in this language.
78. Kamran Khan Sadozay: Kamran Khan Sadozay is a famous Afghan personality,
who, according to Pata Khazana wrote Kelid-e Kamrani in 1038 H. (1628 A.D.) in
Share Safa of Qandahar. We have ample information on Kamran Khan and his
family. They were famous administrators of Qandahar for a long time. The founding
father of this family was the famous Sado Khan and Ahmad Shah Baba and the
Sadozai governors of Herat are related to him (Hayat, p. 118; Khurshaid, p. 181).
Omar, the father of Sado Khan was a margrave of Qandahar during the time of the
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Safavids. Sado Khan was born on Monday 17 Zihajja 965 H. (1558 A.D.). After the
death of his father he took over as chief of the tribe. He lived for about 75 years and
had five sons: Khwaja Khizr Khan, Moudod (Maghdod) Khan, Zfaran Khan, Kamran
Khan and Bahadur Khan (Sultani, p. 59). Among these five brothers, Kamran Khan
was a literary personality and is subject of our discussion here.
Sayed Jamaluddin Afghani believes Sado Khan had a number of children and
says that during the era of Shah Abas he was appointed the governor of Qandahar
(Tazkera-al-Mulook, in Raverty). In summary: After Sado Khan his son Khizar Khan
became the chief of the tribe and during the time of Aurangzeb, the son of Khizar
Khan, who was named Khudadad Sultan, was appointed the governor of Qandahar
by the Delhi throne. Another brother, known as Sher Khan had also gained fame and
His Majesty Ahmad Shah Baba was from his lineage. Thus Ahmad Shah's lineage is
as follows: Ahmad Shah son of Zaman Khan son of Daulat Khan son of Sarmast
Khan son of Sher Khan (Hayat, p. 119).
Names of the members of this family appear in the history of the Moghuls of
India. It seems that Kamran Khan and Malik Maghdood (Maudood) were the
contemporaries of Shah Jahan 1037-1076 H. (1628-1666 A.D.) and they were
considered among the famous governors of Qandahar at that time. The armies of
Shah Jahan took over Qandahar with their help 1047 H. (1637 A.D.); and after that
battle they were appointed the governors of the area (Padshah Nama, vol. 2, p.
32-36).
Kamran's date of death is not clear, but according to the writings of Abdul
Hamid he died in Delhi in the month of Rabi-al-Awal of 1050 H (1640 A.D.) (Padshah
Nama, vol. 2, p. 151). Afterwards, his brother Malik Maghdood, challenged Mir
Yahya, the governor of Kabul, who was appointed by Shah Jahan, and lost his life in
the ensuing battle in 1053 H. (1643 A.D.) When Shah Jahan heard the news of his
death he was deeply saddened and removed Mir Yahya from the post of governor
(Padshah Nama, vol. 2, p. 348).
79. Share Safa: An area 100 km northeast of Qandahar. In past times it was the
domicile of the Sadozay tribe.
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80. Prhkey: This word which in the past times meant a poem is not in use any more.
The oldest book where we see its use is Tazkerat-al-Awlia of Sulaiman Maku. It has
been used several times in the few pages of the book which were discovered in
1933 (see Pashtana Shura. vol. 1, p. 53-55-63). From this it is evident that
prhkey was used to mean a poem.
81. Arhah: In the poems of the Ludis rhah has been used twice:
hagha groh d aus rrah krr
You have changed that religion now.
z l groha p rrah ym
I have converted from religion.
This word is not in usage any more nor is its meaning seen in dictionaries. Perhaps
its root is in arrawal (to change). Thus rrah should mean change. In both instances
it has been used with religion and faith. Perhaps it is derived from the infinitive
arrawal and means ilhad (apostasy). Lahd in Arabic means inclination and going
beyond limits (Qamoos-e Ferozabadi) and ilhad is derived from it. At the present we
have derivations such as awostal, arrawang, and awosta from arrawal but rrah is
not in use anymore. But the intransitive form of arrawal which is awostal is still used
to mean ilhad (atheism or changing religion). For example in the case of a person
who changes his religion it is said: awostay dei (he has changed).
82. Esa Meshwaay: This famous writer and poet was known to us prior to the
discovery of Pata Khazana through Makhzan-e Afghani of Nmatullah Herawi. His
life history is presented in the first volume of Pashtana Shura (p. 72-72).
Nmatullah includes his Hindi and Persian poems in his book and considers him a
famous saint.
83. Koyal: This is the name of a bird in Sanskrit (Forbes Hindi English Dictionary, p.
561), called the cuckoo. In Pashto the feminine form of the name is koyala. It has
been used in the quatrain of Khalil Khan Niazay. Koyl may be compared to
bulbula whose masculine form is bulbul. In Pashto literature it has also been used as
kwail and kohl. Miya Nim Mathizay says:
d chamn p bulbulano k shor gd sh ~
ch nym d shp faryad lka kohl k
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The garden bulbuls start singing
When Nim laments at night like the cuckoo.
84. Rantanhbour: This name has been written in different forms but the correct version
is Rantanhbour (Rantambour in English). It was a famous fortress of Ajmir, in
eastern Rajputana (Khulasa-al-Tawareekh, p. 55). Its ancient name was Ran-sat-
maba-pur, meaning the place of battle columns. It is a stone fortress on top of a hill
(Gazetteer, vol. 21, p. 235). It is famous for its strength in Indian history and was
occupied for the first time by Sultan Muez al-Din Ghori (Taj-al-Masir; Gazetteer,
vol. 21, p. 235) and according to Tabaqathh-e Nasiri (p. 172) 70 kings had not been
able to occupy it. Khushal Khan was imprisoned there after 1074 H. (1664 A.D.). He
mentions it in his poems. For the life history of this poet refer to the introduction of
his divan which I published in Qandahar in 1317 H. (1938 A.D. This date refers to
the solar Hejira year).
85. Derawat: This place lies about 89 km northwest of Qandahar and is located south of
the mountains of Ghor and Uruzgan with a mountain stream passing through it. At
present it is an administrative center. It is possible that the historic Hera-hoti may be
this place.
