Socio-Religious Traditions in Bahawalpur State from (1727-1947): a Critical Analysis
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SOCIO-RELIGIOUS TRADITIONS IN BAHAWALPUR STATE FROM (1727-1947): A CRITICAL ANALYSIS. Researcher Supervisor Syed Muhammad Tariq Naeem Professor Dr. Muhammad Akbar Malik Ph.D History Roll No. 03 Department of History The Islamia University of Bahawalpur Abstract When the man got social awareness and divided in various castes, tribes and nations, there developed social manners and religious thoughts of various types, according to regional atmosphere and circumstances. These socio-religious values and traditions, caused to develop various civilizations in the world. Some of them were more sound, polite and civic than others, but they all had to face decline due to various internal and external factors. Among them the Hakara valley civilization was one, which arouse in the sub-continent and ultimately, met to decline in the same way. The region of Bahawalpur was an integral part of the Hakara valley civilization. Its two-third land was comprised on desert which once was green and also the centre place of developed Harappan civilization. Besides this, the region had a significant geo-strategical place as was a pathway to the southern parts of the sub-continent, for the invaders. The inhabitants of the region had peculiar features of socio-religious manners. The Abbasi rulers, after incorporation of Bahawalpur State, promoted these social traditions more than earlier. But this policy proved absolutely, harmful for the socio-religious traditions of the terrain and even a venture appeared fall of local population as society or nation. Although it is a fact that the local population of the State was more polite, civic and simple than the rest of the sub-continent as well as the world, yet its traditional manners and cultural values were affected by entrance of the new settlers and Muslim refugees. Chapter one indicates the historical background of ancient India in which its social structure, religious trends, formulation of Bahawalpur state and its political history are discussed. In the second chapter social traditions of the State‟s people are highlighted which is the principal part of the study. The third chapter highlights the social life and livings of the people. The fourth chapter deals with the religious traditions and values of the people. The fifth chapter throws light on the socio-religious trends and activities of the rulers and their efforts to make legislation according to Islamic laws. In the sixth chapter socio-religious activities of the cholistan are highlighted and also discussed the occurred consequences, on the local population, after coming of settlers and Muslim refugees in 1947. The seventh chapter consists of the conclusion in which the whole study is critically analysed and future perspectives are determined. CONTENTS Sr.# Page Number CHAPTER 1 Historical Background 1 1.1 Brief Survey of the Social Structure of the Ancient India. 2 1.2 Religious Trends of the Ancient India. 12 1.3 History of the Bahawalpur State. 20 1.3.1 Introduction, Historical Background and Geo Strategical Importance. 21 1.3.2 The formulation of Bahawalpur State; its political history and alliance with 30 Pakistan. CHAPTER 2 The Study of Social Values and Traditions of the Bahawalpur State. 39 2.1 Social Values and Traditions. 39 2.1.1 Social Values of the Region in the Ancient Period. 41 2.1.2 Muslims‟ Traditions Relating Birth. 42 2.1.3 Hindus‟ Values About Birth. 46 2.1.4 Wedding Traditions of the Muslim Community. 49 2.1.5 Hindus‟ Traditions About Marriage Ceremony. 67 2.1.6 Muslims‟ Traditions of Grief and Death. 85 2.1.7 The Traditions Regarding Grief and Death of Hindus. 94 2.2 Dwelling and Dress. 99 2.3 Professional Activities, Trends and General Attitudes. 117 2.3.1 Professional Activities and Trends. 117 2.3.2 General Attitudes. 129 CHAPTER 3 Social Life and Livings. 137 3.1 Way of Living 137 3.1.1 Food and Habits. 137 3.2 Social Activities and Attitudes. 209 3.2.1 Sports and Games. 210 3.2.2 Hobbies and Festivals. 224 i. Hobbies. 225 ii. Festivals. 241 a. Muslims‟ Religious and Social Festivals. 242 b. Hindus Festivals. 250 CHAPTER 4 Analytical Study of the Religious Values of Bahawalpur. 251 4.1 Religious Set up and Traditions. 253 4.1.1 Superstitions. 259 4.1.2 General Beliefs and Endurance. 273 4.2 Religious Values, Festivals and Trends. 280 4.2.1 Religious Values. 280 4.2.2 Religious Festivals and Attitudes. 297 4.2.3 Fairs, Urses and Religious Assenblies. 304 4.2.4 Common Trends. 309 4.3 The Khakahi System of the State. 314 CHAPTER 5 Social and Religious Trends of the Rulers. 320 5.1 Socio-Cultural Activities of the Rulers. 323 5.1.1 Social Traditions of the Rulers Regarding Birth, Wedding and Death. 324 5.1.2 General Social Activities of the Rulers. 338 5.2 Religious Aptitude of the Rulers. 360 5.2.1 Trends of the Rulers Towards Religious Festivals. 