The Journal of Cultural Perspectives - TJCP is a flagship, biannual, peer-reviewed journal of Azeem Educational Conference - AEC aec.org.pk, which focuses on interdisciplinary, problem-oriented, contextual research of human culture. The editors welcome historical and empirical inquiries of indigenous knowledge, cultural processes grounded in normative attitudes to understand and improve society. The journal encourages critical research of comparative international practices to facilitate an exchange of knowledge and cultural meanings beyond traditional biases. Cultural Perspectives offers articles that investigate and analyze the impact of culture on different institutions of social order; articles that integrate approaches from the social sciences and humanities; articles on cultural sciences in the twenty-first century; review articles on published work, theoretical innovation, and methods; and special issues that examine urgent questions in the field.
This paper examines Ragamala paintings--illustrated manuscripts from the 15th to 17th centuries that visually interpret the melodic and emotional essence of ragas in the Indian classical music system. It explores how these paintings evolved as a confluence of visual, musical, and poetic traditions within Rajput courtly culture, revealing the synthesis of aesthetic, spiritual, and philosophical dimensions inherent in Hindu art. Methodologically, the research adopts a comparative visual and textual analysis supported by art-historical, iconographic, and hermeneutic approaches, combining primary visual case studies with secondary scholarly discourse. Through formal examination of exemplary miniatures such as Bhairava Raga, Bhairavi Ragini, and Baramasa, the study investigates how artists visualized sound and emotion through color, gesture, and symbolic form, guided by the Rasa theory and Natya Shastra. The paper situates Ragamala within broader debates on the “Art and the Real” in Indian philosophy, emphasizing its role as a medium of transcendence and aesthetic experience. Lastly the current research investigates how Ragamala paintings synthesize the auditory, poetic, and spiritual dimensions of Indian classical aesthetics to visually express the moods (rasa) and philosophies underlying the raga system.
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The Journey of Wazir Tribe from Nomadism to Tribalism: Colonial Impact in Historical Context
The present study deals with the paradigm shift of Wazir tribe from nomadic arrangement to tribal structure especially under the British colonial government in India which lasted for almost two centuries or so. The study revolves around the process of sedimentation of a nomadic society into a tribal one within a shorter span of time. It, however, addresses certain significant questions in order to perceive the whole process of change occurred over there and observe its pros and cons. These questions are, how did the Wazir tribe transition from a nomadic society to a more sedentary tribal structure? What role did British colonial designs play in this rapid process of transformation? And finally, what were the motives behind this whole process of transformation?
Copyright (c) 2025 The Journal of Cultural Perspectives
Contributions of Rasool Bux Palijo in Sindhi Literature
This research article aims to explore the literary contribution of Rasool Bux Palijo and his motivation behind his efforts to rewrite Sindh’s history. It examines the struggle of Palijo during one unit scheme to protect the Sindhi language and literature. Analysis of books and articles of Palijo is done in this manuscript which played a significant role in shaping modern Sindhi literature. Rasool Bux Palijo was a multifaceted personality, great political leader, scholar, intellectual, historian, writer and lawyer. Who played a significant role in shaping Sindhi Literature. The propose of his writings in different newspapers and journals was to aware Sindhi people regarding their fundamental rights, culture, and heritage. He sought to counter the biased narratives about Sindh and its history. He wished to advocate for a rational and objective approach to historiography. Moreover, the contribution of Palijo was not limited to Sindhi alone but he also engaged with other languages such as Bengali, Urdu, English and Chinese.
Sindhi Literature, Sindhi Nationalism, Critical analysis of Sindhi literature
Exploring the Possibility that Prophet Musa may have Lead the Bani Israel from Indus Valley to Israel
It is believed that Prophet Musa led the Bani Israel from Egypt to Israel at c. 1500 BCE. However, evidence from archaeology and Egyptian literature in support of such movement is not forthcoming. This study aims to examine whether the Quranic narrative of Prophet Musa’s journey matches with the Indus Valley. Ten descriptions are identified related to Prophet Musa’s stay in Misr (the name for Egypt in the Quran). We call these “parameters.” We find favorable evidence from the Indus Valley on all ten parameters. In contrast the evidence from Egypt is favorable in four parameters, silent in three parameters and against in three parameters. Overall, the Indus Valley matches the Quranic descriptions much better. This suggests that Prophet Musa may have lived in the Indus Valley and led the Bani Israel from there to Israel. An implication of this study is that the prophets before Prophet Musa, specifically, Adam, Nuh and Ibrahim may also have lived in the Indus Valley. This study opens up the possibility that the origins of the Abrahamic religions may lie in the Indus Valley and lays the foundation of an inter-religious dialogue between Muslims and Hindus at a scriptural level.
