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Ghilji Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: The Ghilji Tribe: Origins, History, and Significance

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The Ghilji Tribe: Origins, History, and Significance Study Guide

Origins, Etymology, and Ancestry of the Ghilji

Historian V. Minorsky's scholarship is associated with theories regarding the origin of the name 'Ghilji', including its potential evolution from ancient Turkic forms and its connection to the Pashtun word 'Gharzay', interpreted as 'hill people'.

Answer: False

Explanation: While V. Minorsky suggested the name evolved from ancient Turkic forms, the specific proposal that 'Ghilji' originated from the Pashtun word 'Gharzay' meaning 'hill people' is attributed to a popular folk etymology, not solely Minorsky's direct proposal according to the source.

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According to 'The Cambridge History of Iran', a prominent theory posits that the Ghilji tribe may be descendants of the Hephthalites.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source explicitly cites 'The Cambridge History of Iran' as mentioning the theory of Ghilji descent from the Hephthalites.

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Nimat Allah al-Harawi's historical narrative attributes a mythical genealogy to the Ghilji, involving a union between a Turkic figure and a Pashtun princess.

Answer: False

Explanation: Nimat Allah al-Harawi's account in *Tarikh-i Khani Jahani wa Makhzan-i Afghani* describes a mythical genealogy involving Shah Hussain Ghori and Bîbî Matò, daughter of Bèd Nîkə, leading to the name 'Ghal-zýy' (son of a thief), not a direct union between a generic Turkic chieftain and a Pashtun princess.

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Najib Bakran's geographical work, *Jahan Nama*, observed that the Khalaj tribe, after migrating to Zabulistan, maintained their original Turkic physical characteristics and linguistic patterns.

Answer: False

Explanation: Najib Bakran noted that upon migrating to Zabulistan, the Khalaj tribe's complexion had darkened due to the climate, and their language had undergone significant changes, indicating a departure from their original state.

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The coin attributed to Tegin Shah, dated 728 CE and identified as belonging to the Khalaj, serves as historical evidence attesting to the Khalaj people's presence and political organization within the region at that time.

Answer: False

Explanation: The coin of Tegin Shah, dated 728 CE, is significant primarily for demonstrating the presence and political organization of the Khalaj people in the region during that era, rather than indicating they were established rulers of Central Asia.

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Historical linguistic analysis suggests that the spelling 'Khalji' is considered accurate for medieval Persian contexts, whereas 'Khilji' might appear due to the omission of vowel markings in older Arabic sources.

Answer: False

Explanation: The consensus among historical sources indicates that 'Khalji' is the accurate spelling for the name within medieval Persian manuscripts, as the omission of short vowel markings in Arabic script could lead to variations like 'Khilji'.

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Identify the term from the options provided that is NOT recognized as an alternative spelling or related name for the Ghilji tribe.

Answer: Khalistan

Explanation: While Khilji, Ghilzai, and Ghilzay are recognized variations or related terms for the Ghilji tribe, 'Khalistan' does not appear in the source material as an alternative spelling or designation.

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Identify the historian who proposed that the tribal name 'Ghilji' originates from the name of the Khalaj people.

Answer: C.E. Bosworth

Explanation: According to the source material, historian C.E. Bosworth is credited with suggesting that the tribal designation 'Ghilji' is derived from the name 'Khalaj'.

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Referencing 'The Cambridge History of Iran', what ancient group is proposed as ancestral to the Ghilji tribe?

Answer: The Hephthalites

Explanation: 'The Cambridge History of Iran' cites a theory suggesting that the Ghilji tribe's origins trace back to the Hephthalites.

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Popular folk etymology connects the name 'Ghilji' to which Pashtun term and its meaning?

Answer: The Pashtun word 'Gharzay', meaning 'born of mountain'

Explanation: A widely circulated folk etymology posits that the name 'Ghilji' derives from the Pashtun word 'Gharzay', which translates to 'born of mountain' or 'hill people'.

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What historical evidence does the coin of Tegin Shah, dated 728 CE, provide regarding the Khalaj people?

Answer: The Khalaj people's presence and political organization.

Explanation: The coin of Tegin Shah, dated 728 CE and identified with the Khalaj, serves as historical evidence attesting to the Khalaj people's presence and their level of political organization within the region at that time.

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What is the historical consensus regarding the accurate spelling of the name as 'Khalji' versus 'Khilji' within the context of medieval Persian manuscripts?

