| Mullagori or Mullaghori or Malagori | |
| Local Name: | |
| Ethnicity: | Pashtun |
| Location: | Pakistan (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa), Afghanistan (Nangarhar) |
| Parent Tribe: | Sarbani |
| Population: | 50000 |
| Branches: | Pahar Khel, Taar Khel, Ahmed Khel, Daulat Khel |
| Language: | Pashto |
| Religion: | Islam |
The Mullagori or Mulagori or Malagori (Pushto; Pashto: ملاګوری Mullagorai, plur. Pushto; Pashto: ملاګوري Mullagori; Urdu: ملاگوری) is a Pashtun tribe present in Khyber District, tribal areas in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Historically, they are one of the smallest tribes of ethnic Pashtuns. They are considered as a sub-tribe of Momand Pashtun Ghoryakhel confederacy.[1] [2]
They are natively based in Mullagori Tehsil of Khyber District and in the Prang Ghar Tehsil of Mohmand District in the Province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, and in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan.[3] They are also present in smaller numbers in Charsadda and in Balochistan.In Mullagori Tehsil, their area extends from a little west of Chauki Sparsang to the crest of the Dabrai hill and from the Kabul River on the north to Lakka Sar on the south touching the land of the Kuki khel (Afridis sub-tribe) and Zakha khel (Afridis sub-tribe), and a clan of the Shinwari. Their neighbors on the west are the Shalmanis and on the north, the Tarakzai Mohmands.[4]
Almost all of the Mullagoris speak a northern variety of Pashto and some southern variety of Pashto.[5]
The Mullagori', is sub section of Momand Pashtun Ghoryakhel confederacy. Predominantly Mullagori inhabit to the Khyber District in the previous Federally Administered Tribal Areas now Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan and in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan.[6]
The Mullagori were considered to be the fighters tribe of Pashtuns during the British rule in East India. They settled just north of the Khyber Pass during the time when Islam was brought to South Asia. There are two main settlements of Mullagoris, One type of Mullagori are called "Da Sasobi Mulagori". Sasobi Mulagoris are living in Sasobi area of Nangarhar Province of Afghanistan near Tirah hills, while the other are called "Da Tatare Mulagori" that are living to the north-east of Khyber Pass. Other areas inhabited by the Mullagori include Munda (near Shabqadar), Harichand in Charsadda, Badraga (Malakand Agency), Pir Saddi village in Mardan and in Peshawar close to Shah Qabul areas of Dabgari, and on Dalazak Road, Nangrahar province near Lal Pura, Kunar Province, and Hilmand (Afghanistan).
As compared to other neighbor tribes like Shinwari, Kuki khels (Afridis), Zakh khels (Afridis), and Mohmands, the Mullagories are relatively uneducated and, poor. However, they are well known for their unity and good spirit. They are also expert mountaineers and reign over every tribe of the Khyber range. Time after time, they have been victorious over both the Kuki khel (Afridis) and Zakh khel (Afridis). As a result, none of the Afridis care to be on bad terms with this small clan.[7]
The name Mullagori is derived from Mulla (religious leader) and Ghori (from Muhammad of Ghor). British colonial governmental records misspelled the word Ghori as Gori And that is why the Mulla Gori tehsil is suffixed with Gori not Ghori. In his book, The Pathan Borderland, James W. Spain believes the Mulagori to be the descendants of the Mulla Ghor (son of Ba-Yazid Ansari, the Pir Rokhan of the Pakhtuns, and Pir Tarik of the Mughals). The Pashtun historian Bahadur Shah Zafar Kaka Khel, in his book Pukhtana da Tarikh pa Ranra key, is of the opinion that the Mullagori are a subgroup of the Mohmand tribe.[8] [9]
Dr Latif Yaad in his book Pukhtane Qabil Wapijany writes that Mullagori are basically a part of Mohmands. He tells a story that once few persons in Mohmands went somewhere. One of them was a mullah he separated from them. One of the group members told that "MULLA GORAI" (a phrase meaning "Let's find Mulla" in Pashto) and after that, the person was known as Mullagoray. He adds that according to Famous Pashto Poet, Hamza Shinwari said Mullagoris are behaving and talking like Mohmands so they are basically a part of the Mohmands.[10] [11]
