Mirwais Khan Neeka

The Unforgettable Afghan Hero and National Leader

It is my pleasure to explain briefly the experiences of political life and leadership of Haji Mirwais Necka, the most prominent head of Afghanistan (1673-1715). He, with wisdom and courage, founded the Afghan national independence,which had been disturbed for some 200 years by neighboring rulers.

In this age of democracy and knowledge, it is the essential duty of Afghan scholars to

further discover and introduce the glorious history and grand culture of Afghanistan to the foreign world. It is unfair for Afghans

to depend on the findings of foreign researchers or journalists, who are leading the torch of investigation in our history, geography and politics which are sometime vague or controversial.

Mentality of the Afghan Tribes

My colleague, Dr. R. Zirakyar, has stated precisely and accurately that "before the time of' Mirwais Neeka for some 200 years neighboring rulers had planned plots and conspiracies of Afghanistan." There were Shabanis demlising and aggression on Uzbics, Moghols and Persian Safavid who attacked the land and people of Afghanistan. And then there were the super powers of British and Russian aggression to divide Afghanistan. Three wars with England and the most recent invasion of Soviet Union are unforgettable and unforgivable incidents. Every plot of such aggression has put Afghanistan half a century behind its the advancement. It is, however, unfortunate that brainless politicians who made plots for destroying Afghanistan have no knowledge about the mentality of Afghans. The fact is, Afghan people have never been conquered or occupied by enemies (except temporarily or across the borders). Every time the central administration or political unity is disrupted the glow of independent spirit is brought into life. The light of independence sparks in one comer or another. Among the Afghan tribes a leader will rise to unify them for revenge and obtaining the lost jewel of freedom. This experience is repeatedly true during the 5000 years of Afghan history.

Mirwais Khan's Inspirations

From the early 16th Century to the late 18th Century the Land of Afghans was occupied by the Uzbic Turk power. The east of the land was invaded by Moghuls from India. In the West, the Afghan land was under continued aggression of Persian Safavid kings. In this way the unity, independence and the life of Afghans were disrupted and diversely affected under these powers. Famous, learned, intelligent and talented Afghan administrators and politicians were contributing in the courts of these foreign rulers on one hand and waiting for proper opportunity to rise against them on the other hand.

Such intolerance was unacceptable to the Afghan population. It caused uprisings around the country, especially in the Pashtoon areas. The eastern movement of Peer Rooshan (1579) was supported and continued by Khushal Khan Khattak (1613-1690) and his sons. In the southwest, national independence movements were aggressively headed under the leadership of Mirwais Khan Neeka, (1673-1715).

Roots of Mirwais Khan

Mirwais was born in a well-known, rich and political family with roots in tribal and ethnic affairs. The family was, for ages, involved in social and community services. He is the son of Salim Khan, grandson of Karum Khan and great grandson of Ismail Khan. Mirwais belongs to the famous Afghan Hottaki tribe, as Ismail Khan did, a descendant of Malikyar, the ancient head of Hottaki Afghans. Hottaki is a strong branch of Gharzi or Ghilzai, one of the main dynasties of Afghanistan.

Haji Amanullah Hottak reports in his book(1989) that the Ghilzai tribe are the original residents of Ghoor or Gherj. This tribe came down to live in the Kassi Mountain. They migrated later to obtain land in Zabul, Paktia, Ghazni, Kabul, Nangrahar, Kunar and Kandahar and multiplied in these areas. The Ghilzai tribe is one of the main branches of Afghans.

Nazoo Anaa

Nazoo Anaa is the mother of Mirwais Khan. She was a prominent learned poet and courteous person. Her father, Sultan Malakhai Tokhi, was also a prominent head of his tribe. In this way, Mirwais Khan inherited wisdom and political strength from both sides of his family. His father, Salim Khan, as head of his tribe was a rich businessman too. He sent caravans in route to Delhi, India and Isfahan in Persia. Nazoo Anaa's father paid close attention to her education-and-upbringing and induced training-and-full education from the elders and learned personalities of the time in Kandahar. She became a prominent poet and literary figure of Pashtoo language. Her contribution as a poet is uniquely considered invaluable even today.

On the night Mirwais was born (1673) his mother, Nazoo Anaa, dreamed of Baitt Neeka (an ancient and famous benevolent leader of Afghans). He told Nazoo to take best care of the new baby because when the child grows up, the country would be blessed by his services. Nazoo Anaa, from time to time, recalled the miraculous dream to her son and advise him to perform deeds with authenticity. Young Mirwais eternally followed his mother's advice. He became a great leader for the people of Afghanistan.