86. Toba: An elevated area at the foothills of the Kozhak mountain, 130 km southeast of
Qandahar which is the domicile of the Atsek tribe.
87. Sultan Ghiasuddin: Refers to the famous Sultan Ghiasuddin Mohammad Saam
Ghori who fought big battles in the vicinity of Herat and Ghor. As the battles are
referred to as jihad they must have been fought against non-Moslems. These are
probably the battles which were fought with Sultan Shah Jalaluddin Mahmud
Khwarazamshah in 588 H. (1192 A.D.) in which Jalaluddin had sought the help of a
large number of non-Moslem Khathas (refer to Tabaqathh-e Nasiri and others).
88. Kkarhs shrine: With regard to the shrine of Kkarh Baba this book says that he
was buried in Herat. Pashtoons visit his shrine from far away places such as Zhobe
and Kkarhistan and call him Kak Nika (nika in Pashto means grandfather). The
historian, Sher Mohammad, who spent some time in Herat writes: His grave is near
the right gate of the grand mosque of Herat and he has visited it several times.
People pray at his grave as they enter or leave the mosque (Khurshaid, p. 204).
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89. Kohat: This place is located about 80 km southeast of Peshawar. Several Khatak
writers and poets mention it in their works. Rahman Baba got the early inspiration of
his youth from this place.
90. Kokaran: This place is located 10 km west of Qandahar along the banks of the
Arghandab river. Haji Mirwais Khan's shrine is there. From this book it appears that
our national leader spent his life there.
91. Manja: It lies 32 km northwest of Qandahar adjoining Share Safa. This is the place
where the declaration of independence was accepted and signed by a national
council. The declaration was probably signed there because it was the home of
Khanzada, daughter of Jfar Khan Sadozay, wife of Haji Mirwais Khan as the area
was under the influence of the Sadozay tribe in those times.
92. Jaldak: It is located 110 km northeast of Qandahar and is the domicile of the
Alakozay tribe.
93. Shah Beg Khan: Two people have been recorded by this name in the history of our
country. First Shah Beg, son of Amir Zoalnoon Arghoon, who was the governor of
Qandahar after 900 H. (1495 A.D.), was driven away by Babur in 913 H. (1507
A.D.). He took refuge in Shaal and Mastung. Shah Beg took back Qandahar in the
same year but was finally totally defeated by Babur in 928 H. (1522 A.D.). He went
toward Sind and Baluchistan and ruled there for some time (Tarekh-e Msumi;
Fereshta, Babur Nama; the tablet of Chil Zeena of Qandahar).
Second, Shah Beg Kabuli, who in 1003 H. (1595 A.D.) took over Qandahar
under the orders of Jalaluddin Akbar and was the governor of the region. He stayed
there until the end of Akbar's life 1014 H. (1605 A.D.) In the same year the Safavid
forces besieged Qandahar. Jahangir sent his forces and restituted the city. He
appointed Pakhta Beg Kabuli who was known as Sardar Khan as the governor of
Qandahar thus replacing Shah Beg (Akbar Nama; Tuzuk-e Jahangiri; Iqbal Nama;
Muntakhab-al-Lubab).
Since in this book the title of subadar of Qandahar accompanies the name of
Shah Beg, it most likely refers to Shah Beg Kabuli because Shah Beg Arghooni was
known as the governor and ruler of Qandahar and not as a subadar.
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94. Ali Sarwar Ludi: He is a famous Pashtoon writer and the author of Pata Khazana
cites Tuhfa-e Saleh and Nmatullah's Makhzan while talking about his life.
Nmatullah states the following in Makhzan about this poet: The renowned Shaikh
Ali Sarwar Ludi Shahukhel was among the holy men of his tribe and lived in the
Kahror village of Multan. He was among the people whose prayers were answered,
his advice was effective and in thirty years he was not once seen to lie down. It is
said that one day as he was sitting in a mosque and having a haircut the barber
stated that on whoever Shaikh Najmuddin Kubri cast a glance he was blessed. The
Shaikh smiled and said that is easy. When the haircut was finished the barber went
into a trance and started talking about piety. He then started to pray and preach and
people gathered to listen to his sermons. The Shaikh bestowed his saintly blessing
on all people and his children are also outstanding personalities.
95. Shaal: Shaal or Shalkot (the Shaal fortress) was near the present day city of Quetta.
According to Abu al-Fazl, it was considered an eastern dependency of Qandahar
during the Akbari era. It had a fort with earthen walls where Kasay Afghans and
Baluch lived (Ayeen-e Akbari, p. 189).
96. Gomal: It is a famous passage which starts southeast of Ghazni (Wazakhwa), goes
along the northern tiers of Koh Sulaiman to the western banks of the Indus river.
97. Mullah Zfran: He is a famous personality of the Hotheki period and Pata Khazana
has one of his poems. Contemporary historians such as Sultan Mohammad and
Sher Mohammad mention him in their works, a summary of which is presented here:
According to Pata Khazana Mullah Zfran was an outstanding scholar of the
court of His Majesty Shah Hussain Hothek. Sultan Mohammad writes that Mullah
Zfaran was appointed the ambassador to the court of Nadir Shah Afshar by His
Majesty Shah Hussain before 1143 H. (1731 A.D.). Nadir Shah invaded Herat in the
same year and Mullah Zfaran once again went as an emissary to Herat and an
exchange of prisoners took place between the Afghan and Iranian forces (Sultani, p.
87). Sher Mohammad says that in the month of Moharram of 1143 H. (1731 A.D.)
Mulla Zfaran represented His Majesty Shah Hussain in the court of Nadir Shah at
Sananduj (Khurshaid, p. 148). This historical event has been corroborated by
Mohammad Mehdi Ashtarabadi (Jahan Kusha-e Nadiri, p. 134-155). It is possible
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that Astarbandi was the source for the writings of Sultan Mohammad and Sher
Mohammad.