Prophet Musa, Pharaoh, Egypt, Misr, Indus Valley, Hinduism, Israel, Bani Israel.
The Politics of Eurocentrism: A Pragmatic Implicature Analysis of the Novel ‘‘Freedom at Midnight’’
Literature has some implicit meanings that extend beyond the explicit definitions found in glossaries used in it. The true instinct of an author is to uncover the hidden attributes of society and culture while encrypting a text. This research investigates the politics of Eurocentrism through a pragmatic implicature analysis of the book Freedom at Midnight by Larry Collins and Dominique Lapierre. The study, specifically, analyzes the implied meaning within the text containing conversational implicatures that highlights Eurocentric narrative in the novel, based on Grice’s theory on implicatures. The purpose of the study is to analyze the text according to Western lens, examining how British colonial authorities asserted their power over Indian local leaders during partition. A descriptive qualitative method for in-depth textual analysis of the novel has been employed through reading and note-taking techniques. The data has been collected from key passages in the novel including dialogues, monologues, and narrative sections that clearly exhibit Eurocentric beliefs. The findings tell us about how language choices in Freedom at Midnight construct Eurocentric narratives where British colonial figures are portrayed as benevolent, while Indian leaders are continuously marginalized. This representation influences the portrayal of Indian History by shaping historical memory. The study concludes that textual implicatures in the book support Eurocentric discourses in Indian history and also highlights the need of non-Eurocentric texts to confront such dominant narratives.
Pragmatics, Conversational Implicatures, Eurocentrism, Qualitative analysis.
Trauma, Borders, and Third Spaces: Mestiza Consciousness and Liminal Memory in Selected Pakistani Anglophone Short Stories
This study aims to examine how the concepts of mestiza consciousness and liminality, particularly those arising from memory and trauma, shape hybrid subjectivities in Pakistani Anglophone short fiction. Focusing on two short stories, Qaisra Shahraz’s “The Visiting Grandmother” (1998) and Sabyn Javeri-Jillani’s “Neither Day Nor Night” (2007), the research explores the experiences of characters as they negotiate cultural, religious, and national boundaries. The data consists of close textual readings of the two short stories, selected for their thematic focus on hybridity, displacement, and intergenerational trauma. Using a qualitative, interpretive methodology grounded in postcolonial theory and Gloria Anzaldúa’s (1987) notion of mestiza consciousness, the study analyzes how liminal spaces become sites for reconstructing fragmented identities. The findings reveal that these narratives foreground borderland experiences marked by unhomeliness, cultural conflict, and fluid subjectivities. The protagonists’ struggles to reconcile divided loyalties and multiple identities reflect a broader critique of binary thinking and essentialist frameworks. The selected stories suggest that trauma and memory, when situated in liminal spaces, serve as powerful tools for resisting fixed notions of identity and enable the formation of hybrid selves. This research contributes to the discourse on postcolonial identity by highlighting how Pakistani women writers use narrative to map the emotional and psychological terrain of border crossing and cultural negotiation.
Mestiza consciousness, Liminality, Trauma, Memory, Hybridity, Pakistani Anglophone fiction
“Visual Theology: The Semiotic Language of Color in Islamic National Flags”
This research further highlights how visual theology serves as a bridge between belief and national expression, showing that the chromatic choices of Islamic nations are not arbitrary but are grounded in centuries of theological symbolism and cultural memory.The semiotic meaning of color in the national flags of ten Islamic nations is investigated in this study, which looks at how visual cues convey political ideology, cultural legacy, and religious identity. The four Pan-Arab colors—green, white, black, and red—are interpreted in this study as a common visual code that connects contemporary nation-states to the spiritual and historical roots of Islam, drawing on semiotic theory and cultural analysis. The examination shows how color and iconography—particularly the crescent and star—serve as symbols of faith, solidarity, and resistance through case studies of flags from Saudi Arabia, Iran, Pakistan, Turkey, Indonesia, Malaysia, Egypt, Algeria, Morocco, and Afghanistan. Invariably, green stands for Islam and paradise; white for purity and tranquilly; red for hardship and sacrifice; and black for fortitude and perseverance. These color selections provide national symbols potent religious and political meanings. According to the study's findings, the flags of Islamic countries represent the diversity of Islamic cultural expression while acting as semiotic links between faith and nationhood, conveying a shared identity that cuts across national boundaries.
