The Tanolis are a prominent and well-known Muslim Pashtoon tribe, primarily residing in the Mansehra and Abbottabad districts of the Hazara division in NWFP Pakistan. Their history dates back to the early 13th century, with the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate. The Tanolis ruled the state of Amb of Hazara from the 13th century until the wars with the Sikhs in the 19th century. They were frequently involved in rebellions with successive rulers of the Delhi Sultanate and also allied with Ahmed Shah Abdali in his conquest of India.
In his book, Charles Allen referred to the Tanolis as "the extremely hostile and powerful Tanolis of the Tanawal Mountains." They were also the last ruling dynasty of the State of Amb. Despite attempts by various people to link the Tanolis with their own tribe or another one, it is clear from history that the Tanolis are not Jungua, Mughals, Rajas, Abbasi, or descendants of Greek conqueror Alexander.
The Tanolis migrated from the Tonbol Pass or Taanal Pass to the cities of Gardeez and Ghazni in Afghanistan in 1100 AD. When Sultan Amir Sabuktigin invaded Hindustan in 950 AD, the Tanoli tribe came with his army and settled in the valleys of Swat and Buner. Anwar Khan Tanoli was appointed as the head or chief of the tribe by Sultan Amir Sabuktigin.
In 1400, the Tanoli tribe was a prominent ally of Ahmed Shah Abdali and fought the battle of Panipat against the Marathas. The chief, Zaberdast Khan Tanoli, was given the title of Suba Khan by Ahmed Shah Abdali due to his bravery and boldness in the battle of Panipat.
During a battle against the Yousfzai tribe, Tanoli chief Ameer Khan was martyred, and the Yousfzai occupied the area of Swat and Buner, forcing the Tanoli tribe to move to the eastern bank of the Indus River. The Tanolis then established the state of Amb and have ruled since 1973. They are also Khans of many villages, including Sherwan, Khotaila, Pind Kargu Khan, Kripplian, Chaamid, Shingree, Kokal, and Gaajul in the districts of Manshera, Abbottabad, and Haripur. Some Tanoli families still reside in Swat and Mingora, and a few "Khails of Tanoli" have settled in Balochistan, Sindh, and Punjab. The genesis of the Tanolis leads back to the Prophet Hazrat Yaqoob (Halesalam), and hence they are Pashtun.
The Tanolis have made significant contributions to Tehreek-e-Pakistan and Tehmeer-e-Pakistan, always supporting the Muslim League as loyal Pakistanis. They have also played a major role in the country's development, sacrificing their homes and native lands for the construction of the Tarbela Dam.