The Pathans by Sir Olaf Caroe is a comprehensive and authoritative work on the social and political history of the Pathans, a prominent ethnic group in the regions of Afghanistan and Pakistan. Spanning over 2,500 years, this book meticulously traces the origins, culture, and historical developments of the Pathans from 550 BC to AD 1957. Caroe, a former British administrator and scholar, brings a unique perspective to the study of the Pathans, combining his deep respect and affection for the people with a scholarly approach. The book delves into the intricate dynamics of Pathan society, their tribal structures, and their interactions with various empires and colonial powers. It also explores the Pathans’ enduring spirit of independence and their significant role in the geopolitical landscape of South Asia. Caroe’s The Pathans is at once a classic and contemporary book. It is—with its Epilogue—essential reading for anyone interested in recent developments in Afghanistan and Pakistan. With its detailed narrative and insightful analysis, The Pathans is considered a classic in the field of ethnographic and political studies. The book includes an epilogue written shortly before Caroe’s death, reflecting on recent events in Afghanistan and their implications for the Pathans. Essential reading for anyone interested in the history and culture of this resilient and influential group, The Pathans remains a seminal work that continues to inform and inspire scholars and general readers alike.
Sir Olaf Kirkpatrick Kruuse Caroe (1892–1981) was a distinguished British administrator and strategist, renowned for his significant contributions to British India's frontier policy and diplomacy. Born in London, Caroe was educated at Winchester College and Magdalen College, Oxford, where he studied classics. During World War I, Caroe served in the British Army, stationed in India, where he developed a deep interest in the region. He first went to the North-West Frontier in early 1916 as an officer in The Queen’s Regiment and was stationed in Peshawar and Nowshera. After the war, he joined the Indian Civil Service and later the Indian Political Service. Following three years in the Punjab, he was posted to the Frontier, where he held successive charges of the districts of Mardan, Hazara, Kohat, and Peshawar itself. He was later appointed Chief Secretary when the Frontier became a Governor’s Province. In 1934, Caroe was sent to Delhi in the Foreign Department, where he eventually served as the Viceroy’s Foreign Secretary throughout the Second World War. He played a crucial role in reaffirming the McMahon Line, which defined the boundary between India and Tibet. The Government’s dealings with the North-West Frontier, Baluchistan, and the independent peripheral state of Afghanistan were in his hands for about ten years. In 1946-47, he crowned his career by becoming the last British Governor of the North-West Frontier Province (now Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) during the tumultuous period leading up to India's independence. After retiring, Caroe continued to influence geopolitical strategies, particularly during the Cold War. He authored several important works, including Wells of Power and The Soviet Empire, which provided valuable insights into the geopolitics of South-Western Asia and Central Asia. His book The Pathans is a labour of love, vividly bringing to life the Pathan people and their scenic setting. The Pathans themselves recognize this work as the locus classicus of their history. Caroe was knighted in the Order of the Star of India in 1944 and promoted to Knight Commander in 1945. He passed away on 23 November 1981 in Steyning, Sussex, leaving behind a legacy as a key figure in British India's administrative and strategic history.
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Rights
World
Year of Publication
2025
Binding
Paperback
Pages
558