Discourse Analysis of Emoji Use in Digital Communication by the Millennials & Gen Z: A Comparative Endeavor
This research examines the generational differences in emoji usage and the meanings attributed to them between the Millennials and Gen Z, using Speech Act Theory as developed by Austin and Searle in 1979. Traditionally seen as pictorial aids for emotion, emojis have evolved into semiotic tools that perform complex communicative functions. This research aims to probe how emojis function figuratively as speech acts and in what way their meanings differ across generations. The objectives include identifying patterns in emoji interpretation and usage among Millennials and Gen Z, and examining the role of cultural knowledge in shaping these meanings. This research employs Speech Act Theory as its primary methodological framework to analyze how each generation assigns meaning to emojis in digital conversations. The findings reveal that the Millennials often use emojis to clarify, soften, or support the tone of their messages, thus reflecting more straightforward locutionary and illocutionary acts. They use emojis according to their conventional or dictionary meanings. Gen Z, on the other hand, tends to employ them to convey much more complex and often ironic meanings. Such layered meanings are thus created with their shared cultural knowledge and in-group references. The research findings also suggest that emojis have an important performative role in digital communication. The significance of this study lies in highlighting how emojis serve not only emotional expression but also help to understand communication gaps across age groups and identity formation and generational belonging. They are useful resources for representing emotions and generational belonging, beyond simple decorative pictorial representations, and describes how differences in emoji interpretation can create miscommunication between generations. Overall, this research illustrates the dynamic and negotiated ways meaning merges in digital discourse by the use of emojis across two different generations.
Computer-Mediated Communication (CMC), Digital Discourse, Emojis, Speech Act Theory, Speech Acts, Millennials and Gen Z
Aurat March: Pressure group, Interest group or a Social Movement?
Any struggle for rights or reforms aims to influence decision-makers and political elite to achieve desired objectives. It is driven by specific groups or broad coalitions forming influential interest groups, pressure groups or large-scale movements. Each one of them has unique characteristics impacting outcomes. Given the context, assessing the potential success of recent Pakistani women's struggle like the Aurat March demands careful analysis within a defined framework. While Pakistani women's activism is historically established, the Aurat March's artistic campaigns and wide appeal have notably advanced the fight for equal rights. However, its capacity to achieve lasting reforms in a religiously and patriarchally influenced society hinges on understanding its position within the spectrum of interest groups, pressure groups, and social movements. To classify the Aurat March and predict its future trajectory, this article uses content analysis approach to examine the Aurat March's history, evolution, and core objectives of over time, utilizing both primary data (interviews) and secondary data (newspaper articles, journal articles and books).
Aurat March, Social Movements, Patriarchy, Pressure Group, Interest Group, International Women’s Day, Gender Inequality
Challenging the Past Narrative through Historical Distancing: A Comparative Study of Shahid Nadeem’s Dara and Girish Karnad’s The Dreams of Tipu Sultan
The study aims to deal with the playwrights’ purpose behind adopting and adapting historical subject matter to revisit, define, redefine, deconstruct, challenge, and reconstruct the history, culture, and past narratives. Moreover, the study's objective is to examine playwrights’ purpose to address contemporary cultural issues by dealing with historical stories. For instance, Shahid Nadeem’s Dara and Karnad’s The Dreams of Tipu Sultan challenge the prevalent narratives of the past. Nadeem deconstructs the past portrayal of Dara Shikoh as a villain in Pakistani history. He maintains his argument by unearthing Dara’s poetic, philosophical, and humanistic nature, where he tries to attain inter-religious harmony. On the other hand, Karnad exposes the misrepresentation and mishandling of Tipu Sultan’s historical image by English historians and novelists in history. The reason behind the distortion was the victorious and rebellious nature of Tipu, who defeated the East India Company in wars and kept on challenging their authority until his death. The playwright reconstructs the past by highlighting Tipu’s political, social, and economic skills to make his country great under his sovereign state.
Historical Narrative, Cultural Comparison, Dara, Tipu Sultan, Historical Distancing
Traditional Prostitution, a Stigma or Necessary Evil in Pakistan? A Case Study of Shahi Mohallah in Lahore
This article explores the historical evolution of prostitution in Pakistan, particularly focusing on the post-partition trends of traditional prostitution. Prostitution, one of the earliest professions, has long held a significant role in society, flourishing under social, religious, and political patronage. The study emphasizes the overlooked link between traditional prostitution and performing arts, noting that while prostitution is stigmatized today, it was once widely accepted in South Asia. The profession, especially the red-light areas, historically provided Pakistan with some of its finest artists and singers which contrasts with the current criminalization and state repression of traditional prostitution. Shahi Mohallah, Lahore's historical red-light district, serves as a central case study. The article highlights the marginalization of residents due to state crackdowns, which displaced sex workers to urban outskirts, leading to the rise of forced prostitution. The research seeks to demonstrate that forced prostitution was not a traditional part of Shahi Mohallah's sex work culture, which had long been intertwined with performing arts. Through historical analysis and exploratory research, the article aims to provide a broader understanding of the changing dynamics of traditional prostitution in post-colonial Pakistan, exploring how state policies have transformed the industry.