However, some oral sources has further clarified the situation about Mullagori's origin. They opine that Mullagori are in fact a section of Dawezai Momands.[12] In the Dawezai area in Momand Agency, more than 600 Mullagori families still reside. On the basis of this, Mullagori are Mohmand / Momand, and in Momands belongs to Dawezai sub-section.[13] Interestingly, everywhere Mullagori resides near Momands, and in most cases are in matrimonial relations with them.[14] Historically, Mullagori have remained in a very cordial relations with the other sections of Momands, and have supported each other's causes, in case of tribal wars with other tribes like Afridis etc.[15]
The author of Hayat-i-Afghani writes:
"Its ancestor, say these, was a stranger who attached himself to the Mohmand and partook their fortunes. Others relate that this ancestor was a Mohmand of the name of "Mullah", who having once taken part with some of his fellows in a robbing enterprise, was afterwards observed by his companions to be standing apart with fixed look as if in meditation; upon which one of them remarked in Pashto "Mullagori" i.e. "Mullah is looking or staring" and the phrase clung to him and finally gave the name to his descendants. Whatever may be thought of this story, certain it is that the Mulla-gori live in the midst and in close community of interest with the hill Mohmand."[16]
William Rudolph Henry Merk, who prepared a report on Mohmands, had a theory that Mullagoris could be remnants of Dilazak Pashtuns. He writes that Mullagoris have tradition that their ancestors founded a great kingdom, the capital of which was somewhere near Pesh Bolak in Ningarhar (which was formerly inhabitated by Dilazaks).[17]
The forefather of the Mullagori was said to have had four sons, and each son fathered a sub-section of the Mulagori tribe. The four sub-tribes are named after the sons:[18]
Some other sub-tribes were also came into existence with time, like;
The Taar Khel constitute approximately 50% of the total population of Mullagori residing in the Khyber District.[19] They are known for their high level of education and hold influential positions in various professions.[20] On the other hand, the Pahar Khel exert dominance in the internal affairs of the Mullagori tribe, including traditional practices such as jirga assemblies. They wield significant influence within the tribe, surpassing other sub-tribes in their involvement in tribal matters.[21]
The author of Hayat-i-Afghani writes:
"The Mullagori clan, with its four sub-divisions of Pahar-Khel, Tar-Khel, Ahmad-Khel and Daulat-khel, is held by some not to be of Afghan stock at all. The clan, numbering about 500 men at the time, is chiefly settled in the Tahtara, where it apportions its time and energies between the conflicting claims of pillage and agriculture. The following are maliks: of the Pahar-Khel, Shengi Khan and Dad Gul; of the Tar-khel, Khadri and Khairu Khan; of the Ahmad-Khel, Mir Alim, son of Sikandar; of the Daulat Khel, Asmatullah."[22]
Mullagoris predominantly adhere to the Sunni sect of Islam, with nearly the entire tribe identifying as Sunni Muslims.[23]
The Mullagori tribe, though comparatively small and less powerful than other Pashtun tribes like the Afridi and Shinwari, resides in the strategically significant Khyber District, bordering Afghanistan and Peshawar. Despite its size and perceived weakness, the Mullagori community emerged as a prominent force in confronting Taliban militants who had established a presence in their area. They formed a lashkar,[24] an armed tribal force, to combat and expel the militants from their territory.[25]
The Mullagori lashkar, reportedly consisting of over 3,000 armed individuals, initiated a siege on the bases and training camps of Taliban militants near the central Shagai village, including compounds in Sher Bruj Village, Zagah Village, Paindi Lalma Village, and Janda Baba Village. Through their concerted efforts, they compelled the militants to either surrender or flee the area. Some militants sustained injuries during the confrontation. Subsequently, the Mullagori-inhabited villages were cleared of militants, demonstrating the efficacy of the lashkar's operations.[26] [27]
In response to a Mullagori tribesman providing refuge to militants, the community took punitive action by demolishing his house. Additionally, the captured militants were handed over to Frontier Corps personnel for further action and prosecution.
