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The Pathans: 550 B.C.- A.D. 1957
This is an authoritative work on the social and political history of the Pathans, from 550 BC to AD 1957. It includes an epilogue written, just before the author's death, in the light of recent events in Afghanistan.
543 pages, Hardcover
First published March 29, 1984
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 5, 2011
Outstanding scholarly account of this rather strange tribal group that has become one of the most significant populations on the planet: the Pathans are better known in the U.S. as the Pashtuns--the largest segimentary tribe on the planet, and as some point out, the largest tribal group without a homeland. Though typically thought of as a rural mountain people living in the Hindu Kush in largely ungovernable portions of Pakistan and Afghanistan, they are rapidly becoming urbanized. (Karachi now numbers more than 5 mil. Pashtuns.) Caroe's magnificent contribution is the deep scholarly work of synthesizing the anthropological data on their long history to offer the long-view of the cultural dynamics of these peoples. (Peoples whose aggressive codes of revenge and biases in favor of family honor are not simply out of step with the modern world, but a danger to it: my view, not Caroe's.) Caroe's work needs and deserves to be rediscovered. It is not simply fine work, but an example of exactly what we lose when we shift to "the internet" for our information: the deeply considered thinking of an expert who has organized material in a unique and insightful manner, chapter by excellent chapter.
May 19, 2022
Took me a long time to finish this fine treatise on Pathan history (oh, and what a history it was). Suffice to say it was totally worth it.
December 16, 2016
It has taken me awhile; thankful it's done & been read. Though a classic, it was a classically hard read, that took a very intentional effort and lots of intermittent breaks with other more engaging books. Glad I read it, though, and it certainly gives one a greater appreciation of the complexities with the great Pashtun/Pakhtun/Pathan people.
March 20, 2007
It was obviously written 40 years ago and isn't for everyone. It's mostly historical based but if you happen to be Pathan its interesting.
November 24, 2009
A Great writing. An authority on Pakhtuns/Afghans history.
August 24, 2017
Exceptional. Took me through millennia and I felt I was driving along with Olaf Caroe along the road of history in a time machine. Was a fascinating experience. Love history. I so love history when someone narrates it like this.
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October 5, 2015Good book on Pukhtoon’s history but approach is imperialistic.
December 25, 2025
A riveting account of Pathans History.... must read for anyone who is interested in the history of brave and courageous people.
August 17, 2025
I wholeheartedly recommend this book though.
Unlike fan fiction written by Zionists, this book, especially in the context of the development, cultural identity, social constructs, and general growth of an ethnography which is genuinely well documented, given depth and nuance, and is sociologically, anthropologically, and culturally the most respectful portrayal of the Pathans.
For those who are unaware, the Pathan is a very diverse, culturally unique and identifiable ethnic entity. The ethnic demographic of Pathan when taking geographical outreach into account, is generally identified in Khyber Pukhtunkhwa (KP) in Pakistan as well as Durand Line neighboring areas between Afghanistan and Pakistan as well as the provincial lines separating Balochistan and FATA (the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, now independent districts which are under the jurisdiction of KP). However, Pathans are a significant population internationally as well - they are communities in Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, Uzbekistan, Russia, Canada, Australia, Malaysia, as well as in Uganda too.
However, within this community, Olaf Caroe (since he was governor of the North West Frontier Province, and continued living as an honored guest there for over 55 years until he passed away in the early 80s) also provides insight into each individual tribe, into the disambiguation of "Khan" both as a tribal identifier and as an honorific. In fact, he also provides nuanced identification to various myths which are present between each individual tribal entity, into the accent development of Pushtu, the complications of the Pukhtunkhwa (the tribal code from which the Pathan ethnic groups and tribal groups are separated from other ethnicity groups in Pakistan and Afghanistan) and how this, rather than religious grounds, define the trends of education, health, and social structure.
Especially when taking into account the current Pathan communities and how they are developing, this book is still as relevant now as it was at the time when it was published. In fact, whilst the book focuses on the Russian withdrawal of the early 20th Century and provides an epilogue to emphasize how the Cold War will impact the population, we should take into account that the book still stands as a potentially viable and tangibly important book. Whether it describes the key cities that play significant migratory roles in the Pathan community - even highlighting the fiction and schism between each non Pathan and Pathan community (Tajiks for example, or Hazara, or the Hindko community of Peshawar and Haripur in KP. Even Central Asian community such as Uzbeks), and how they have interactions which influence their accents, structures, and even conduct.