Prostitution, Traditional Prostitution, Stigma, Shahi Mohallah in Lahore, History of Sex Work in Indian-Subcontinent
Descriptive Study of Chaqchan Mosque Khaplu, Gilgit Baltistan, Pakistan
This paper is an attempt to properly describe and document the unique wooden architecture and decorative motifs of Chaqchan mosque Khaplu, the oldest mosque in the region. The architecture of the mosque exhibits the distinctive feature of cultural and religious contexts. The harmonic structure with intricately adorned themes reflects creativity and imagination. The art and architecture of the mosque is a synthesis of the amalgamation of various elements. The richly embellished wooden mosque demonstrates the rich cultural heritage. The built heritage of Gilgit Baltistan has been decorated with floral, geometric, calligraphy, arabesque and religious motifs curved and arranged in pattern. The types and flowers vary and provide a highly aesthetic sense. Beautification and harmonic arrangement in the construction of Islamic architecture have deep meaning, inspiring and influencing people’s perception with symbolic language creating harmony amongst followers. In the Islamic architecture, the greatest extent of ornamentation and embellishment probably describe aesthetic value and engaged people with spiritual aesthetic which satisfy one of psychologically need: to be in a beautiful environment. This paper explores the various elements and sheds light on each component of the mosque.
Wooden Mosque, Art and Architecture, Built Heritage, Verandah, Khatam-band, Swastika
Ecolinguistics and Media: Analyzing the Semiotic Framing of Environmental Issues in Pakistani Newspapers
The study examined how through certain semiotic choices, Pakistani English newspaper 'The Dawn' presented environmental issues to their readership, in a particular manner. Employing a purposive sampling technique, ten pictorials addressing environmental issues were downloaded from internet archives published from 2019 to 2023 in the said newspaper. Kress and van Leeuwen's theory of visual grammar (2006) and Arran Stibbe's theory on ecolinguistics (2015) were leveraged as theoretical frameworks. The researchers aimed to uncover the semiotic repertoire employed to depict environmental challenges. A qualitative analysis was carried out of each pictorial, the major areas addressed were the national and international economic woes and environmental troubles stemming from global warming and climate change. Moreover, these issues, the deleterious effects they entail and the urgent measures required were highlighted using various metaphors, framing and salience. The stakeholders are recommended to initiate and foster environmentally friendly practices through recognition, strengthening environmental regulations, and using media to raise awareness and inspire collective action. To ensure a safe future for us and our progeny raising awareness and being proactive to the environmental issues is indispensable.
Semiotic representation, Pakistani English newspaper, Environmental issues, Qualitative study, Ecolinguistics perspective.
Campus Sustainability Discourse of Universities – A Critical Review
The concept of sustainability has not been established enough to gain the status of a scientific model and worldwide acceptance as a unified signifier with the same semantics. Institutions, especially higher education institutions, have been redefining it to achieve their goals. A democratic ecological and social order is the main connotation of all the definitions. There is a risk of becoming merely a new term devoid of substantive meaning in the discourse of sustainable development. This article aims to explore the diverse connotations it holds via various studies to illustrate the mammoth significance it embraces. There is a lack of specific criteria and incisive discussions within the higher education institutions seeking sustainability in Pakistan. This research article circumspectly examines the fundamental role in both developed and developing countries such as Pakistan through the qualitative method of narrative review of previously written articles, book chapters, web links and conference papers. After the discussion and critique, certain gaps were identified and suggestions are given to foster a clear discourse of campus sustainability in general as well as in the context of Pakistan.
