Written by Naseeb Ullah Achakzai
Chants Populaires Des Afghans (Da Pukhtoonkhwa Da Sher Har o Bahar) is its Pashto Version which was written by James Darmesteter who was a French linguist and famous orientalist. The French version of this book was published in 1888, which had 778 pages. The Pashto version has 381 pages which include selected songs, a variety of subjects like historical songs, religious songs ,mythological songs, and love songs. Another book of Darmesteter is abour Pashto history.
It is the fourth edition of the book while in previous edition the book had grammatical mistakes which have been corrected in this edition. This book was collected by renowned Pashto and Persion writer Abdul Bari Jahani which was published by Stability Research Foundation. This book extensively focuses on Poems, Stories, Mayalona, Sandari (Songs), and other Pashto literary themes .
The introduction of the book is written by Docter Farhan Rohi where he has also provided details of Darmester,s life. According to him Darmester a French orientalist who was born in 1849. Another chapter of the book is written by Abdul Hai Habibi tatiling details. While the preface of the book has been written by Abdul Bari Jahani.
This books has extensive songs which were written in historical perspectives such as of Ahmad Shah Abdali war against Marhatas. It also contains historical Charbaita by Nooradin, Gul Muhammad, Amir Dost Muhammad Khan, etc. It also contains songs (SANDARA) of Akbar Shah,s Killing, Songs of Abdullah, Essa Akhunzada, Tawakal, Ali Khan, Meera, etc. In addition, this book is comprised of Mataloona (Proverb), Landi, and short story such as of Adam Khan and Dur Khani.
The collection of publication of this book is a laudable step and needs appreciation. This books is a remarakble masterpiece on Pashto folk literature.
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