Abstract
This paper analyses a traditional folktale recorded in the Shina language of Indus Kohistan in Pakistan. The tale features as its main protagonist an intelligent, resourceful and courageous woman. Other versions of the tale can be found in Kashmir, the Western Himalayas and the Panjab, but these either do not have a female protagonist, or do not give such a prominent role to the heroine. This strong depiction of female agency contrasts with the subordinate role of women in Kohistani society, who are relegated to domestic and agricultural work – a role which has been reinforced by the Islamic beliefs of the Deobandi sect. Most versions of the story describe a supernatural serpent that turns into a prince or brings fortune to its rescuer. In the Kohistani tale, this magic serpent is interpreted as a mountain fairy, thus linking the tale to pre-Islamic beliefs found in the region of the Hindu Kush, defined as “Peristan” by Alberto and Augusto Cacopardo (Gates of Peristan. History, Religion and Society in the Hindu Kush, 2001). At the same time, many devices are used to give the story a more acceptably Islamic flavor.
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