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Introduction
Khanozai town is
completely inhabited by Pashtoons. Major tribes include Kakar (
Panezai, Bazai, Matherzai, Malazai, Barakzai, Esakhel. Sanzerkhel,
Saranzai, Shamozai ). There is no ethnic differentiation among them,
because they speak one common language, have the same religion and
share common cultural values. Their historical background is
similar. Pashtoons live more or less the same way of life.
The major sources of income are job, agriculture, trade and
commerce. In addition. The majority of the people have two meals
daily, one in the morning and the other at sunset. However, with the
growing affluence and interaction, some persons have breakfast,
lunch and dinner. Wheat is the staple food and is used in the form
of chapati, nan and takkai (a special kind of bread prepared in
ashes). Chapati is normally prepared in the house, while nan is
prepared by the nan seller in earthen ovens. Meat, vegetables and
lentils are used along with the bread. In summer yoghurt and lassi
are also part of the daily diet.
Landi, dried meat, is commonly used during winter. It is generally
made of mutton or goat meat. Sheep are specially fattened and
slaughtered. The animal is thoroughly cleaned and then it is salted
and some special ingredients are rubbed in it. The animal is hanged
and exposed to the air and is ready for use after one month. When
required for eating, it is boiled for 5 hours in an earthen pot over
a slow fire. It is normally eaten when it is extremely cold.
Nowadays the pattern of diet is changing. People eat rice as well.
Steam roast, which is cooked over a slow fire is the most favoured
dish and it is the speciality of the khanozai and district. Normally
men eat apart from the women and children.
The majority of the male population wear turban, shalwar and kameez,
both in winter and summer. A chaddar (piece of cloth) is always .
Women also wear shalwar and kameez. They also wear a shawl over
their heads as they observe purdah. The basic style of the dress is
always the same. However, with the spread of development and growing
prosperity, dresses have become somewhat modernised.
In some cases, tribes are headed by a nawab. Sub-tribes are headed
by sardars. Most of the sub-tribes live together in a village.
Villages are headed by a malik. It is worth mentioning that with the
advancement of education and spread of electronic media, their role
and authority is dwindling.
Decisions are usually centrally made in the Pashtoon society.
Policies are formulated by the elders. Some of the decisions are
taken for granted. In most cases no individual can argue and
challenge the validity of the decisions made by superiors. Kinship
is an important variable in the decision-making process. Political
organizations are not following the democratic norms. They are
organized either on tribal affinity or common religious or social
background. Economic status shapes the political organization and
leadership. Welfare works done in the past by a political
personality also influence the political behavior of the masses.
The role of women at the household level to certain activities such
as cooking, washing, managing the house and raising the children.
women can cast their vote by without under instruction of their
husbands.
It is interesting to note that in Pishin district Khanozai is a
unique area, in the sense that due to a higher literacy rate, the
role of women in its social organisation has changed considerably in
this area. They are playing a significant role in social
development. What is more important is that the spread effect has
also penetrated into adjacent villages. The advancement in female
education in this area is the outcome of a tribal chief’s and his
daughters’ efforts.
Conclusion and major Development Issues of khanozai.
There is homogeneity among different tribes regarding mode of
living, food habits and dress. They have a common religion, language
and cultural background and that is a binding force to keep them
socially integrated. It has been found that religion plays a
dominant role in cultural and social life.
The joint family system is mostly prevalent in khanozai . There are
advantages, such as family strength, pooling family resources,
maintenance of social interaction among family members creating a
sense of affinity. The customs of co-operation in different economic
and social activities are admirable. Caring and sharing problems
gives rise to healthy social life, but it is also a stumbling block
in the personal development of ambitious individuals. Further, it
spurs the dependency ratio, which in turn negatively affects
society.
Marriages are generally arranged. However, it has been observed that
due to advancement of education, particularly in Khanozai, the
practice of vulvar and sarai is dying and the right of inheritance
for women is being honoured.
The tribal system is deeply rooted because people like living
together for defensive or offensive reasons. Kinship is still
playing a dominant role in social and political organization of the
khanozai. The role of the women in decision making pertaining to
outdoor affairs is not very negligible as compare to other area. The
issue emanating from such a situation is that kinship and tribal
affiliation are stumbling blocks in rational political
decision-making..
The tradition of resolving disputes through customary laws is
largely prevalent. It is economical in the sense that it saves time
and money. It is also honored due to social pressure. In recent
years, a penal code and civil courts have been introduced and
together they are expected to provide justice.