Journal of Greater Khorasan

Journal of Greater Khorasan

The rite of benevolence of the dead in Nuristan province of Afghanistan (case study: 19th century AD)

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 department of history, humanity and literature faculty, lorestan university
2 history department, faculty of literature and humanity. lorestan university
3 department of history, faculty of humanity and literature, lorestan university
Abstract
Burial customs and benevolence of the dead are an important part of the culture of every society. Since this virtue of the dead is not formed all at once and it is not obsolete, it is considered an important basis for knowing the culture, way of life, and history of each land, because the dead reflect the opinions of society, the application of government laws, climatic and environmental conditions, It is people's livelihood and social position. The importance of the present research is that it directs our perspective towards the way of life, beliefs, opinions and culture of the people of Nuristan and new researchers who seek to know this land.In the present research, we investigated the issue of how and with what method the Nuristanis performed the rituals of mourning, burial and benevolence of their dead? The initial answer is that Nuristanis believed in life after death and people's view of death was a journey to another world. They used to mourn and bury the dead on this basis and belief. In addition to their beliefs and opinions about life after death, the wealth and social status of people also played a prominent role in how to treat and respect the dead. The findings of the research clarify that group dance , preparing the coffin, not burying the dead in the ground, making a statue and putting the necessary tools and food in the coffin were important components of mourning and benevolence of the dead in Nuristan.
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  • Receive Date 01 December 2023
  • Revise Date 13 January 2024
  • Accept Date 30 May 2024