Khanzada Sadozai

Mirwais married Khanzada, the daughter of Jaffar Khan Sadozai, a chief leader of his tribe. 'Ibis relationship firmly cemented a unity between the two, sometimes rival tribes.

It gave strength and popularity to Mirwais' leadership in and outside of his community. Khanzada in characteristics and education was a distinguished lady like Nazoo Anaa. She played a great role in her husband Mirwais Khan's social and political life.

Mirwais Khan's Personality

Mirwais Neeka was born near Kandahar City in 1673 and died by natural causes at the age of 42 (in 1715) after he established the power of the Hottaki tribe in Afghanistan.

He ruled the land either for six or eight years. Mirwais Neeka defeated the Persian Safavid in the Southwest and Moghuls of India in the east of Afghanistan. After achieving the unification and independence of Afghanistan, on the basis of natural modesty, he did not accept the title of king or emperor. Rather, he preferred the simple word of "Misher," meaning elder of the people or a Counsel of State.

His people generously suffixed another word to his name, "Neeka," meaning Grandfather of the Nation. In this way, his ambition was to abolish kingdom or monarchy, and replace it with a national leadership and indigenous democracy instead.

Mirwais Khan As a Youth

Since his youth, Mirwais Neeka became famous for genius thinking and analysis of events. He was honorable, gentle, kind, benevolent, just and honest. His speeches were fruitful, convincing and inspirational. People were grateful for his social courtesy and endurance. Mirwais Neeka had the appearance of a descendant of the original Ariana tribe. He was tall, well-built, light-brown skin, black hair, dark-brown eyes, and a long, straight but slender nose.

He is well-known as a strikingly handsome, strong man who wore richly decorated and embroidered clothes.

Mirwais Neeka proposed peace and unity and wanted stable relations between the government administration and the people of Afghan tribes. He recognized the need to build a strong and prosperous nation which would be able to stand on its own feet.,, He wished to strengthen Afghanistan's position in international affairs through economics. During his father's time as well as after that Mirwais; Neeka wisely

continued business transactions and acquainted himself with influential dignitaries in the governmental circles of Persia and India.

Mirwais Khan earned several tides from his people, such

as:

Mirwais Khan (Chief)

Mirwais Baba (Father)

Mirwais Neeka (Grandfather)

Meer Khan (Grand Chief)

Haji Mir Khan (Chief Who Pilgrimage to Mecca).

Gorgin in Kandahar

Persian king, Sultan Hussian Safavid, appointed Gorgin of the Giorgi tribe as governor of Kandahar, Afghanistan (1709). He soon became the most brutal and truculent authority in the region. Gorgain was a ruthless and contemptuous person. He proved this as soon as he entered Kandahar with 20,000 Persian savage soldiers.

Persia exercised this political force to demonstrate its power to Afghans and to establish a strategic stand to the Moghol's empire in India- The intoicrable acts of Gorgin forced the Afghan nation to seek peace and safety. In unity, they turned towards Mirwais Neeka authorizing him to find a remedy. Mirwais contacted the Persian ruler, King Hussian Safavid, about the murderous administration of Gorgin going on in Kandahar and over the Afghan people.

Reedi Khan Momand, a learned political poet, has mentioned in his book of poetry that Mirwais contacted the Persian court four times in vain about the cruelty of Gorgin.

Governor Gorgin received reports about this political and secret action of Mirwais. He planned to send Mirwais and his prominent followers to Persia to be detained in Persia so that Afghanistan would be ruled peacefully. But Mirwais had better plans for Gorgin's future.

The Fall of Gorgin

In Isfahan, the Court of Persia, Mirwais made plans to invoke opposition of King Hussian towards Gorgin. He treated all dignitaries in that court with courteous manners and used his political charisma and wealth to achieve his goals. He offered all those involved in decision making with gifts. Soon he became close to the authorities and even was consulted as political advisor in all the political affairs of the court. The king himself was fascinated with Mirwais's vigor of political talent and marvelous manners.