In summary it can be said that this distinguished personality was among the
exalted men of Shah Hussain's court. He should not be confused with another Mulla
Zfaran who was a courtier of His Majesty Shah Mahmud and His Majesty Shah
Ashraf in Iran. This Mullah Zfaran was an emissary of Shah Ashraf to the court of
Nader Shah during the time of the downfall of the Afghan forces. He was arrested by
Nadir Shah and sent to Asfahan. Since he could not bear imprisonment he jumped
from the bridge of the River Lasheen (Lashni) and commited suicide (Sultani, p. 85;
Khurshaid, p. 147).
98. Musa Khel: A clan of the Kkarh tribe that lives in the foothills of Sulaiman
mountain, east of the Zhobe valley.
99. Masud: A branch of the Waziri tribe.
100. Bangas: A tribe that lives south of Peshawar and Spinghar. During the Moghul era
of India the district of Bangas was considered a part of Kabul. It is the domicile of the
Mohmand, Khalil, Afridi and Khatak tribes (Ayeen-e Akbari, vol. 2, p. 190-193). The
Bangas road toward Kabul was also famous at that time.
101. Dera: This word probably refers to Dera Ismail Khan or Dera Ghazi Khan. When
Shah Hussain, the Hothek king, sent his army to this region his commander in chief
was Bahadur Khan.
102. Shaikh Rahmani: A famous anchorite and spiritual leader of the time. He was a
follower of Shaikh Adam Banuri who was a student of Hazrat Mujadad Kabuli who
died in 1106 H. (1695 A.D.) (refer to Divan of Abdul Qadir Khan, p. 10-262).
103. Pir Mohammad Miyaji: This famous personality of the Hotheki era has been
discussed in other sources in the following context: When His Majesty Shah Ashraf
lost his forces and started marching from Shiraz toward Qandahar, the Nadiri army
pursued him. When Shah Ashraf crossed the Fasa bridge (three farsakhs from
Shiraz), he left Pir Mohammad Khan known as Miyaji, the guide of His Majesty
Mahmud, together with some soldiers to guard the bridge. Miyaji who was revered
by the people was killed in that location in 1143 H. (1731 A.D.) (Jahan Kusha, p.
121; Sultani, p. 85).
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104. Bori: A place in Kkarhistan of Zhobe.
105. Babojan Babei: Sultan Mohammad writes that at the time when Shah Mahmud and
Shah Ashraf were predominant Babojan Babei was the governor of Lar wa Bandar in
Iran. After the downfall of the Hotheki empire he returned to Qandahar.
Jahankusha-e Nadiri has recorded him as Baro Khan. When Nadir Shah Afshar
marched on Qandahar from Herat, he ordered Imam Wirdi Beg, the governor of
Kirman to capture Grishk and Bost. His Majesty Shah Hussain sent an army under
the command of Babojan to face him. He engaged the Nadir Afshar forces and
drove them toward Farah (Sultani, p. 88; Jahan Kusha, p. 166). Besides this note he
is not mentioned in other sources.
106. Mashor: A village 10 km southwest of Qandahar. The remains of an old citadel and
a city are present there. During the Moghul period, the southern gate of the citadel of
Qandahar was known as the Mashor gate (Abu-al-Fazl, Akbar Nama, vol. 1).
107. Shaha wa Gulan: This is a famous Pashto love story. The main characters of the
story Shaha (female) and Gulan (male) are symbols of purity and good conduct.
This folk story is still told among the people, parts of which are recited in the form of
poetry.
108. Mohmand: This village lies about 10 km east of Qandahar and is considered the
first rubat (measurement of distance) toward Kabul.
109. Yusuf: This person who was a companion of Haji Mirwais Khan has not been
mentioned in the sources we have at hand. Tarekh-e Sultani, Khurshaid Jahan and
Hayat-e Afghani mention others with regard to Hotheki events, but aside from Pata
Khazana, Yusuf is not mentioned elsewhere. There is also no mention of Aziz Khan
Nourzay, Gul Khan of Baberh tribe, Nour Khan Barheits and Nasro Khan Alakozay
of Jaldak in other sources.
110. Yahya Khan: This Yahya Khan is the brother of Haji Mirwais Khan. Mohammad
Khan, the nephew of Haji Mirwais, who accompanied his father and uncle into battle,
is known as Haji Angoor in later events. He was the governor of Jakhtaran for a long
time. His son, Abdul Ghafoor Khan was in control of Kalat during Nadir Afshar's
march on Qandahar. Abdul Rasoul Khan, the brother of Abdul Ghafoor, fought
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bravely against Nadir engaging him in battle near Shibaar (Hayat-e Afghani, p.
257-264 ).
111. Skaapur: This is the Pashto form of Shikarpur of Sind through which trade with
Qandahar took place.
112. Mastung: It is a famous historical city located in Baluchistan. Totay it is a mere
village. Yqoot records it in the Arabic form as Mastunj. He states that the distance
between Mastunj and Bost is seven days (Marasid, p. 329). Gardezi says: Sultan
Mahmud captured Shar, the king of Gharjistan, and sent him to the city of Mastung
(Zain-al-Akhbar, p. 56).
113. Miya Abdul Hakim Kkarh: He is one of the famous Afghan spiritual leaders, was
well-known for his mysticism. He lived around 1140 H. (1728 A.D.) and in 1150 H.
(1738 A.D.) left Qandahar for Kkarhistan. His shrine is located in Tal and Chatali.
114. Ksheta Khwa: Meaning in the lower side. Since the surroundings of the Tarnak
river, south of Qandahar, is located at a lower elevation therefore it is known as
Ksheta Khwa. It is the domicile of the Barakzay people.
115. Miya Nour Mohammad: He was from the Nourzay tribe and is considered a pious
and learned personage of Qandahar. He was a student of Miya Abdul Hakim and
lived during the reign of His Majesty Ahmad Shah Baba. Considered a teacher of the
common people he died in 1172 H. (1759 A.D.) and is buried in the village of
Manara, south of Qandahar. His shrine is still visited by people. Among his works
Maqala-e ulia, on Suffism is famous. A scholar of the time, Mullah Ahmad
Qandahari, has written a commentary Tleem-al-Sulook on it.
116. Panjwayee: It has been written in different ways such as Panjwai, Fanjwai, Banjwai
and Panjwahi by Arab and Afghan historians and geographers. It is a famous city of
the historical Rakhj or Rakhz. It is still famous by the same name and lies about 24
km southwest of Qandahar.