Answer: 'Khalji' is considered the accurate spelling for that context.

Explanation: Historical analysis indicates that 'Khalji' is considered the accurate spelling for the name in medieval Persian manuscripts, acknowledging that variations like 'Khilji' could arise from the omission of short vowel markings in Arabic script.

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Identify the historical text in which Nimat Allah al-Harawi recorded the mythical genealogy attributed to the Ghilji people.

Answer: Tarikh-i Khani Jahani wa Makhzan-i Afghani

Explanation: Nimat Allah al-Harawi documented the mythical genealogy of the Ghilji in his work titled *Tarikh-i Khani Jahani wa Makhzan-i Afghani*.

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The description of the Khalaj tribe within *Jahan Nama* indicates their origin from which ethnic group?

Answer: Turks

Explanation: Najib Bakran's geography *Jahan Nama* describes the Khalaj tribe as originally being Turks from the Khallukh region.

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Linguistic and Nomadic Traditions

The Ghilji people predominantly speak Pashto, with a particular emphasis on the central dialect.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Ghilji primarily speak Pashto, with the central dialect being characteristic of their linguistic practices.

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Prior to 1947, Ghilji nomadic groups engaged in seasonal trade by traveling to Pakistan during the winter months.

Answer: False

Explanation: Before the partition of India in 1947, Ghilji nomads historically traveled to India for winter trade, not Pakistan.

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The Central Pashto dialect, spoken by the Ghilji, is characterized as a distinct linguistic variety entirely unrelated to the southern or northern Pashto dialects.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Central Pashto dialect spoken by the Ghilji is considered a transitional dialect, bridging the linguistic features between the southern and northern varieties of Pashto, rather than being unrelated.

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A comparative table of Pashto dialects indicates that the pronunciation of 'k' sounds remains identical across all three major dialectal divisions.

Answer: False

Explanation: The table comparing Pashto dialects illustrates phonetic variations, specifically showing differing pronunciations for consonants like 'k' and 'g' across the Central, Southern, and Northern dialects.

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Within the Pashto language, the term 'Ghiljay' functions as the plural designation for the Ghilji tribe.

Answer: False

Explanation: In Pashto grammar, 'Ghilji' is the plural form. 'Ghiljay' represents the masculine singular form, and 'Ghiljey' is the feminine singular form.

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The Kochi people, recognized for their nomadic traditions, are predominantly comprised of various Ghilji tribal affiliations.

Answer: True

Explanation: The modern nomadic population known as the Kochi is largely composed of individuals from Ghilji tribes, reflecting their continued migratory practices.

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The Ghilji people primarily speak Pashto, with a particular emphasis on which specific dialect?

Answer: The central dialect

Explanation: The Ghilji primarily speak the central dialect of Pashto, which exhibits transitional characteristics between the southern and northern varieties.

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Before the partition of India in 1947, Ghilji nomads historically participated in seasonal trade by journeying to which nation during the winter months?

Answer: India

Explanation: Prior to 1947, Ghilji nomads engaged in seasonal trade routes that led them to India during the winter, returning with goods to Afghanistan.

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What is the defining linguistic characteristic of the Central Pashto dialect spoken by the Ghilji people?

Answer: It is a transitional dialect between southern and northern varieties.

Explanation: The Central Pashto dialect spoken by the Ghilji is linguistically characterized as a transitional dialect, exhibiting features that bridge the southern and northern varieties of the language.

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According to linguistic notes on Pashto grammar, what grammatical number does the term 'Ghilji' represent?

Answer: Plural form

Explanation: In Pashto grammar, the term 'Ghilji' is identified as the plural form used to refer to the tribe.

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The modern nomadic Kochi population is primarily composed of which tribal groups?

Answer: Predominantly Ghilji tribes

Explanation: The Kochi people, known for their nomadic traditions, are predominantly comprised of various Ghilji tribal affiliations.

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The table illustrating phonetic differences across Pashto dialects primarily highlights variations in the pronunciation of which consonant sounds?

Answer: Consonants like 'k' and 'g'

Explanation: The comparative table of Pashto dialects highlights phonetic variations in key consonants, particularly 'k' and 'g', across the Central, Southern, and Northern varieties, illustrating distinct pronunciations represented by specific phonetic symbols.

