Afzal Khan Khattak: Pashtun Chief, Poet, and Historian

Afzal Khan Khattak (Pashto: افضل خان, 1661 – 1747) was a prominent Pashtun chief of the Khattak tribe, known for his literary contributions in Pashto and for authoring Târikh-e morassa (The Bejeweled History). He held the chieftainship of the Khattak tribe for sixty-one years, during which he not only governed but also made significant contributions to Pashtun history and literature.

Early Life and Family Background Of Afzal Khan Khattak

Afzal Khan was the eldest son of Ashraf Khan (1635–1693/94), who succeeded his father Khushal Khan as chief of the Khattak tribe in 1672/73. However, Ashraf’s rule was cut short in 1681 when he was betrayed to the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb by his own brother, Bahram. Ashraf spent his final days in captivity, and the chieftainship passed on to Afzal Khan, who himself was briefly imprisoned by the Mughals in 1686-87. He returned two years after Khushal Khan’s death in 1689 to assume leadership, which he retained until his death.

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Leadership and Literary Pursuits Of Afzal Khan Khattak

Afzal Khan’s tenure as chief was marked by political challenges and a strong commitment to preserving and promoting Pashtun culture and literature. Henry George Raverty, in his work Selections from the Poetry of the Afghans (1867), described Afzal’s reign as a time of consolidation and literary activity. Although some reports erroneously suggested that he killed his uncle Abdul Qader to secure his position, records show that Abdul Qader was alive in 1712, translating Persian classics into Pashto.

Afzal Khan encouraged his family members to engage in literary pursuits. His uncle Gawhar Khan attested to his dedication to preserving his grandfather Khushal Khan’s works by collecting and copying them, as well as by translating renowned Persian and Arabic texts into Pashto. Afzal himself translated several historical texts, including Târikh-e A’tam Kufi, Siar of Mullah Mo’in, and a tafsir (commentary) of the Quran. He also initiated a Pashto translation of Lar-e Danes, a Persian work simplified by Abu’l-Fazl.

Târikh-e morassa (The Bejeweled History)

Afzal Khan’s most notable work is Târikh-e morassa, a historical account he began in 1708. Written in Pashto, the book is an uneven but detailed history of the Afghans. The first and last sections are translations of Makhzan-e Afghani (or Tarikh-e-Khan Jahani), a Persian text by Nimat Allah al-Harawi, while the middle section offers a detailed history of the Yousafzai tribe and related Pashtun groups. This section heavily draws on Persian sources like Tazkirat-ul Abrar by Akhund Darweza and the Jahangir-nama, alongside records of his grandfather’s works.

The book documents events up to 1723-24 and serves as a crucial source for understanding Pashtun history. Târikh-e morassa includes numerous excerpts from the bayaz (notebook) of Khushal Khan, providing unique insights into the region’s history. H.G. Raverty utilized this work for his Notes on Afghanistan, highlighting its historical value.

List of Pashto-Language Poets

Legacy and Death

Afzal Khan Khattak passed away in 1747 and is buried in Ziarat Kaka Sahib near Nowshera. His contributions as a leader, poet, and historian have left a lasting impact on Pashtun history and culture. Through his works, especially Târikh-e morassa, he preserved the historical narratives and literary heritage of the Pashtun people, securing his place as a key figure in Pashtun history.

References

Rome, Badshah-i. “Contributions of Afzal Khan Khattak to Pashtoon History and Scuffle,” Pashto, 2020.
“Paxtane su ‘ara,” Kabul, 1941–42.
Shah, Abdul Hakim. “Nizami Ganjwi’s Poetry as Presented in Tareekh-e-Murassa,” Pashto, 2020.
Marzolph, Ulrich, and Kreyenbroek, Philip. Oral Literature of Iranian Languages, 2010.

Afzal Khan Khattak’s life and works remain integral to the study of Pashtun culture and history, underscoring his role as both a leader and a preserver of his people’s heritage.