Chagharzais or Chagarzais are considered to be a tribe among The Black Mountain (Tor Ghar) Tribes. Ghagharzai is a division of the Malayzai clan of the Yousafzai tribe.[1] The Yousafzai tribe is widely recognized as one of the largest, most important and powerful of the Pathan tribes.[2] Military historian Colonel Harold Carmichael Wylly offers a personal perspective on the vast Yousafzai tribe, stating:
"The Yousafzai is an agriculturist, generally a fine, well-limbed man of a good physique and appearance with great deal of race-pride, well dressed and cheery, while his hospitality is proverbial".[3]
Origin
editSections and sub-sections (Khels)
editThe three Chagarzai sub-divisions are further divided into following Sections and Sub-sections:[6][7]
| Sub Clan | Section | Sub-section (Khel) |
| Chagharzai | Ferozai | Bai Khel, Juna Khel, Maki Khel |
| Basi Khel | Daud Khel, Shahu Khel, Khwaja Khel, Kalandar Khel, Kasan Khel and Babujan Khel. | |
| Nasrat Khel | Hanju Khel, Haider Khel, Lukman Khel and Badha Khel | |
Demographics
editThe Chagharzais occupy the country on either side of the Indus River. They are located on the western slopes of Tor Ghar (Black Mountain), to the north of the Akazais. The southern boundary of the Chagarzais is contiguous with that of the Akazais. It follows the spur of the Tor Ghar running from the Machai Sar (peak) to the Indus bank — the southern face of the spur belonging to the Akazais and the northern to the Chagarzais. On the west and north the Indus forms the boundary, while on the east the Chagarzais are bounded by the territory of the Deshiwals and of the Pariari Saiyids.[8]
Culture and traditions
editChagharzais have maintained their cultural identity and individuality. They lead their lives strictly in accordance with code of ethics of Pashtunwali which comprises Manliness, Goodness, Gallantry, Loyalty and Modesty. Chagharzais maintain the Pashtun customs of Jirga (consultative assembly), Nanawati (delegation pleading guilty), Hujhra (large drawing room) and Melmastya (hospitality).[9][10]
Creation of Tor Ghar District
editOn 28 January 2011, Tor Ghar became the 25th District of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.[11] Judba is the Headquarters of this district. The three tehsils (subdivision) of this district are; Judba, Kandar Hassanzai and Mada Khel. Most of the Chagharzai areas come under Judba Tehsil.
See also
editReferences
edit- ↑ Rose, H. A. (Horace Arthur); Ibbetson, Denzil; Maclagan, Edward Douglas (1911). A glossary of the tribes and castes of the Punjab and North-West frontier province. University of California Libraries. Lahore : Printed by the superintendent, Government Printing, Punjab.
- ↑ P.D. Bonarjee. (1899). A Handbook of The Fighting Races of India p.23-24.
- ↑ H.C. Wylly (1912). "From the Black Mountain to Waziristan". London: Macmillan. p. 56.
- ↑ Watson H. D. Ed, Gazetteer of Hazara District 1907. p. 164.
- ↑ Compiled by the Intelligence Branch, Division of the Chief of Army Staff, Army Headquarters India. Frontier and Overseas Expeditions from India. Vol I. Chapter III and IV.
- ↑ J. Wolfe Murray. A Dictionary of the Pathan Tribes on the North-west Frontier of India.
- ↑ Compiled by the Intelligence Branch, Division of the Chief of Army Staff, Army Headquarters India. Frontier and Overseas Expeditions from India. Vol I. Chapter III and IV.
- ↑ Compiled by the Intelligence Branch, Division of the Chief of Army Staff, Army Headquarters India. Frontier and Overseas Expeditions from India. Vol I. Chapter III and IV.
- ↑ Singh, Surinder; Gaur, I. D. (2008). Popular Literature and Pre-modern Societies in South Asia. Pearson Education India. ISBN 978-81-317-1358-7.
- ↑ https://capssindia.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/2-Tilak-Devasher.pdf
- ↑ Tor Ghar: Kala Dhaka becomes 25th K-P district The Express Tribune. 28 January 2011. Retrieved 12 November 2011.