117. Wyy: This word was in use until the Middle period of Pashto literature and
probably meant a word. It is often seen in the works of Middle period writers. For
example Khushal Khan says:
d wyy zm d raz day
d manzil dr aw daraz day
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This is the word of my secret
This journey is long and arduous; or:
yaw wyy d dlasa rta pr nzdy
dzan k hr tso khpl myan t marwar krrm = =
Not a single soothing word she utters
No matter how much vexed I may be from my love.
118. Bostan: This place is located 32 km north of Quetta in Baluchistan and is the
domicile of the Atsekzay tribe.
119. Saidal Khan Nasir: He is a famous Afghan general who participated in numerous
battles inside and outside the country. Beside considering him a military genius, the
author of Pata Khazana says that he was a scholar and wrote poetry in Pashto, our
national language. He was the son of Abdal Khan Nasir Barhizay who lived in Dela,
near Abe Istada, southwest of Moqur. The Nasir clan is a famous branch of the
Ghalji tribe and is divided into the Spin Nasir, Sur Nasir and Tour Nasir i.e. the white,
red and black Nasir. Barhizay or Borhizay is a branch of the Sur Nasir (Hayat).
According to this book, Saidal Khan started serving in a military capacity during the
time of Haji Mirwais Khan. He accompanied His Majesty Shah Mahmud to Iran and
took part in the conquest of Asfahan and made noteworthy contributions to the
expansion of the Afghan kingdom. With the downfall of this great military leader
during the seige of Kandahar by Nadir Shah Afshar, the Hothek kingdom fell apart.
Thus it can be said that Saidal Khan was a pillar of that kingdom.
Historians mention his name in all the battles that were fought in a period of
30 years inside and outside the country after the rise to leadership of Haji Mirwais
Khan up to 1150 H. (1737 A.D.). According to Pata Khazana he also successfully
participated in the battles against the Safavids undertaken by Haji Mirwais Khan to
liberate the country.
After the death of the great liberator, Haji Mirwais Khan, when His Majesty
Shah Mahmud marched on Iran Saidal Khan was the commander of his troops. He
also participated in the battles of His Majesty Shahanshah Ashraf, both inside and
outside Iran and was victorious in his encounters with the enemy. He is said to be
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the only commander of the forces of His Majesty Ashraf during the battles against
Nadir Afshar.
When the Afghan forces were defeated by Nadir Afshar in Iran, Saidal Khan
returned to Qandahar and fought against Nadir Afshar until the last moment and did
not capitulate to the foreign invaders. As long as it was possible he attacked the
invaders.
In Moharram of 1142 H. (1730 A.D.) when Nadir Shah invaded Herat and
attacked the governors of that region, Shah Ashraf tried to occupy Meshad. The
commander of the Afghan army was Sidal Khan and his forces were centered in
Kirman (Jahankusha, p. 105). Later he fought against Nadir Shah and after the
defeat of Shah Ashraf's forces he came to Qandahar to join Shah Hussain to
continue his military quest.
In 1143 H. (1731 A.D.) Nadir Shah directed his forces toward Herat. The
Abdali rulers of the area continued resisting Nadir Shah up to 1144 H. (1732 A.D.)
when they sought the help of Shah Hussain, who was the ruler of Qandahar. In the
month of Rabi-al-Awal of the same year Saidal Khan marched toward Herat with a
force of several thousand men (Jahankusha, p. 181; Nadir Nama, p. 115; Sultani, p.
88). After several years during the month of Zieikda 1149 H. ( 1736 A.D.) when
Nadir Afshar surrounded Qandahar, the people of Qandahar, under the military
leadership of Saidal Khan, resisted him fiercely for a period of one year. When Nadir
Afshar directed his forces toward Kalat, Saidal Khan left the Qandahar citadel with
four thousand men to face his enemy and fought several battles until he was
besieged, together with Shah Hussain and his men, in the Kalat fortress. When
Nadir Afshar captured Saidal Khan he blinded him (Jahankusha, p. 315; Nadir
Nama, p. 197, Khurshaid, p. 160; Zendagani-e Nadir Shah, p. 105; Sultani, p. 92).
After loosing his sight, Saidal Khan with some of his relatives left for Shakar
Dara of Kohdaman, north of Kabul and later died there. His shrine is located in the
Siyahsang graveyard of Shakardara. He left behind a son, Sher Mohammad, whose
progeny is known until this day.
120. Sultan Mulkhi and his family: This man who is the grandfather of Haji Mirwais
Khan's mother is considered a learned Afghan figure. Members of his family were
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the chiefs of the Ghalji tribe for a long time. They are from the Toukhay clan and are
considered the cousins of the Hotheks. The Mulkhi branch is famous among the
Toukhays. This branch, which numbers about 100 families, lives south of Tazi Rubat
between Shahjoi and Kalat. The ruins of their ancient fortress are still seen there.
Historians agree that Sultan Mulkhi was a contemporary of Aurangzeb who
ascended the throne in 1068 H. (1658 A.D.) and died in 1118 H. (1706 A.D.)
Mulkhi, as chief of the Ghalji, demarcated the Garamabad valley until Jaldak
as the border between the Ghalji and Abdali tribes. This truce was signed with
Khudadad Sultan Sadozay, who was the chief of the Abdali tribe. The truce holds
until this day (Sultani, p. 60). Sultan Mulkhi died in the battle of Darwaza between
Indzargai and Surkh Sang. After his death, his son, Haji Adil (Abdal) became the
chief for a time. He and his son Bayee Khan were the governors of Kalat and they
lived in the Kalat and Jakhtaran fortresses, situated along the banks of the Tarnak
river. Eventually Bayee Khan was killed and Shah lam, son of Ali Khan, the
nephew of Mulkhi and his son Khushal Khan became the governors for some time.
Later Ashraf Khan and Alahyar Khan, the sons of Khushal Khan became leaders.
