The Pashtun Buddhist and Hindu Pashtun Dynasties of Afghanistan: A Misunderstood Legacy

 ➡The Pashtun Buddhist and Hindu Pashtun Dynasties of Afghanistan: A Misunderstood Legacy

The history of Afghanistan is home to two significant dynasties: the Hindu Shahi dynasty (843 CE–1026 CE) and the Kabul Shahi dynasty (3rd century–early 9th century). Despite their importance, the legacies of these Pashtun dynasties have often been misunderstood and misrepresented. These dynasties are often confused with each other due to their shared Pashtun lineage and their interconnected histories.

In Afghanistan, the dynasties of Buddhist Pashtuns and Hindu Pashtuns have faced distortion due to historical inaccuracies and misinterpretations. Among the chief contributors to these misconceptions is the renowned scholar Al-Biruni, who misclassified the Buddhist Pashtun Kabul Shahi dynasty as "Turkic Shahi" and the Hindu Pashtun Shahi dynasty simply as "Hindu," a term often mistaken to imply "Indian." These errors have fueled the false narrative that these dynasties were non-Pashtun, who mistakenly identified the Buddhist Pashtun Kabul Shahi dynasty as Turkic Shahi and the Hindu Pashtun Shahi dynasty as Indian. These errors have perpetuated the false notion that these kingdoms were non-Pashtun.

➡Religion vs. Nationality

It is essential to note that the religion of these Pashtuns—whether Hinduism or Buddhism—does not alter their nationality or ethnic identity. They were, above all, Pashtuns afghans. Their faith may have reflected the religious diversity of the time, but it did not redefine their status as native Afghan Pashtun rulers

➡Revisiting the Pashtun Identity of the Shahis

Prominent Afghan scholar Allama Habibi provides compelling evidence that both the Hindu Shahi and Kabul Shahi dynasties were indeed Pashtun Afghan Shahis. Through extensive research, Habibi demonstrates that the rulers of these dynasties bore distinctly Pashto names, underscoring their Pashtun lineage. He supports his claims with linguistic analysis, historical records, and other scholarly sources, effectively challenging the misconceptions rooted in Al-Biruni’s accounts.

Habibi's findings highlight the Pashtun origins of these dynasties and establish that the Buddhist and Hindu Shahis were native Pashtun rulers governing Afghan territories. Their legacy remains a source of pride and cultural significance for Pashtun Afghans to this day.

By addressing these historical inaccuracies and emphasizing the Pashtun identity of the Shahis, scholars like Habibi ensure that the rich history of Pashtun Buddhist and Hindu dynasties is preserved and celebrated as an integral part of Afghanistan’s heritage. These dynasties were not only Pashtun but also a testament to the diversity and strength of Pashtun civilization.

➡Habibi identified the distinctly Pashto names of these rulers, which reflect their Pashtun heritage:

➡Analysis of Names: Historical and Linguistic Perspective

The names of these kings hold significant historical and linguistic value. These names, dating back 1,400 years, belong to rulers who were all interconnected. Below is a detailed analysis of these names based on their origins and meanings:

کښ توره

 (Kash Tura):

Derived from ancient Pashto, meaning "sword bearer" or "warrior." The term "توره tura " (Kash) is used for "sword" and aligns with the martial culture of the Pashtuns. In Pir Roshan’s Khair-ul-Bayan, the term تور کش (Tur Kash) is similarly used, validating its Pashto roots.

تورمان

 (Turman):

Composed of تور (Tura, sword) and مان (Maan, skill or mastery), it translates to "master of the sword" or "skilled warrior." The recurring use of names like Turman and Surman in Pashtun families reflects their martial heritage.

کلر 

(Kalar):

In Pashto, کوي لار (Kavi Lar) signifies "wise leader" or "intelligent chief." The term لالیه (Lalya), meaning "leader," is derived from this linguistic root.لعل -لال (Lala لعل) is also a term of respect used for Hindu elders in Afghanistan.

کملو، کمرو 

(Kamro):

A name derived from کم (Kam, beautiful or adorned) and associated with elegance or vibrancy. Variations of this name remain common in Pashto.

