Dardistan

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Dardistan is a term coined by Gottlieb William Leitner for the Northern Areas of Pakistan, the Kashmir Valley of Northern India and parts of Afghanistan.

[edit] Historical Origin:

Herodotus(III. 102-105) is the first author who refers to the country of Dards, placing it between Kashmir and Afghanistan. "Other Indians are those who reside on the frontiers of the town 'Kaspatyros' and the Pakytan country". Kaspatyros or Kaspapyros is evidently Kashmir and Pakytan is Pashtuns or Afghans.

It also has reference in Mahabharta where it mentions the tribute of the ant-gold Paopilika brought by the nations of the north to one of the Pandu sons. King Yuhisthira.

The Dards are also the Darada of the Sanscrit writers. The Darada and Himavanta were the regions to which Buddha sent his missionaries.

[edit] Dardic languages:

• • Dameli language
  • Domaaki language
  • Gawar-Bati language
  • Kalami language
  • Kalasha language
  • Kashmiri language
  • Khowar language
  • Kohistani language
  • Ningalami language
  • Pashayi language
  • Phalura language
  • Shina language
  • Shumashti language