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By Prof. Bakhtiar Khan MALIK AHMAD KHAN YUSAFZAI A Charismatic Leader and a National Hero 1470 A.D TO 1535
A.D
CONTENTS 1.1 The homeland of Pakhtuns
1.2
Pakhtun, Pashtun, Afghan, Pathan 1.3 Pakhtu
a language a code of honour, and an identity
1.4 Mutual hostilities ends only when an out side enemy threatens 1.5
Renowned warriors and formidable foes 1.6
Empires, Kingdoms on Foreign lands 1.7 War
against Encroachment of their freedom 1.8 War
with Super powers 1.9 At
war with U.S.A
2.0
Rich history and a Glorious past
2.1
Injustices with Pakhtuns heroes and history 2.2 The
Qauid-i-Azam of a beautiful country 2.3 A
man of outstanding qualities 2.4
Misfortune of Malik Ahmad khan 2.5 The Dwelling
Place of Yusafzais.
2.6
Massacre of 700 Yusafzais
2.7 Selection of
Ahmad khan as a leader 2.8 Loya Jirga
2.9 Malik Ahmad
khan
3.0 Unusual
wisdom and maturity of Ahmad khan 3.1 A great trust
on Ahmad khan 3.2 Journey back
to Peshawar valley
3.3 Search for a
shelter
3.4 His talent
and skill of persuasion
3.5 Acquirement
of Doaba
3.6 A great
diplomatic victory
3.7 Their advance
to valleys of Danishkol and Ambur 3.8 Occupation of
Bajaur
3.9 Battle of
Lashora
4.0 Ahmad’s
strategy
4.1 Isolating
the enemy
4.2
Alliance with other tribes 4.3 Malik Ahmad khan role in Lashora
battle 4.4 Battle with
Khalils at Warsak 4.5 Ejection of
Khalils from Bajaur {Battle at Sangar Darra } 4.6 Measures
adopted before battle, by Malik Ahmad khan 4.7 Ejection of
Shalmanies from Ashnagar 4.8 Great
Achievement of Malik Ahmad khan 4.9 The
three main
powers in regions
5.0 A battle with
Dalazaks at Spinkhak (near Michini) 5.1 Concentration
of Dalazak forces for another battle 5.2 Malik Ahmad’s
Ambitious and designs 5.3 Malik Ahmad’s
pragmatic approach 5.4 Fateha of his sister, the wife of Sultan
Owais 5.5 Occupation of
Swat in 1515 A.D (The battle of Thanra) 5.6 Malik Ahmad’s
new arrangement and strategy 5.7 Occupation of
Manglore
5.8 Expeditions
to Talash valley and battle of Katgala 5.9 Occupation of
Mutravi territory
6.0 Malik Ahmad’s strength, fame and glory increased Invitation from King Babur to Kabul (in
1517A.D) 6.2 Malik Ahmad
Taste for music 6.3 His meeting
with Babur in 1517A.D 6.4 Babur second
invitation to Malik Ahmad khan 6.5 Babur, s
arrival in Bajaur and Swat; Links with Malik Ahmad 6.6 Babur
marriage with Bibi Mubarika 6.7 Malik Ahmad
khan special favours with Gigyanies 6.8 Gigyanies
contumacy and Insolence 6.9 Babur’s third trip to theFrontier
area in 1519 7.0 Malik Ahmad
khan role in the battle between Gigyanies and Dalazaks 7.1 Consequence
of Malik Ahmad khan policy 7.2
Malik Ahmad’s wise judgment 7.3 Malik Ahmad khan last battle; at Katlang (in 1525 A.D) His political wisdom and effective command in the battle 7.5 His
magnanimity and Benevolence to the weak 7.6 Malik Ahmad
khan last ambition 7.7 The
historic distribution of land 7.8 Malik Ahmad’s
political will and Dogged determination 7.9 The death of
Malik Ahmad khan in 1535 8.0 A national
tragedy
8.1 Site of his
grave 8.2 Deplorable condition of the grave 8.3 Pakhtuns heroes have been neglected by their own, and degraded by others 8.4 Great Nations
do not forget their heroes 8.5 Negligence of
the department of culture in NWFP 8.6 Heroes give
vigor and strength to nations 8.7 Continuous
Wars have destroyed their country 8.8 Pakhtuns have
a glorious past
8.9 History of
Pakhtuns written by their opponents or adversaries 9.0 Ancestors of Malik
Ahmad khan
9.1 Division of
the country between Yusaf and Mandanr 9.2 Descendents
of Mandanr
9.3 Descendents of Razar Bin Mandanr 9.4 Sons of Malik
Tajudin
9.5 Malik
Ahmad’ s family 9.6 Malik Ahmad’s
descendents in YarHussain 9.7 Bibliogrphy
Introduction The homeland of Pakhtuns Pakhtuns have been living for
thousands of years on the land, which is now Pakhtun, Pashtun, Afghan, Pathan In their daily conversation, Pakhtuns proudly call themselves as
Pakhtuns or Pashtuns. They were called by this name as far back as 450 B.C by
the famous Greek historian Herodotus. The Iranians however calls them as Afghans
and the Arabs after the conquest of Pakhtu a
