ABSTRACT
The political suppression undergone by the Hazaras during this period was unprecedented and unsurpassed throughout the history of Afghanistan, except perhaps for the events of 1880–1901 under the reign of Abdur Rahman Khan. Hazara society in its contemporary form is the direct outcome of social changes that have taken place in Afghanistan since the declaration of sovereignty in 1919 by Shah Amanullah. The social, political and economic suppression of the Hazaras was inevitably accompanied by cultural isolation. The very presence of a number of successful Hazaras in the economic, political and cultural life of the country clearly demonstrated that, given the opportunity, the Hazaras could play a constructive and determining role in the development of Afghanistan. The achievements of the Hazaras during 1929–1978 can be divided into three areas: economic, political and cultural. Insults, humiliation and the generally brutal treatment of the Hazaras was the accepted norm, again reflected in the daily language of the people of Afghanistan.