Ashraf Khan was appointed as the governor of Kalat and Ghazni by His Majesty
Ahmad Shah Baba. During Ahmad Shah's first campaign in India he accompanied
the king. When Timur Shah became king, Amo Khan, son of Ashraf Khan, rose to be
the chief of the Ghalji tribe (Hayat, p. 261-264; Khurshaid, p. 217-220).
121. Beglar Begi: According to the Safavid administrative setup the highest ranked
administrator was called beglar begi, and the governor of Qandahar was given this
title. The beglar begi was directly appointed by the king. Several khans and sultans
worked under him in the administrative region.
122. Thazi: This is the second rabat (a day's journey) toward the northeast on the road
to Kalat. The progeny of Mulkhi Toukhi live near it toward the south.
123. Kosan: This place lies west of Herat along the banks of the Hari Rud and at
present it is a part of the Ghorya district. In Pashtoon tradition the distance between
Khyber to the east and Kosan to the west is considered to be very long as these two
parts are separated by the entire length of the country.
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124. Nour-Jahan: Mumtaz Mahal Begum was the queen of Shah Jahan and Nour-Jahan
Begum was the queen of Jehangir, the Moghul emperors of India.
125. Bibi Naekbakhta: This learned woman was an Afghan scholar and the author gives
a good description of her life. The writings of Nmatullah, regarding this woman,
accord with what has been written about her in Pata Khazana. Nmatullah mentions
her in these words: Hazrat Shaikh Qadam had two wives. One was the mother of the
pious Bibi Naekbakhta from the Mamozay tribe and she came from the village of
Ashnaghar where the Mamozay live...(Makhzan, p. 307). Apart from this we do not
have any other information regarding this sagely woman.
126. Ashnaghar: An area north of Peshawar which is also written as Hashtnaghar.
127. Badani: An area east of Peshawar.
128. Jamaryai: A branch of the Toukhay clan.
129. Deray: Meaning Dera Ismail Khan and Dera Ghazi Khan. Dera (plural=deray) is a
Pashto word.
130. Gulistan: A place northeast of Farah which is the domicile of the Nourzay tribe.
131. Khusrao Khan: According to historians Khusrao Khan was the nephew of Gurgin
Khan. According to Tarekh-e Sultani (p. 72), Jahankusha-e Nadiri (p. 6), and
Khurshaid Jahan (p. 132) his name was Kaikhusrao Khan but Sir John Malcolm (p.
204) and Abdullah Razi in Tarekh-e Iran (p. 564) write his name as Khusrao Khan.
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Rare Words
(used in the text of the book)
akhist: Charge, attack.
ghz: Effect.
tl: For explanation refer to annotation 33.
aujrr: Ruin, spoil.
wad: Land, country.
akb: Dignity, reverence.
= atsr: Bright, clear.
ghl: Beautiful; its feminine is ghly.
shlk: For explanation refer to annotation 58.
al: Obedience, submission, surrender; al means submissive. It has been
used extensively in the poems of the Middle period but alay has not been used as
an infinitive.
arr: In Pas'hto it means a fleet of boats; this word is still used by a number of
Pas'htoon tribes and has been recorded in dictionaries.
= astzy: This word stems from astwal (to send) and is used up to the present
time meaning messenger.
rra: This word is not used now. It probably stems from arhwal (to change) and
means the same. For further explanation refer to annotation 81.
~ bd: Rival.
brgh: This is an extinct word which is not used at the present time. It probably
means gain or desire.
byrt: A form of the word brt meaning again.
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brb: The word is not alive in this form. B means a garden or forest. In the
original manuscript ai bagh loi (e.g. large garden) has been written over the word. In
Pas'hto loi also means high and tall. Therefore brb probably means a high
garden. It is possible that in the past large gardens or streets were known as brb.
brr: The word is not alive in this form. Brha at present means pay or fare. It is
possible that in the past brhl was used as an infinitive, while in the lyrics of Shaikh
Mathi it has been used in the form of a verb. From its use in the poem its meaning
may be deduced as to gain or to desire.
bml: For explanation refer to annotation 42.
- boll: In the book it has been used several times to mean an ode. It is possible
that the word has fallen out of use with time. It is a lexicographic gem of Pas'hto
preserved in the book. For further explanation refer to annotation 56.
brray: As used in the poem of Shaikh Asad it means a chain.
bmi: For explanation refer to annotation 51.
brl: Bry is a verb in the present tense from the extinct infinitive brl (to
conquer). This verb with all its derivatives has fallen out of use and only barey
(victory) is currently in use.
brdzr: The word is used by certain tribes at the present time meaning the half way
hour between sunrise and mid-day.
brml: For explanation refer to annotation 65.
bdthn: For explanation refer to annotation 66.
bmb: Spiritual leader of the Hindus.
blzdl: Twisting, folding.
pswl: For explanation refer to annotation 22.
prthmn: Majestic, magnificent. This word is related to partam meaning majesty and
glory. At present prthmn is not used.
plor: Price, value.
_ pndz: This word is extinct and is used rarely in the form of the verb pndzdl
meaning birth and creation.
_ prrkey: For explanation refer to annotation 80.
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pln: For explanation refer to annotation 37.
plz: In the past this word meant a throne. It is not used now.
popl: For explanation refer to annotation 59.
psol: At present only psul is in use meaning jewelry. Psolley which is derived
from the infinitive psoll is extinct. Psoll and gl are successive verbs meaning to
adorn.
pyr: Turn and state.
pyrl: To buy.
pth: Related to pth meaning respect and dignity.
ppn: To vanquish or destroy.
thr: Fear, hate.
thrkh: Under the arm; such as tsur thrkh t chawl meaning to put traveling
provisions to one's arm. This idiom has special connotation which means to
undertake a journey.
tn: This word is not used in the singular form. In the past it meant place or a suffix
denoting place. In this book it has been used in several instances as stated. At
present it is used in a compound manner such as mzthn tn meaning an ant nest.
tr: Derived from the root of tir and tiray. Thiray means to go beyond limits and
cruelty. Thiro probably means cruel and suppressor but it is not in use now.
thrr: Sad, agitated. In the Middle period thrr was used to mean agitation and
turor and turhor meant agitated.
trn: In Skarandoi's elegy it has been used meaning to pass or to cross. In some
instances it has been used to mean cruelty and aggression.