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Early History and Interactions with Empires

Medieval Islamic geographers characterized the Khalaj people as sedentary agriculturalists residing in Central Asia prior to their documented migration.

Answer: False

Explanation: Medieval Islamic scholars, such as Istakhri and the author of *Hudud al-'Alam*, described the Khalaj in the Ghazni area as nomadic sheep-grazers practicing transhumance, not as sedentary farmers in Central Asia.

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Following their surrender to Emir Sabuktigin, the Khalaj tribes were subsequently recruited in significant numbers by Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni for his military expeditions.

Answer: True

Explanation: Historical accounts confirm that the Khalaj tribes submitted to Emir Sabuktigin and were later incorporated into the military forces of Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni.

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In 1221, Khalaj and Turkoman warriors participated alongside Jalal ad-Din Mingburnu in the successful engagement against the Mongols at the Battle of Parwan.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Battle of Parwan in 1221 saw Khalaj and Turkoman forces fighting in alliance with Jalal ad-Din Mingburnu against the invading Mongol army.

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The Khalji Dynasty, which governed the Delhi Sultanate, is recognized for its successful defense against multiple Mongol invasion attempts.

Answer: True

Explanation: A significant historical achievement of the Khalji Dynasty was its capacity to repel numerous Mongol incursions into the territories of the Delhi Sultanate.

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Babur's memoirs, the *Baburnama*, recount his campaign against the Ghilji Pashtuns, detailing actions that were far from peaceful trade negotiations.

Answer: False

Explanation: Babur's memoirs describe a military campaign against the Ghilji Pashtuns involving conflict and the creation of a 'pillar of Afghan heads', not peaceful trade negotiations.

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Medieval Islamic scholars, including Istakhri, characterized the lifestyle of the Khalaj people in the Ghazni region as what?

Answer: As nomadic sheep-grazers practicing transhumance

Explanation: Medieval scholars like Istakhri described the Khalaj in the Ghazni area as nomadic pastoralists who practiced transhumance, moving between seasonal pastures.

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Following their surrender to Sabuktigin, which Ghaznavid ruler significantly recruited Khalaj tribes for military campaigns?

Answer: Sultan Mahmud

Explanation: Sultan Mahmud of Ghazni significantly recruited Khalaj tribes into his army after they had initially surrendered to his predecessor, Emir Sabuktigin.

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Which dynasty ruled the Delhi Sultanate for about three decades starting in 1290 CE, founded by a member of the Khalaj tribe?

Answer: The Khalji Dynasty

Explanation: The Khalji Dynasty, established in 1290 CE by Jalal ud din Firuz Khalji, ruled the Delhi Sultanate for about thirty years and successfully defended against Mongol invasions.

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Babur's memoirs document a particularly grim act during his campaign against the Ghilji Pashtuns. What was it?

Answer: The construction of a 'pillar of Afghan heads'

Explanation: Babur's *Baburnama* describes the creation of a 'pillar of Afghan heads' as a consequence of his campaign against the Ghilji Pashtuns.

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Following their recruitment by Sultan Mahmud, the Khalaj tribes subsequently revolted against which Ghaznavid ruler?

Answer: Mas'ud I

Explanation: After serving under Sultan Mahmud, the Khalaj tribes revolted against his son and successor, Mas'ud I of Ghazni.

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The historical record indicates that the Khalji Dynasty was successful in repelling invasions originating from which specific group?

Answer: The Mongols

Explanation: A key military achievement of the Khalji Dynasty was its sustained success in repelling numerous invasion attempts by the Mongols.

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Dynastic Rule and Regional Power

Mirwais Hotak initiated the establishment of the Hotak dynasty through a revolt against the Safavid Empire in 1709.

Answer: False

Explanation: Mirwais Hotak's revolt in 1709 was directed against the Safavid Empire, leading to the foundation of the Hotak dynasty in Kandahar, not against the Durrani Empire.

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Hussain Hotak is identified as the final ruler of the Hotak dynasty, ultimately defeated by Nader Shah Afshar in 1738.

Answer: True

Explanation: The historical record confirms that Hussain Hotak reigned as the last monarch of the Hotak dynasty before his defeat by Nader Shah Afshar in 1738.

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Azad Khan Afghan, a prominent Ghilji figure, consolidated power in western Iran during the period of 1752 to 1757, following the demise of Nader Shah.

