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The Decline of Pakistani Folk Stories: Analyzing the Impact of Modernism,
the role of the state, and Cultural Preservation
Mahnoor Mansha
Department of Government and Public Policy, NUST
GPA – 425: Challenges to National Integration
Ms. Rehma. R. Hyder
November 26, 2023
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1. Introduction:
In the vibrant cultural mosaic of Pakistan, folk stories emerge as pivotal threads, intricately
woven through the tapestry of generations. Rooted in oral tradition, folk tales not only embody the
essence of tradition and legend but also serve as vessels of collective memory, reflecting the values
and historical nuances of diverse communities.
However, the cultural significance of Pakistani folk stories is under threat, facing a
precipitous decline amid the currents of modernization, language barriers, the role of the state,
and religious influences. This research endeavors to delve into this intricate narrative landscape,
offering fresh insights into the challenges impeding the preservation of folk stories and their
profound role in shaping and sustaining cultural identity.
Folk stories, the timeless narrative treasures passed down through generations, represent
an integral tapestry of cultural heritage. These tales, often relayed through the oral tradition, carry
the weight of legend and tradition, serving as the lifeblood of a region's cultural identity. The word
'folk' itself finds its origins in the German word 'volk,' signifying 'people,' highlighting the
profound connection between these stories and the people who share them. In essence, folk stories
epitomize the art of cultural transmission through the voices and hearts of the people. (Folktale |
Definition, Characteristics & Types Video, 2023)
Pakistan is a country of distinct cultures and various languages that are not divided into provinces,
and those cultures are mainly regional. Due to this distinct and unique culture, various folk stories
are traveling from generation to generation. Stories like Heer Ranjha and Sohni Mahiwal are
almost 200 to 300 years old in their actual form and languages.
Writer and folklorist Tulasi Diwas, while discussing with the author Anweiti Upadhyay,
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emphasizes the importance of preserving culture for identity. According to him, culture reflects
the diversity of a country and shapes the way of life for its people. Diwas believes that
understanding and accepting the geographic truth of a country's diverse backgrounds can help
people understand each other better. He also notes that many countries invest in researching,
documenting, celebrating, and spreading their culture to preserve their unique identity in the world.
(Let Us Document Folk Tales to Preserve Our Identity, 2023)
2. Comparative Analysis of Pakistani Folk Stories and Their Preservation
Pakistani folk tales are experiencing a decline in popularity compared to internationally
recognized stories. In examining the decline of familiarity with Pakistani folk stories compared to
globally recognized narratives such as those of Shakespeare, it is crucial to recognize the stark
contrast in the preservation efforts accorded to these cultural treasures. Shakespearean stories,
represented by William Shakespeare's writings, have been thoroughly preserved through a variety
of techniques. These include the early publication of his plays in printed form, the creation of
manuscript copies, and the establishment of acting companies dedicated to performing his works.
The pinnacle of this preservation effort was the compilation and publication of the First Folio in
1623. This monumental endeavor played an instrumental role in safeguarding Shakespeare's plays
for future generations. (Medzerian, 2016)
In compression to that, tales such as Heer Ranjha and Sohni Mahiwal carry profound
cultural significance within Pakistan, there exists a perceptible gap in international recognition.
This divergence prompts an exploration into the reasons behind the fading prominence of these
local narratives.
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Pakistani folklore has been largely overlooked in the preservation of Shakespeare's works,
despite their meticulous curating and publication by John Heminge and Henry Condell. This
highlights the unequal treatment of literary and cultural heritage, despite Shakespeare's efforts to
ensure accessibility to diverse audiences. Modernization, media access, shifting social values, and
an abundance of content have overshadowed traditional, locally-focused stories with global
narratives. Shakespeare's works, with their emotional depth, wit, and universal themes, have been
immortalized through meticulous preservation. The decline in familiarity with Pakistani folk tales
is not just a lack of recognition but also a broader challenge to cultural heritage preservation in the
face of globalization and changing cultural norms.
The preservation discrepancy between Western narratives and Pakistani folklore
underscores the urgent need to address the unequal treatment of cultural treasures, emphasizing
the imperative of meticulous and coordinated preservation efforts for indigenous narratives.
