Yusufzai (Pashtun tribe)
| Regions with significant populations | |
|---|---|
| Primarily Pakistan and Afghanistan | |
| Languages | |
| Pashto (Native) | |
| Religion | |
| Islam (Sunni Hanafi) |
The Yūsufzai, also called Yousafzai, is a tribe of Pashtun peoples. They are found in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa of Pakistan, and in some eastern parts of Afghanistan. In addition, some Yusufzai lineages are settled in India in 18th century, most notably in Rohilkhand region as well as the Tonk area, many of whom form a part of the larger Rohilla community and some of the other groups of Yusufzai's settled in the Deccan region (present Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka and Maharashtra) of India.
The tribe are mentioned by Babur in the 16th century. They were a pastoral nomadic tribe and served Babur well in his campaign against Lodhis, Dilazaks and Jahangeeri Swati Sultans. Due to their successful intrigues against their masters mentioned above Babur even ordered that the daughter of Malik Shahmansur their elder at that time be included in his harem. It is claimed that by the 1580s the Yusufzai numbered about 100,000 households. In general, they were uncooperative with the rule of Akbar who in late 1585 sent military forces under Zain Khan Koka and Raja Bir Bar to subdue them. In February 1586 Raja Bir Bar was killed in fighting with the Yusufzais who were led by the general Gujju Khan. It was not until about 1690 that they were partially brought under the control of the Mughal Empire. In 1849, the Yousafzai established their own Yusafzai State of Swat under the leadership of Akhund Abdul Ghaffur who appointed Sayyid Akbar Shah, a descendant of Pir Baba, as the first emir. After Akbar Shah's death in 1857, Akhund Ghaffur assumed control of the state himself. The state lasted until 1969 under its religious leaders known as Akhunds of Swat, and encompassed the present-day Swat, Buner, Shangla and Kohistan.
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