Higher education campuses; sustainability concepts; discourse; sustainable development; Pakistan
Socio-Cultural Constructs of Masculinity and Gender- Based Violence: An Exploratory Study
This study examines how cultural constructs of masculinity contribute to gender-based violence (GBV) in the Pakistani context. Using a feminist social constructivist paradigm, it investigates how cultural norms and expectations influence masculine identities and behaviors, which perpetuate or reduce GBV. This study draws on interviews with 12 participants, including 6 males and 6 females respondents, aged 20 to 30, from diverse socioeconomic and regional backgrounds in Pakistan. The study employs thematic analysis of in-depth, semi-structured interviews with university students, identifying key themes such as dominance, emotional suppression, and societal expectations of aggression. According to the findings, society’s endorsement of harmful values of masculinity and control contributes to the ongoing GBV, while stifling the possibility of other forms of masculinity which are non-violent. This study is important, because it brings out cultural factors that contribute to gender-based violence in Pakistan, thus providing an insight on how societal characteristics breed toxic masculinities. With the aim of addressing such constructs, it seeks to promote gender equity and lessen gender violence. Further research also supplements development studies through emphasizing that cultural masculinity operates in wider societies and culture and this opens the way for strategies on GBV that are multidisciplinary in nature. This research shows how culture and violence are interlinked and calls for specific action to counter unhealthy masculine ideologies and practices and promote gender equality.
Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Masculinity, Cultural Constructs, Feminist Social Constructivism, Culture, Toxic Masculinity
Literary Movements in Indo-Pak: A Study of Progressive Writers Association (1936-47)
The paper in hand deals with the role of played by the Progressive Writers Association in the prepartition era of Indo-Pak Subcontinent. A breaking point came in the middle of 1930s with the appearance of the Indian Progressive Writers Association (PWA). It was mobilizing the writers of Indo-Pak Subcontinent and projecting the movement for independence by the use of pen. It was inspired by movements in Europe but was also inextricably linked to social and literary traditions that had already been developing in India. PWA was embarking on a project for cultural hegemony that was as much a literary, socio-cultural and to an extent political and political movement as well. The Association was not solely concerned with questions of literature but also with the specific role of writers who played their respective roles from the platform of Progressive Writers Association.
Progressive Writers Association, Literary Movement, Culture, Politics, freedom
Amoral Culture of Neurophilosophy; An Eliminativist Perspective
Every dominant ideology signifies a culture with a specific context in order to form a distinct social culture. Similarly, eliminative materialism also signifies scientific context. If it prevails and considers the preferences of individuals in their lived experiences, it will foster a sense of culture for community, as the ideological account validation of eliminativists. Eliminativism significantly emphasizes scientific descriptions of human behavior and materializes common sense elimination. Consequently, this prompts an inquiry into the problem of freewill, which raises moral obligation. Eliminativists are causally determined, this calls into question the concept of moral responsibility. It manifests that individuals are morally accountable for their conduct or maybe not. Consequently, eliminativist culture demonstrates amoral grounds, on which this paper stands.
Eliminativism, Amorality, Responsibility, Neuroculture, Neuromorality
Psychological Distress and Sexual Dysfunction Among Premenopausal, Perimenopausal and Postmenopausal Women
In Pakistan, when it comes to women’s health and sexuality, traditional social and cultural practices often apt for modesty and discretion. Menopause is not even recognized as a health issue by even women themselves. Menopause, in Pakistan is usually marked out and stigmatized. Women going through menopause, most of the time cannot contemplate the phase, due to lack of knowledge and support, social isolation and unmet medical assistance. Another superior taboo, held in Pakistan, that requires serious attention is sexual dysfunction. Lack of awareness and education regarding their sexuality, in Pakistan, immensely leads women towards sexual health issues. Menopause and sexual dysfunction combined, pave path for psychological distress. Untreated menopause and sexual dysfunction can trigger psychological effects, such as stress, anxiety, and depression. Therefore Pakistan, is in a dire need of breaking these taboos, establish prevention plans, and implement awareness programs, in order to achieve well-being of women in health sector precisely.
: Menopausal, Sexual dysfunction, Psychological distress
A Psychoanalytical Study of Character Development in C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe
Children’s literature provides insight into human nature and personality development. As such it has been analyzed through several perspectives, one of which is psychoanalysis. This research paper is a qualitative analysis of C.S. Lewis’ novel The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe through a psychoanalytical angle. The paper aims to explore the character development of the Pevensie children using the psychoanalytical theory of object relations by Donald Winnicott. It is argued that Winnicott’s theoretical concepts stated in his theory of object relations provide an understanding of changes within characters and maturity attained by them. This paper employs Winnicott’s psychoanalytical approach to offer fresh insights and knowledge about the selected novel. The textual analysis reveals that the children’s perceptions, thoughts and personalities, which constitute their inner world, undergo development by interacting with the dual outer worlds presented in the narrative. The outer reality of their uncle’s home and the alternate outer reality of Narnia significantly impact their character development through interaction with key objects in both the worlds, resulting in transformations in the children’s psyche and behaviors. Each world has its own potential to impact and transform the characters’ inner reality, psyche, and actions because of the presence of different objects or environments. Two key conclusions can be drawn from the application of theoretical insights to the novel: one, variation in the environment can cause changes in character development as observed in all Pevensie children, and secondly, a constant state of environment can also have different effects on different characters as depicted in the contrasting behavior of Edmund from the other Pevensie children.
