At a time when stability is yet to take root in Afghanistan, the book under review is relevant and timely. Given the current situation, analysts say an organised and capable army composed of Afghans can be the only hope in controlling the warring factions and a society split on tribal lines. Musa Khan Jalalzai, the author of Afghan National Army, agrees with the view. . . . Read More

Muslim authors agree that the Khalaj are one of the earliest tribes to have crossed the Oxus. In addition to I. Khurdadhbih whom we have quoted above, Istakhri (circa AD 930) says: "The Khalaj are a class of Turks who in the days of the old (fi qadim al-ayyam) came to the country stretching between India and the districts of Sijistan, behind Ghur. . . . Read More

Khyber Agency has an area of 991 square miles. The majority of the tribes in this agency are Afridis, of which there are eight major sections. However, there are important pockets of Mallagoris (Mohmand) Shilmanis, and Shinwaries. Shinwaries live on both sides of the Pakistan Afghan border but are predominantly in Afghanistan. The Afridis are famed as the tribe that control the Khyber Pass and also as the inhabitants of what is still one of the most inaccessible areas, Afridi Tirah. This strategic situation has enabled the Afridis to force every conqueror in history passing through the Khyber to come to terms with them. They have a formidable battle record for strategy and tenacity in the mountains. They once annihilated an entire Moghul army of Aurangzeb's. . . . Read More

After doing away with great Mujaheds like Sardar Muhammad Khan Tareen and Bostan Khan Tarin, the Sikhs had a field day in tormenting and persecuting the population. The Mashwanis of Srikot were forced to migrate from their homelands and because of this they were refugees in nearby localities for six to seven years. Many of them crossed the Indus and moved to Swabi. The Sikhs also forcefully enscripted several Mashwani youths in their army. After the death of Maharaja Ranjid Singh, the Sikh empire fell prey to disorder and hence their rule weakened. . . . Read More