Re: Background of pakhtun - split from thread
Aahha, this discussion turned this way!
Let me express my disageement with Zakk!
As for as Pashtun ethnic identity is concerned, it was there before 17th Century, probably since the end of 1st millinuim CE. It was further consolidated by the gigantic migrations of kindered tribes during 13th and 14th centuries from the valleys around Helmand-River and its tributories, which had been devastated by the attacks of Mongols. During that process, probably, these tribes criss-crossed and developed a common code of life they call "Pashtunwali" now.
Pashtun national consciousness started taking shape towards the end of 16th Century, when Ba-yazid Ansari began Roshniya Movement, ostensibly a religious movement but covertly pursuing the political objective of uniting Pashtun tribes against Mughals. Interestingly, Ba-Yazid himself was a member of Baraki or Barki tribe that had not yet been fully assimilated in Pashtuns but was in the process of assimilation.
Ethnic consciousness is somethinmg passive and apolitical whereas National consciousness is something active, broad, and (politically) manifested.
Identity is not a rigid concept to be exclusively defined by language alone. It is sense of affiliation that is more crucial. And sense of affiliation is a voluntary feeling. So, although, Hindko speaking people (many of whom are Pashtuns by descent) living with Pashtuns are part of Pashtun nation still they have the right to self-definition/determination and promotion of their culture and language. The converse is also true i.e. they may have a consciousness of a distinct identity, still may have the feelings of unity with Pashtuns in the sense of values, politics, and social structure, norms, and traditions which any rational individual will understand and concede to.
Nations are not a question of inferiority or supriority. Nations and group identities are needed for collective and individual survival and self-assertion.