Khwajgan (Khwaja Khel)


Khwajgan, also known as Khwaja Khel, is a clan or family of Yusufzai Pashtuns settled in different parts of Swat valley Pakistan i-e in Bara Bandai Mingora, Barikot, Charbagh and Dakorak. Khwajgan is the title for "the Masters" or "learned people". Khwajgan, as the plural for "Khwāja", is often used to refer to a network of Sufis in Central Asia from the 10th to the 16th century. In Firdowsi's Shahnama the word is used many times for some rulers and heroes of ancient Iran as well. Khwajgan or Khwaja Khel of Swat valley are those who follow Pashtunwali, a non-written ethical code.

Settlements

In 16th century after the migration from Kabul and the conquest of Swat by Yusufzai's under the leadership of Malak Ahmad Khan Yusufzai, Khwajgan were settled in a village of Kabal Tehsil named Tall Dardiyal and took the profession of business in their hands. With the passage of time Khwajgan were relocated to Pir kaley Matta in relocation system of Swat State.
After some years they were again relocated to Dakorak, Charbagh with the same system and land were allotted to the family in the village of Dakorak.

Recent settlement

The first known persons of Khwajgan family at Swat was Fazal Ahmad Shah and Habib Shah. Fazal Ahmad Shah had three sons Sayyaden Shah, Nawab Shah and Muhammad Shah which is now descended to almost eight generations. In the 20th century, after the urbanization of The Yusafzai State of Swat due to their business needs Khwajgan were settled in different towns and cities of Swat. Mostly in Mingora, Sangota, Charbagh, Bandai and Barikot.