Kalash

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-Area: 15,000 sq. km

-Population: 400,000

-Remains cut off for 6 months-Cultural diversity

-Rich NRs

Rulers of Chitral500BC:Darius, Achaemenid Empire of Persia200 AD:Kanishka, Kushan Empire of Gandhara300AD: Han Dynasty of China300-600:Kushan, Tang dynasty of China700: Local chiefs900:Bahman Kohistani and Kalash1005:Sumalek, upper Chitral1320 AD:Raees Dynasty1590 AD; Katoor Dynasty

The World Conservation Union

TheKalash the most uniqueethnic and religious minority ofPakistan has an outstandinguniversal value. Owing to this value, Kalash

culture has been listed byUNESCO for consideration asWorld Heritage Site Efforts are being made to carryout a detailed study on mappingcultural assets of the Kalashduring the year 2007-09

Introduction

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The site is locatedin Pakistans NorthWest FrontierProvince and it lies35 41 N; 71 40Eat 2800 m elevation Administrative

part of DistrictChitral, 376 Kmfrom Peshawar and

approximately 500Km from Gilgit. Rich in naturalresources

Description of Site


History and People

The Kalash are known as indigenous people toChitral.Their ancestors migrated to Chitral fromAfghanistan in the 2nd century B.C. The Kalash are considered to be a unique tribeamong the Indo Aryan stock with a blend of Indo-European culture and traditions.

By the 10th century A.D, the Kalash ruled a largepart of present-day Chitral, Northern Pakistan

Topographic and demographic information onKalash shows that their abode the Kalash valleyshave shrunk from 6000 sq. km to an area of 300 sq.km over the past 7 centuries. The Kalash population was subjected to massconversion in the 14th century by invading MuslimForces.They were reduced from 20,000 in 1320 to8000 in 1951. The Kalash population further decreased from

8000 to 4000 in 2006

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There are three theories aboutthe origin of the Kalash:1. Kalash are descendants ofAlexander the Great.

2. Kalash are indigenous toAsia and come from what isnow the Nuristan area ofAfghanistan.

3. Kalash ancestors migrated to

Afghanistan from a distantplace in South Asia, which theKalash call Tsiyam in theirfolk songs and epics.

Origin of Kalash

Distinctive Features of Kalash

Kalash Architecture

Kalash architecture is a unique mixture ofancient wooden craft and medieval traditions offigure art.

A multi-storied Kalash building presents a

spectacular view of beautifully carved woodenpillars and beams decorated with unmatchablehuman and animal figures and effigies. Eachone depicts certain myth and superstitions.

Kalash HandicraftsDue to their proximity to nature, the Kalash are

fond of natural colors in handicrafts. Skills in spinning and weaving are exhibitedin Rugs (Palesk), Carpets (Qalin),Belts(Chehari) and headgear (Copesi)

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Kalash Festivals

The Kalash celebrate four majorfestivals commemorating seasonalchange and significant events inagro-pastoral life.

These festivals are Joshi or ChilimJusht, Uchal, Phool and Chawmas.

The Kalash celebrate these festivalsby offering sacrifices at altars,cooking traditional meals anddancing to traditional music during

the week-long events. During the festivals they sacrifice

animals at altars to please gods andgoddesses. This religious ritual isperformed with high regard for thesupernatural beings, according toKalash mythology.

Distinctive Features of Kalash contd...


Distinctive Features of Kalash contd...

Mythology Seclusion of womenduring special days singing and dancingon the occasions offunerals beliefs in astronomy

and prophecies beliefs in 12 godsand goddesses

These are some of theremnants of an oldreligion not found elsewhere in the world(Anthropologists)

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The Kalash are one of the worlds endangered minoritycommunity. Their population decreased from 8,000 in 1951 to4000 in 2006.

Kalash places of worship, graveyards, Jastakhan, Bashali andother cultural monuments are also considered as threatened.

Many features and monuments of Kalash are on declinebecause of forceful conversion of the community byneighbouring Muslims

The traditional Kalash robes, embroideries and foods are

changing with each passing day due to extreme poverty and

availability of cheaper stuff and commodities in the market. The rich tradition of Kalash folklore, epics, love songs andidioms demonstrating a high standard of indigenous wisdom andhuman experience is believed to be vanishing.

Endangered Kalash Culture

Current Management System


At present the Kalash protection and conservation matters are beingmanaged by the District Government of Chitral through its TehsilMunicipal Administration.

The District has the support of the cultural department in ProvincialGovernment of NWFP and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism inthe Federal Government of Pakistan with technical assistance fromThe World Conservation Union (IUCN).

The management practices include arrangements for culturalfestivals, tourist information and facilitation systems andenvironmental protection measures.

Under the current system financial resources are used by the publicsector line departments.

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Suggestions for Project


Holistic approach is needed for conservation of Kalashculture in the current scenario. Strengthening the process of conservation work in Kalash

valleys in the field of religion and culture in coordination withUNESCO for the following three projects:1. Cultural mapping2. Conserving religious sites, monuments and practices3. Conserving material and non-material culture Launching awareness and mobilization campaigns in the

proposed heritage site by organizing workshops ,seminars and

other focused events. Building capacities of relevant human resource in the Kalash

Community to take lead role in the upcoming project forconservation of the culture.


Thefollowing issues will be focused on during designing the project:

How the religious and sacred places of Kalash (Charsu, Maloshetc) should be improved and provided with the requisite facilitiesHow Kalash schools should be established in all valleys and

Kalash teachers should be trained and inducted in Kalash schools

What type of incentives should be given to Kalash children tostudy Kalash language, religion and culture.How to provide facilities to Kalash religious and sacred places

(Jestakhan, malosh, madokjaletc) and encourage Kalashcommunity to perform and practice their traditions, culture andreligious rituals in peaceful environment.Explore ways and means to declare Kalash Valleys (Bumboret,

Rumbur and Birir) World Heritage Site through the good officesof Pakistan National Commission for UNESCO, Islamabad.

Suggestions for Project contd...

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Thank You


Kalash

Documents

Transcript of Kalash