Diverse Perceptions of Term “Afghan” in the Poetry of Khushal Khan Khattak

Abstract

The term Afghan is an ethno-geographic term usually referred to the inhabitants of the land between River Oxus and River Indus. The geo-socio situation and strategic importance of the lands of Afghan have contributed a lot to construct and develop various psychological and physiological characteristics of the inhabitants of this very land. In this paper, before figuring out the diversity of perceptions of term “Afghan” in the poetry of Khushal Khan Khattak, we have tried to define the term “Afghan” and explore various characteristics of the term. Then the term has been elaborated through Khushal Khan Khattak poetry and has been particularized in the present age. The glory associated with this term and its psychological aspects have been discussed in the light of the poems and various verses of the most enlighten Khushal Khan Khattak.