You can still apply a substantial number of anthropology indicators of the Pathans on Germans, and it would not only be relevant, it would explain a significant number of their qualities too. However, unlike the Germans, the Pathans have a more unique ethnographic sociohistorical narrative and phenomenological perspective and identity. Germans have accepted that they are the servants of Jews, whislt Pathans are independent, and to that end I recommend this book as a better more nuanced appreciation of the community.
It is certainly a lot less biased than Germany would expect you to believe.
Unlike fan fiction written by Zionists, this book, especially in the context of the development, cultural identity, social constructs, and general growth of an ethnography which is genuinely well documented, given depth and nuance, and is sociologically, anthropologically, and culturally the most respectful portrayal of the Pathans.
For those who are unaware, the Pathan is a very diverse, culturally unique and identifiable ethnic entity. The ethnic demographic of Pathan when taking geographical outreach into account, is generally identified in Khyber Pukhtunkhwa (KP) in Pakistan as well as Durand Line neighboring areas between Afghanistan and Pakistan as well as the provincial lines separating Balochistan and FATA (the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, now independent districts which are under the jurisdiction of KP). However, Pathans are a significant population internationally as well - they are communities in Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, Uzbekistan, Russia, Canada, Australia, Malaysia, as well as in Uganda too.
However, within this community, Olaf Caroe (since he was governor of the North West Frontier Province, and continued living as an honored guest there for over 55 years until he passed away in the early 80s) also provides insight into each individual tribe, into the disambiguation of "Khan" both as a tribal identifier and as an honorific. In fact, he also provides nuanced identification to various myths which are present between each individual tribal entity, into the accent development of Pushtu, the complications of the Pukhtunkhwa (the tribal code from which the Pathan ethnic groups and tribal groups are separated from other ethnicity groups in Pakistan and Afghanistan) and how this, rather than religious grounds, define the trends of education, health, and social structure.
Especially when taking into account the current Pathan communities and how they are developing, this book is still as relevant now as it was at the time when it was published. In fact, whilst the book focuses on the Russian withdrawal of the early 20th Century and provides an epilogue to emphasize how the Cold War will impact the population, we should take into account that the book still stands as a potentially viable and tangibly important book. Whether it describes the key cities that play significant migratory roles in the Pathan community - even highlighting the fiction and schism between each non Pathan and Pathan community (Tajiks for example, or Hazara, or the Hindko community of Peshawar and Haripur in KP. Even Central Asian community such as Uzbeks), and how they have interactions which influence their accents, structures, and even conduct.
You can still apply a substantial number of anthropology indicators of the Pathans on Germans, and it would not only be relevant, it would explain a significant number of their qualities too. However, unlike the Germans, the Pathans have a more unique ethnographic sociohistorical narrative and phenomenological perspective and identity. Germans have accepted that they are the servants of Jews, whislt Pathans are independent, and to that end I recommend this book as a better more nuanced appreciation of the community.
It is certainly a lot less biased than Germany would expect you to believe.
January 30, 2018
It is clearly a book that should belong in every Pashtun family's library. A book you want to pass on to your Pashtun children. It is a book to be used for historical reference. It is a book to be used when one wants to read about any specific time of Pashtun history. From pre-Islam to all Arab conquests, to Mughal era and British rule.
I'm not a mere gullible individual who would simply believe anything written in a book. In this case a book of History. My education moulds me into being someone who wouldn't want to gain information from just one source, I would rather acquire information from as many credible sources as possible. And then establish a personal opinion regarding that piece of historical information.
And I'll presume you to be the same.
As many of us have come to know and are often told that our history of the subcontinent, specially pre partition, written in various history books is distorted. In this instance, history of Pashtuns. But the only way of uncovering the truth is by reading all possible sources. That is why it is foolish to ignore and avert oneself from this magnificent work of Pashtun History by Sir Olaf Caroe, merely on the grounds of him being a safeguard and a decorated soldier of British imperialism.
His book contains invaluable insightful history of the Pashtuns. Dating from ancient greek times of 500 b.c up-till 20th century NWFP. The detailing, research of numerous events and pashtun people of significance is too vast. Reader will find it a bit of a 'drag' to read once passed mid section. But reaching midsection is a joyride of a read. I doubt that I'll find a more comprehensive history book on the Pashtuns by any other writer. Or that any writer in the future would match Olaf Caroe's work.
All Olaf Caroe does, is lays down all legend, myth and written text from ancient times to mughal era, Quoting the 'Makhzane afghan' quoting works by 'Elphinstone' and 'Raverty'. And does state his own opinions.
