Utmanzai (Sarbani tribe)

Utmanzai (Pashto: اتمان زی) is a Pashtun sub-tribe of the larger Yusufzai Mandanr clan in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

In the early 19th century, the Utmanzai people were celebrated for their valor and intellect. During the early 1820s, the brave Utmanzai tribes of Tarbela, Ghazi and Kalabat stood as resolute adversaries against the dominion of the Sikh Empire. Their unwavering determination and bravery shone brightly during the War of Nara in 1824, where they successfully expelled the Sikhs from the Haripur Hazara region. This victory earned the Utmanzai people a well-deserved reputation for their courage and sagacity.

As the author of The people of India said :

" They make excellent soldiers, and their valour and endurance are beyond question. Many of them, from time to time, have entered the service of native princes, under the designation of Rohillas; and at one period they were numerous, with members of other Afghan frontier tribes, in the service of His Highness the Nizam. In the Deccan, however, they were found turbulent and lawless, and their numbers have been gradually reduced. They are in general bad shots, though they carry guns; and their favourite weapons are a broad, heavy sabre, and knife or dagger, with which, protected by a large black shield, they are undoubtedly formidable antagonists. Many of the Utmanzais, and Yousafzais in general, are as fair and ruddy as Europeans, with light brown hair and beards, and blue, grey, or hazel eyes; and they are a strikingly handsome, athletic race, capable of immense endurance of fatigue. Their women are said to be very beautiful in youth, though often coarse and masculine as they grow old, and in comparison with others ."

- From "The People of India" by John Watson and John Kaye. 1861

The year 1857 marked a turbulent period following the downfall of the Mughal Empire in India. In this tumultuous time, a group of three Hundred Mughal soldiers embarked on a perilous journey towards Central Asian countries. Their route took them through various villages, towns, and cities, where they sought refuge with local landlords and affluent individuals. However, their stays were often at the expense of their hosts, as they frequently engaged in pillaging before continuing their journey.

Upon reaching Tarbela Chahar, they found shelter in the Hujra of Mohibullah Khan, a renowned landlord of the Tarbela valley, belonging to the Utmanzai, Kannazai, and Musakhel lineage. During their stay, the Mughal soldiers developed an affinity for Khan’s horses and dogs. The following morning, they expressed their intention to take these animals with them. Fearing derision for surrendering his possessions in exchange for his life, Mohibullah Khan adamantly refused.

This refusal incited the wrath of the Mughal soldiers’ commander, who issued dire threats to Khan. It was at this critical juncture that Mohibullah Khan’s eldest son, Mir Zaman Khan, stepped forward and resolutely slew the commander. This audacious act left the remaining soldiers in stunned disbelief, causing their morale to crumble. Recognizing the futility of further escalation, they capitulated to Mohibullah Khan.

However, Khan agreed to their surrender on one condition: that they return all the ill-gotten possessions they had amassed from Delhi to Tarbella and hand over the body of their fallen commander. The soldiers, albeit reluctantly, acquiesced to his terms and departed, leaving behind their ill-gotten gains.

As they crossed the Indus River and ventured closer to Swabi. Mohibullah Khan, utilizing his falcon, dispatched a warning letter to the Pashtun communities residing along the riverbanks regarding the approaching soldiers. The news swiftly reached the elders of Panjpir (Swabi), who, dreading casualties in an open battlefield, devised a cunning strategy.

Rather than openly confronting the soldiers, they extended a hospitable welcome. However, their true intentions became apparent under the shroud of night. With the lighting of a fire atop the mountains serving as a signal, the people of Panjpir executed their plan with precision. In a coordinated effort, they ambushed and vanquished the remaining Mughal soldiers, ensuring that justice prevailed.

This chronicle, known as the saga of the “Last Three Hundred Mughal Soldiers,” stands as a testament to the bravery and resourcefulness of the Utmanzai tribe and the Pashtun communities of the region, who safeguarded their land with unwavering determination.( ref: Pathans of Latter’s Days)(the story of Last Three Hundreds Mughals Soldiers). The Utmanzai are divided into Four sub-tribes (Akazai, Kannazai, Alizai and Sadozai). In 1750 they were called by Gujjars to help them against the Sikhs, Tareen and Tanoli. They moved from (Topi, Maini, Kotha and Kalabat) and returned victorious. Around 1750 they settled in the Valley of Tarbela (Morti, Mera, Gojra, Jattu, Chahar, Tahli, Loqmania, Dehri, Tandula, Tarpakhi, Dhal,Mohat ). Some of the tribes are also living in (, Kaya, Khabal) and (Khanpur) on the opposite side of Tarbela Valley. Some also moved to ('Khalabat , Pultaar , Daragri , Jamaa etc). Utmanzai are mostly located in (Topi, Kotha, etc) Some got settled in [[Swabi, Mardan , Charsada , ], Haripur and Khalabat Town Ship after they left their land during the creation of the Tarbela Dam.