language, a code of honour, and an identity It may also be added here that Pakhtu is the language of the
Pakhtuns nation. However, Pakhtu is not only the language it is also a way of
life, a code of honour though unwritten, yet deeply rooted in the blood of all Pakhtuns.
Pakhtu is also the identity of this nation. Any order or law not in agreement
with this code of honour has always been a source of trouble in the past. Mutual hostilities ends only when an out side enemy threatens Pakhtuns are divided
geographically and politically. They are also divided into several sects,
tribes, sub tribes, clans, Khels, and families, but they are strongly bound by
a common language, race, religion and a common culture, traditions and
values.Unfortuntely they are always at war among themselves on very patty
matters. However, when an enemy threatens from outside, they immediately forget
their mutual hostilities and rivalries and become united again. Actually wherever
they are, their hearts beat together in case of a danger from outside. With
spread of education urbanization and economic disparities, the customs,
traditions and values of these people are gradually changing and where the
tribal system has given way to a democratic organized Government these changes
have become prominent. Renowned warriors and formidable foes Pakhtuns of course have many weakness and deficiencies but in all
periods of recorded history, they are noted for their courage, bravery and
martial qualities. In 450 B.C Herodotus the famous Greek historian who at one
time called them as Paktues and at another as Paktuan writes about them as
under “The Paktues wore cloak of
skin and carried the bow of their country and the dagger. They are the most war
like of all Indians” Even in the 20th
century, the British who fought countess battles with Pakhtuns, call them repeatedly
as brave, dreadful warriors and formidable foes. Right through centuries they
had earned fame for their extra ordinary feats in battlefields, and were always
regarded as very tough fighters. As a result, all the Muslim invaders,
including those of Mahmood Ghaznavi and Babur, sought their help for the
conquest of Empires, Kingdoms on Foreign lands While their own soil was not favourable for Pakhtuns.They could not
grow or make substantial progress there. Continuous mutual conflicts and
internal strife had wasted their strength and ruined their potential for growth
and progress on their own homeland. Unending mutual hostilities had caused
incalculable damage and enormous loss to them. It was mainly due to these
reasons that they were unable to compose a state or an organized government on
their own homeland. Foreign soil, however, has been more favourable for
Pakhtuns talents. They earned name, fame and fortunes and rose to the heights
of glory there. While in their own homeland, Pakhtuns, inspite of tremendous
potential, could not rise and grow. On foreign soil, they made spectacular
successes and earned distinctions and honours in many fields. They performed
splendid deeds and rose to the positions of eminence all over the Indian subcontinent
.While they were unable to compose a state on their own homeland until 1747.
They achieved conspicuous victories and established sovereign states, kingdoms
and empires on foreign soil of far off lands. For centuries, Pakhtuns star
stone brightly on the soil of Indian subcontinent. They demonstrated their
extra ordinary talent and were able to establish dozens of independent states
there some of which they maintained for several centuries. More over, they
established and built a Pakhtun empire at War against Encroachment of their freedom Pakhtuns rose to higher
positions of eminence on foreign soil and earned fame and fortunes. They became
Emperors, Kings, Conquerors and distinguished leaders in different fields
there, but in their own country, they remained unorganized and disunited. In
their own homeland, they were either at war among themselves or at war against
the powerful enemies from outside. They are, in fact, the most sensitive to any
disgrace on their honour or a slur on their freedom and liberty. Through out,
they vehemently resisted those who encroached their freedom, liberty or honour.