Children’s literature, C.S. Lewis, psychoanalysis, Winnicott, object relations
Single National Curriculum: A Historical Context of Ideological and Linguistic Concerns and Policies
The desire to administer a uniform national curriculum in Pakistan should be considered in the context of the rights of shareholders, specifically, the access to education and the provincial obligation to guarantee the advocacy of values like conflict-free coexistence and acceptance. Hence, this article will explore the efforts to introduce a single and uniform curriculum in Pakistan and its potential impact on the rights of students, guardians or parents, minorities, and languages, English in particular. Subsequently, it will study the relationship between government, pedagogy, beliefs and principles and what that suggests for education. In due course, the study will classify the importance of state’s emphasis on educational goals to accommodate children's rights rather than use pedagogy as a political means for some ideological gains that works for individuals who regulate production processes to preserve their ascendancy and power. The ideology was considered as a pivotal force in shaping educational policies. The Islamist were aspiring to transform the education system like the process of Islamization of political and legal system. The Islamic modernist and reformist insisted on amalgamation of two systems.
: Single National Curriculum, English Language learning, Education, Ideology
The Politics of Inclusion: Akbar’s Approach to Religious and Cultural Diversity in Governance
The article investigates Mughal Emperor Akbar’s governance strategies for managing the vast religious and cultural diversity of his empire. Recognizing that a multi-ethnic, multi-religious populace was central to the Indian subcontinent’s social fabric, Akbar employed policies that emphasized inclusion, religious tolerance, and political pragmatism to preserve harmony and stability in his empire. This inclusive policy allowed for the integration of non-Muslims into the highest levels of the Mughal administration and military, a marked departure from the orthodox practices of his predecessors. This paper explores Akbar’s diplomatic and matrimonial alliances with the Rajputs, his reforms and innovation measures such as the prohibition of Sati, the philosophy of Sulh-i-Kul (universal peace), which sought to transcend religious and cultural divides, abolition of the jizya, creation of the Ibadat Khana as a platform for interfaith dialogue, his patronage of translations of sacred Hindu texts into Persian, and introduction of the Din-iIlahi, as part of his broader vision to create a pluralistic state. Through these actions, Akbar’s politics of inclusion aimed not only at political consolidation but enabled him to rule a vast territory for a longer period and earn the title of ‘Akbar the Great’. His political and administrative reforms, such as the Mansabdari system, incorporated officials from diverse religious backgrounds, creating a merit-based bureaucracy that helped maintain the Empire. Akbar’s reign remains a key period of study for understanding governance, pluralism, and political inclusion in pre-modern India.
Akbar, Sulh-i-Kul, Ibadat Khana, Din-i-Ilahi, Mansabdari system, Rajputs, Mughal empire, pluralism, political inclusion, pilgrimage tax, Akbar’s Theory of kingship
Sufi Response to the Pakistan Movement: A Case Study of Pir Syed Jamaat Ali Shah
The struggle for independence gained significant traction in the 1940s. All India Muslim League (AIML) started organizing the Muslim community on a large scale, especially in the provinces where the League's influence was still weak. These included the North West Frontier Province (NWFP), where the Congress had widespread support, and Punjab, the birthplace of the Unionist Ministry. Numerous Muslim leaders in these provinces' urban and rural areas contributed to the cause of Pakistan's popularity. Among those who disseminated the AIML and Jinnah message throughout Punjab and the NWFP was Pir Syed Jamaat Ali Shah. He visited the two provinces and spoke at public events to rally Muslim support for Pakistan. In the process, he significantly enhanced public perceptions of AIML and its leader Jinnah while also exposing the negative effects of Congress policies, which primarily affected Muslim interests in South Asia.
