Book Review: “North-West Frontier Province: History and Politics”

Sayed Wiqar Ali Shah, an esteemed historian and expert on the history and politics of the North-West Frontier Province (NWFP), presents a comprehensive collection of his articles in his book titled "North-West Frontier Province: History and Politics." With an impressive background in history and academia, Shah has authored numerous books in English, Urdu, and Pashto, focusing on themes such as Pashtun nationalism and the Pashtun diaspora in NWFP and Afghanistan. This book delves into the rich historical and political landscape of the NWFP, providing valuable insights into its past and present.

The book is divided into eight chapters, each exploring a specific aspect of NWFP's history and politics. The first chapter, "Origin of Afghans," delves into the various theories regarding the origin of the Pashtun people. Shah presents the debate surrounding their ancestry, including claims of being descendants of Israelites, Armenians, and Aryans. He concludes that the Pashtuns are a mixed race with influences from various cultures over time, a theory grounded in logic and scientific analysis.

In the second chapter, "Redefining Constitutional Politics: the NWFP and the Raj, 1901-1932," Shah delves into the constitutional developments in the NWFP during the British Raj. Given its strategic location, the province served as a buffer zone against the Russians, leading the British to administer it strictly. The chapter explores the struggle for constitutional reforms and the eventual granting of full-fledged governorship status to NWFP, mirroring other provinces in British India.

The third chapter, "NWFP and the Khilafat & Hijrat Movement," examines the impact of the Khilafat and Hijrat movements on the province. The Khilafat movement, born out of concern for the Ottoman Empire during World War I, led to significant Muslim political activism in India. Shah explores the offshoot Hijrat movement, where Muslims migrated to Afghanistan, and the role of the NWFP in this historical event.

Chapter four, "Abdul Ghaffar Khan," offers a detailed account of the life and contributions of Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, popularly known as Bacha Khan. A revered Pashtun leader and social worker, Khan played a pivotal role in Pashtun nationalism and non-violent activism. His establishment of Anjuman-i-Islah-ul-Afaghana and Khudai Khidmatgar Organization, and his close association with the Indian National Congress, are extensively discussed in this chapter.

Mian Akbar Shah, another significant freedom fighter from NWFP, takes center stage in the fifth chapter, "Mian Akbar Shah." Shah explores Shah's radical political journey from seeking Bolshevik help to his involvement with Khudai Khidmatgar and assisting Subhas Chandra Bose's escape from British India.

The sixth chapter, "Women and Politics in the North-West Frontier Province (1930-1947)," highlights the role of women in NWFP politics. Despite being a male-dominated society, women in NWFP participated in political activities, contributing to movements such as Khudai Khidmatgar and the Frontier chapter of the Muslim League. Shah sheds light on the challenges faced by women, who, despite their political involvement, faced severe socio-cultural restrictions.

The seventh chapter, "The Making of Pakistan and the NWFP: Quaid-i-Azam – Pir of Manki Sharif Unpublished Correspondence November 1945-November 1946," uncovers the unpublished correspondence between Jinnah and Pir of Manki Sharif. This exchange highlights the efforts to garner Muslim League support in the NWFP, where Khudai Khidmatgar held significant sway.

The final chapter, "Jinnah’s Frontier Visits (1936 and 1945) and their impact on the Provincial Politics of the NWFP," delves into Jinnah's visits to the Frontier province, particularly his second visit in November 1945. This chapter analyzes how his interactions and support from various political actors influenced NWFP's local and national politics.

Shah's book starts with an engaging introduction to NWFP's history, geography, and people, setting the stage for the subsequent chapters. Each chapter is well-researched and based on primary sources, making it an academic treasure for history students. The book's language is accessible, making it suitable for readers of all backgrounds.

In conclusion, "North-West Frontier Province: History and Politics" is a compelling read, offering valuable insights into NWFP's historical and political development. Shah's objective approach and extensive research make it an essential resource for researchers, students, and history enthusiasts seeking to understand the complexities of the region.