Tracing the Roots: The Origins and Rich History of Tanoli Community
The Tanoli people are a tribe from the Tanawal valley region, located in Pakistan's North-West Frontier Province (now known as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) and Afghanistan. The Tanolis are not typically acknowledged as Pathans, but their tribal and cultural practices closely resemble those of the Pathans, and they have become assimilated with them through long association.
The Tanoli people are divided into two major sub-tribes: the Hindwal and the Pallal. The Hindwal Tanolis were well known for ruling their state of Amb until the 19th century wars with the Sikhs, but later relations between them improved. The Pallal Tanolis occupied the northern portion of the Tanawal tract and constituted the semi-independent principality of Amb until the dissolution of the princely states in 1968.
The Tanoli people are also commonly referred to as Tanawal, which is derived from the name of the river that flows through the region where they live. Over time, different variants of the name have been recorded by the British Census, including Taniwal, Tanole, Tanaoli, Tanol, Tol, Tholi, Tahoa, Tarnoli, Tanis, and Tanai.
Homelands
The Tanoli people, also known as Tanawal, take their name from the Tanawal River. Variations of their name have been recorded by the British Census, including Taniwal, Tanole, Tanaoli, Tanol, Tol, Tholi, Tahoa, Tarnoli, Tanis, and Tanai.
The Tanoli were first encountered by Westerners around 1700, in the trans-Indus basin of the Mahaban. However, they were later displaced across the Indus by the Yusufzai tribe. By the late 19th century, the Tanoli had settled in the Tanawal tract, located in the west center of the district between Abbottabad and the Indus, as well as in the extensive hill country between the river and the Urash plains.
According to the Settlement Report of Hazara, compiled by Major Wace in 1872, the Tanolis had already established their authority over Tanawal and founded a state named Amb. Many historical passages in the Urdu copy of the settlement report describe the area's history. The Amb state was shown as Mulk-i-Tanawal on several maps drawn at the time, depicting Hazara under the Mughals and under the Durranis. The existence of the Mulk can be traced back to the middle period of the great Afghan invasions of India.
The Tanoli people are divided into two major sub-tribes: Hindwal and Pallal. The latter occupies the northern portion of the Tanawal tract and constituted the semi-independent principality of Amb until the dissolution of the princely states in 1968.
According to Tanoli tradition, preserved in a commentary based on an 1881/1891 census report, they are named after a place in Afghanistan. It's important to note that this should not be confused with the present-day state of Afghanistan.
Apical Ancestor
The Tanoli tribe is one of the many ethnic groups in the region that trace their lineage to an apical ancestor. For the Tanoli people, this ancestor is Amir Khan, a Barlas Mughal who arrived in the Tanawal valley with his sons around 1500. According to their tradition, Amir Khan and his sons crossed the Indus River to settle in the region after capturing territory from Turkic peoples. The six clans or sub-tribes of the Tanoli people are named after Amir Khan's six sons.Amb (Tanawal)
| ....... | Tanawal State, commonly known as Amb, founded |
| 1948 | Under Pakistani suzerainty |
| 28 Jul 1969 | Incorporated into Pakistan |
| 1973 | Royalty extinguished |
Rulers
| .... - 1803 | Haibat Khan |
| 1803 - 18.. | Hashim Aji Khan |
| 18.. - 1818 | Nawab Khan (D. 1818) |
| 1818 - 1840 | Painda Khan (D. 1840) |
| 1840 - 1858 | Jahandad Khan |
| 1858 - 1907 | Mohammad Akram Khan |
| 1907 - 26 Feb 1936 | Zaman Khan (D. 1936) |
| 1936 - 1971 | Mohammad Farid Khan (D. 1971) |
| 1971 - 1973 | Saeed Khan (D. 1973) |
| 1973 | Salahuddin Khan |
Phulra
| 1828 | Phulra founded when ruler of Amb grants area of Phulra to his brother. |
| 1919 | Recognized as a state |
| 1950 | State extinguished. |
History of some People
Mir Painda Khan
Mir Painda Khan, son of Mir Nawab Khan (who defeated the Durranis), is famed for his rebellion against Maharaja Ranjit Singh's governors of Hazara. Painda Khan played a considerable part in the history of his time and vigorously opposed the Sikhs. From about 1813, Mir Painda Khan spent a life long rebellion against the Sikhs. Hari Singh Nalwa, the Sikh Governor of Maharaja Ranjit Singh to Hazara, took the initiative during his governorship of setting up forts at strategic locations to keep Painda Khan in check.Painda Khan's rebellion against the Sikh empire cost him a major portion of his kingdom, leaving only the tract around Amb, with his twin capitals Amb and Darband. This increased his resistance against the Sikh government. In 1828 Mir Painda Khan gifted the territory of Phulra as an independent Khanate to his brother Madad Khan, which later on was recognised by the British as a semi-independent Princely State.
