Ghani Khan's The Pathan: A Book Review and PDF Download Link
Ghani Khan Book The Pathan PDF Download: A Review
If you are interested in learning more about the history, culture and politics of the Pashtun people, one of the largest and most diverse ethnic groups in South Asia, you should definitely read The Pathan, a book written by Ghani Khan, one of the most prominent Pashtun poets, philosophers and politicians of the 20th century. In this article, we will review The Pathan and tell you how you can download it in PDF format for free.
ghani khan book the pathan pdf download
Who was Ghani Khan?
Ghani Khan was born in 1914 in Charsadda, a town in the North-West Frontier Province (now Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) of British India (now Pakistan). He belonged to a prominent Pashtun family that had a long history of political and social activism. His father, Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, was a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi and a leader of the non-violent Khudai Khidmatgar (Servants of God) movement that opposed British colonial rule. His mother, Mehar Qanda, was a renowned social worker and educator who founded several schools for girls. His brother, Khan Abdul Wali Khan, was a prominent politician who led several opposition parties in Pakistan.
A poet, philosopher and politician
Ghani Khan was a man of many talents and interests. He studied engineering at the Thomson College of Engineering (now Aligarh Muslim University) in India, but he was more passionate about literature, art and philosophy. He wrote poetry in Pashto, Urdu and English, and published several collections of poems, such as The Pilgrim, Panoos and Palwashay. He also wrote prose works on various topics, such as The Face of Man, Da Ghairat Chagha (The Call of Honour) and The Pathan. He was influenced by various philosophical traditions, such as Sufism, Buddhism, Marxism and existentialism. He also painted and sculpted, and some of his artworks are displayed at the Ghani Khan Museum in Charsadda.
A champion of Pashtun culture and identity
Ghani Khan was proud of his Pashtun heritage and identity. He celebrated the rich and diverse culture of his people, their language, their poetry, their music, their customs and their values. He also advocated for the political rights and autonomy of the Pashtuns, who were divided by the artificial Durand Line that separated British India from Afghanistan. He supported his father's Khudai Khidmatgar movement, which aimed to unite the Pashtuns under a secular and democratic banner. He also joined the Indian National Congress, which fought for the independence of India from British rule. He opposed the partition of India in 1947, which created Pakistan and further divided the Pashtuns. He was arrested and imprisoned several times by both the British and the Pakistani authorities for his political views and activities.
A critic of colonialism and religious extremism
Ghani Khan was a fierce critic of colonialism and its legacy in South Asia. He denounced the exploitation and oppression of the Pashtuns and other peoples by the British and their local allies. He also criticized the feudal and tribal systems that perpetuated inequality and injustice in Pashtun society. He challenged the religious orthodoxy and extremism that threatened to undermine the pluralism and tolerance of Pashtun culture. He advocated for a secular and progressive vision of Pashtun nationalism that embraced modernity, democracy and humanism.
What is The Pathan?
The Pathan is a book written by Ghani Khan in 1947, shortly after the partition of India. It is a collection of essays on various aspects of Pashtun history, society and culture. It is divided into four parts: The Past, The Present, The Future and The Songs.
A collection of essays on Pashtun history, society and culture
In The Pathan, Ghani Khan provides a comprehensive and nuanced overview of the Pashtun people, their origins, their migrations, their wars, their kingdoms, their heroes, their legends, their myths, their beliefs, their traditions, their values, their problems, their hopes and their dreams. He covers a wide range of topics, such as the ancient history of the Pashtuns, the impact of Islam on Pashtun culture, the role of women in Pashtun society, the diversity of Pashtun tribes and regions, the influence of foreign powers on Pashtun politics, the emergence of modern Pashtun nationalism and more. He writes with a deep knowledge and understanding of his subject matter, but also with a sense of humor and irony that makes his essays engaging and entertaining.
A tribute to the diversity and resilience of the Pashtun people
The Pathan is also a tribute to the diversity and resilience of the Pashtun people, who have survived and thrived in a harsh and hostile environment for centuries. Ghani Khan celebrates the variety and richness of Pashtun culture, which has been shaped by various influences, such as Buddhism, Hinduism, Zoroastrianism, Islam, Persian, Mongol, Turkic, Mughal, Sikh, British and more. He also admires the courage and endurance of the Pashtuns, who have resisted foreign invasions and occupations with fierce determination and pride. He praises the virtues and values of the Pashtuns, such as hospitality, generosity, loyalty, honor, justice and freedom.
A reflection on the challenges and opportunities facing the Pashtuns in the modern world
The Pathan is also a reflection on the challenges and opportunities facing the Pashtuns in the modern world. Ghani Khan recognizes that the Pashtuns are at a crossroads in their history, as they have to cope with the changes brought by colonialism, partition, nationalism, modernization, urbanization, globalization and more. He warns that the Pashtuns are in danger of losing their identity and culture if they do not adapt to the new realities. He also suggests that the Pashtuns have a lot to offer to the world if they can overcome their internal divisions and external pressures. He envisions a future where the Pashtuns can preserve their heritage while embracing progress.
Why should you read The Pathan?