3. Colonial Impact on Pakistani Folk Stories:
It is essential to investigate the historical impact of colonialism on these narratives in order
to appreciate the evolution of the state's role in conserving and promoting folk traditions in
Pakistan. During the colonial era, the transmission, adaptation, or suppression of traditional
narratives was significantly influenced by the policies and agendas of the ruling powers. The
British colonial rule, in particular, left a lasting imprint on the cultural fabric of the region,
affecting the way folk stories were perceived and transmitted.
The colonial era significantly impacted folk stories by introducing English as the official
language, leading to the marginalization of indigenous languages and a decline in their visibility
and prominence. That was due to the prioritization of English, which relegated regional languages
to secondary status and disrupted the natural transmission of folk stories (Tania Ali Khan, 2023).
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Additionally, the loss of cultural nuances, such as dialects, idioms, and linguistic intricacies, in
regional languages contributed to linguistic homogenization and reduced diversity and authenticity
of folk narratives.
In "The Crisis of Representation in Pakistani Literature and a Plea for a Linguistic
Liberation," the authors, Muhammad Iqbal Butt, Jamil Asghar, and Ghulam Ali, underscore the
significance of literature being composed in the national or regional languages of Pakistan. From
their perspective, this approach is essential for authentically capturing the experiences, culture,
and identity of the Pakistani people. They express concern about the dominance of English in the
representation of Pakistani literature, raising pertinent questions about the authenticity and
inclusivity of this representation within the global literary landscape. (Muhammad Iqbal Butt et
al., 2021)
4. State Initiatives and Cultural Preservation
The role of the state in preserving and promoting folk stories in Pakistan has evolved over
the years, reflecting shifts in political, cultural, and social dynamics. The state's involvement in
safeguarding traditional cultural elements, including folk stories, is often tied to the broader
objective of shaping and consolidating national identity.
Post-independence, Pakistan grappled with an identity crisis exacerbated by the
manipulation of educational curricula. Successive leaders, such as Ayub Khan and Zia-ul-Haq,
wielded their influence over the education system to shape a narrative that aligned with their
political ideologies. Ayub Khan shifted history to social studies, diluting the historical context and
fostering an environment that excluded the rich tapestry of indigenous folk stories (The Pakistan
Experience, 2023).
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A national curriculum has emerged to standardize education, shaping citizens'
understanding of history and identity, often marginalizing or omitting certain cultural narratives
and dictating subjects and interpretations. The article on the website “Wow 360” criticizes
Pakistan's Single National Curriculum (SNC) textbooks for perpetuating traditional gender roles
despite their intended purpose of promoting equality. The SNC may influence students' gender
roles and equality narratives. (Laiba, 2021)
The state's influence extends beyond folk stories to redefine the broader identity of the
populace. The deliberate removal of the Indus Civilization history from the educational curriculum
diminishes the connection of the people to their ancient roots, replacing it with a narrative that
aligns more closely with Turkish and Arabic influences. This intentional reshaping of identity
impacts not only how individuals perceive their cultural heritage but also the way they contribute
to the preservation and promotion of traditional elements.
The state's role in incorporating regional folk tales and poetry into educational curricula is
significant, promoting the preservation and promotion of traditional cultural elements. This
initiative signifies the nationalization of folklore, ensuring future generations understand its
richness.
4.1 Nationalization of Folklore - The Case of Sassi Punnu
A concrete example of the state's impact on folk stories is seen in the nationalization of the
Sassi Punnu narrative. Influential figures like Sindhi nationalist G.M. Syed and Pakistani leader
Z.A. Bhutto played pivotal roles in shaping the narrative's interpretation. Syed utilized the story to
promote the idea of Sindh as a land of Sufis and religious tolerance. At the same time, Bhutto,
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through initiatives like the renovation of the shrine of Shah Abdul Latif and the Bhitshah Festival,
transformed Sassi into a symbol of Pakistani nationalism. (Paracha, 2018)
The state further reinforced the nationalized narrative by dramatizing the story on stateowned media, financing a film based on folklore, and incorporating it into public discourse.
