Resistance Themes in Pashto Tappa

Abstract

Pashto folk literature is very rich and vibrant comprising various genres in which Tappa is a significant one. This genre has been used in Pashto language since times immemorial highlighting various aspects and issues of Pakhtun society. Tappa has evolved through different phases of history and has been used by people on various occasions.  Resistance to foreign aggression has always remained a key feature of Pakhtun society and this resistance to external invaders has persisted a major theme in Pashto Tappa. Pakhtun men as well as women have used it for invoking the sentiments of the people as well as instigating their countrymen and their beloved/ spouse against the foreign aggressors. It has been sung by Pakhtun women especially at the times of wars/ crisis to keep their men firm and steadfast. Nevertheless the resistance themes in this folk genre is not only limited to invaders (belonging to same or different belief system), it shows resistance in other domains of Pakhtun’s social life like gender. Historical events like colonialism on Pakhtun land and different wars have contributed to the increasing treasure of this genre of folk literature.