In fact, Pakhtuns never submitted to a despotic government. They always repaid
and fully resisted those who encroached their liberty. Any attempt to subdue
these people by force, have largely been proved unsuccessful, disgraceful and
indeed highly expensive. Alexander the great had to change his routes several
times and was seriously wounded in Pakhtuns territory. The great Maghuls who
were continually at war with Pakhtuns tribes, failed to establish their
definite writ even on the plain “Right through centuries, the War with Super powers One characteristic which distinguishes
the Pakhtun nation from others is their indelible love for freedom and liberty.
This passion is deeply rooted in their blood. It was this passion, which
compelled them to face almost all super powers of the world at different
periods of the history. The Greeks, the Iranians, the Maghuls, the British, the
Russians { “Every
rock” Every hill has its story in this land” At war with U.S.A After humiliation and long, tiresome and bloody war in Rich history and a Glorious past Pakhtuns have always played an active and conspicuous role in
history. They have, of course, a rich history and a glorious past with splendid
feats and unthinkable sacrifices. In fact, Pakhtuns have been excellent in
making history but they were poor in writing history. Their adversaries,
opponents or enemies mainly wrote their history. As a result, their history was
largely distorted or misreported; their heroes were discredited, degraded or
defamed. Their freedom fighters were called rebels, traitors or miscreants;
their conquerors were dubbed as usurpers or oppressors, their feats and achievements
were maliciously tarnished, or deformed. Injustices with Pakhtuns heroes and history With spread of education, intellectual awakening and consciousness is
growing in the rising generations about their glorious past. They are becoming
increasingly conscious of the injustices done with their heroes of history. Unfortunately,
most of the prominent heroes of Pakhtun nation are lying in obscurity, hidden
and invisible even from their own descendents. Many of them have been forgotten
by the new generation. One of these forgotten heroes is Malik Ahmad khan. The Qauid-i-Azam of a beautiful country {Malik Ahmad khan} I have made a humble attempt to bring this great Pakhtun hero of
history out from darkness and obscurity. In spite of great hardships and many
obstacles and after series of many dreadful bloody battles, Malik Ahmad khan Yusafzai
ultimately succeeded in colonizing his own people in a vast beautiful fertile
country known in ancient times as Gandhara. Malik Ahmad khan was actually the
Qauid-i-Azam of this country. He was a renowned leader of his time. His fame
had spread everywhere to A man of outstanding qualities Malik Ahmad khan was not born great. He actually achieved greatness
by his dedicated efforts and long, hard, struggles. Malik Ahmad khan was a man
of outstanding qualities, a charismatic leader and in fact a national hero. He
did not live for himself. He lived for his people; he lived with them and died
for them. He actually thought, dreamt, and struggled for his people and their
future generations. He ultimately succeeded and secured a beautiful country
with plenty of fertile lands, lofty mountains, haughty rivers and impressive
verdant valleys. He secured this country not for himself but for his people and
their coming generations. Great nation do not forget their heroes. It is, however, a matter of great regret that the coming
generation of these people have completely ignored and forgotten this great
hero. He is virtually lying in oblivion and obscurity, hidden and invisible
even from his own people. It is a pity that while others have constructed
splendid memorials and raised magnificent monuments to commemorate their small
undeserving leaders, we Pakhtun have totally neglected even our great heroes.
Pakhtuns heroes have been dishonoured by others and neglected by their own.
