The Kalash, who claim to be descendants of Alexander the Great's invading soldiers, have lived in isolation in Pakistan for centuries. Now the tiny pagan tribe is getting long-due recognition as a distinct religious and ethnic group.
Pakistan's Forgotten Pagans Get Their Due
- By Frud Bezhan
9
Like the Nuristanis, the Kalash claim lineage to soldiers of Alexander the Great, and were left behind as Alexander and his army marched on to fight the Battle of the Hydaspes in what is now Pakistan's Punjab Province. His victory over King Porus resulted in the annexation of the Punjab into the Macedonian Empire.
A statistical analysis, published in the journal Science in 2014, found that the Kalash have "chunks" of DNA from an ancient European population.
The Greek government has shown interest in preserving the Kalash's ancient way of life. In 2004, Athens funded the building of the Kalasha Cultural Center, which houses a museum of Kalash artifacts, including clothing, musical instruments, jewelry, and sculptures.
A statistical analysis, published in the journal Science in 2014, found that the Kalash have "chunks" of DNA from an ancient European population.
The Greek government has shown interest in preserving the Kalash's ancient way of life. In 2004, Athens funded the building of the Kalasha Cultural Center, which houses a museum of Kalash artifacts, including clothing, musical instruments, jewelry, and sculptures.
