The Turbulent Frontier, the Mighty Raj and the Reformative Approach of Haji Sahib Turangzai

Abstract

The Indian Northwest Frontier Region, served as the main vein linked to the ‘Jewel in the Crown’-British Indian Government of the  British Empire, and continuously remained centre of the diplomatic squabbling among the European powers. The British Indian Government, while safeguarding her interests, focused on her North-west Frontier region, endeavored manifestation of various policies, however, the Pukhtuns of this region responded with nationalist spirit and defended their motherland. Previously, during the nineteenth century, the British managed to keep the Pukhtuns away from getting education, and instead, utilised two important features of their Pukhtunwali-including bravery and loyalty-to achieve their hidden objectives. To serve their Masters, the Pukhtuns used their courage and sword against their fellow Pukthuns. The British thus played their cards tactfully and also facilitated the public and their chiefs (Malak, Khans, Khasadars) through many ways-paying allowances and Mua’ajib only to win over their loyalty for their Masters and again use their strength against their Pukhtun brothers. However, with start of the twentieth century, the region witnessed emergence of many leaders who sensed the situation and envisaged future threats which could affect the Pukhtuns. One such leader was Fazal Wahid alias Haji Sahib Turangzai who initiated reformation of the Pukhtun Society and adopted multi-dimensional approach to achieve his objective. This research article, based on archival and other published primary sources, is an attempt to understand the reformative approach of the Haji Sahib Turangzai with respect to Pukhtun Society under the harsh British Administration.