Dear Readers,
There is so much to learn about the idea of India when we take into account the rise and spread of Islam in the sub-continent. The rich historiography offers a broad spectrum of views and opinions that range from appalling to those which stimulate serious deliberations. By understanding what the scholars try to argue, we are able to locate sources and foundations of their contentions among our very immediate environs.
To give an example and cut the jargon off, think about the issue of an Indo-Islamic language, our very own beloved, Urdu. Beginning as a camp language, this zubaan grew in popularity and usage engulfing huge parts of India. This language saw its ebbs and tides with the corresponding changes in time, polity and society. Once a language of the elite, today all that is left of this language are a few rusting newspaper publications and a rickety department in an antiquated University or two.
Yet, it can not be simply written off. This is the reason why I believe a lot can be gathered about the idea of India or the idea of Hindustan by studying this enigma of a language called Urdu. It is no wonder that even till date, songs of Hindi cinema which evoke strong passion and sophisticated emotions are exquisite piece of poetry writing in Urdu.
Woh afsana jise anjam tak laana na ho mumkin,
use ek khoobsurat mod deke chodna aacha,
chalo ek bar fir se ajnabi ban jaayein hum dono...
No comments:
Post a Comment