The Long Road to Understanding

Completing a PhD is a journey unlike any other- equal parts intellectual rigor and emotional endurance. For those who have undertaken it, the journey is familiar: long nights spent immersed in research, moments of doubt that threaten to derail progress, and the steady perseverance needed to cross the finish line. For me, this journey culminated last week with the completion of my PhD in South Asian History. 

Reflecting on this achievement, my heart overflows with gratitude. First and foremost, I am thankful to Allah Almighty for His countless blessings. I am deeply indebted to my supervisor, Dr. Aman Ullah Khan, Assistant Professor at Department of History, QAU Islamabad, whose mentorship was an anchor during turbulent times; The faculty at my department, with their incisive insights, equipped me with the tools to think critically; my colleagues at IMPC H-8 Islamabad, who offered camaraderie and encouragement; and my friends and students, who reminded me of the importance of curiosity and learning. 

No achievement of this magnitude is ever solitary. My family- my parents, siblings, and most significantly, my wife- provided the foundation upon which this journey was built.  My wife was my unwavering partner, shouldering countless sacrifices so I could focus on my work. My children, with their innocence and boundless love, became my greatest source of motivation.  There must be a special thanks to my teacher, my mentor and my Murshid, Dr. Muhammad Azeem Farooqi, who shaped not only my academic journey but also my way of seeing the world.

But my gratitude extends beyond the people who walked this path with me. Some companions on this journey were unexpected yet profoundly impactful. The front seat of my car, often my solitary refuge, offered moments of reflection amid chaos, its leather absorbing my whispered thoughts and silent prayers. The serene lawns of AIOU Islamabad became a sanctuary where my fragmented ideas found coherence under the canopy of tranquility. And then there was the inspiration- an indefinable, ever-present force that transcended time and space. It stayed with me, whether in the stillness of a moonlit night or the oppressive weight of despair. Like a beloved who steadfastly supports and nurtures, this inspiration refused to let me falter, urging me forward, even when the road seemed impassable.

At the heart of my research was an exploration of resistance in Punjabi poetry against the British Raj, from 1849 to 1947. This study was an effort to unearth how poetry, often regarded as a realm of aesthetic beauty, served as a powerful medium of defiance and a repository of collective memory during one of the most tumultuous periods in Punjab’s history. 

Punjabi poets, often relegated to the margins of mainstream historical discourse, captured the essence of resistance in their verses. From the epic tales of Raja Rasalu to the biting social critique of Nath poetry, and from the revolutionary poetry of the Sufis of |Punjab along with Bhagat Kabir and Guru Nanak to the poignant laments of Shah Mohammad witnessing Punjab’s fall, their work revealed the spirit of a people determined to reclaim their dignity. The folk poets and the rebellious voices of the 20th century added further layers to this intricate tapestry of cultural defiance, turning poetry into a mirror reflecting both pain and resilience.

My research positioned these poetic voices not just as literary artifacts but as historical documents. These verses critiqued colonial policies, mourned the loss of autonomy, and, most importantly, inspired collective action. In doing so, they preserved the cultural identity of a colonized people and provided a cry for resistance. 

One of the most profound insights from my research is the realization that resistance is not just an act of defiance- it is an enduring legacy. The Punjabi poets who lived through the British Raj captured the spirit of their time, preserving not only their struggles but also the cultural ethos of a colonized society. Their verses transcend the immediate political context, offering lessons on resilience, identity, and the unyielding human spirit that are as relevant today as they were in their time. 

Furthermore, this research holds potential for educational reforms. Introducing such poetry in curricula could inspire young minds to think critically about their heritage, instilling pride and awareness about the region’s resistance history. It can also encourage scholars across disciplines to explore nontraditional sources, bridging gaps between literature, history, and cultural studies. By revisiting these narratives, we ensure their relevance in shaping a more equitable and informed future.

This work, I believe, makes a significant contribution to the historiography of resistance. By focusing on poetry, it challenges the traditional, state-centric narratives of colonial history and emphasizes the role of culture as a form of defiance. It is a reminder that the fight for justice and dignity is waged not only in the political or military spheres but also in the realms of art and imagination. 

Undertaking this research was as much a personal journey as it was an academic one. A PhD in History does not merely about understand the past; it is about learning to see the present and future in a new light. History is a dialogue- a conversation between the silences of the past and the questions of the present. My work gave me the opportunity to listen to the voices of Punjabi poets whose defiance continues to echo through the corridors of time. 

This study has important implications for future scholarship. By highlighting the resistance encoded in Punjabi poetry, it opens new avenues for historians and literary scholars alike. It underscores the value of cultural artifacts- poetry, folklore, and oral traditions- as critical sources of historical understanding. It suggests to the researchers to move beyond conventional archives and consider the power of creative expression as a form of historical resistance. It teaches us to value the voices of the marginalized and to recognize that resistance often emerges from unexpected places, including art and literature. In a world grappling with issues of inequality, oppression, and cultural erosion, these poetic archives remind us of the importance of preserving and amplifying indigenous voices. This study of cultural resistance is more relevant than ever. By understanding the poetic defiance of Punjab, we not only honor the struggles of the past but also equip ourselves to confront the injustices of the present.