Pashtunistan - Origin of Term

Origin of Term

Further information: Name of Afghanistan and Afghan (name)

The name used for the region during the middle ages and up until the 20th century was Afghanistan, which has been mentioned by the 6th century Indian astronomer & mathematician Varahamihira, 7th century Chinese pilgrim Hiven Tsiang, 14th century Moroccan scholar Ibn Batutta, Mughal Emperor Babur, 16th century historian Firishta and many others.

The men of Kábul and Khilj also went home; and whenever they were questioned about the Musulmáns of the Kohistán (the mountains), and how matters stood there, they said, "Don't call it Kohistán, but Afghánistán; for there is nothing there but Afgháns and disturbances." Thus it is clear that for this reason the people of the country call their home in their own language Afghánistán, and themselves Afgháns. The people of India call them Patán; but the reason for this is not known. But it occurs to me, that when, under the rule of Muhammadan sovereigns, Musulmáns first came to the city of Patná, and dwelt there, the people of India (for that reason) called them Patáns—but God knows! —Ferishta, 1560-1620

The name Pakhtunistan (Pashto: پښتونستان‎ ), or in the soft Pashto dialect, Pashtunistan, evolved originally from the Indian word "Pathanistan" (Hindustani: پٹھانستان, पठानिस्तान ). The very concept of Pashtunistan was taken from the old word "Pakhtunkhwa." Like other Hindustani terms, "Pathanistan" entered the Pashto lexicon. The British Indian leaders and even the Khudai Khidmatgars started using the word "Pathanistan" to refer to the region, and later on the word "Pashtunistan" became more popular.