I'm not a mere gullible individual who would simply believe anything written in a book. In this case a book of History. My education moulds me into being someone who wouldn't want to gain information from just one source, I would rather acquire information from as many credible sources as possible. And then establish a personal opinion regarding that piece of historical information.
And I'll presume you to be the same.
As many of us have come to know and are often told that our history of the subcontinent, specially pre partition, written in various history books is distorted. In this instance, history of Pashtuns. But the only way of uncovering the truth is by reading all possible sources. That is why it is foolish to ignore and avert oneself from this magnificent work of Pashtun History by Sir Olaf Caroe, merely on the grounds of him being a safeguard and a decorated soldier of British imperialism.
His book contains invaluable insightful history of the Pashtuns. Dating from ancient greek times of 500 b.c up-till 20th century NWFP. The detailing, research of numerous events and pashtun people of significance is too vast. Reader will find it a bit of a 'drag' to read once passed mid section. But reaching midsection is a joyride of a read. I doubt that I'll find a more comprehensive history book on the Pashtuns by any other writer. Or that any writer in the future would match Olaf Caroe's work.
All Olaf Caroe does, is lays down all legend, myth and written text from ancient times to mughal era, Quoting the 'Makhzane afghan' quoting works by 'Elphinstone' and 'Raverty'. And does state his own opinions.
September 19, 2026
The Pathans by Olaf Caroe was the first book I actually completed and didn’t drop. This book has an emotional connection for me, as I first picked it up while searching for my identity and heritage. It has also been a major reason why I changed my degree and career choices to history and politics. Although it was published in 1957, Olaf Caroe's book is a must-read, and I have yet to see a book on Pashtuns as complete as his, even after reading many Pashtun-related books.
Olaf Caroe, being the governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the late British Empire rule, provides an in-depth and complex history about the Pashtuns, their genealogy, warrior past, their code of life and politics. Olaf Caroe covers various theories of Pashtun origin, such as the Jewish, Hepthalite, Greek, Indo-Aryan, and many more, which is great for people interested in learning about pre-Islamic Pashtun history. While some may criticise it for giving an imperialistic perspective on Pashtuns, I’d argue it is much better than a ethnic nationalist recreating their own fantasy history.
Olaf Caroe, being the governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during the late British Empire rule, provides an in-depth and complex history about the Pashtuns, their genealogy, warrior past, their code of life and politics. Olaf Caroe covers various theories of Pashtun origin, such as the Jewish, Hepthalite, Greek, Indo-Aryan, and many more, which is great for people interested in learning about pre-Islamic Pashtun history. While some may criticise it for giving an imperialistic perspective on Pashtuns, I’d argue it is much better than a ethnic nationalist recreating their own fantasy history.
Want to Read
April 13, 2020To an extent it is correct but at some places it is not correct. At that time what happen was said to me by ome of his near servent. And said this is wronv when he brought a man and killed him u know.
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March 2, 2020Goood
Want to Read
April 14, 2020iyuuyijh
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 19, 2020
Definitive look at the famed Pashtun tribes
Want to Read
March 30, 2021thanks alot im khan from pakistan and i want to read this book in official language if you help me i will be very thank full to you for that........
November 3, 2019
Where do I begin?
Being an ethnic Pathan (Pakhtun) I was naturally drawn to this book.
After seeing it in a YouTube video (only briefly shown) it piqued my interest and I ordered it off of Amazon. It arrived a few weeks later and was devoured it soon after.
The story begins before Alexander the Great and ends with an epilogue on Russia. Between that span of more than 2000 years he breaks down major events in this region.
He goes on to differentiate between different sub-tribes within the Pathan genealogy and explain differences in custom and behaviors of each group.
For anyone who is interested in the Pathan culture this is a MUST READ.
Being an ethnic Pathan (Pakhtun) I was naturally drawn to this book.
After seeing it in a YouTube video (only briefly shown) it piqued my interest and I ordered it off of Amazon. It arrived a few weeks later and was devoured it soon after.
The story begins before Alexander the Great and ends with an epilogue on Russia. Between that span of more than 2000 years he breaks down major events in this region.
He goes on to differentiate between different sub-tribes within the Pathan genealogy and explain differences in custom and behaviors of each group.
For anyone who is interested in the Pathan culture this is a MUST READ.
October 25, 2015
Good book providing tribal background information on the eastern border of Afghanistan and the western border of Pakistan - the uncontrolled tribal lands of the Northwest Frontier. At times hard to keep all the names straight and who is on who's limb of the ancestor tree. Somewhat dated as it was written in the 1950's but like the author said - once a tribe claimed a home territory they didn't/haven't moved very far.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews