Poetry As Resistance : Islam and Ethnicity in Postcolonial Pakistan

Focusing on the culturally and historically rich Siraiki-speaking region, often tagged as ‘South Punjab’, this book discusses the ways in which Siraiki creative writers have transformed into political activists, resisting the self-imposed domination of the Punjabi–__Mohajir__ ruling elite. Influenced by Sufi poets, their poetry takes the shape of both protest and dialogue. This book reflects upon the politics of identity and the political complications which are a result of colonisation and later, neo-colonisation of Pakistan. It challenges the philosophy of Pakistan ― a state created for Muslims ― which is now taking the shape of religious fanaticism, while disregarding ethnic and linguistic issues such as that of Siraiki. Focusing on the culturally and historically rich Siraiki-speaking region, often tagged as ‘South Punjab’, this book discusses the ways in which Siraiki creative writers have transformed into political activists, resisting the self-imposed domination of the Punjabi–Mohajir ruling elite. Influenced by Sufi poets, their poetry takes the shape of both protest and dialogue. This book reflects upon the politics of identity and the political complications which are a result of colonisation and later, neo-colonisation of Pakistan. It challenges the philosophy of Pakistan — a state created for Muslims — which is now taking the shape of religious fanaticism, while disregarding ethnic and linguistic issues such as that of Siraiki. Cover 1 Half Title 2 Title Page 4 Copyright Page 5 Contents 6 List of Maps and Figures 8 List of Abbreviations 10 Glossary 12 Preface and Acknowledgements 18 Part I: Colonial and Post-colonial Treatment of Siraiki Language 26 1. A Journey from 'Proto-Siraiki' to 'Siraiki' 28 2. Mysticism, Movement and Resistance 56 3. Siraiki Terminology 86 Part II: Analysis of Poetry 120 4. Resisting Traditional Institutions: Creating Vakhrap 122 5. The Mystic Journey of Siraiki Sunjaan 162 6. Moonjh for Siraikistan 211 Conclusion 257 Bibliography 263 About the Author 290 Index 291 Focusing on the culturally and historically rich Siraiki-speaking region, often tagged as ‘South Punjab’, this book discusses the ways in which Siraiki creative writers have transformed into political activists, resisting the self-imposed domination of the Punjabi– Mohajir ruling elite. Influenced by Sufi poets, their poetry takes the shape of both protest and dialogue. This book reflects upon the politics of identity and the political complications which are a result of colonisation and later, neo-colonisation of Pakistan. It challenges the philosophy of Pakistan ― a state created for Muslims ― which is now taking the shape of religious fanaticism, while disregarding ethnic and linguistic issues such as that of Siraiki. Nukhbah Taj Langah. Includes Bibliographical References (pages 238-264) And Index.