try: In the past it meant a bridge. In has probably been derived from the root of
ter and teredal meaning to cross. Since the word is extinct it can be guessed to
mean a bridge which is evident from its use in Skarandoi's poem.
thrml: For explanation refer to annotation 65.
tkhn: Affliction. The folk poet Abdullah says:
z mayn pr t yam tkhn m d sanamh
khoz m zerrgy d khr dr pas mrma
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I am in love with you, afflicted am I sweetheart
My heart is wounded, I long for you.
trpll: At present trarpludl is used in certain dialects meaning to run, jump or
wish. In a Pas'hto landay it has been used as such:
l spin try n d thrplod

pr bgney dr krry khwlah psmna ymh
_ ~
You ran away from the gleaming sword
I regret letting you kiss me yesterday evening.
torn: Tor means accusation and black. In Nasr Ludi's poem it has been used to
mean traducer or accuser. Torn has fallen out of use now.
tor: Related to the root of tor. In the past it probably meant to defame. Tour has
fallen out of use now.
turn: Related to tor.
tortm: Total darkness.
. tl: Delay, rear. Also means a swing.
. tkna: This word is extinct now and probably meant justice in the past. It is from
the root of tk meaning center or original at the present time.
. tkwn: Comfort and rest. At present tkw is used in Qandahar to mean the
same.
~ jundey: This word has been repeatedly used in Pata Khazana and by poets of the
past meaning a flower. In today's vocabulary it has been replaced by the word gul
(flower). It can be said that in the past gul was called junday. In certain tribes the
proper noun Jandi Khan or Jando Khan is used which means Gul Khan. In
Qandahar this word is alive in the form of lam junday meaning a tuft which is close to
a flower.
jop: Caravan.
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jndm: Among the people of the mountains and in the rural areas it is used to
mean hell but the city folks do not use the word. This book sheds light on the past
usage of the word.
jjl: To contemplate, to think. This verb is out of use and only jj is rarely used in
some places.
jgrrn: Related to combat i.e. war. An annotator has written the word lashkar
(army) over it. From its use in the book it seems to have meant an army or soldiers
in the past and it can be used to signify an army in present day usage.
chndy: For explanation refer to annotation 57.
chrh: A ford.
chuy: It has been repeatedly used in this book meaning a bulbul.
= _ tslordz: It probably means a quatrain. This word is not in use at the present
time. It is a literary deposition of Pas'hto left to us by the book and can be
reintroduced instead of ruby (quatrain).
= tswary: Provisions of journey.
= tswr: This word is totally extinct and I have not seen it being used anywhere.
From its use it can be deduced that it means patience and quiet.
= tspn: Stormy, tspa means a wave.
= tsrkdl: Sunrise; this infinitive is out of use now.
= ~ tsndna: In the original manuscript the words ai faq (e.g. horizon) has been
written over the word. At present tsnda means side but tsndona meaning horizon
is an old word from the same root.
= dzwk: Life, means.
= dzry: A messenger, courier.
= dzghl: For explanation refer to annotation 50.
= dzl: For explanation refer to annotation 50.
= dzl: To illuminate, shine.
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_ kholgey: Kiss; diminutive of khula.
khunwl: This word is out of use together with all its derivations and only khuny
meaning dispersing is alive. Thus khunwl means to disperse or spread.
_ khtdz: An annotator of the original manuscript has written ai mashriq (e.g. east)
over the word which we refer to in a compound way as 'the sunrise side'. This word,
together with lwddz, meaning west is an ancestral gem left to us in the book.
Evidently khtdz has been derived from the roots of khtl (sunrise) and dz (side),
meaning sunrise and east.
khrr: Khrr means brown. It is also allegorically used to mean simple. In this book
khrrow most likely refers to vice and depravity. It probably had such meaning in the
past.
_ drdz: For explanation refer to annotation 44.
drml: Durmlhi from the infinitive durml was used to mean cure in the past,
while medication was called durml. Both words are considered etymological gems
of Pas'hto.
drnwi: This word is almost out of use. It was alive and used in the past. It is
seen in the poetry of Bit Nika in Tazkerat-al-Awlia of Sulaiman Maku (refer to p. 49 of
Pashtana Shura). It is from the root of drund (heavy) and means respect.
drl: Dr means the presently used drz (standing). This verb together with its
infinitive drl (to stand) are both extinct.
~ dusn: For explanation refer to annotation 6.
_ dw-ydz: Couplet. The word together with tsloridz are not used today.
dm: To rest.
dungna: Pride, sneer, jest.
rod: Way, road.
rp: The root of the infinitive rpdl meaning to flutter. This word is out of use now.
rughy: From rugh (healthy) meaning health. At present rughti is used and
rughy has become extinct.
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rzdla: This word has fallen out of use. It is also not seen in the works of the
Middle period. The word is related to the infinitive rzddl (to shiver) and means
earthquake. It can be reintroduced into Pas'hto vocabulary.
rmshth: It means music and singing. Rmshgar is a singer. In Persian these
words are ramish and ramishgar.
rpy: An annotator of the book has written bairaq (flag) over the word. This is an
extinct word and rapedal is a an infinitive which means to flutter. Possibly due to
fluttering, a flag was known as rpy in the past because of its peculiar movement.
~ rsthoon: This word has been derived from the root of rstya meaning truthful.
The word is used at the present time.
roal: Rol has probably been derived from the infinitive roal. It is not used
now. At present roawal (to illuminate) is used from the root of ro (bright).
rgh and rghwa: Both these words are derived from the root of rogh
(well). The infinitive rghwal (to make well) and its verbs, when used together with
the particles war, dar, ra, dzni, la mean to detest or sever ties. For example ma la
ahmada warghwala i.e. I severed my ties with Ahmad. Rgh and rghwa are
used in these old forms in the book and probably mean to abhor or detest.
rbl: Lowr and rbl are the roots of lowrna (kindness) and rbldal (to accept, to
approve). These words are occasionally used at the present time. For further
explanations refer to annotation 41.
zoy nv: This phrase is out of use and means adopted son or child.
zrran: For explanation refer to annotation 38.
zrgh: Evidently it stems from the root of zrghoon (green). It is a derivative that
is not used at the present time and several such nouns have been used in the book.
