Who Are the Khowar?
The Khowar (also called Chitrali) are an Indo-Iranian ethnic group native to Chitral District in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, numbering approximately 300,000-400,000. They speak Khowar, a Dardic language of the Indo-Aryan family. The Khowar are the dominant ethnic group in Chitral, a remote mountain region nestled in the Hindu Kush where Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the Wakhan Corridor of Afghanistan meet. Historically ruled by the Mehtar (prince) of Chitral, the region maintained semi-autonomous status until 1969. The Khowar are known for their distinctive culture, polo traditions, and the famous Shandur Polo Festival.
The Chitral State
The historic Chitral State was ruled by Mehtars (princes) of the Katur dynasty for centuries until merger with Pakistan in 1969. This princely state maintained its own governance, laws, and identity distinct from surrounding Pashtun territories. The mehtar ruled from Chitral town, where the impressive Shahi Mosque and palace complex still stand. British influence during the Great Game era brought military expeditions and political intrigue. The famous 1895 Siege of Chitral saw British-Indian forces relieved after a dramatic march through snowbound passes. This history of separate statehood contributes to Chitrali identity distinct from the Pashtun majority of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Polo Tradition
Polo in Chitral predates the British codification of the sport and represents a distinct Central Asian tradition. Free-style Chitrali polo features fewer rules than modern polo—no boundaries, variable team sizes, and musical accompaniment from drums and surnai (oboe). The annual Shandur Polo Festival, held at the world's highest polo ground (12,000 feet) on the Shandur Pass, pits Chitral against Gilgit in matches that draw thousands of spectators. Polo remains deeply embedded in Chitrali identity—villages maintain teams, and skill at polo brings prestige. This living polo tradition connects the Khowar to ancient Central Asian equestrian cultures.
Contemporary Khowar
Modern Khowar face challenges of development in a remote mountain region. Roads have improved access but Chitral remains isolated, especially in winter when the Lowari Pass closes. Education has expanded significantly; Chitrali diaspora communities exist in Pakistan's major cities. The Khowar language thrives locally but faces pressure from Urdu in education and media. Tourism to Chitral—drawn by the Kalash valleys, polo, and mountain scenery—provides economic opportunities. Religious conservatism has increased, changing social norms. How the Khowar preserve their distinctive identity—language, polo traditions, and cultural heritage—while developing economically shapes this mountain people's future.
References
- Parkes, P. (1987). \"Livestock Symbolism and Pastoral Ideology Among the Kafirs of the Hindu Kush\"
- Robertson, G. S. (1896). Chitral: The Story of a Minor Siege
- Decker, K. (1992). Languages of Chitral