A Pashto folk verse mentioning Kamro reflects its poetic usage:

"کمره مېزو ولاړه پر ډبره

راشه خولګۍ راکه؛

نامينده شې د لوى بارى له دره."

  

Kamro stands atop the rock,  

Come, give me a kiss,  

And be blessed by the Almighty’s valley.

جایپاله -ځاى پال

(Jai Pala):

Derived from ځای (Jai, homeland-place) and پاله (Pala, protector), this name means "protector of the homeland."

آنندپاله-انند پال

(Anand Pala):

آنند (Anand) signifies "happiness" or "joy." As referenced by Khushal Khan Khattak in his poetry:

_"Wise men are plagued by worries,  

     While the ascetic on his mat seeks anand (joy(انند)."_  

     هوښيارانو څخه ډېر ې انديښنى دى 

چې ملنګ د مصلى هغه انند کا  

  د خوشال خان دیوان، مخ 413 

(Diwan of Khushal Khan, p. 413)

تروجن پاله-تروجن پال 

(Trilochan Pala):

Meaning "protector of bravery," this name embodies the warrior spirit of these rulers. It also translates to "guardian of valor and courage."

کیدار 

(Kidar):

Derived from the ancient Pashto word کاوه (Kava, wise or chief), Kidar symbolizes leadership. The modern Nuristani languages retain its variant Kitor, showcasing its enduring influence.

مهر کهول/مير کول ابدالي

 (Mihra Kul):

Meaning "family of the sun," this name represents the Kushan-Hepthalite-ebodolo-abdali legacy, symbolizing royal power.

اخشنور، خشنواﺯ ابدالي

 (Akhsnawar):

Derived from کښه توره ور (Kash Tura War), meaning "victorious warrior," this name reflects the martial prowess of the abdali (Hepthalite) rulers.

خودویه که 

(Khudaviya Ka):

Related to the Afridi term خودویه (Khudaviya), meaning "joyful and prosperous." The name combines خود (self) and a suffix indicating honor.

وڼکه

 (Wanarka):

Translating to "victor" or "conqueror," the shorter form وړ (Wark) signifies triumph.

سامند

 (Samand):

The first part, سا (Sa), appears in ساهو (Sahu), and the second part, مند (Mand), conveys mastery or identity. The name سامند represents freedom and individuality, deeply rooted in Pashto culture.

➡The pashtun afghan Loykan Dynasty: 

Another pivotal Pashtun dynasty, often overshadowed in historical accounts, is the Loykan Dynasty of Zabulistan and Ghazni. 

Allama Habibi was the first historian to extensively document this dynasty, emphasizing its Pashtun identity.  

1. Linguistic Roots: The term "Loykan" originates from the Pashto word Loy, meaning "great." Their language, an early form of Pashto, was akin to modern Wardak, Waziri, massaud  and Musa Khel dialects.  

2. Key Figures:The earliest known Loykan ruler was Vajveer (Hajveer), reigning around 622 CE.  

3. Cultural Transition: Initially idol-worshippers, the Loykans gradually embraced Islam while preserving Pashtun cultural traditions.  

4. Resistance: They resisted external powers like the Safavids and Ghaznavid for centuries, showcasing their determination to safeguard their independence.  

5. Ghilji (gharzai, khiliji Connections:

 The Loykan Pashto language shared ties with the Gharzai (Ghilji) Pashtuns, further strengthening their Pashtun identity.

➡Reclaiming the Legacy  

The Buddhist Pashtun Kabul Shahis, the Hindu Pashtun Hindu Shahis, and the Loykan Dynasty stand as testaments to the diverse yet unified cultural history of Pashtun Afghans. The enduring legacies of these dynasties reflect the richness of Pashtun civilization, challenging long-standing misinterpretations rooted in biased or inaccurate historical accounts.  

By revisiting and reclaiming these narratives, Pashtun Afghans today can draw pride and inspiration from their rich history, emphasizing their significant contributions to Afghanistan’s cultural and historical fabric.

"ځواک مند افغان "

 D͡zwaːk Mɘnd afghan

Note ❗; 

"All these findings and insights derive from the meticulous writings and research of the esteemed Afghan writer and historian, Allama abdul hay Habibi."

ځواک مند افغان " 

D͡zwaːk Mɘnd afghan