Painda Khan was the Nawab of Amb who took over the valley of Agror in 1834, but in I841 it was restored by the Sikhs to Ata Muhammad, a descendant of Sad-ud-din. General Dhaurikal Singh, commanding officer of the Sikh troops in Hazara, had Painda Khan poisoned to death in September 1844. Painda Khan is still revered in Hazara as a hero. Major J. Abbott commented that 'During the first period of Painda Khan's career, he was far too vigorous and powerful to be molested by any neighbouring tribe, and when he began to fail before the armies and purse of the Sikh Government, he was interested in keeping upon the best terms with his northern neighbours of the Black Mountains.' He is further described by him as, 'a Chief renowned on the Border, a wild and energetic man who was never subjugated by the Sikhs.'
Mir Jehandad Khan
Of all the tribal chiefs of Hazara, the most powerful [was] said to be Jehandad Khan of the Tanoli. His territories laid on both banks of the Indus, and, as the son of Painda Khan, Jehandad Khan was particularly well respected among his peoples.When Sikh power was on the fall in 1845 Jehandad Khan blockaded the garrisons of no less than 22 Sikh posts in Upper Tanawal ; and when they surrendered at discretion, he spared their lives, as the servants of a fallen Empire. The act, however, stood him afterwards in good stead; for, when Hazara was assigened to Maharaja Golab Singh, that politic ruler rewarded Jehandad Khan's humanity with the jagir of Koolge and Badnuck in Lower Tannowul.
As far as Jehandad Khans hereditary domain of Upper Tanawal, with the capital at Amb is concerned, the term 'jagir' has never been applicable to it. The British Government considered Upper Tannowul as a chiefship held under the British Government, but in which, as a rule, they did not possess internal jurisdiction. The Chief managed his own people in his own way without regard to British laws, rules or system. This tenure resembled that on which the Chiefs of Patiala, Jhind, Nabha, Kapurthala and others held their lands.
In 1852, Jehandad Khan was summoned by the president of the Board of Administration (who travelled to Hazara to see the Khan) in relation to a murder enquiry of two British officers in his lands. When the president threatened the Khan to give up the murderers or suffer the consequences (of burning down the villages and giving the region to another), the Khan is said to have replied
"We should consider your presence (in our kingdom) an honour, but our country is a 'rather difficult one' for your army."This response was the talk of the day and it is remembered by many locals of Hazara even to this day as a heroic answer. He was son of Painda Khan. When he died, he left a nine years old boy: Muhammad Akram Khan.
Nawab Sir Muhammad Akram Khan
During the tenure Nawab Sir Akram Khan (K.C.S.I)(1868 - 1907), son of Jehandad Khan, the fort at Shergarh was constructed, along with Dogah and Shahkot Forts. His rule was a peaceful time for Tanawal with no major conflicts. He was later conferred the title Nawab Bahadur by the British Raj.Not to be confused with Muhammad Akram (1817-1852), one of the sons of Dost Mohammad Khan.
Nawab Sir Muhammad Khanizaman Khan
Nawab Khanizaman Khan, son of Akram Khan, helped the British in carrying out the Black Mountain (Kala Dhaka/Tur Ghar) expeditions.Nawab Sir Muhammad Farid Khan
Nawab Sir Muhammad Farid Khan (K.B.E) succeeded his father Nawab Khanizaman Khan. He had had a very good relationship with The Quaid e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Nawabzada Liaqat Ali Khan. His contributions to the Pakistan movement have been acknowledged by letters from The Quaid e Azam.In 1947 the Nawab of Amb, Mohammad Farid Khan, acceded to Pakistan by signing the Instrument of Accession of his State, in favour of Pakistan. In 1969, the State was incorporated into the North-West Frontier Province. He died in 1969 and in 1971 the royal status of the Nawab was abolished by the Government of Pakistan.
Malik Nawab Khan Tanoli
Malik Nawab Khan, of Lower Tanawal, is commented by Major J. Abbot as a "Brave man" in his book written on Abbottabad. Malik Nawab Khan was a learned man and an able soldier. He was a strong religious man. Malik Nawab Khan was among the fellow tribesmen of famous Mir Jehandad Khan.Characteristics and Features of Tribal Tanolis (Based on the classification of Tribes of Indo-Pak by the British)
The Tanolies were counted amongst the Martial races, an ideology based on the assumption that certain ethnic groups are inherently more martially inclined than others( It was a term originally used by the British, who observed that the Scottish Highlanders were more fierce in battle than others in Britain, and extended this concept to India).
They have many Pathan customs and take much pride in their dress and appearance.The Tanolis support themselves almost exclusively by agriculture, and their principal food is unleavened bread with buttermilk and butter; but fowls, eggs, fish, and game are also articles of diet.
Of those who live in the hills, many are as fair as Italians, with eyes of light hazel or greyish blue, and frequently brown hair and reddish beards. Those who live on the low-lying lands near the Indus are darker. All are stout and active men, and have the reputation of being good soldiers and staunch partisans.