Pir Jamaat Ali Shah, All India Sunni Conference, Muhammad Ali Jinnah
Theatrical Reflections: Exploring Ajoka's Representation of the Partition of Punjab (1947) in Lahore's Punjabi Theatre Tradition
This research delves into the historical representation of the Partition of Punjab in 1947 through the lens of Punjabi theatre in Lahore, focusing specifically on the impactful work of the Ajoka theatre group. The study traces the evolution of theatre in the region, from its ancient roots to its contemporary significance, highlighting its profound socio-political role. Ajoka, known for its resistance theatre, stands out in addressing various societal issues, including the pivotal event of the Partition. Through critical analysis of plays such as "Anhi Mai Da Sufna" this research explores how Ajoka presents and interprets the Partition, evaluating the ideological underpinnings and narrative structures employed. The study aims to unearth the psychological trauma embedded in the portrayal of the Partition, employing theatre as an alternative source for understanding social history and offering a unique perspective on a historically significant event. Drawing on archival sources, scripts, videos, interviews with key personnel, and audience reactions, this research examines Ajoka's role in shaping the narrative of Punjab's Partition, bridging the gap between theatrical artistry and historical representation.
Theatre, Punjabi Theatre of Lahore, Ajoka, Partition of Lahore 1947, Theatre on Partition, Anhi Mai Da Sufna
Unveiling Cultural Narratives: A Qualitative Inquiry into Cultural Representation in Language Education under Pakistan's Single National Curriculum
This qualitative research delves into the cultural narratives encapsulated in language education under Pakistan's Single National Curriculum (SNC). The study scrutinizes the integration and portrayal of cultural representation within the SNC by employing a methodological framework comprising document analysis and semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders such as curriculum developers, educators, and policy experts. It particularly focuses on the implications of these representations for students' cultural awareness and identity formation. The findings unveil a pronounced emphasis on national narratives within the curriculum, which tends to eclipse the multifaceted local cultural identities and constrains exposure to broader global cultural perspectives. This predominant focus on national narratives significantly influences students' perceptions and understanding of their cultural heritage, potentially leading to a constricted perception of Pakistani culture. The research highlights an essential need for a more equitable and inclusive integration of cultural narratives within the curriculum, accentuating the significance of harmonizing local and global cultural elements in educational content. Based on these insights, the study proposes several recommendations, including enhancing teacher training programs, involving diverse stakeholders in the curriculum development process, and a continuous and rigorous evaluation of how cultural narratives are represented and conveyed within the curriculum.
Single National Curriculum, Cultural Narratives, Language Education, Cultural Diversity, Identity Formation
Darbar Interior in Royal Mughal Miniature Paintings under Akbar
This study will explore the style of interior design of the Mughals, focusing on the Akbar period. Miniature paintings are one of the unique artistic features of Mughal art and also work as historical documents as any other historical record or data. Art piece of any area, dynasty or country depicts the events, culture, materials, techniques and other aspects including fashion, architecture, landscape, dresses of that particular area. The focus of this study is only on those painting that depicts court scenes that were painted by court artists. The Mughal miniatures were directly supervised by the Mughal emperors. Though the histories directly supervised by the emperors shows some affiliations and biasness but in this case, the depiction of events may be fascinated or paint as per desire of the emperor but the other field including interiors, minor arts, textile, dresses, furniture landscape portrays that period. The documentation of the Mughal art and architecture is very popular and well known but the details of interiors and its aspects is missing. So, this study will help in exploring the development and progress of Mughal Interiors including styles of furniture, thrones, carpets, wall treatments, doors, ceiling treatments
Darbar, miniature painting, interior design, architecture
Customs and Traditions: Their Applications in the Branches of Islamic Law
Islam is a universal religion, the solution to the problems that will come up to the resurrection is in it. Islam is the religion of nature, in which human nature is fully respected and the requirements of humanity are fully respected. Islam has not completely freed or ignored customs and tradition(والعــادة العرف(. Rather, it has limited them and made it easier for people to take advantage of the conveniences and facilities by stating the rules and regulations. No, but it is used as an auxiliary argument. It gives shariah validity to customs and habits, provided that it does not conflict with any shari'a argument. It is the responsibility of the scholars of the Ummah at this time to differentiate between the bad and good customs and traditions of the society, taking into account the requirements of the present age, and to extract the jurisprudential details accordingly, so that the difference between right and wrong can be clear and people can be informed. Ease will also be found. In this research, Urf had been defined and its importance in Islam has been highlighted. Its validity in Islamic jurisprudence has been proved by Quran and Ahadith. Different examples have been given to support the research.
