A Dictionary of the Pukhto, Pushto or Language of the Afghans

This Dictionary compiled by Captain H.G. Raverty, and first published in 1860 is the result of twelve to fourteen years of research that the author spent in collating the words, studying and comparing them with other languages that he knew. He took assistance from a learned maulvi of the Ghalzi tribe, and an elderly Akhundzadah of the Muhammadzi tribe, who had resided with almost every Afghan tribe thus the authenticity of this work is assured.

The idea behind compiling this Dictionary was to familiarize British officers with the language of the Afghans - at that time, nearly two million Afghans were under British rule - for effective governance. Additionally, it would contribute in cultivating the friendship of the Afghans to form an alliance with Afghan tribes, especially after the 1857 Mutiny, so that they could be enlisted to fill the ranks of the Indian army. Raverty's targeted readers were chiefly the officers in India and Orientalists of Europe and India.

Raverty has discussed the various nuances of Pus'hto and its grammar, and its similarities and differences with other languages such as Persian, Turkish, Zand, Iranian, etc. For the convenience of the reader, he has mentioned for each word its root, pronunciation, meaning, and other relevant details. Professional linguists will find it an excellent reference tool.