Nāzo Tokhī, known as Nāzo Anā, was a remarkable Afghan poet and writer who left an indelible mark on the history of Afghanistan. Born in the village of Spozhmayiz Gul, near Thazi, in 1651, she hailed from a powerful and affluent Pashtun family in the Kandahar Province.
Her father, Sultan Malakhai Tokhi, held a prominent position as the head of the Tokhi Pashtun tribe and governor of the Ghazni region. Nāzo’s upbringing and education were carefully nurtured, which shaped her into a learned poet and a compassionate individual.
Nāzo Anā’s significance in Afghan history lies not only in her role as the mother of the renowned early-18th century Afghan king, Mirwais Hotak, but also in her poetic contributions and unwavering support for the Pashtunwali code. She advocated for the adoption of Pashtunwali as the law of the Pashtun confederacy, using her poetic prowess to unite Pashtun tribes against the foreign Persian Safavid rulers. Nāzo Anā’s poems continue to be revered as a valuable part of Afghan culture.
During a pivotal moment in her life, when her father was slain in battle near Sur mountain, Nāzo’s courage shone through. With her brother absent, seeking vengeance for their father’s death, she fearlessly took charge of their household and fortress. Adorning herself with a sword, she led the defense against the enemy alongside the men.
The Mother of the Afghan Nation’s Poetic Influence
Nāzo Anā’s influence extended to the upbringing of her son, Mirwais Hotak. It is said that on the night of Mirwais’s birth in 1673, Nāzo had a prophetic dream about Shaykh Beṭ Nīkə, the legendary leader of the Bettani confederacy. In the dream, Shaykh Beṭ Nīkə urged Nāzo to nurture the child, as his future actions would bless the country. Throughout his life, Mirwais cherished his mother’s advice and strove to carry out his deeds with authenticity.
Nāzo Anā passed away around 1717, at the age of approximately 66, just two years after her son’s death. Her legacy, however, continued through the efforts of Zarghuna Ana, the mother of Afghan Emir Ahmad Shah Durrani, who championed Nāzo’s cause.
The impact of Nāzo Anā’s heroic life remains imprinted on the hearts of the Afghan people. Numerous schools and institutions across Afghanistan bear her name, serving as a constant reminder of her enduring legacy.