Overview
Since the 1970s, the transformation of Pakhtun areas has brought far-reaching changes to all aspects of society. This book investigates evolving patterns of social relations among Pakhtuns, focusing on the practice of gham khadee (participation in sorrows and joys) as a key mode of social and political engagement. Given that political standing among Pakhtuns is tied to honour, the book also explores how gham khadee and the doing of favours enable leaders to build profiles and political followings. Offering a faithful account of Pakhtun reality, this study contests the stereotypical representation of Pakhtunwali and considers gham khadee to be a manifestation of the code of life.
Full Product Details
Author: Adnan Khan
Publisher: Berghahn Books
Imprint: Berghahn Books
Volume: 10
ISBN: 9781836953456
ISBN 10: 1836953453
Pages: 226
Publication Date: 01 February 2026
Audience:
Professional and scholarly
,
Professional & Vocational
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active
Availability: In Print
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Reviews
“The book offers a valuable and detailed exploration of Pakhtun culture, with a specific focus on Pakhtunwali and the dynamics of gham khadee. It provides fresh ethnographic insights and challenges stereotypical narratives about Pakhtuns, filling a significant gap in anthropological literature on the region. The integration of personal narratives adds authenticity and accessibility, making it a compelling academic contribution.” • Aamir Jamal, University of Calgary “This is a well written and persuasive book...it effectively provides an ethnographic challenge to one of the more dominant narratives about Pakhtun culture. This work sits alongside the classics of Charles Lindholm or Fredik Barth in its aspiration to develop a salient cultural framework.” • Stephen Lyon, Aga Khan University
""The book offers a valuable and detailed exploration of Pakhtun culture, with a specific focus on Pakhtunwali and the dynamics of gham khadee. It provides fresh ethnographic insights and challenges stereotypical narratives about Pakhtuns, filling a significant gap in anthropological literature on the region. The integration of personal narratives adds authenticity and accessibility, making it a compelling academic contribution."" - Aamir Jamal, University of Calgary ""This is a well written and persuasive book...it effectively provides an ethnographic challenge to one of the more dominant narratives about Pakhtun culture. This work sits alongside the classics of Charles Lindholm or Fredik Barth in its aspiration to develop a salient cultural framework."" - Stephen Lyon, Aga Khan University
Author Information
Adnan Khan teaches anthropology as an Assistant Professor at the University of Malakand in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. His research interests focus on contesting the stereotypical images of the Pakhtuns from an ethnographic perspective by analysing the ways in which the Pakhtun code of life has changed due to the broader socio-economic and religio-political changes in the region.