Heroes are valuable assets. They give vigour to a dying or weaker nation. Misfortune of Malik Ahmad khan It is indeed a great injustice that while small and
insignificant persons are getting wide publicity regularly in press, radio,
television and other medias , a distinguished leader like Malik Ahmad khan who
in spite of long, arduous struggles; memorable feats and miraculous
achievement, has been disregarded, completely ignored and blotted out. It was
not his insult; it was his misfortune that he was not properly repaid by his
people. Such men are born once in several centuries. They are our invaluable heritage
and it is our sacred duty to protect and preserve these rare assets for future
generations. It was actually with some feelings of guilt and shame that I made
up my mind to write a simple brief article on Malik Ahmad khan and to try to
publish it in a local newspaper. I wanted to introduce this forgotten leader to
the rising generations who are completely unaware about his achievements. I
searched a few old books in this regard and was fortunate to get a good deal of
valuable materials about him. Thus, the small article, which I wanted to write
inadvertently, changed into a booklet of this size. I may add here that I am
not at all a historian, nor a professional writer. My main object was to throw
some light on the deeds, conduct and personality of Malik Ahmad khan and to get
him out from darkness and oblivion. I have therefore deliberately avoided the
elaborate details of battles or other events of the historical importance in
which Malik Ahmad khan was actively involved. I have taken up only those parts
of the events, which are relevant and related with his character, conduct and
personality. It may also be mentioned here, that the life of a hero in history
is not an isolated phenomenon. Therefore, his life cannot be viewed divorced
from the historical events, the wishes and aspirations as well as the customs,
beliefs and values of the society and the people at that time. Therefore, these
pages do contain a number of important battles and events of great historical
importance. At the same time, it also throws light on several important Pakhtun
tribes, their customs, their relationships and their way of life. It is a
humble attempt to bring Malik Ahmad khan baba out of darkness and present him
and his achievements to the new generations who are unaware about him and his
deeds. My judgments and opinions are, however, not conclusive and final. I
shall be glad if others use their natural right of criticism for the further
improvement of this material. It is, infact, a humble beginning of a non-professional
and I shall indeed be very glad if Pakhtun intellectuals of the new generation
undertake a more elaborates, substantial, and authentic research work in this
regard. I hope a day will come when Pakhtun intellectuals and historians will
rise to the occasion and would dig out the great deeds of their illustrious ancestors
and write their real and unblemished history. I also hope that a day will come
when the entire Pakhtun nation would regularly celebrate 25th march
regularly every year, as the Anniversary of Malik Ahmad khan. I also hope and
pray that a day will come when the department of culture of Government of
Pakistan as well as that of Government of N.W.F.P would build a proper complex
memorial or a monument in honour of this great national hero. I hope the
department would care for those who have really made history. In the end, I
would like to clearly point out that I had no intention of any kind to injure
or annoy any one. If however there is any error or a remark inadvertently
written which might have caused annoyance to anybody, I openly apologize for
such error or remark if any. Prof. Bakhtiar khan. MALIK AHMAD KHAN YUSAFZAI
A Charismatic Leader and a National Hero 1470 A.D TO 1535 A.D The Yusafzai is a well-known Pakhtun tribe. This tribe has, undoubtedly,
played a very vital role in the history of The Yusafzais continued to dwell in Kandhar for about nine hundred
years until the last portion of the thirteenth 13th century or
early14th century. With passage of time, their number and strength increased
and they became more influential and powerful. It was actually with the enthusiastic
support and full practical help of the Yusafzais that the young, inexperienced
Ulugh Beg ascended the throne of Massacre of 700 Yusafzais A series of attempt to subdue the turbulent and fiercely independent
Yusafzais by force, miserably failed. Troops were sent against them to the
surrounding hills on several occasions, but they always returned with huge loss
of lives, highly demoralized and defeated. He therefore was constrained to
change his tactics and adopt a kind and conciliatory attitude towards them.
This policy worked well on the Yusafzais who once again started to receive
unusual honours and special favours in the court. As soon as the confidence was
restored, Ulugh Beg invited seven hundred Maliks, notable and elders of Yusafzais
for a banquet in his court. One but six came alive from this infamous banquet,
the rest were massacred to a man. This horrible tragedy occurred in 1485 A.D.It
was indeed the unkindest cut of all, barbarous and brutal, cruel and inhuman.
Shocking and painful act as it was, it was particularly disastrous for the Yusafzais.