For further explanations refer to annotation 50.
zlm: For explanation refer to annotation 50.
zghl: To run. The infinitives zghstal and zghsta are from the same root.
Khushal Khan says:
z p bltnh k d wsal nr whama
tsok ch ubh wkhly w pyb wtah yay zghl sh
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=
In my loneliness I cry for love's union
One who is drowning runs toward the ford.
zyrna: Effort, endeavor. At present only zyr is used to convey these meanings.
zhoblor: It is probably derived from zhobla meaning battle or to hurt to which
the suffix wr has been added. In the past it was used to mean a fighter or soldier,
hence it has been used in several instances to convey these meanings in the book.
It can be used as soldier in present day vocabulary.
zhrha zhrh: This word can be read in two ways. First zhrh as an adjective of lover
e.g. an afflicted lover; one that has lost its complexion. The second possibility is that
the word was used as an idiom in the past meaning noise and clamor. Since this
idiom is not in use at the present time therefore the second possibility seems
unlikely.
zhoblal: Refer to zhoblor.
zhbwar: Fluent, a versatile speaker. Derived from zhba (tongue) and the suffix
war.
surn: Storm.
sudh: Contentment.
suwn: This word is out of use now; only sawni is occasionally used in Qandahar
meaning ease.
swb: It is used up to the present time among some tribes meaning to bring forth.
sobmn: Soba means conquest and victory; sobmn with the suffix mn means
victorious and conqueror.
skh: Fortune and hence happiness.
sn: A form of the word snd; both of which mean a river. It is a remnant of old Aryan
words in Pas'hto.
= swdznd: Burning.
smy: Its root is apparently in the present day sm. Smy is not used at the
present time and means welfare and prosperity.
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sobi: Plural of soba (see sobmn). It has been used in the poems of the Middle
period but not at the present time. It has also been used as an adjective in the form
of soobmun meaning victorious.
stywl: For explanation refer to annotation 45.
snd: Lamentation.
sm: From the root of sm meaning correctness, righteousness, peacefulness.
This and other words like it such as zal, ml and zrgh have been used in the
book several times. From its use it can be said that sm meant justice and
correctness.
sh: Breath. At present sh is used.
surrr: Scorching desert.
sr: This word is alive in the form of sry meaning a rival, instance, example. It is
possible that its old form was sr.
sngrr: Among the writers of the Middle period this word was written as
sngarh. At present it is pronounced as sngrha in Qandahar. It means a boulder
or rock. Khushal Khan says:
d nks d tarbiyat sra ts kr d =
d sngrr d zrt sra ts kr d =
What is there to gain from the training of an ignoble
Or from a field full of rocks.
sthn: For explanation refer to annotation 63.
sl: Fine grains of sand. This word is not common now and only used by the
people of southern tribes.
sun: Lies.
sdn: Ploughed ground.
sl: Advice, council.
shkhrra: Conflict.
shinr: This word is not heard among Pas'hto speakers nor is it seen in its
literature. It is possible that the word was used in the past and has become extinct.
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In Latayef-al-Lughat of Abdul Latif its meaning has been given as disgraceful, vile
and destruction. Its use in Shaikh Asad's poem agrees with these meanings.
sh: For explanation refer to annotation 60.
~ sklel: For explanation refer to annotation 23.
~ skl: For explanation refer to annotation 23.
~ sklda: For explanation refer to annotation 23.
~ = sdzmn: Woman. This word is alive at the present time.
~ shna: It means propensity and good deed. It is from the root of s (good).
ghwzn. It has fallen out of use and means informed or one who listens.
ghrr ghrr: A Qandahari idiom meaning full.
ghbrgon: In old times it meant to answer.
ghrra-zgh: Ghrra in Pas'hto means neck. Allegorically it is referred to a
special tune played on a flute. In Shaikh Mathi's poem the word can be interpreted in
two ways. First ghrra-zgh can be considered as a compositive noun meaning the
tune of a flute. Second it may be read separately, ghrra and zgh to mean
lamentation (of the reed), song (of the people) and singing (of the bulbul).
ghzl: Mghza is a negative imperative meaning do not listen but now the
infinitive ghzl (to listen) does not exist, but nghozl was used in the Middle period
with the same meaning whose negative imperative is m nghoz. There is the
possibility that mghza is the short of m nghoza. Khushal Kahn has used
nghwyz as the affirmative imperative of the verb and says:
s krha, s krha, s krha, d nkkhw khbery nghwz
~ ~
Do good, do good, listen to the words of the pious.
kot: An old Pas'hto word meaning a fortress.
krgh: Arid land.
koshak: For explanation refer to annotation 30.
khol: A dynasty or family.
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krrongy: In old Pas'hto this word meant a waterfall. It is not in use at the present
time. In the encomium of Bagh-e Aram of Zamindawar by the ancient poet, Taimany,
who was a contemporary of Sultan Ghaisuddin Ghori (Tabakath-e Nasiri, p. 81), the
word krhonga has been used meaning a waterfall (Pashtana Shura, Vol. 1, p. 58).
. kotwl: This is a Pas'hto word which has been in use since Subuktageen and
referred to an important post in the administrative structure of that period. Hence it is
frequently seen in Tarekh-e Baihaqi, Tarekh-e Gardezi and Tabakath-e Nasiri. The
word is composed from kot (fort) and wal, a particle of possesion and relation.
Together the two words mean keeper of a fortress or protector of city. The word is
used up to this time in our country and Pas'htoons pronounce it with the letter tae.
krrm: Injured, cut, maimed.
korwal: A verb which was in use in the past and is extinct now. Only its root is
present in kor. Its infinitive is kor kwal. From the poetry of Shaikh Reza Ludi we
see that korwal was used as an infinitive during that period.
kwa: From kwal meaning to do.
krorr: Hard and strong. This word which is in use up to the present time means
hard and strong. Krorh is seen in the names of past dignitaries.
koyl: For explanation refer to annotation 83.
krrdn: To go around.
