Afzal Khan Khattak (Pashto: افضل خان), born in 1661 and passed away around 1747, was a prominent figure in Pashtun history. Known as a tribal chief, historian, and literary figure, he played a significant role in preserving the heritage of the Khattak tribe and Pashtun culture through his poetry and scholarly works. His most notable contribution, the Târikh-e morassa (The Bejeweled History), remains a vital source of Afghan history.
Early Life and Leadership
Afzal Khan Khattak was born into a lineage of tribal leaders and literary figures. He was the eldest son of Ashraf Khan, who became chief of the Khattak tribe in 1672–73 after succeeding his father, the legendary Khushal Khan Khattak. However, Ashraf’s rule was cut short in 1681 when he was betrayed by his brother Bahram and captured by the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. He later died in captivity.
In 1686–87, Afzal himself was arrested by the Mughals and taken to Kabul. After the death of his grandfather Khushal Khan in 1689, he returned to take on the chieftaincy of the Khattak tribe. He led the tribe for an impressive 61 years, navigating political rivalries and imperial pressures while promoting cultural and literary achievements.
Literary Contributions and Historical Translations
Afzal Khan Khattak was deeply influenced by his grandfather’s intellectual legacy. He took major steps to preserve Khushal Khan’s writings by collecting and commissioning copies of his works. His passion for literature extended beyond his family, as he encouraged relatives and scholars to translate major Persian and Arabic works into Pashto.
At the age of 53, after ruling for 25 years, Afzal focused on translating several historical and religious texts. These included:
- The Tarikh of A’tam Kufi
- The Siar of Mullah Mo’in
- A tafsir (exegesis) of the Quran
- A translation of Lar-e Danes, the simplified Persian version of Anwar-e Sohayly by Hosayn Wa`ez Kashefi, completed in 1716
His translations were not only linguistic achievements but also a means of cultural empowerment for the Pashtun people.
Târikh-e Morassa: A Jewel of Pashtun History
Afzal Khan began writing his magnum opus, Târikh-e morassa, in 1708. This historical chronicle is a cornerstone of Afghan historiography written in Pashto. It is divided into three major sections:
- First and Last Sections: Adaptations of the Persian Makhzan-e Afghani by Nimat Allah al-Harawi
- Middle Section: An original and detailed account of the Yousafzai and related Pashtun tribes, drawn from sources like Tazkirat-ul Abrar, Tabaqat-i-Akbari, and the Jahangir-nama
- Khattak Legacy: A comprehensive historical record of the Khattak tribe, especially highlighting Khushal Khan’s contributions
Notably, this work includes large excerpts from Khushal Khan’s personal notebook (bayaz) and documents events up to 1723–24. British scholar H.G. Raverty later utilized this material in his Notes on Afghanistan, underscoring the historical value of Afzal’s work.
Legacy and Final Years
Despite conflicting reports on the exact date of his death—with some sources suggesting 1769–70—Afzal Khan Khattak is generally believed to have died around 1747. He is buried at Ziarat Kaka Sahib, near Nowshera, a site that continues to draw admirers of his legacy.
Afzal Khan’s influence as a historian, poet, and tribal leader extended far beyond his time. His efforts to preserve and promote Pashto literature and Afghan history laid a foundation for future generations of scholars and poets. His life exemplifies the fusion of leadership, intellectual pursuit, and cultural pride.
Conclusion
Afzal Khan Khattak remains an enduring symbol of Pashtun resilience and intellectual depth. Through his literary and historical works, especially the Târikh-e morassa, he safeguarded the narratives of his people in an age when oral traditions faced erasure under imperial domination. Today, his legacy continues to inspire scholars, poets, and historians across Afghanistan and the broader Pashto-speaking world.
Keywords: Afzal Khan Khattak, Târikh-e morassa, Pashtun history, Khattak tribe, Pashto literature, Afghan historian, Khushal Khan Khattak, Pashtun poets
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