Indus Kohistani people

Indus Kohistanis are an Indo-Aryan ethnolinguistic group speaking the Indus Kohistani language.^[2] They mainly reside in Indus Kohistan, Hazara Division in northern Pakistan.^[3]

Indus Kohistanis

كْستٓى
Kohistani jumlo, traditionally worn by women on weddings
Total population
Approx. 200,000 (1992)[1]
Regions with significant populations
Indus Kohistan
Languages
Maiyã (also called Kohistani)
Religion
Islam
Related ethnic groups
Others Indo-Aryan peoples

History

Kohistan is home to several ethnic groups Inhabiting the region of Indus Kohistan, Hazara Division. The Kohistani's like their neighbours in the Hazara Division formerly practised Hinduism and Buddhism, until the 15th century, when the Hazarewals started converting to Islam.^[4] A Glossary of the Tribes and Castes of the Punjab and North-West Frontier Province thus notes that their neighbours, "The Pathans call them, and all Muhammadis (صلى الله عليه وسلم) of Indian descent in the Hindu Kush valleys, Kohistanis."^[5]

During the winter, the Kohistani people reside near their fields, while in the summer they migrate to camping grounds that are located 14,000 feet in altitude.^[6]

See also

• Maiyã language