Jesus In India — Page 81
J e s u s i n I n d i a 81 Afghanistan, so that the lost tribes of Israel, known as Afghans, might profit from his presence. The eastern frontier of Kashmir touches Tibet. From Kashmir, he could easily go to Tibet. Having come to the Punjab, he had no difficulty in wandering through the important places of Hindustan before going to Kashmir or Tibet. It is, therefore, quite possible, as some old historical records of this country bear out, that Jesus may have been to Nepal, Benares, and other places. He then must have gone to Kashmir through Jammu or Rawalpindi. As he belonged to a cold country, it is certain that he stayed in these parts only through the winter, and, by the end of March or the beginning of April, must have set out for Kashmir. As Kashmir resembles Shaam , 33 he must have taken up permanent residence in this land. It is also possible that he may have stayed for some time in Afghanistan and it is not improbable that he may even have married there. Since one of the tribes of Afghans is known as Isa Khel , 34 it would not be surprising if they were descendants of Jesus. It is to be regretted, however, that the history of Afghanistan is in a confused state. It is, therefore, difficult to arrive at anything definite by studying their tribal chronicles. There is no doubt, however, that the Afghans are Israelites, like the Kashmiris. Those who have taken a contrary view in their writings have been misled in the extreme; they do not seem to have studied the matter closely. The Afghans admit that they are the descendants of Qais and that Qais belongs to the house of Israel. It is, however, not necessary to elaborate the point 33 Syria and its neighbouring areas (Translator) 34 After the name of Jesus (Isa). (Translator)