Kohistani people
Kohistanis are speakers of the Maiyã language, a member of the Dardic subgroup of the Indo-Aryan language family. They are located in Northern Pakistan (Indus Kohistan).
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| Approx. 500,000[1] | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Kohistan District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa | |
| Languages | |
| Maiyã (also called Kohistani) Pashto also spoken as second language[1] | |
| Religion | |
| Predominantly Islam | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Others Dards and Indo-Aryan peoples |
History
Inhabiting the region of Kohistan, the Kohistani formerly practiced Hinduism and Buddhism, until the 15th century, when the Kohistani started converting to Islam.[2] A Glossary of the Tribes and Castes of the Punjab and North-West Frontier Province thus notes that their neighbours, "The Pathans call them, and all other Muhammadans of Indian descent in the Hindu Kush valleys, Kohistanis."[3]
During the winter, the Kohistani people reside near their fields, while in the summer they migrate to camping grounds that are located 14,000 feet in altitude.[4]
See also
References
- "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-10-11. Retrieved 2015-11-19.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
- Ahmad, Asghar (1986). Pakistan Tourism Directory. Holiday Weekly. p. 163.
- Rose, Horace Arthur; Ibbetson, Sir Denzil; Maclagan, Sir Edward (1914). A Glossary of the Tribes and Castes of the Punjab and North-West Frontier Province. Government Printing Press Lahore. p. 472.
- Thomas, David Hurst (1 January 1979). Archaeology. Holt, Rinehart and Winston. p. 128. ISBN 9780030199264.
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