Nāzo Tokhi - Pashtun warrior poetNāzo Tokhi (1651-1717), also known as Nāzo Anā (“Nazo the gra
Nāzo Tokhi - Pashtun warrior poetNāzo Tokhi (1651-1717), also known as Nāzo Anā (“Nazo the grandmother” in Pashto), was born near Thazi in the vicinity of Kandahar. Her father, Sultan Malakhai Tokhi, was an independent ruler who governed tribes from Ghazni to Jaldak in present-day Afghanistan. She studied with Pashtun women and scholars during her childhood. Nāzo became famed for her bravery and kindness. When her father died, her brother left her in charge of the fortress. Nāzo dressed like a warrior and armed herself with a sword. She successfully fought against marauders and also reportedly led troops in battle to avenge her father.Nāzo was also renowned for her generous hospitality. She helped the poor, the wanderers, fed and gave clothes to those who needed it. In winter, when caravans stopped by her fortress, she welcomed hundred of guests. Nāzo also arbitrated conflicts between the Pashtun tribes and made sure that they stayed allied against the Persian rulers. She was also a renowned poet and intellectual, many of her works deal with religious subjects. Here is one of her poems :“Dew drops from an early dawn narcissus as a tear drops from a melancholy eye;O beauty, I asked, what makes you cry?Life is too short for me, it answered,My beauty blooms and withers in a moment,as a smile which comes and forever fades away”She married Khalim Khan Hotak and gave birth to four sons. One of them later became the famous Afghan ruler Mirwais Hotak. For this reason, Nāzo is remembered as the “Mother of Afghan Nationalism”. Her name was also given to a school for girls in Kandahar.Here is the link to my Ko-Fi if you want to support me.References:Hotak Muhammad, The hidden treasure: a biography of Pashtoon poetsKakar Palwasha, “Tribal Law of Pashtunwali and Women’s Legislative Authority”Osman Mohmand Mohammad, “Naz o Ana”Sankey Margaret D., Women and War in the 21st Century: A Country-by-Country Guide -- source link
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