This display of resolve and action by the Mullagori tribe illustrates their commitment to safeguarding their community and combating the threat of militancy in their region. Additionally, a Mullagori tribesman who had provided refuge to militants faced consequences, including the demolition of his house.
Inspired by the Mullagoris' actions and with support from the government, the Kalakhel sub-tribe of the Afridis in Bara, Khyber Agency (Now Khyber Destrict), also mobilized. They formed a 300-member lashkar and vowed not to harbor militants fleeing military operations in nearby areas. The Kalakhel tribal elders imposed strict penalties, including the demolition of houses and hefty fines, on those found sheltering militants.[28]
The Mullagori lashkar, in its capacity as the Aman Lashkar, remained active for approximately 10 to 15 years, addressing local disputes and providing security for tribal functions alongside the Khasadar force.[29]
Inspired by the actions of the smaller and seemingly weaker Mullagori tribe, the larger Zakhakhel sub-tribe of the Afridis also pledged to raise its own lashkar following Eid-ul-Fitr. Determined to prevent militants from finding sanctuary in their territory, the Zakhakhel tribe resolved to take decisive action. The proactive stance taken by the Mullagori tribe served as a catalyst, prompting one Pashtun tribe after another to form lashkars to counter the menace of militants and extremists.
During the Frontier uprising of 1897, amid the British occupation of the Khyber Rifles Fort, Subadar Mursil Khan assumed command in the absence of Captain Barton. Among his ranks were his two sons fighting alongside him, while another served within the Khyber Rifles. The garrison stationed at Landi Kotal comprised five native officers and 369 men, hailing from various clans including Shilmanis, Mohmands, Peshawaris, and the Kohat Pass Afridis. Of the total, seventy Lowargi Shinwar, fifty Mullagoris, and others from Zakha Khel and Malik Din Khel Afridis constituted the majority. Despite their outnumbered position, Subadar Mursil Khan and his troops valiantly defended the fort until August 25th when Mursil Khan fell in battle at 11:00 A.M. and the gate was breached by traitorous (Afridis were the attackers) hands.[30] [31] [32]
During the ensuing chaos, the Mullagori and Shinwari sepoys, instead of surrendering, fought their way out, displaying unwavering loyalty. Remarkably, a native officer of the Mullagori Company led his men back to safety at Jamrud without losing a single rifle. The valiant defense led to the deaths of approximately one hundred attackers, primarily from the Afridi tribes, while ten Khyber Rifles men lost their lives and two native officers were wounded.[33] [34] [35]
Traditional attire among the tribesmen typically consists of loose shirts, trousers, and turbans. The prominent lungi, a type of turban worn by the Maliks, tribal elders of the caste, is a distinctive element. Often fastened with a chadar or waistband, it serves as a functional accessory, accommodating items such as knives, daggers, pistols, bandoliers filled with cartridges, and rifles carried over the shoulder.[36]
Women commonly attire themselves in black printed cloth, with their everyday and festive attire being similar, except for special occasions when new garments are worn. During the winter months, males often drape themselves in a chadar or woolen blanket for warmth, while females' attire remains unchanged.[37]
Ornamentation plays a significant role, with women adorning themselves with an array of traditional jewelry including bangles, bracelets, anklets (Pazeb), wristlets (Karah), nose rings (Nath), golden rings, and earrings to enhance their appearance and cultural identity.[38]
In the construction of hamlets, stone and mud are the primary materials used for building walls, while wood is reserved for doors, windows, and ceilings. The fortress typically features a main gate for general entry, alongside a smaller side door intended for the use of women. Upon entering through the main gate, visitors encounter a spacious courtyard with one or two rooms, varying based on the family's social standing, designated for guests and male household members. Additionally, a mosque is commonly located within the compound, with many villages featuring only mosques constructed with cemented floors. Internally, houses are characterized by simplicity, devoid of elaborate decoration and furniture. It is customary for residents to keep cattle within their dwellings.[39]