Mirwais knew that Gorgin had friends in the king's court. He kept his opposition of Gorgin secret from them

and instead gifted them as others in authority. Mirwais had no problem in the Persian court and the need for his consultation increased continuously. This successful policy and logical approach by Mirwais paved the way for granting royal permission to go to Arabia. There he performed the Hajj(pilgrimage) Ceremony, the fifth pillar of the religion of Islam that obligates every able Muslim to go to Mecca once in life time for pilgrimage. During the Haij offering in Arabia, Mirwais Khan was able to visit several political and religious influential persons. They offered support for Mirwais Khan's secret plan to free Afghanistan from the hands of Persians. The Ulama in Arabia approved in writing of launching a war by Afghans against Corgin of Persia. Mirwais kept this document secret and returned to Persia- Tbe document is called Fatwa 1(4(Religious authorization, in this case, for war against the enemy).

Mirwais Neeka;

After a short stay in Persia, Mirwais convinced the king that he needed to leave for Kandahar, his home, to advise Gorgin in person on major issues. Otherwise, Gorgin might plan covert action against Persia to get independence in Kandahar with the help of Moghols.

The concern of the Persian king had become gigantic and he was afraid that Gorgin will seek cession from Persia with the help of Moghols in India. The king accepted the political analysis of Mirwais and allowed him to go to Kandahar. There he was to council and advise Gorgin very closely. Gorgin +ad to listen and obey Mirwais' advice. Mirwais went to Kandahar with the new orders for Gorgin.

The Afghan people were relaxed that Gorgin was limited in power and Mirwais was now his boss in important decisions.

Historic Lova Jirga

In competing with Mirwais' friendship in the Persian court, Gorgin jealously stepped up his dictatorship and ruthless warlordism. Mirwais, now among his people, made contacts through meetings and secret visits with the heads of the numerous tribes and reinforced the idea of national unity against the tortures of Gorgin and foreigners. All Afghans gave assurance of their determination and requested Mirwais to lead the way. Mirwais promptly invited a Loya Jerga (a traditional grand national assembly). The Loya Jirga gathered under Mirwais Khan near his hometown of Shari Safa which is in the vicinity of Manja Village near Kandahar.

Members in Lova Jirga

According to Said Kasim, Rishtia 'Loya Jirga" was gathered in Shahri Safa in 1707. According to Mir Ghulam M. Ghobar this Loya Jirga was gathered in Manja in 1709.

This difference will be cleared in future research. Both small cities are adjacent to each other and situated (30-32 km) east of Kandahar City. Also both cities were under the authority of Kandahar provincial administration. Mr. Amanullah Hottak reports that Reedi Khan in his book Mahmoud Nama mentioned the following prominent people as members of Mir Wais's Loya Jirga:

1. Saidal Khan Nasir, Chief of Hottaki Army

2. Babu Jaan Baabi, Chief of Hottaki Army

3. Mir Alarn Khan Nasir. Chief of Turnak Army

4. Sado Khan Nasir, Chief of Turnak Army

5. Yusuf Khan Hottak, Chief of Turnak Army

6. Bahadur Khan Anderh, Conqueror of Shall, Zoob,Derajat

7. Mullah Peer M. Mianji, Chief Religious Leader

8. Gul Khan Babar, Chief of Babar Tribe

9. Noor Khan Barizhi, Chief of Barizhi Tribe

10. Nassro Khan Alakozai, Chief of Shorawak City

11. Yahya Khan, Brother of Mirwais Neeka

12. Haji Noor M. Khan, a Nephew of Mirwais Neeka

13. Aziz Khan Noorzai, a Hero from Delaram City

14. Yusuf Khan Hottak, Chief of Seyori City

15. Gull Khan Barizhi, Chief of Barizhi Tribe

16. Yunus Kakar, Chief of Kakar Tribe and Representative from Zoob and Baluchistan.

Also the following names have been reported by other sources of which HaJi Amanullah Hottak makes no mention.

I- Mir Abdullah Khan of the Barizhi Tribe.

2- Tarin Representative from Payshin City.

3- Kasim Khan from Shall Kote City.

4- Sayyed Ali Khan from Hazara Tribe.

5- Zaberdast Khan from Han a Tribe.

Why Call It Lova Jirga?

Dr. Zirakyar, in his research on Mirwais Khan indicates several logical analysis for raising the status of this

"national assembly" to the status of Loya Jirga(grand national assembly holding session on special essential occasion). His statements are deemed considerate and agreeable. They are as follows:

1. The establishment of the Mirwais grand meeting was highly necessary as it was against foreign invasion.

2. Mirwais' proposed grand national assembly deserves the status of Loya Jirga because it was for overthrowing Gorgin and the Persian invasions .

