where did the word "Pathan" came from

[Master Khan]

I wanna know where the world "Pathan" came from and why punjabies/indians call us that?

Please don't copy and paste like a big story or something..just keep it short manana.

[Saifullah]

pathan comes from the word patan which mean patterns, they saw how pashtuns were like patterns spread across the land

[Shamaar]

I've heard of two theories with actual information to "back" them up, and one lesser known theory.

The first is that when Pashtuns came into South Asia the desis thought they were the Parthians (Eastern Iranic tribe that ruled Ancient Iran) returning. Parthians used to kidnap the desi women which is what I think Jasmine is referring to.

The second theory is that Pashtuns traveled to Medina in the early days of Islam and converted to Islam while the Prophet (PBUH) was still alive. He apparently bestowed the title of Batan on them, which refers to the front of a boat (the part which cuts through the water). He said that the nation will cut through any difficulty that befalls them, just as a boat cuts through even the most powerful currents. Batan then somehow evolved into Pathan which the desis adopted.

A third lesser known theory suggests that the British made up this term while they were in India. It was a derogatory term used for Pashtuns, basically used the same way we use the word Jatt (to denote an uncivilized person).

[KhalsaWarrior]

It was a derogatory term used for Pashtuns, basically used the same way we use the word Jatt (to denote an uncivilized person).

Is Jatt really used in a derogatory tone? Lol..I am a Jatt.

[Shamaar]

Is Jatt really used in a derogatory tone? Lol..I am a Jatt.

It is used in that way, but you should know I meant no disrespect by it. Some Pashtuns just use the term to denote an uncouth individual, even though that is wrong, and Jatts are an ethnic group.

[Master Khan]

I've heard of two theories with actual information to "back" them up, and one lesser known theory.

The first is that when Pashtuns came into South Asia the desis thought they were the Parthians (Eastern Iranic tribe that ruled Ancient Iran) returning. Parthians used to kidnap the desi women which is what I think Jasmine is referring to.

The second theory is that Pashtuns traveled to Medina in the early days of Islam and converted to Islam while the Prophet (PBUH) was still alive. He apparently bestowed the title of Batan on them, which refers to the front of a boat (the part which cuts through the water). He said that the nation will cut through any difficulty that befalls them, just as a boat cuts through even the most powerful currents. Batan then somehow evolved into Pathan which the desis adopted.

A third lesser known theory suggests that the British made up this term while they were in India. It was a derogatory term used for Pashtuns, basically used the same way we use the word Jatt (to denote an uncivilized person).

Pathan is a curse word, a misnomer, etymologically means robber, child kidnapper, dacoit, its an abusive word, which must be avoided to use for Pashtuns.If a Pashtun is called Pathan then she or he must protest against it because its dishonour , calling names and derogatory. Its racism and racial descrimination. Its a hateful word.

The term or word PATHAN is a misnomer. Many Pashtuns themselves dont understand the ugliness of this loathsome word and use it for them selves with pride. To understand me further please ponder over the following points.

1.Etymology of the word Pathan.

Etymologically the word Pathan means robber, kidnapper of children etc. Afghans were called robbers or robbers in India when they srarted invading India.This is why the word Pathan is more common in use when you come from india westward. In india its the most common word for Pashtuns. In Pakistan in Panjab or Sindh its common. But as you go westward towards Afghanistan the word Pathan disappears for Pashtuns and you only hear Pashtun or Afghan never Pathan. For example you will never hear using Pathan for Pashtuns of Afghanistan.

2. Its use by non Pashtuns for Pashtuns.

The word pathan is mostly used by non Pashtuns for Pashtuns. Very few Pashtuns and specially non Pashto speakers Pashtuns use it for Pashtuns. When Pashtuns have their own name Pashtun or Afghan then why should they be called by a name which they themselves dont use for them.

3.Respect

Compare using Pathan and Pashtun for a Pashtun person and you will feel the difference. With Pathan you imagine a driver, watchman, a non professional or non skilled labourer , street worker, but when with Pahstun you imagine a aperson with a big family or tribe, owner of property or business or a profession.Non Pashtuns often use Pathan for Pashtuns contemptuously.You will never herar using Pashtun or Afghan contemptuously for Pashtuns.

4. CONSPIRACY

Using the word Pathan for Pashtuns is subtle conspiracy for dividing Pashtuns of Afghanistan and Pakistan or India culturally and socially. Its another atatck on their division after their political division.

As earlier said the term Pathan is a misnomer , many great scholars even like Sir Olaf Caro and Ghani Khan has used this word Pathan for Pashtuns or Afghans.The word PATHAN should never be sued for Pashtuns which is a disgrace to Pashtuns. Just imagine when you say I am Pashtun and when you say I am Pathan,,,,,,what a difference in the impression of the two wortds,,,,,Pashtun reflects respect, dignity and honour while Pathan a chawkidar, driver, conductor, illitarate person. this is what I FEEL

I am not discriminating none by profession just differentiating an engineer and and a mason or daily wager. Would you like to be a non professional , non skilled labourer or a professional specialist. Then labours like watchman are typically attached with PATHANS not with Pashtuns.