360 5.2.2 Religious Education and Traditions. 384 5.3 Legislation According to Islamic Law and Endurance. 403 5.3.1 Legislation, Equity and Educational Activities of the Rulers. 404 5.3.2 Endurance and Attitude Towards Minorities. 423 CHAPTER 6 Socio-Religious Activities of Cholistan and New Scenario After 1947. 426 6.1 Social Character of the Cholistan Region. 432 6.1.1 Dress and Dwelling. 436 6.1.2 Food and Habits. 445 i. Food and Needy Articles. 446 ii. Habitual Manners. 451 6.1.3 Social Character Regarding Birth, Wedding and Death. 457 i. Birth, Wedding and Death Traditions of Muslim Community. 457 ii. Non-Muslims Rites of Birth, Wedding and Death. 466 iii. Social Activities. 469 6.2 Religious Traditions in Cholistan. 479 6.2.1 Religious Traditions of Muslim Community. 479 6.2.2 Superstitions. 483 6.2.3 Religious Activities of Non-Muslims. 485 6.3 Socio-Religious Changes After Independence. 488 6.3.1 Attitude Towards Settlers and Refugees. 492 6.3.2 Socio-Religious Consequences on Society. 504 CHAPTER 7 CRUX 505 Appendixes 516 Bibliography 538 CHAPTER 1 Historical Background The creation of man on this earth is a great event of this Universe. Initially, he was unaware of attire and other social needs. His only want, was food which was fulfilled by hunting wild creatures individually. But when he went through the evolution process he gained social awareness and learnt about his needs. Then Allah Almighty sent his Messengers for his guidance. As a result he came to know about his religious identity and limitations. It was at that time that he got divided into tribes and then into nations. This geographical limitation further increased his social, religious, political and economic awareness and he stood firmly to protect it. The balanced distribution of needs of life by Allah Almighty made the man socially construed. Thus man harmonized his economic and social needs on the basis of difference in features of Geography and atmosphere. As a result religious, social, and economic values came into being at individual and community level which became the identity of tribes and nations. In this context the sub-continent has been of great importance. It has been the place where different nations of the world resided due to its great resources and vast land and they came to the sub-continent to take benefits of its resources. They started living there. They were not only different in their faith but they had different social values. As a result those values contrasted the religious and social values of the sub- continent. Bahawalpur State had been the part of the sub continent. It had unique place due to its own political, social and religious values. In the following discussion these two aspects will be highlighted. Besides this the geographical and historical background of the Bahawalpur State will also be taken into account. 1 1.1- Brief Survey of the Social Structure of Ancient India India is the oldest country in the history of the world. Its civilization was so powerful that it absorbed many other cultures and civilizations within it. The region had been a central attraction for people from all over the world. They came to this region whole heartedly and took maximum benefits from its resources. The region can rightly be named as “the land of foreigners”. All countries of the world were occupied by its native people except sub-continent where variety of nations lived but they could neither declare it to be their own land nor could they feel it their pride. Aryans to Muslims many nations and tribes from various corners of the world migrated to this region and started dwelling there. Although these migrated nations accepted this land as their homeland yet they could not give up their civilization, social and religious values and traditions. That is why not only HHakara but Muslims also dwelt here. Moreover, Parsis, Jews, Christians and Buddhists also lived in this country. In spite of being the natives of this homeland they have not only different values but their religions are also different. Moreover, there is even great difference in their social and cultural traditions. The reunion of different nations influenced their individuality to some extent. They not only gave something but they attained something as well. Sometimes they withdrew from something and sometimes they adopted something. Even the Muslims could not escape its consequences those had upheld the strong religious and social values of the sound Islamic civilization. Although they changed every civilization in the world where ever they entered and occupied the area yet they seemed helpless here as “the subdued had great influence on the conqueror‟s”1 civilization which lost its number of traditions and “it had no other example in the Islamic world.”2 In spite of this participation, individualism could not be rubbed off because the hold of co-operation cannot be established over every walk of life.