Sarwani

Sherwani (also Sarwani) is a Pashtun tribe settled in India, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.

History

Sherwani, along with Lodhi, Suri and Ghilzai are the decendants of Bibi Mato and Shah Hussain. As per tradition Qais Abdur Rashid, the ancestor of all Pashtuns, is said to have descended to Islam when he met Muhammad. He had four sons, Ghourghusht, Sarban, Baitan, and Karlan. Except for a few, all Pashtun tribes have descended from these four sons Qais. Baitan had a daughter by the name of Bibi Mato. Shah Hussain was a Turkish prince who somehow landed in the area of Baitan and fell in love with Bibi Mato. She concieved a child from Shah Hussain. He disclosed to the wife of Baitan that he was of a noble royal family and wanted to marry Bibi Mato. A Dawari (from the lineage of Karlan) by the name of Khak (or possibly Kaaghdoam) was detailed to go to Turkmenistan and find out the truth about Shah Hussain and his family. Khak found out that Shah Hussain was indeed a prince. He made a plan and instead of going to Baitan's wife, he went to the Shah and told him that only in the case that the Shah is willing to also take his daughter, Mahi, as second wife, then he will report about his noble orgin. Shah agreed. From Mato he had two sons Lodhi and Ghilzai and from Kakh's daughter, Mahi, Sherwani and Suri were born.

Demographics

The Sarwani and Suri tribes migrated to Dera Ismail Khan and settled in Chaudwan. A town by the name of Dhraban was built by Sherwanis. A dispute with Suri resulted in heavy casulties on both sides. The Miankhels of Dera Ismail Khan subsequently forced Sarwanis to leave that place. Some went to India, few to a place near Wah known as Chikara. From Wah they migrated to Hazro and Attock. A few families are now residing in Spinkane Ziarat Ka Ka Sahib and Amiro Khairabad, NWFP, Pakistan. Those who migrated to India produced many generals specially in army of Sher Shah Suri. Abbas Sherwani wrote the history of Sher Shah Suri. The Sherwani established a state in Malir Kotla, Indian Punjab. Sherwanis are now scattered in different parts of the world, very few can speak the Pashto language.

Other Information

Sherwani Bala and Sherwani Payan are the well known towns in Afghanistan. Mr. Shahryar Khan (Ex-Secretary to Government of Pakistan for Foreign Affairs and Ex-Chairman Pakistan Cricket Control Broad) is a member of the Nawab Of Malerkotla Family.

The Great Dynasty of Lodhi and Suri would not had been possible without the support of the Sherwani Pashtun Chief Of Army Staff and troops of that time. Reference available on Tarikh-e-Sher Shah Suri, Tarikh-e-Afghani and Makhzan-e-Afghani. Another valid reference is available in Tuzk-e-Babri.

The great Historian Asad Muhammad Khan who writes for Suspense Digest now a days could be a good lead to determine the history of Sherwani Pathans or Sarwani.