[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [General history and culture](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.general) › [Twilight of the Sultanate](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.general.lal-1963) › c19.s3.5 # Twilight of the Sultanate c19.s3.5 Twilight of the Sultanate c19.s3.5 - **Language:** English ### [c19.s3.5](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.general.lal-1963.c19.s3.5) ³ One of the several legends current among the Afghans about the origin of the word Afghan is that the mother of Afghan experienced great pains before his birth. After delivery she exclaimed with relief, "Afghan" i.e. "I am free". Another version is that while in pain she was crying "\*Fighān, Fighān\*" which in Persian means "Alas, Woe". Bellew, \*Journal of a Political Mission to Afghanistan in 1857\*, 56-57. - [Previous: c19.s3.4](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.general.lal-1963.c19.s3.4) - [Next: c19.s3.6](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.general.lal-1963.c19.s3.6) - [Up: c19.s3](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.general.lal-1963.c19.s3) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.general.lal-1963.c19.s3.5](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.general.lal-1963.c19.s3.5) · Pramāṇa