Despite political changes and social upheavals, the nationalized idea of Sassi-Punnu endured,
demonstrating the state's influence in shaping and preserving cultural narratives for national
identity. However, the landscape has changed with the rise of religious militancy. The Sassi-Punnu
folk story, once used to promote ideas of religious tolerance and spiritual romance, has taken on a
darker tone. The story's reinterpretation, with Sassi seeking Mian Mitthu in the desert, highlights
the impact of religious extremism and intolerance on cultural narratives.
The shift in interpretation underscores the fear and anxiety among people in Sindh who
perceive their traditional way of life and cultural identity as being under threat. The story, once a
source of cultural pride, has become a lens through which the community confronts the challenges
posed by religious militancy and forced conversions. (Folkloristic Understandings of NationBuilding in Pakistan, n.d.)
5. Tracing Genealogical, Cultural, and Social Developments
Folk stories play an essential role in the development and preservation of a liberal society
by encouraging shared identity, empathy, cultural understanding, and critical thinking, as well as
tracing genealogical, cultural, and social developments.
i.
Fostering a Shared Identity
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- By weaving together diverse cultural threads from various regions, folk stories serve as a
unifying force. They foster a sense of collective identity at the national level by creating a shared
narrative that transcends regional and ethnic boundaries.
- The story becomes a cultural touchstone in the context of Tariq Mehmood Awaan's insights on
Heer Ranjha, representing a community's shared heritage and values. This shared identity serves
as the foundation for a liberal society that values diversity while embracing a shared cultural
tapestry (Desk, 2023).
ii.
Promoting Empathy and Understanding
- Folk stories, with their emotionally charged narratives, are practical tools for fostering empathy
and understanding. They allow people to live vicariously through the characters' joys, sorrows,
and challenges.
- Waris Shah's deliberate crafting of the story, using Heer Ranjha as an example, aims to elicit
empathy for the characters' experiences of love, sacrifice, and societal oppression. Individuals are
encouraged to connect with the broader human experience through emotional engagement,
resulting in a more compassionate and empathetic society.
iii.
Encouraging Critical Examination of Societal Norms
- Folk stories are frequently used as mirrors to reflect societal norms and values. They provide a
forum for critical examination of these norms, prompting individuals to question and evaluate their
society's ethical and moral dimensions.
- Waris Shah's exploration of human emotions and behavior can be viewed as a psychological
and sociological study. The story encourages individuals to question societal expectations and
norms by delving into the complexities of love and sacrifice, fostering a culture of critical thinking
within society.
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iv.
Contributing to Cultural and Literary Heritage
- Folk stories make an essential contribution to a country's cultural and literary heritage. They
are historical narrative repositories that represent a society's genealogical, cultural, and social
developments.
-Waris Shah's interpretation of Heer Ranjha's story is an artistic and intellectual endeavor that
enhances Punjabi society's cultural and literary heritage, crucial for the development of a liberal
society that values diversity and historical continuity.
v.
Connecting Individuals to Their Roots
- Individuals can connect with their roots by tracing genealogical, cultural, and social
developments through folk stories. This connection becomes a foundational component in the
construction of identity, fostering a sense of continuity and belonging. Individuals develop a
deeper appreciation for cultural diversity and historical contexts by understanding the evolution of
their community over time. This appreciation, rooted in folk story narratives, contributes to the
development of a more inclusive and liberal society.
Folk stories can help to build a liberal society by fostering shared identity, promoting
empathy, encouraging critical examination of societal norms, contributing to cultural heritage, and
connecting people to their roots. These stories become woven into the fabric of a society that values
diversity, inclusion, and a shared understanding of the past and present.
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6. Recommendations:
As demonstrated, folk stories play an important role in shaping a society's narratives,
fostering a spirit of liberalism while mitigating extremist tendencies." They symbolize various
regional cultures, forming a tapestry of shared identity. Given the importance of these stories,
substantial preservation efforts are required. While there are continuous attempts committed to this
goal, it is clear that current efforts need to be revised to the required size. Preserving these priceless
histories has become easier than ever in the digital age. As a result, we should advocate for stepping
up preservation efforts using creative digital means, assuring the accessibility and perpetuity of
these cultural assets for future generations.