. gl: W gl is the past tense of the infinitive gl, which is out of use and was
probably used in the past. It stems from the root of ga or ga meaning jewels;
hence the infinitive gl means to bejewel.
~ gwsl: To forbid. Gws is used at the present time with the same meaning.
grohdl: An infinitive from the root groh meaning religion in the poem of Shaikh
Reza Ludi. It is not in use now and only grohdl (to believe) was in use during the
Middle period. Khushal Khan says:
n yay zrrh p m nrmz n gruhz
khudya tsh m sro kr sh l kfra =
Neither is she kind to me nor admires me
God with what kafir am I dealing.
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From the use of the word groh and grohdl in the poem it is seen that in the past
groh was used to mean religion. In the original manuscript an annotator has written
the word ai dean (e.g. religion) over groh. These words are literary treasures found
in the book. They can be reintroduced to the language.
groh: Refer to grohdl explained above.
glwl: To bear, to endure.
lta: Land, district.
ljand: Also used as lazand meaning smeared, soaked.
lowr: For explanation refer to annotation 41.
lrghuny: Ancient, old.
lunl: The verb lunl in Pas'hto means to sprinkle or spray. Besides fluids, it is also
used when speaking of dispersal of other material. The infinitive lustl has also been
used for the same meaning. Moreover, lwstl, which is written similarly in Pas'hto,
but pronounced differently means to study. The infinitive lunl was in use until the
Middle period. Its use becomes rare after that. Khushal Khan says:
hghh tr yrn b biy byrta r nsh
k p sr bnd r nlm tur khwr
The old friends will not come once again
Even if I sprinkle dark soil on my head.
ly: A verb in the present tense from the infinitive lwstl or lwlal meaning to say.
_ lwddz: East. An annotator has written ai maghrib (e.g. east) over the word. It is
formed from the roots of lwdal (sunset) and dzy (place).
lrmal: For explanation refer to annotation 65.
= lmndzna: Lmundz, lmndzl and the same words in which the letter lam is
replaced by noon, all mean prayer or praise. For further explanations refer to
annotation 67.
= lmndzal: To pray. For further explanations refer to annotation 67.
lzdna: Travel.
loyna: Pride. From the root of loy (big or large).
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mluna: Plural of ml meaning companion. At present ml is used.
mrrnd: Plural of mrrnda meaning a thin string. D zrra mrrnd in Pas'hto
means veins of the heart. Sometimes it is referred to feelings of the heart.
msht: To reside, to settle.
mrsty: Helper. It is derived from mrsta which means help or aid.
= mrtsy: For explanation refer to annotation 6.
mhl: Time.
ml-trr: Derived from ml (waist) and the infinitive trrl (to tie). It means
companion and helper.
mn: For explanation refer to annotation 34.
mkhsr: For explanation refer to annotation 39.
ml: Waist. In the past it was used as a noun of agency from ml which at present
is mltya meaning friendship. Its usage in the old form is seen in the poem of
Malikyar Gharshin (refer to p. 56, vol. 1, Pashtana Shura). For further details refer
to annotation 50.
mkhwr: This word is rarely used now and is derived from mkh (face) and wr
(a particle of relation) meaning honorable and respectable.
mws: In Pas'hto mws means guardian. Hamid Mohmand says:
ch yay tl strgo kwl pks khnna ~
d mkh shr yay d zyry mws wuniw ~
Where his eyes many a lover slayed
The city of his face sought the protection of the beard.
The word is also used in Hindi. It entered Persian during the 11th and 12th
centuries A.D. In Tabakath-e Nasiri and Tarekh-e Feroz Shahi it means guardian of
way. The plural is mwsat. It is probably an old Aryan word.
mrrl: To die.
~ mnst: To accept.
mrra makhay: Literally it means man-faced. It is referred to women who are
brave and valiant or have a masculine character.
nz: Flood. This word is not used now.
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nz-wrr: Debris carried by flood.
= nmdzna: Request.
= nmndzl: For explanation refer to annotation 67.
nra: A kind of Pas'hto poetry which is recited in stories in a loud voice.
= nmndz-chr: This compound word is not used now. From its usage it can be
deduced that it meant pure, chaste and devout as nmndza and nmndzal means to
pray. Nmundz meaning prayers is also from the same root. Chr means work.
Collectively the two may mean worshipper.
nmr: Dress, clothes.
ngwzdl: An infinitive from the past which is not in use now and means to
hear. Khushal Khan says:
d nkkhwa khbry ngwza
Listen to the words of the pious.
nst: Evidently it is the naest of Persian. In Pas'hto the word is used in the
affirmative as sta and nsta in the negative form. It is possible that nst is a short
form of nsta meaning obliterated and destroyed.
nuldl: Nul means grief. The infinitive nuldl, which is used at present, means
to grieve. Khushal Khan says:
gndy w ch d wsl p khwsy khws sh ~
ch khushl p judyay k dr nul k ~
He may attain happiness from love's union
For in separation Khushal is in great grief.
ngwzl: To hear. For further explanations refer to ghzl.
numrr: Candidate, assigned. Khushal Khan says:
p ywh blk yay nn tr hr ch bh krrm
bl yay hum dey p sb rta numrry
With one gift he has raised me above all
And tomorrow he has me for another one assigned.
njtl: To thrust in.
nmzdk: For explanation refer to annotation 67.
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wrzhly: A mourner.
wyrrn: Gratulation. For explanation refer to annotation 32.
wdna: To foster or rear. At present wda is used to mean the same and wdna
has become extinct.
wrna: From the root of wr meaning lamentation.
wayrman: One who is afflicted.
wrrngn: Related to wrhnga (ray). It means bright and shining.
= wrdz-loy: An annotator has written the word ai qiyamat (e.g. doomsday) over
the word and until the present time lo-wrdz means doomsday. Wrdz-loy is not in
use now and is the old form of lo-wrdz, which literally means the big day.
wyrr: For explanation refer to annotation 32.
wyy: For explanation refer to annotation 117.
hsk: For explanation refer to annotation 24.
yrghl: For explanation refer to annotation 35.
yn: To journey, to go.
ydy From the root of yd meaning reminder, remembrance.
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