Exploring the Working Conditions in the Garments Industry: Identifying the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Status in the Garments Industry In Pakistan
This article investigates the current working conditions and the status of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) standards in the garment industry of Pakistan. Due to the dearth of research conducted on exploring the working conditions in the garments industry in relation to OSH, this article contributes meaningfully to the scholarly literature. The findings of the research have inferred that the implementation of OSH is significantly lacking not only in the garment industry but also in other sectors of the country. The laborers are exploited as they are paid low wages, are bound to work in hazardous conditions neglecting OSH requirements, face harassment, and are given unsafe work environment. Many workers are forced to work overtime often without compensation, because they are required to complete the apparel orders within their assigned deadlines. Workplace conditions also hazardously affect workers' health. Moreover, labor unions have lost their centralized power to provide a platform to workers to raise voices for their rights. Considering this, we suggest that either new policies or amendments to the existing laws should be made to foster unionization since unions can ensure that workers’ rights are protected. OSH adoption at workplaces will not only improve the working conditions but will also enhance the labor productivity and consequent profitability of the businesses
Labor working conditions, Occupational Safety and Health (OSH), garment industry, workplace hazards, and labor unions.
Verse of Rebellion: Unraveling Resistance Themes in Baba Farid, Kabir, and Guru Nanak's Poetry
This comparative study explores early Punjabi poetry by Baba Farid, Kabir, and Guru Nanak, focusing on their depictions of resistance against authority and societal injustices. Contextualizing their works within cultural, historical, and literary realms, the research aims to reveal the poets' significance in challenging prevailing norms. Often associated with Sufism and spiritual themes, this inquiry unveils their distinct narratives of resistance, emphasizing their engagement with socio-political upheavals. Addressing a critical gap in existing scholarship, this study uncovers multifaceted layers of resistance within these poets’ works, shifting focus from common themes to their profound critiques of established authority and societal norms. The primary objective is a meticulous analysis of resistance threads in the poetry of Baba Farid, Kabir, and Guru Nanak. Using a comparative analytical approach, the study deciphers their resistance against local or foreign authorities, societal injustices, and inherent human vices. Methodologically, the inquiry employs critical literary analysis, embedding poems within historical and cultural contexts. Scrutinizing textual nuances, the study identifies subtle resistance elements in these influential figures' poetry. In exploring these poets' underexplored dimensions of resistance, this research significantly contributes to understanding resistance, authority, and societal critique within the early Punjabi literary landscape.
Punjabi Poetry, Baba Farid, Kabir, Guru Nanak, Dissent voices, Societal rebellion, Poetic resistance, Cultural critique
Historical Sketch of Saint Thomas in Taxila
Taxila was ruled ruled by various political dynasties like Achaemenians, Greeks, Indo-Greeks, Mauryans, Scythians, Parthians, Kushans, Sassanians, and White Huns. During the Parthian rule, St. Thomas visited Taxila. As a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ, he sowed the seed of Christianity in Taxila. After the ascension of Jesus Christ, the Disciples of Christ dispersed all around the world, and St. Thomas selected the Indian region to spread the Gospel. The whole story of St. Thomas is based on Gnostic record “Acts of Thomas” and few sources of Synoptic records. All these records narrate his visit in South India and North-West India (Pakistan). He was sold by Habban, a foreign trader around 52 CE. He moved to Mailepuram (Mylapore) and then to Taxila. After preaching in Taxila he moved to China. He converted many prominent rulers among was Gondophares, the king of Taxila and his brother Gad. The research aims (a) to trace and identify the vestiges of St. Thomas’ presence in Taxila. (b) to add some historical evidence in Eastern & Western Church history (c) to fill gaps in early Christian history of Pakistan. Historical evidences has revealed the Jewish settlement which existed long before St. Thomas' visit in Taxila.
Saint Thomas, Christianity, Gandhara, Taxila, Apocryphal Literature, Apocalypse
Portrayal of Qawwali in Asian Cinema: Comparative Analysis of Bollywood and Lollywood Movies
This research consists of examining Qawwali in Bollywood and Lollywood movies. Research studies the evolutionary journey of Qawwali in Bollywood and Lollywood and examines the similarities and differences in the presentation of Qawwali in these two cinemas. For this purpose, Qawwalis have been taken from both the cinemas. The formed frames and their sub-indicators have been analyzed by the method of content analysis and it has been observed since then what changes have taken place at the level of presentation, poetry and musical instruments in Qawwali. Meaning theory of media portrayal is integrated with the research. After examining the frames and their respective indicators from the Qawwalis of the both cinema, the research concludes that Indian movies continue to inculcate the music genre Qawwali, while Pakistani movies do not, due to a lack of priorities, cultural reluctance and innovation in the industry
Qawwali, Performing Arts, Media and Meanings, Bollywood, Lollywood