Khel (Pastun)

Khel is a mongolic word which came maybe with Djingis Khan or the Ephtaliths and is part of Pashtun tribal name signifying their sub-tribe.

More precisely, there are several levels of organization: the Tabar (tribe) is subdivided into kinship groups each of which is a Khel. The Khel in turn is divided into smaller groups (Pllarina or plarganey), each of which consists of several extended families or Kahols. [Wardak, 2003, p. 7] "A large tribe often has dozens of sub-tribes whose members may see themselves as belonging to each, some, or all of the sub-tribes in different social situations (co-operative, competitive, confrontational) and identify with each accordingly." [ibid., p. 10]