You will feel the difference of PATHAN and PASHTUN in the lips of a hateful Panjabi when he or she uses it ,,When they say Pashtun you will never feel disgraced but with Pathan you will see a scournful smile. They always use PATHAN to disgrace the great PASHTUNS. I always correct people on the spot who call me Pathan.

I am doing research on the etymology and history of the word PATHAN. Whatever I ll discover about this hateful word I ll share.

I am copying the following from the link

http://www.paklinks.com/gs/all-views/88 ... ained.html

However a lot of historians traces the roots of word " Pathan " to Sinsikrat language(the oldest Indian language). According to these historian the word " Patt or Pat " in Sanskrit means " daughter " and " han " or " Aan " means kidnaper.......

Its Interesting to mentions a lot of my Punjabi friends and their parents have told me that in Punjab they used to scare kids by saying " go to bed now. Pathans are coming and if you don’t go to bed they will kidnap you " Or " if you do this or do that Pathans will kidnap you " ........


Following excerpts from the link

http://gl-es.facebook.com/topic.php?uid ... topic=9282

In reality, "Pathan" is a contempuous word used by the Indians for the Parthians, A race of people with absoloutely no connection whatsoever to the Afghan/Pashtun/Pakhtun people, having only area common between them otherwise there is no resemblence between a "Pathan" and an "Afghan/Pashtun/Pakhtun". No self respecting Afghan/Pashtun/Pakhtun will tolerate the word "Pathan" for him/her and it is therefore submitted to every non-Afghan that he should refrain from using it.
- taken from " 'Pathan' a misnomer for an Afghan" by Nawab Muhammad Akbar Khan of Hoti...........

The word "Pathan" is strictly of Indian usage, and you will find no non-afghan who is not of Indian origin using it. Most definitely NOT an Afghan using it for himself as it is derogatory of nature. -
taken from "The Pathans" by Sir Olaof Caroe.

Pathan was a word used by the Marajah of India on a group of Afghans who used to kidnap the pretty girls of India and forcibly marry them.

Deera deera manana, I heard something about kidnapping..but I didn't why thet call us this..manana

[ijaz yousafzai]

The most popular theory is that the Pakhtuns who migrated to India under a Public invitation of Behlol Lodhi, were called Pathans by the Indians due to their striking resemlance with " Parthians",in stoutness,height,physique and complexion. The Parthians were unruly and savage people, therefore Pathan is a derogatory name, as correctly pointed out by Jasmine and Shaamar. Pakhtuns, therefore prefered to be called Pakhtuns/Pashtuns.

[Shayesta]

Is Jatt really used in a derogatory tone? Lol..I am a Jatt.

Yup, but I doubt it's meant to be intentional because many Afghans don't even know Jatt is identity as well.

[eyeliner]

pathan i believe was a word that the british used.

[Dreamer]

who cares....

[eyeliner]

^ lol, well if we are called something then i guess we should know why we are called it.

[Master Khan]

I guess Pashtun calling himself pathan is just...a idiot that know why his history lol.

[IamDZJ]

i would like to believe it comes from the urdu word "chataan". you know, like the tall mountain.

[..]

like I said in the post I posted above. Being alled a Pathan should be avoided at all time.

Is it hard for someone to pronounce Pashtun?

No, Pashtun is not hard at all to say, even I can say it. Just wish I could say a lot more. I learned some words while in Pakistan, are they the same in Afghanistan?

Rabia

[shehram]

I HATE this word PATHAN

I listen and read that PATHAN is not PAtHAN
That is Bathan ( Mazbootha mla pa Boat ke) from our Prophet SAW

some say Pathan means pa zabardastai aghasto wala in sansikrat
Mehmood Ghaznavi when destry the gods of Hindus they call them Pathan
Someone say Pathan mean Migrated person becoz from afghanistan they migrated always to India
some one say thats word from bitanee

Any way i HAte this word

yawa wraz car ke me zan sara yaw Panchoopai ( very nice word from wazeer masud to punjabi haha)) keenawoo
Pa lar bande sa Labours da Electric wire Rakhkalo
no de punjabee auwee yara pathan deer mazbooth dee che da cable rakhkee
ma werna tapoos ookrroo che ta ta sa pata da da pathan( pukhtana) dee
Hagha rata wayal doi ta goore na partoog qamees ye achawalee dee aw Car me pa next round about ke turmn krro aw bya pre raghlam
salam na pas me tre tapoos ookrroo da koom zai ye Swabai Pekhawar
hagha rata wayal Keee?
aw yakdam pa panchoopai oogerzedam aw che sa me pa khola ratlal hagha me werta auwe aw da Car na me ham kooz krroo .

pushtoon pukhtoon bas dagha me khwakh weee
pa kalee ke moong chata auwayoo pathan haghoi doomra na peejanee aw na sook da lafz use kaweee
sirf pukhtoon lafz use keegeee


this is my opinion may i m wrong ALLAH know Better