Answer: True

Explanation: Azad Khan Afghan, belonging to the Andar tribe of the Ghiljis, successfully established control over significant territories in western Iran in the years after Nader Shah's death.

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The depiction of Shah Hussain Hotak signifies his role as the final ruler of the Hotak dynasty (1725-1738), a lineage established by Mirwais Hotak, a prominent Ghilji leader.

Answer: False

Explanation: The image identified as Shah Hussain Hotak depicts him as the final ruler of the Hotak dynasty, which was founded by Mirwais Hotak, not Shah Hussain Hotak himself.

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Identify the leader who spearheaded the revolt against the Safavid Empire in 1709, thereby founding the Hotak dynasty centered in Kandahar.

Answer: Mirwais Hotak

Explanation: Mirwais Hotak orchestrated the successful revolt against the Safavids in 1709, establishing the independent Hotak dynasty in the Kandahar region.

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Which Ghilji leader emerged as a significant power broker in western Iran during the period spanning 1752 to 1757?

Answer: Azad Khan Afghan

Explanation: Azad Khan Afghan, a Ghilji chieftain, successfully consolidated authority over territories in western Iran between 1752 and 1757.

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The depiction of Shah Hussain Hotak corresponds to which specific historical period?

Answer: The final ruler of the Hotak dynasty (1725-1738)

Explanation: The image of Shah Hussain Hotak represents him in his capacity as the last ruler of the Hotak dynasty, whose reign concluded between 1725 and 1738.

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Modern History and Political Figures

During the First Anglo-Afghan War, Ghilji tribesmen played a significant role in the Afghan resistance, particularly in actions around Kabul.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Ghilji tribesmen were active participants in the Afghan resistance during the First Anglo-Afghan War, the source highlights their role in attacking retreating British forces from Kabul, not necessarily the successful defense of Kabul itself.

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According to Ghilji tradition, William Brydon was permitted to survive the 1842 retreat from Kabul with the specific intention of conveying reports of the Ghilji's military effectiveness to the British.

Answer: True

Explanation: Ghilji oral tradition suggests that the survival of William Brydon was a deliberate act, intended to allow him to report on the Ghilji's formidable military actions during the retreat.

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In 1886, Emir Abdur Rahman Khan mandated the forced migration of Ghilji tribes, relocating them to northern Afghanistan.

Answer: False

Explanation: Following a rebellion in 1886, Emir Abdur Rahman Khan enforced the migration of Ghilji tribes, but the destination was northern Afghanistan, not southern.

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Sher Khan Nashir, an exiled Ghilji chief, is credited with founding the Spinzar Cotton Company, a venture that significantly contributed to the economic development and prosperity of Kunduz.

Answer: True

Explanation: Sher Khan Nashir's initiatives, including the establishment of the Spinzar Cotton Company, played a crucial role in Kunduz's transformation into a prosperous city.

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Mohammad Najibullah Ahmadzai is identified as a former Afghan President belonging to the Ghilji tribe.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Mohammad Najibullah Ahmadzai is a Ghilji former Afghan President, the source also identifies Nur Muhammad Taraki and Hafizullah Amin, among others, as belonging to the Ghilji tribe.

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The visual record of Ghilji chieftains in Kabul circa 1880 serves as evidence of the tribe's established presence and leadership structure during that historical period.

Answer: True

Explanation: The photograph depicting Ghilji chieftains in Kabul around 1880 offers a tangible representation of the tribe's political standing and societal organization in the late 19th century.

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In the context of the First Anglo-Afghan War, Ghilji tribesmen distinguished themselves by attacking which specific group during a notable retreat?

Answer: The retreating British Indian garrison from Kabul

Explanation: Ghilji tribesmen were notably involved in ambushing and attacking the retreating British Indian garrison as it withdrew from Kabul in 1842.

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According to Ghilji tradition, what was the strategic reason for permitting William Brydon to survive the disastrous 1842 retreat?

Answer: To allow him to report on the Ghilji's effectiveness.

Explanation: Ghilji oral tradition holds that William Brydon's survival was intentional, designed to ensure he could report back to the British regarding the Ghilji tribes' military capabilities demonstrated during the retreat.

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What significant consequence befell the Ghilji tribes subsequent to their rebellion against the Afghan ruler in 1886?

Answer: They were forced to migrate to northern Afghanistan.