They are hardy and simple in their habits, generally free from the vices of thieving and debauchery; but credulous, obstinate, and unforgiving.
Religiously; they are Mohammedans of the Sunni sect.
Tanoli sub-tribes
The Hindwal and Pallal are the major divisions of the tribe. The further sub divisions of the tribe are:
- Hindwal
- Jamal; Charyal, Ledhyal, Abdwal, Khankhail
- Saryal; Lalal, Hedral, Baizal
- Jalwal
- Bohal
- Baigal
- Tekral
- An sal
- Masand
- Rains
- Pallal
- Labhya (Suba Khani)
- Matyal
- Bainkaryal
- Dairal
- Sadhal
- Judhal
- Baigal
- Tekral
- Asnal
- Masand
- Rains
- Bhujal
- Khan Khel
- Painda Khel /also know (Payenda Khel)
- Tani Khel
- Nawab Khel
- Mir Dad Khel
- Jahangir Khel
- Bohla Khel
- Maza Khani
- Sher Khani
- Noorullah Khani
- Shamsullah Khani
The Tanoli Tribe: History, Lineage and Current Population
The Tanoli tribe is one of the largest ethnic groups residing in Pakistan. The tribe has a rich history that dates back to the 16th century, and tracing their lineage to an apical ancestor is crucial to their sense of identity.
History and Lineage
According to the Tanoli tradition preserved in the Tarikh-i-Tanaolian, the tribe descends from Amir Khan, a Barlas Mughal who arrived in the Tanawal valley with his sons around 1500. They crossed the Indus river to get there and settled in the region. The tribe has a long-standing association with the Eusofzye country and has a unique history and character.
The Imperial Gazetteer of India confirms the Tanoli's Mughal descent and states that the tribe divided into two septs, the Pul-al and Hando-al or Hind-wal. The Sikh records of the region also confirm the Tanoli's lineage and mention Paieendah Khan, a branch of the Birlas, a Mogul House, well known in history.
Today's Population
Most members of the Tanoli tribe reside in the former state of Amb in the Hazara Division of the Khyber Pakhtoon Khwa Province of Pakistan. The cities of Abbottabad, Haripur and its district, Mansehra, Battagram, and Kohistan districts have significant Tanoli populations. The Tanolis also reside in some areas of Swabi, Khalabat, Nowshera, Rawalpindi, Gujar Khan, and Sultanpur. A branch of the Tanoli tribe also resides in Kashmir, mainly in Muzaffarabad and Srinagar.
In addition, a significant number of Tanolis live in Karachi, the largest city in Pakistan. The Tanolis dominate the Tanawal-Sherwan belt and have a notable presence in the city of Quetta in the Balochistan Province.
Conclusion
The Tanoli tribe has a rich history and lineage that dates back to the 16th century. The tribe has a significant presence in several regions of Pakistan, including the former state of Amb in the Hazara Division of the Khyber Pakhtoon Khwa Province, Kashmir, Karachi, and Quetta. The Tanoli tribe has contributed significantly to the cultural and social fabric of Pakistan and remains an important ethnic group in the region.
Language
The principal language of the Tanoli is Hindko. Tanolis living in Pashtun dominated areas speak Pashto.Notable Tanolis
Nawabzada Salahuddin Saeed Khan Tanoli, the present Nawab of Amb, Former Federal Minister Pakistan and five times Member of the National Assembly (1985-1999).
Habib-ur-Rehman Tanoli, North-West Frontier Province Minister for Local Government.
Ayub Khan Tanoli, former Minister of Law, Education and Health.
Ashraf Khan Tanoli, Former Advocate-General of Balochistan.
Muhammad Younis Tanoli, Advocate-General of the North-West Frontier Province.
Malik Rabnawaz Khan Tanoli, President of the UK's Kashmir Council.
Professor Mufti Muneeb-ur-Rehman, Chairman Central Royat Hillal Committee of Pakistan.
Brig Ilyas Khan Tanoli, Director bahria town.
Cmd Pir Muhammad Khan Tanoli late hal kalu khan.
Lt. General Asif Tanoli, Heart surgeon AFIC rawalpindi.
Feroz Khan of Bombay film industry, India. Feroz's father was a Pathan called Sadiq Ali Khan Tanoli, whose family moved to Bangalore from Ghazni province in Afghanistan, while his mother was of Persian background. His brothers are Sanjay Khan (Abbas Khan), Shahrukh Shah Ali Khan, Sameer Khan and Akbar Khan. He has a sister Dilshad Bibi.
Fardeen Khan was born to actor turned director Feroz Khan of Bombay film industry, India.
Zayed Khan's parents are former Bollywood actor Sanjay Khan and interior designer Zarine Khan. Khan is the youngest of four children. His older sisters are Simone Khan (wife of Ajay Arora), Sussanne Roshan (wife of Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan), and Farah Khan Ali (wife of DJ Aqeel). Khan is related as cousin to yet another Bollywood actor, Fardeen Khan.