Dynamics of complexes in Chitrali society-1
Prof. Rhmat Karim Baig
The present generation with its knowledge of theology, natural sciences and social sciences has a very different view of the current culture around them. They have taken it for granted that Chitral has had the same features, resources, connectivity, educational profile, social values, skills etc. but it had other aspects of life and social structure based on many negative points of view.
The old structure was very different compared to the present trends but at the same time many of the side effects of the bitterness of the past do exist in our culture.
The inhabitants of Chitral then lived in the gloom of uncertainty due to rift among the members of the ruling family. The extended ruling family had become unmanageable for each of the rulers because of the ambitions of the dissident scions of the family. Each male who was born in the palace but fostered in some distant valley in a family with specific values got different habits, mannerism, merits and demerits.
Thus, the princes brought back to the palace differing or contradictory approach to promote their interests along with a number of sketches for conspiracies, and sought chances to ascend the throne by hook or by crook.
The fostering family and hence the whole tribe had envisaged a bright future for their foster son and supported his cause and opposed similar endeavours of the other princes. Thus, all the fostering families and the tribes as a whole were at loggerheads throughout the lifetime of the princes concerned. The tribes thus entered into a type of network of continued conspiracies and the bulk of the principal tribes became involved in one or another.
The smaller tribes i.e. with their smaller population did not enter that tug-of-war and did not want to be embroiled in high profile cases that boiled underground but erupted from time to time. Thus, a state of unrest once started continued to take turns in different phases of history or did bring upheavals unexpectedly. The game was captained by the princes and the fostering tribes were their constituencies.
The tug-of-war between the tribes for promoting their cause went on and a state of unrest continued to loom over the political arena. They kept secret agents for gleaning info about the designs of the other tribes and also aimed at spreading rumours in the ranks of a rival tribe. Their struggle for gains and favours of the ruling prince or the one who was to succeed took time, but the prospects of succession were not clear and the throne could fall into the lap of any candidate e.g. Amirul Mulk, whom nobody expected to ascend the throne.
The revenges by each next ruler were beyond description and the state of uncertainty was a main cause of malice and prejudice among the principal tribes. The one’s success meant the rival’s defeat, leading to loss of lands and royal favours. The bitter experiences of the past are felt even to date that surface up during election campaigns.
The stories of the bitterness of rivalry of one tribe against another is still related in the close circles of the major families and thus the toxicity of the bygone days is transmitted to the new generation so the idea of bringing people closer to each other does not materialize, the distance is thus kept as it was centuries ago, and this negative side of the complex is not subsiding noticeably.
Certain fake stories of the past of one tribe is overstated and in reaction the others reveal many of the dark aspects of that particular tribe is disclosed. So in a small area like Chitral, nothing could be kept concealed for long. This is not fair for the future generation.
What a convoluted thinking this article reflects. Chitral from the period 1840 onward saw remarkable political stability except for a brief interlude between 1892 and 1895. Since a lot has been written about this period by the British too much importance is attached to it. The British were so impressed by the long period of peace in Chitral in this period which saw a lot of turmoil in the rest of the frontier. Of all the rulers in the north it was the ruler of Chitral who enjoyed an eleven guns salute and the title of His Highness. This was a tribute to the stability of the society. It would be wrong to assume that Chitral was a dead society. It was a highly competitive society where the struggle over resources was as intensive as anywhere else, leading to jealousies and bitternesses. Since it was a barter society the struggle was around land. Clever politicians will exploit these historical divisions but its for us to be careful about them
Prof, another very interesting write-up on Chitrali society. I think as a student of Sociology Chitrali society is a simple one. The reason for that is that we are among the equals – no one is powerful. In a tribal society like ours, power comes by large land ownership but in Chitral every one has a small piece. Now I would call it ‘khargher’ as human population growing its more shrinking, even ex rulers have no such large land holdings. As a tribal society, there are tribes with different social positions and social stratification but their affiliation only works during election times or when their offsprings are married off. Small land holding and sectarian divides make the tribes and clans just a source of ascribed status, nothing more. Yes, during the princely state, the social positions of these tribes were different as the society was at a different stage. Mehter could take some one’s piece of land easily like a white man lynching a black man in America or a feudal lord in France putting a tenent in prison. We should discuss the social situation of the Mehter time but shouldn’t blame any one at this time as the societies change and so do the people comprising the society.
In those days of princely state people were not so divided as they are today. The polarization in Chitrali society has worsened and created divisions not only on basis of qaumiat but also on religious lines. This division has been orchestrated by those with political ambitions as they took votes in the name of qaumiat.
Religious parties have recently openly begged votes in name of religion and PTI in name of qaumiat. This trend is dangerous for Chitral and should be checked by educated people like the writer of this article instead of further promoting it.
I agree with you. Bitter memories of the past are still alive in our society. Some political elements have been fostering this negative tendency for their political gains and thus badly affecting our unity.
Mughal emperor Aurangzeb is considered as saint by many people. He had eliminated all his brothers and had imprisoned his own father to take over the throne. Similarly, Ottoman emperors used to eliminate all their brothers right after ascending to the throne. If you read history, you’ll find a similar pattern all over the world. It is not something unique to Chitral.
So instead of taking a dig at Chitralis, please educate yourself and read more about the world to understand Chitral better. Thanks!
What you have narrated is historically true but times and circumstances have changed. Chitral was a tribal society and a princely state which is not the case now. The entire social fabric and practices have changed. The new educated generation with vast opportunities cannot imagine the kind of hardships their ancestors faced centuries or even fifty years ago. As far the the tribal rivalries of past negatively impacting the present generation is concerned, we should help our children grow without a prejudice and hatred in their minds against their fellows of other tribes. Holding back in heart the bitterness of the past is meaningless in 21st century and will benefit no one. Those involved in fomenting racial or tribal discrimination among the youth are not doing any service to Chitral or for that matter to the youth irrespective of which tribe they belong to.