Evolution of Pashto Language in Swat

Abstract

Swat has its distinctive political, social, cultural and literary history. Swat has been recorded in ancient historical sources like Reg Veda and Greek sources. Pashtun came to Swat from 11^th to 16^th century. Pashto literary tradition started in Swat with the arrival of Yusufzai Pashtuns in early 16^th century. Pashto was declared as official language of Swat state in June 1937. When Swat state was merged with Pakistan in 1969, for sometime Pashto continued as official language, which was later on replaced by Urdu and English.  This article attempts to explore the evolution and development of Pashto language in Swat from its inception to the end of twentieth century.