It utterly destroyed and shattered their social, political and military
strength. Deprived of their prominent, talented and top most experienced elders,
they were virtually crippled, made homeless and leaderless. Selection of Ahmad khan as a leader In fact, the shock was too sever to express, the loss was too great
to repair and the vacuum too large to fill. It seemed that the ship was wrecked;
only the wreckage was left. It was undoubtedly a very difficult time for Yusafzais.
They were rendered broken, friendless, homeless and above all leaderless. They
badly needed a strong, wise and talented leader, to collect the remnants of the
wreck and build a robust ship again. Thus, a leader in this critical hour was
needed to organize the shattered and scattered tribe of Yusafzais into a great-organized
might once again. It was certainly a difficult task, an extraordinary leader of
rare wisdom and unusual foresight and vision was needed for this purpose.
Excessive consultations were started among various groups of the tribe for
several days. Loya Jirga At last, a large representative Loya Jirga met at a suitable place.
Several religions scholars of repute also attended this important meeting
.After a good deal of consultations and discussion they actually found the type
of leader, they so badly needed and for whom they were so strenuously searching.
The leader on whom all unanimously agreed was no one else than the young, Ahmad
khan .Who had also been recommended by Malik Suleiman Shah in his lifetime as
his successor. Malik Ahmad khan Malik Ahmad khan belonged to the Mandanr branch of Yusafzais. Malik
Sultan Shah was his father and Malik Tajudin was his grand father; while Malik
Qasim was his great grand father. All the descendents of Malik Qasim are called
as Malikzais. As is evident Ahmad’s father, grandfather and great grandfather
all had been prominent Maliks and chiefs of the tribe in their lifetime. A long
ceremonial prayers were offered on this occasion by a very pious and well-known
scholar Mullah Hussain Ranizai an outstanding religions personality of the
time, for the success of the new leader. A turban was placed on his head as a
mark of honour and responsibility. Collective prayers were also offered for his
success after which the entire loyal Jirga congratulated the new leader on this
occasion. It is said that Malik Ahmad had an outstanding fame and reputation of
an excellent speaker. Thus, the speech, which he delivered after his selection,
was highly impressive and spell bound on the audience .As is well known Yusafzais
is the biggest of all Afghan tribes in number and strength. The election of its
leader therefore was a decision of great political importance, which will have
an important bearing on the future course of activities. The most probable year of birth of Malik Ahmad khan was 1470A.D, incidentally
this is also the year on which Ulugh Beg ascended the throne of Unusual wisdom and
maturity of Ahmad khan It may also be mentioned here that in urban society two persons or
families living in close neighbour hood virtually do not know each other. But
in rural society especially among the Pakhtuns, they not only intimately know
every person but are also aware about the complete history of their
families. Any significant thing said or done or unusual incident or
extra ordinary act or qualities of individuals spreads quickly for and wide and
reach almost every house of a village or locality .As such the members of the Loya
Jirga ,thoroughly knew Ahmad khan and his family and were very well aware about
his conduct, character, personality ,reputation and fame. The collective
judgment of the traditional Afghan Loya Jirga is thus based on correct information
and reliable reports. As a result, the collective decision of this Jirga is
always well conceived, well balanced and durable. The decision of this body is
still more calculated, specifically correct and free of errors at a critical
period when their survival is actually involved. The unanimous decision of all
the members is thus a clear manifestation of the unusual wisdom, maturity,
foresight and vision of Malik Ahmad khan. A great trust on Malik Ahmad
khan The decision displays a complete confidence on his leader ship and
maturity even at this young age. It is indeed an explicit acceptance of his
outstanding talents and skill to lead the Yusafzais and their allies to a
better and more secure future. The collective decision of the Loya Jirga was
not only a tremendous trust reposed on the young shoulders of Malik Ahmad khan but
it was also a great tribute to the extra ordinary qualities granted to him by
God at this young age. This was undoubtedly, the highest responsibility and the
greatest honour that the Yusafzais could give to him at this stage. They gave their
destiny of the predominantly large tribe in to his hands. This in itself is a
clear indication and an ample proof of his superiority in conduct, character,
personality and the inherent qualities required for effective leadership. Journey back to |