PUNJAB’S LINGUISTIC AND POLITICAL LANDSCAPE: URDU SOURCES ON HISTORY, IDENTITY, AND STATEHOOD IN POST-COLONIAL INDIA (1947–1966)–1966)
Keywords:
Partition, Linguistic Shift, Urdu sources, Statehood, Political Identity, Historical Narratives.Abstract
The linguistic and political landscape of Punjab in post-colonial India (1947–1966) was shaped by complex historical and identity-related struggles. Following Partition, Punjab experienced demographic shifts that influenced debates over language, governance, and statehood. Urdu and Punjabi languages played central roles in defining identity, with competing narratives regarding their official recognition and cultural significance. The Punjabi Suba movement emerged as a force advocating for a Punjabi-speaking state, intertwining linguistic aspirations with political demands. This paper examines Urdu sources that document these events, analysing perspectives on language policies, identity formation, and state reorganization. Urdu literature and journalism reflected the evolving discourse on Punjab’s linguistic struggles, capturing the tensions between cultural heritage and political decisions. By reviewing Urdu narratives, this study highlights the ways in which language shaped Punjab’s transformation, revealing its significance in the broader discussions of nationalism and regional identity in post-colonial India.
