Role of Swat state in development of Pashto Language and Literature

Abstract

The valley of Swat has the potential to give birth to eminent Pashtoon heroes who remained identical symbols of this soil. Swat is a key point for the visitors, Researchers, Tourist and Invaders; came to this paradise’s piece on the earth. They came here for their specific purposes and some of them occupied it due to its rich natural, historical, cultural and geopolitical position. In the year 1917, a ruler i.e Mian Gul Abdul Wadood alias Wali sahib took the charge of this area. A genius, good organizer and having strong foresight carried swat state to its peak. He brought tremendous changes for the wellbeing and welfare of the Swat State. In the reformation and positive changes brought by him, the most important one of them was establishing Pashto as the official language of the State, receiving official prestige Pashto Language flourished in various aspects. This Language and its Literature luxuriantly developed by his extraordinary focus on Pashto. He wrote all his orders/commands and advices in pure Pashto Language having aesthetic sense these orders are in beautiful handwriting. These rulers valued/appreciated; writers/poets and philosophers of the era and honored them with awards/Titles and incentives. This paper will highlights the efforts taken for the sake of Pashto Language and Literature and will provide foundations for the development of Pashto. It will also highlight that what were the consequences that Pashto Language was selected as an official Language of the State and what were the strategies taken for the protection of Pashto Language and Literature. In this context Swat State, Language, Literature, Good Governance, Sovernity, geopolitical position will be analyzed in depth.