1st Edition

Poetry as Resistance Islam and Ethnicity in Postcolonial Pakistan

By Nukhbah Taj Langah Copyright 2012
    296 Pages
    by Routledge India

    296 Pages
    by Routledge India

    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.

    Abbreviations. Preface Part I. Colonial and Post-colonial Treatment of Siraiki Language 1. Introduction: A Journey from ‘Proto-Siraiki’ to ‘Siraiki’ 2. Mysticism, Movement and Resistance 3. Siraiki Terminology Part II. Analysis of Poetry 4. Resisting Traditional Institutions: Creating Vakhrap 5. The Mystic Journey of Siraiki Sunjaan 6. Moonjh for Siraikistan. Conclusion. Bibliography. About the Author. Index

    Biography

    Nukhbah Taj Langah is Assistant Professor, Forman Christian College University (FCCU), Lahore, Pakistan.