Pakhtuns are unique for many
reasons. One of the distinctive
attributes of Pakhtuns is that they form the biggest tribal population in the
present time. Though the tribal structure of Pakhtuns is fast losing it
distinctive aroma and some of the tribal traditions have been distorted to the
extent that they have lost their originality, still the Pakhtun tribal
structure is one of the main pillars which could explain a Pakhtun identity.
Normally Pakhtuns proudly associate themselves with tribes, sub-tribes and
clans. They take pride in their tribal and national heroes. They love the land
where they live and a big piece of Pashto literature is about patriotism and
nationalism.
The archetypal Pakhtuns way of
life was simple and egalitarian where all the members of a family were supposed
to work. Historically Pakhtuns had been living a nomadic life in Afghanistan
and they had settled in their present homeland after several migrations. Where
there was agriculture, men and women would jointly work in the fields. Even
still today Pakhtun women have been contributing to family income by engaging
themselves in cottage industry. The family structure enjoys a considerable
matriarchy and older women have greater say in family matters. In the past
women used to form Jarga—the traditional forum for the settlement of
disputes—but the practices is now extinct. In time of tribal disputes and wars
women would assist men in the battle fields.
The Pakhtuns follow a strictest
code of life called Pakhtunwali. Besides some regional variations, this code is
practiced in almost all Pakhtun areas to a certain degree. This code is a
combination of secular customs and traditions whose values are dear to every
Pakhtun. Some of the tenets of Pakhtunwali are bravery, hospitality, loyalty,
asylum and justice etc.
Pashto Tapa is one of the
rarest literary and poetic genres. Most of the Tapas are orally transmitted and
they form the core of Pashto folklore. A significant thing about Tapas is that
they are mostly put together by women. Those who always find fault with the
Pakhtuns way of life should revisit their thinking and study Pashto Tapa for
the degree of freedom of expression a Pashtun culture allow to women. The study
of Tapa tells us that the internal fabric of Pashtun Culture is feminine,
sensitive and considerably of higher aesthetic value. The themes of Tapa are
diverse and cover almost all aspect of Pakhtuns life. The style is so simple
and fluent that ordinary men and women can create more Tapas while talking or
singing. Majority of these Tapas are about love—love for one’s beloved or alternatively
love for the motherland.
The Pakhtuns share a good taste
for poetry. Almost all Pakhtuns enjoy poetry and majority of them could create
their own poetry. Mushaeras or poetry events have remained major events in the
Pakhtun social and cultural life. Every area has its own poets and some of
these poets have their poetry collections published. Common themes of Pashto
poetry are diverse such as love, patriotism, morality, secular values, longing
for peace, hero-worship, and Islam etc. A refined taste for poetry and the
diverse poetic themes and genres is a testimony to the fact that Pakhtuns’
worldview is broader unlike the many labels and stereotypes which have been
formed by the foreigners about them from time to time. The rich poetic
traditions among Pakhtuns tell us about the scholarly aspect of their life
which has remained thirsty for more knowledge and learning.
(To be
continued)
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