The Pathans

Author: Sir Olaf Caroe
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Pages: 538
Language: English

Overview

The Pathans, written by Sir Olaf Caroe, is an authoritative and comprehensive study of the Pathan tribes, a significant and historical group of people from the region of Afghanistan and the north-western border of Pakistan. Sir Olaf Caroe, a British civil servant and historian, delves deeply into the history, culture, and customs of the Pathans, offering a unique insight into their social structure, political organization, and military traditions. This revised edition includes an epilogue on Russia's role in the region, offering a broader perspective on the geopolitics surrounding the Pathan people, particularly in the context of British and Russian rivalry during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Key Features

• In-depth Analysis: A detailed exploration of the history, social structure, and cultural heritage of the Pathans.
• Historical Context: Explores the role of the Pathans in the larger geopolitical context, particularly focusing on their interactions with the British Empire and Russia.
• Insight into the Pathan Way of Life: Covers aspects of their tribal systems, religious practices, and warrior culture, offering valuable insights into one of South Asia’s most fascinating groups.
• Historical Reprints Series: Part of the Oxford in Asia Historical Reprints series, offering a critical historical analysis of key regions and peoples in South Asia.

About the Author

Sir Olaf Caroe (1892-1981) was a British civil servant, historian, and scholar who served as the Governor of the North-West Frontier Province (now Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) in British India. His extensive knowledge of the region, coupled with his firsthand experience, made him an expert on the peoples and politics of the north-western frontier, including the Pathans. His work continues to be a significant reference for students of South Asian history and political studies.

Product Features

• Scholarly Research: Caroe's work is considered a seminal text for understanding the Pathan people and their importance in South Asian history.
• Comprehensive Coverage: From their tribal leadership to their role in the geopolitical struggles of the region, this book provides a well-rounded examination of the Pathans.
• Revised Edition: Includes an epilogue that addresses Russia’s involvement in the region and its impact on the Pathan tribes, providing an updated geopolitical perspective.

Interesting Facts

• Sir Olaf Caroe’s deep familiarity with the region gives The Pathans an authenticity and richness that few other historical texts on the subject possess.
• The Pathans have long been regarded for their fierce independence, making them a unique and formidable force in South Asian history.
• This book was originally published in 1958 and continues to be a highly regarded work in understanding the history and culture of the Pathan people.

Hashtags

#ThePathans #PathanHistory #OlafCaroe #SouthAsianHistory #PathanCulture #PathanTribes #BritishIndia #Geopolitics #RussianInfluence #OxfordUniversityPress