In every cluster of houses, a Hujra serves as a communal gathering space where male members convene daily to discuss local matters and socialize during leisure time. Additionally, it functions as a guest room, accommodating visitors to the community.[40]
In the Mullagori tribe, traditional cuisine includes tikka karahi, wareeta (roasted barbecue), patay tikay (barbecued meat wrapped in fat), and shana chai (green tea). Tribal hujras serve as vibrant hubs for traditional jirgas (council meetings) and lively music from instruments like the rabab and mungay (pitcher used as tabla). Eid festivals are celebrated collectively in hujras, with males often taking charge of cooking duties for the duration of the three-day celebration. A unique tradition involves firing rifles at a target, typically a white stone placed on a mountain, during joyous occasions such as marriages, Eid, or childbirth. Marriages among the Mullagori tribe are typically brief, lasting only two days. Additionally, males often engage in music sessions featuring instruments like the tabla, guitar, and rabab, accompanied by aerial firing, within the hujras.[41] [42] [43]
The Mullagori tribes, like many other Pathans, adhere to a strict code of honor that has been ingrained within their culture since ancient times. This code governs their interactions and behaviors, shaping the fabric of their society.[44]
Describing the Mullagori tribespeople, they are typically tall, stout, and possess a fair complexion. Their distinctive features include high noses and prominent cheekbones, reflecting their unique ethnic heritage. Renowned for their bravery and resilience, their agile movements echo their rugged mountain origins, symbolizing their enduring connection to their ancestral lands.
The Mullagori tribe plays a significant role in the economic landscape of the region, particularly in the marble industry. With approximately 500 marble factories in Tehsil MullaGori, employment opportunities abound not only for Mullagori tribesmen but also for residents of nearby villages. Other than factory labour, Mullagoris are transporters and they also are pretty good in minning.[50]
The Mullagori tribe predominantly inhabits two main areas in Khyber Agency: the Khkata Mena / Jawara Mena (lower area) and the Lowarha Mena (Upper area). Geographically, they are separated from neighboring tribes by landmarks such as the Tahtara Hills, a renowned tourist resort, which acts as a natural boundary between the Mullagori and the Afridi tribes. Additionally, the Kabul River serves as a distinct demarcation, separating the Mullagori from the Mohmand tribe. Notably, a considerable number of Mullagori families also reside across the Kabul River in Mohmand District.[51]
The Mullagori tribe is anchored in several key villages across the region. These include Lora Miana, Paindi Lalma, Sher Braj, Murad Dand, Tahtara, and Nehar Ghara in Khyber District. In addition, villages such as Shakoor and Ziam in Charsadda, Pir Sado in Mardan, and Munda in Mohmand District are inhabited by Mullagori families.[52]
As is believed, most Mullagoris are based in Mullagori Tehsil of Khyber District. According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, in the 2017 national census, their population was 40,188, out of which 20,933 were men and 19,254 were women.[54]
| AREA/SEX | TOTAL | MUSLIM | CHRISTIAN | HINDU | QADIANI / AHMADI | SCHEDULED CASTES | OTHERS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOTAL MULLAGORI of MULLA GORI TEHSIL | ||||||||
| OVERALL | 40,188 | 40,046 | 136 | - | 5 | - | 1 | |
| MALE | 20,933 | 20,850 | 80 | - | 3 | - | - | |
| FEMALE | 19,254 | 19,195 | 56 | - | 2 | - | 1 | |
| TRANSGENDER | 1 | 1 | - | - | - | - | - | |
| RURAL MULLAGORI of MULLA GORI TEHSIL | ||||||||
| ALL SEXES | 40,188 | 40,046 | 136 | - | 5 | - | 1 | |
| MALE | 20,933 | 20,850 | 80 | - | 3 | - | - | |
| FEMALE | 19,254 | 19,195 | 56 | - | 2 | - | 1 | |
| TRANSGENDER | 1 | 1 | - | - | - | - | - | |
| URBAN MULLAGORI of MULLA GORI TEHSIL | ||||||||
| ALL SEXES | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |
| MALE | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |
| FEMALE | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |
| TRANSGENDER | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |
It is also believed that approximately 5000 Mullagoris may be present in Prang Ghar Tehsil of Mohmand District and in Charsadda in the Province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, and maybe some 10000 approximately in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan..[56]