Khushal Khan Khattak (1613–1689), also revered as Khushal Baba, stands as one of the most iconic figures in Pashtun history. A bold warrior, tribal chief, and literary genius, Khushal’s life is a fascinating blend of valor and vision. From serving the Mughal Empire to leading a fierce resistance against it, his transformation symbolizes the awakening of Pashtun identity and nationalism.
Often referred to as the “Father of Pashto literature” and the “national poet of Afghanistan,” Khushal’s poetry and leadership sparked a revolution that still echoes across the mountains and valleys of present-day Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Early Life and Background
Khushal Khan Khattak was born around 1613 in Akora, a town in what is now Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Belonging to the influential Khattak tribe, his family had long-standing ties with the Mughal Empire. His grandfather, Malik Akoray, enjoyed favor during Emperor Akbar’s reign and was instrumental in securing key trade routes. His father, Shahbaz Khan Khattak, followed in those footsteps, rising through Mughal military ranks.
Khushal showed early signs of brilliance — both on the battlefield and in the realm of intellect. At just 13, he joined his father in a battle against the rival Yusufzai tribe, showcasing innate courage and leadership. After his father’s death in 1641, Emperor Shah Jahan appointed Khushal as the tribal chief and Mansabdar at age 28.
Service to the Mughal Empire
For much of his adult life, Khushal served the Mughal Empire with loyalty. He played a key role in defending the empire’s northwestern borders and often led military campaigns against rebellious Pashtun tribes. He remained a loyal commander under Shah Jahan, earning admiration for his discipline and administrative capabilities.
However, his fate changed dramatically under Shah Jahan’s successor, Emperor Aurangzeb. In 1658, Khushal was imprisoned by Aurangzeb in the Gwalior fortress without trial — a betrayal that would alter the course of his life.
The Turning Point: From Loyalty to Rebellion
After his release in 1668, Khushal returned to his homeland deeply disillusioned. Feeling betrayed and dishonored, he refused offers to rejoin the Mughal court. Instead, he channeled his energies into mobilizing the Pashtun tribes against the empire.
He forged alliances with prominent tribal leaders like Darya Khan Afridi and Aimal Khan Mohmand. Together, they led a widespread revolt against Mughal authority, igniting what would become one of the most formidable resistances of the 17th century.
The Great Pashtun Revolt of 1672
The turning point came when a Mughal officer allegedly assaulted a woman from the Safi tribe, triggering outrage and a violent retaliation. The Safi were soon joined by the Afridi, Mohmand, Shinwari, and Khattak tribes under Khushal’s leadership.
- Key Highlights of the Rebellion:
- Mughal forces suffered a catastrophic defeat in the Khyber Pass.
- An estimated 40,000 Mughal troops were lost, with only four survivors.
- The vital trade route from Attock to Kabul was seized by the rebels.
- Emperor Aurangzeb personally camped at Attock to suppress the revolt.
Though the Mughals eventually regained partial control through bribes and internal tribal divisions, the rebellion permanently destabilized their northwestern frontier.
A Poet of the Sword and the Pen
Khushal Khan Khattak was not only a battlefield commander but a visionary thinker and gifted poet. He wrote over 45,000 couplets in Pashto and Persian, covering themes like:
- Freedom and unity among Pashtuns
- Criticism of tyranny and injustice
- Love, honor, and tribal ethics
- Islamic spirituality and Sufi thought
His poetry carried deep patriotic undertones and became a powerful medium for inspiring Pashtun resistance. His association with the revered Sufi saint Sheikh Rahamkar (Kaka Sahib) also added spiritual depth to his revolutionary message.
Final Years and Legacy
Despite his efforts, Khushal struggled to unify the often-fragmented Pashtun tribes. After years of warfare and political struggle, he retired from active rebellion and focused on writing. His later years were marked by internal family strife — his son Behram Khan, aligned with the Mughals, even sought to capture or kill him.
Khushal eventually fled to Tirah with the support of his loyal sons and died in exile on February 20, 1689, at the age of 76. As per his wishes, he was buried where “no dust from Mughal horses’ hooves would touch his grave”, in the hills of Akora Khattak.
Tributes and Enduring Influence
- Allama Iqbal honored him as Afghan Shanas (knower of Afghans) and Tabeeb (healer) of the Pashtun nation.
- Orientalists like Maj. H.G. Raverty compared his literary genius to Shakespeare and Goethe.
- His grave bears the powerful epitaph: “Da Afghan pa nang mai watarala toora, nangyalai da zamanai Khushal Khattak yam.”
(I took up the sword for the honor of the Afghan; I am Khushal Khattak, the honorable man of the age.)
Conclusion
Khushal Khan Khattak’s legacy is immortal — not just as a warrior who stood against a mighty empire, but as a poet-philosopher who envisioned a united Pashtun identity. His life was a testament to honor, resistance, and the power of words. Today, his poetry continues to inspire generations of Pashtuns, reminding them of their shared heritage and unyielding spirit.