6.1. Urgency in Collecting and Translating Folklores
In the age of digitization, the most effective way to preserve our rich folk literature is
through digital methods. While some noteworthy attempts have been made, it is clear that the
current initiatives need to be revised in the holistic strategy necessary. Mediums such as
conversation podcasts, narrative movies, and animated lectures can help us make significant
progress. A superficial knowledge of the author's intended message, as it relates to our cultural
values, is insufficient.
The act of collecting and translating folklore is an investment in cultural narrative
transmission, fostering a profound connection to our roots and actively participating in the ongoing
process of identity construction for present and future generations.
Notable individuals such as Musharaf Ali Faruqi, a dedicated writer and translator working
on a folk literature preservation project with Getz Pharma, represent the required initiatives.
Individuals like Adeel Afzal, who dives into the deep undertones and historical views of folk
traditions through platforms like "Pakistan Experience" and programs like "Lok Sujag," also play
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an essential role in connecting people with knowledgeable and experienced voices. These projects
act as a beacon, helping us to understand our identities and create a critical link to our roots,
allowing us to connect deeply with our cultural history (Getz Pharma, 2022; Lok Sujag, 2020).
6.2. Folk Festivals
There is a need to promote and support festivals like "Lok Mela Mela" as a means to
preserve and promote folk literature. These festivals serve as a forum for the revival of endangered
folk arts, crafts, and music, all of which are essential components of folk literature. These festivals
help to preserve and promote the rich cultural history and stories buried in folk literature by
presenting the work of talented artisans and traditional practitioners. As a result, supporting and
participating in such events can significantly help to preserve and promote folk literature. (Tribune,
2023)
6.3. Maintaining Linguistic Diversity for the Preservation of Folk Literature
The preservation of regional languages is an essential aspect of protecting our cultural
heritage. To prevent the demise of folk literature, academic degrees, and digital media must be
used to promote these languages. The progressive move toward English as the primary medium of
instruction has presented a danger to several regional languages.
Initiatives like "Maa Boli Dehar" in Alhamra Hall Lahore provide a framework for national
adoption, fostering regional languages, and reuniting people with their original cultural identities.
We can breathe fresh life into these linguistic gems by incorporating regional languages into
educational curricula and harnessing digital platforms, assuring the continuous vibrancy of our
folk narratives. (Lok Sujag, 2023)
6.4. Empowering Folklore Guardians
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Empowering researchers and teachers fluent in several languages, mainly Punjabi, Sindhi,
Balochi, and Pashto, is an essential method for conserving our rich tapestry of folk literature. These
knowledgeable individuals are vital guardians, possessing the information required for the
preservation and seamless transmission of our cultural narratives to future generations. Figures
like Professor Arfa Zehra, an Urdu authority, and Dr. Shah Muhammad Marri, a distinguished
Balochi scholar, demonstrate the critical role these professionals play in preserving the spirit of
our nation. Recognizing, supporting, and capitalizing on the skill of such guardians is critical to
the survival of our folk literary traditions (TEDx Talks, 2020; Shah, 2023).
7. Conclusion:
Pakistani folk tales are an essential part of the nation's cultural heritage, deeply intertwined
with tradition, identity, and collective memory. However, they are currently facing challenges due
to modernization, colonial influences, and shifting state roles. These stories are at a critical point
in their efforts to preserve their cultural richness, encountering difficulties in gaining recognition,
ensuring preservation, and adapting to a globalized context. Preserving local narratives is
particularly challenging, as they often need help to compete with globally celebrated works such
as those of Shakespeare. The state's role in shaping cultural narratives for national identity is also
a significant concern.
Folk tales, as drivers of societal progress, play a vital role in constructing a liberal society
by fostering a shared identity, empathy, critical examination of norms, and cultural continuity. The
recommendation for safeguarding cultural treasures involves a multifaceted approach, including
digitization, support for folk festivals, preservation of linguistic diversity, and empowerment of
folklore guardians.
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In conclusion, the narrative of Pakistani folk stories is far from its final chapter. It is a
living, evolving chronicle that demands collective efforts to ensure its continuity. This exploration
contributes not only to the understanding of cultural heritage but also to the ongoing dialogue about
shaping a liberal society rooted in diversity and tradition. Preserving these cultural gems becomes
an investment in the identity, richness, and resilience of Pakistan's cultural tapestry for generations
to come.
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