Explanation: The rebellion of the Ghilji tribes in 1886 led Emir Abdur Rahman Khan to impose a forced migration, relocating a substantial number of these tribes to northern Afghanistan.

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Identify the Ghilji chief, exiled following the 1886 rebellion, who subsequently served as governor of Qataghan-Badakhshan and established the Spinzar Cotton Company.

Answer: Sher Khan Nashir

Explanation: Sher Khan Nashir, a Kharoti Ghilji chief, was exiled after the 1886 rebellion but later became governor of Qataghan-Badakhshan and founded the economically significant Spinzar Cotton Company.

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Beyond Mohammad Najibullah Ahmadzai, which other former Presidents of Afghanistan are identified in the source material as members of the Ghilji tribe?

Answer: Nur Muhammad Taraki and Hafizullah Amin

Explanation: The source identifies Nur Muhammad Taraki and Hafizullah Amin, in addition to Mohammad Najibullah Ahmadzai and Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai, as former Afghan Presidents belonging to the Ghilji tribe.

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What significant economic contribution is Sher Khan Nashir credited with in the region of Kunduz?

Answer: Both B and C

Explanation: Sher Khan Nashir is recognized for founding the Spinzar Cotton Company and establishing the Sher Khan Bandar port, both of which significantly contributed to Kunduz's economic development.

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What aspect of Ghilji history or society is visually represented by the image of Ghilji chieftains in Kabul circa 1880?

Answer: The tribe's presence and leadership structure

Explanation: The image of Ghilji chieftains in Kabul around 1880 serves as a visual testament to the tribe's established presence and its hierarchical leadership structure during that era.

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Geographical Distribution and Tribal Structure

The traditional homeland of the Ghilji tribe is situated exclusively within the contemporary borders of Pakistan.

Answer: False

Explanation: The source indicates that the Ghilji tribe's traditional homeland is located in Ghazni and Qalati Ghilji in Afghanistan, not exclusively within Pakistan.

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The primary concentration of the Ghilji population is located in northern Afghanistan.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Ghilji population is primarily concentrated in southeastern Afghanistan, with their traditional territories bordering the Durand Line, although significant numbers were later relocated to the north.

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The Lodi and Sulaimankhel are identified as significant branches within the broader Ghilji tribal confederation.

Answer: True

Explanation: Prominent among the numerous branches and subtribes of the Ghilji are the Lodi and Sulaimankhel, as detailed in the source material.

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The 'See also' section of the source material includes the Ghilji tribe in proximity to other significant Pashtun groups such as the Durrani and Kakar tribes.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'See also' section serves to contextualize the Ghilji tribe by listing related Pashtun groups, including the Durrani and Kakar tribes, facilitating comparative study.

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Identify the Pashtun tribe recognized as one of the largest, whose traditional homeland encompasses Ghazni and Qalati Ghilji.

Answer: The Ghilji tribe

Explanation: The Ghilji tribe is considered one of the most populous Pashtun groups, with its ancestral territory situated in the Ghazni and Qalati Ghilji regions of Afghanistan.

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Based on the provided information, what is the estimated proportion of Afghanistan's population attributed to the Ghilji people?

Answer: Approximately 20-25%

Explanation: The Ghilji people constitute a significant demographic segment, estimated to represent approximately 20-25% of the total population of Afghanistan.

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Within Afghanistan, what geographical region constitutes the primary area of concentration for the Ghilji tribe?

Answer: Southeastern Afghanistan, bordering the Durand Line

Explanation: The Ghilji population is predominantly situated in southeastern Afghanistan, with their traditional territories extending towards the Durand Line.

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Identify the tribal group from the options provided that is NOT listed as a major branch or subtribe of the Ghilji confederation.

Answer: Durrani

Explanation: While Ahmadzai, Hotak, and Tarakai are recognized as major branches or subtribes of the Ghilji, the Durrani tribe is a distinct major Pashtun group, not a branch of the Ghilji.

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Ashraf Ghani, a former President of Afghanistan, is affiliated with which specific Ghilji branch?

Answer: Ahmadzai

Explanation: Ashraf Ghani, who served as President of Afghanistan, belongs to the Ahmadzai branch of the Ghilji tribe.

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According to the source, which significant geographical or political boundary delineates the primary territory of the Ghilji people?

Answer: The Durand Line

Explanation: The primary territories of the Ghilji are described as being bordered by the Durand Line, indicating their geographical proximity to the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.

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