Yashkuns

The Yashkun People or Yashkuns (Shina: یشکن) are a sub-group of the Shina, a Dardic-speaking ethnic group, majority of whom reside in the Gilgit division of Gilgit-Baltistan and Chitral and Kohistan districts of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. They speak a Dardic language called Shina and are generally scattered throughout northern Pakistan. Most researchers assert that the Yashkun are immigrants to northern Pakistan from Central Asia. However, other authorities maintain that the Yashkuns are indigenous to northern Pakistan.

History

According to historical sources, the Yashkuns migrated from the Central Asian region close to Xinjiang to present day Gilgit-Baltistan region of Pakistan.

The Yashkuns are one of the descendents of the ancient tribe Aśvakan/Aśvakas (Kambojas). They are native to the hindukush region where the kambojas once ruled. Being Dardic Shina they are related to other indigenous groups such as the Pashai and Nuristânis (Kafiristanis).

The Yashkun share etymology connection to the Askunu of Nuristan and Asawan caste found within Indian kamboj.

Demography

The Yashkuns form the majority of the population in Gor, Chilas, Tangir, Darel valley the Indus Valley below Sazin, upper part of the Gilgit Valley, Gupis, Pingal Yasin(Qurqulti), Punial, Astore Valley, Chitral, Nagar, Hunza, Kohistan, Hodur, Khinar, Astore, Gurez, Dras, Talil and Soro.

References

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Dardic peoples
Social groups of Gilgit Baltistan
Social groups of Pakistan