There are many reasons why you should read The Pathan, whether you are a Pashtun or not. Here are some of them:
To learn more about a fascinating and misunderstood region and people
The Pathan is a great source of information and insight into a region and a people that are often misunderstood or misrepresented in mainstream media and popular culture. The Pathan offers a balanced and authentic perspective on the history, culture and politics of the Pashtuns, who are one of the largest and most diverse ethnic groups in South Asia. The Pathan helps you to appreciate the complexity and diversity of Pashtun society, which cannot be reduced to stereotypes or generalizations.
To appreciate the literary and intellectual legacy of Ghani Khan
The Pathan is also a testament to the literary and intellectual legacy of Ghani Khan, who was one of the most influential and original Pashtun writers of the 20th century. He had a unique style and voice that blended classical and modern elements, poetic and philosophical themes, local and universal perspectives. He was a master of metaphors and imagery, and his poems are full of beauty, wisdom and humor. He also had a profound impact on Pashtun literature and culture, inspiring many poets and artists who followed him.
To gain insights into the contemporary issues and conflicts in Afghanistan and Pakistan
The Pathan is also relevant for understanding the contemporary issues and conflicts in Afghanistan and Pakistan, where the Pashtuns constitute a significant population. Many of the problems and challenges that Ghani Khan wrote about more than half a century ago are still present today, such as poverty, illiteracy, violence, extremism, corruption, discrimination and identity crisis. Many of the solutions and suggestions that Ghani Khan offered are still valid today, such as education, reform, dialogue, tolerance and peace. Reading The Pathan can help you to appreciate the historical and cultural roots of the current situation, as well as the potential and possibilities for a better future.
How can you download The Pathan in PDF format?
If you are interested in reading The Pathan by Ghani Khan, you will be glad to know that it is available for free download in PDF format on various online platforms. Here are some of the websites where you can find The Pathan in PDF format:
The Pathan is available for free download on various online platforms
Thanks to the efforts of some dedicated fans and admirers of Ghani Khan's work, The Pathan has been digitized and uploaded on several websites that offer free access to books and documents in PDF format. You can download The Pathan from these websites without any registration or payment.
Some of the websites where you can find The Pathan in PDF format are:
Internet Archive
The Internet Archive is a non-profit digital library that provides free access to millions of books, movies, music, software and more. You can find two versions of The Pathan by Ghani Khan on the Internet Archive website: one published in 1947 by The National Informations And Publications Ltd Bombay , and another published in 1986 by Pashto Academy Peshawar. You can download both versions in PDF format by clicking on the download options on the right side of the webpage.
Scribd
Scribd is a subscription-based digital library that offers unlimited access to books, audiobooks, magazines, podcasts and more. You can find The Pathan by Ghani Khan on Scribd website. You can download it in PDF format by clicking on the download button on the top right corner of the webpage. However, you will need to sign up for a free trial or a paid subscription to access Scribd's content.
PDF Drive
PDF Drive is a free search engine that offers access to millions of PDF files. You can find The Pathan by Ghani Khan on PDF Drive website. You can download it in PDF format by clicking on the green download button on the webpage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Pathan by Ghani Khan is a remarkable book that explores the history, culture and politics of the Pashtun people with depth, insight and flair. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to learn more about a fascinating and misunderstood region and people, appreciate the literary and intellectual legacy of Ghani Khan, and gain insights into the contemporary issues and conflicts in Afghanistan and Pakistan. You can download The Pathan in PDF format for free from various online platforms such as Internet Archive, Scribd and PDF Drive.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who was Ghani Khan?
Ghani Khan was a Pashtun poet, philosopher and politician who lived from 1914 to 1996. He was one of the most prominent and original Pashtun writers of the 20th century. He wrote poetry in Pashto, Urdu and English, and prose works on various topics. He was also a painter and sculptor. He was the son of Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, a leader of the non-violent Khudai Khidmatgar movement, and the brother of Khan Abdul Wali Khan, a prominent politician in Pakistan.
What is The Pathan?
The Pathan is a book written by Ghani Khan in 1947. It is a collection of essays on various aspects of Pashtun history, society and culture. It is divided into four parts: The Past, The Present, The Future and The Songs. It is considered as one of the best books on Pashtun culture and identity.
Why should you read The Pathan?
You should read The Pathan because it is a great source of information and insight into a region and a people that are often misunderstood or misrepresented in mainstream media and popular culture. It offers a balanced and authentic perspective on the history, culture and politics of the Pashtuns, who are one of the largest and most diverse ethnic groups in South Asia. It also helps you to appreciate the literary and intellectual legacy of Ghani Khan, who was one of the most influential and original Pashtun writers of the 20th century. It also gives you insights into the contemporary issues and conflicts in Afghanistan and Pakistan, where the Pashtuns constitute a significant population.
How can you download The Pathan in PDF format?
You can download The Pathan in PDF format for free from various online platforms such as Internet Archive, Scribd and PDF Drive. You can find the links to these websites in the article above.
What are some of the famous quotes by Ghani Khan?
Some of the famous quotes by Ghani Khan are: - "What is man's life but love, love of self; Man is dust, dust as his passion, dust as the beloved. Death, it is your great act of piety for man You take him to your house or he'd be left to himself." - "Death is a covenant between the lover and the beloved; Death is a secret wedlock between being and non-being." - "I want to see my people educated and enlightened. A people with a vision and a strong sense of justice who can carve out a future for themselves, in harmony with nature." - "Look at man, the pride of beings, Fettered in his chains, a slave, Though he tries with might and main, He cannot his freedom gain - From himself and from his world!"
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