Yusufzai

The Yūsufzai, also called Yousafzai, is a tribe of Pashtun peoples. It is also called "sons of Yusuf" from the Tribe of Joseph Esapzai son of Mand, son of Khakhykhel ,son of Kand, son of Kharshbun, son of Sarban). They are found in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa of Pakistan, and in some eastern parts of Afghanistan. In addition, some Yusufzai lineages are settled in India in 18th century, most notably in Rohilkhand region as well as the Tonk area, many of whom form a part of the larger Rohilla community. According to the Pata Khazana history book, the Khakhykhel and Ghoryakhel are brothers.

History

The tribe is mentioned as "Isapzais" by Alexander the Great in 330 BC. But they are later mentioned by Babur in the 16th century. It is claimed that by the 1580s the Yusufzai numbered about 100,000 households. In general, they were uncooperative with the rule of Akbar who sent military forces under Zain Khan Koka and Raja Bir Bar to subdue them. In 1585 Raja Bir Bar was killed in fighting with the Yusufzais who were led by the general Gujju Khan. It was not until about 1690 that they were partially brought under the control of the Mughal Empire. In 1849, the Yousafzai established their own Yusafzai State of Swat under the leadership of Akhund Abdul Ghaffur who appointed Sayyid Akbar Shah, a descendant of Pir Baba, as the first emir. After Akbar Shah's death in 1857, Akhund Ghaffur assumed control of the state himself. The state lasted until 1969 under its religious leaders known as Akhunds of Swat, and encompassed the present-day Swat, Buner, Shangla and Kohistan.

Yusufzai (disambiguation)

Yusufzai is a Pashtun tribe from Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Yusufzai, Yousafzai, or Esapzai may also refer to:

Dialect

People