Bacon's Claim On The Origin Of The Hazaras

Bacon’s claim on the origin of the Hazaras is simply based on her observation of physical appearance of some Hazara kinsfolk. Without the need of further arguments, her conclusion is conjectural and problematic. Bacon’s investigation of the history of the region is equally questionable. Her attempt to solve the “Hazara puzzle” and her conclusion that the Hazaras are the Mongols of Afghanistan is surprisingly based on a pure speculation. Bacon narrates Vladimirtsov’s account (1948:173-74) stating that “in the 14th –17th century Mongolia, the term mingġan (meaning “thousand”) disappeared as it became replaced by otoq, which was employed to designate a tribal grouping” (Bacon 1951:243-44). Such a linguistic development in a span of three centuries may have occurred in Mongolia, as every language coins new terms and words and makes the old words to lose their currency. …show more content…
She states that “in the west, the mingġan was replaced by the Persian equivalent for “thousand,” hazara, which, like the otoq in the east, it came to acquire the meaning of “tribe”” (Bacon 1951: 244). Apparently, this conclusion is the solution for the “Hazara puzzle”, as for why this group of people is called the ‘Hazara’. However, without any further argument and discussion, it is clear that Bacon’s conclusion lack critical historical investigation and evidence. She appears more concerned to prove her hypothesis, rather than exploring the subject matter itself and letting the history to speak out for itself. Therefore, her view and conclusion remain highly