3. This grand national meeting tricked Gorgin to come out of Kandahar Port to an open battle field where Afghan armies can attack the enemy to avoid civilian casualties.

4. The unusual meeting of Mirwais had the full unity and cooperation of all the Afghan tribes. Even those who could not attend it, agreed to the decisions which would benefit all Afghans.

5. The meeting was for all Afghan tribal, religious, military and learned or professional leaders. Mirwais

was able to express his desire of war and show in person the permission of the war which he brought in

writing from Arabian religious authorities.

The Fruits of Lova Jirga

As soon as the accord and consent of the emergency Loya Jerga of Mirwais Khan was approved by the

participants, all the tribes unified. A strong Afghan army was installed. Mirwais Khan with the association of Saidal Khan Nasir brought an indispensable assail on Gorgin. The two armies struck each other at Sheikh Kali Village of Arghasan town near Kandahar. The assail of Mirwais prevailed easily because Gorgin's army came out of the reinforced Port of Kandahar. Gorgin was arrested and then convicted in court. Gorgin was then immolated by Murad Khan for his transgressions and inhuman sins (1709). The Persian king sent two separate envoys to Kandahar to obtain the news account of Gorgin and protested to Mirwais. Both protests were neglected and both men were arrested one after the other. Mirwais took the reins of government in his hands (1709-1715), calling himself a "Misher" chief of the people. His son, Mahmoud then took possession and ruled courageously. In 1722, he even conquered Isfahan, the capitol of Persia. Mahmoud died in 1725. He was succeeded by his cousin, Ashraf. In 1730, an Afghan Baluch killed Ashraf for the Persians. Thus, the Afghan rule in Persia and Afghanistan ended. Turmoil from neighboring kings and disorder in the national unit lasted until 1747 when Ahmad Shah Durani came into power and gave leadership to new Afghanistan.

Tomb of Mirwais Neeka

Mirwais Neeka rests in peace in a distinguished mausoleum in Kohkaran Garden. It is surrounded by the Valley of Arghandab River joining Helmand River near Kandahar City. It is also amid the wonderful excursions recreation spots around Sarpoza Bazaar in KaridAar.

Opposite the tomb is the curious attraction of Chihil-zeena (forty steps) curving from the bottom to the top of a high mountain. The mountain is very rough and the steps are steep for tourists.The steps lead to the niche known as the Thom of Babur, and a stone lion on each side. The place and building of the historic mausoleum was done by the influential and beloved Governor Wazir Muhammad Gull Khan Momand. His other creative service is the establishment of Pashtoo Language Academy(1932), the progressive research and publishing of Pashtoo literature and culture.

Examples of Mirwais

The achievements of Mirwais Neeka prove that in the mountains of Afghanistan there are always able leaders of intelligence, political wisdom, and genius leadership, with golden performances. They will fight the odds with endurance to save the nation and independence. Such examples are:

Shah Mahmoud Hottak, Ahmad Shah Durani, Akbar Khan, Ayub Khan and Amir Amanullah Khan.

Now, Afghans seriously need such a leader to unify and stabilize Afghanistan which once again is under the atrocities of civil war by the hands of selfish and opportunistic war organizations since the Soviet invasion.

After the Soviets left, six years ago, the selfish parties are impeding unification and causing civil war with tremendous casualties.

Works Cited

Ali, Mohammad, A New Guide to Afghanistan; Kabul; 1958

Ali, Mohammad; Afghanistan: A Historical Sketch; Kabul; 1957

Benawa, Abdul Raouf-, The Hottakis; Kabul-, 1956

Dupre, Louis; Afghanistan; Princeton Press; New Jersey; 1980

Ghubar, Ghularn M.; Afghanistan Dar Maseer-i-Tarikh; Kabul; 1968

Habibi, Abdulhai; Tarikh-i-Afghanistan baA az Islam; Kabul; 1967

Habibi, Abdulhai; Afghan and Afghanistan; Kabul; 1969

Hottak, Haji Amanullah; D'Khapalwakai Lmar Srak; Queta; 1989

Lockhart, L.; The Fall of the Safavid Dynasty and the Afghan Occupation

of Persia; Cambridge, 1958

Nazari, Rahmattullah; A Glance at Kandahar City; the History,

Geography and Economics; Thesis; Kabul University; 1964

Rishtya, Said Qassim; Afghanistan Dar Nozda Qam, Kabul; 1958

Zirakyar, Rahmat; Mirwais Neeka; Sabawoon, Pashtoo Part; Issue 7

Sabawoon