Swati (Pashtun tribe)


Swatis are a tribe mostly inhabiting the Hazara Division of Khyber Pakhtunkhawa, Pakistan.
They are mostly agriculturist and are the biggest proprietors in Mansehra and Batagram Districts.
Swatis
are divided into four Sections each having many sub-sections. These Sections are: Gabri, Mitravi, Mumyaali and Toar.
Swatis are considered as a tribe of Dehqan ethnic origins and speak both Pashto and Hindko. This tribe was Pashtunized due to numerous affinities with Afghans from Sarabani section. Their code of conduct and customs are called 'Swatiwali'. 'Swatis' sometimes referred to as 'Suwadis' have also been styled as 'Servatis' in colonial books are normally orthodox muslims since Ghaznavid times and staunchly follow Hanafi school of Islamic jurisprudence.
According to the Census Report NWF Province 1911, the tribe was counted as 33,000 individuals in Hazara District alone, excluding the Independent Territory of Battagram then known as Hazara Agency.

Subsections and their locations

Swatis have following subsections, holding land share given against each ':-
1. Khankhel Nimakai land collectively in areas of Garhi Habibullah, Mansehra and Bherkund.
2. Sarkheli Nimakai land collectively in areas Baffa, Balakot and Shinkiari.
3. Mirs including Dodaal Nimakai collectively in areas Shinkiari, Kaghan, Balakot and Bhogarmang Panjghol Nimakai collectively in areas Shinkiari and Kaghan Panjmiraal Nimakai in area Shinkiari.
4. Deshraaes including Jahangiri Nimakai collectively in areas Mansehra and Bhogarmang Arghushaals/Malakaals Nimakai collectively in areas Shinkiari and Kaghan. Iznaali/Mandravi Nimakai in area Konsh.
1. Ali Sheris Nimakais collectively in the areas of Sherpur, Malakpur, Gidarpur, Tarihya. This tribe is further divided into Khankhel Balasuri ' Jalangiaal Ranisiaal.
2. Beegaal Nimakais in the area of Agror. This tribe is further subdivided into Shamkori Chojayee.
- Nimakai is a Pushto / Dari word derived from Nim meaning half figuratively :share.
- Subtribe Khankhel mentioned at Serial 1 under Gabri in Upper Pakhal is considered to be a family adopted latter by the Tribe.