CSS 2010 Solved Pakistan Affairs Past Papers | Main Features of Cultural Heritage of Pakistan
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Question Breakdown
In addressing this question, one needs to understand the main components that depict the culturally diverse environment of Pakistan. It involves a brief discussion on languages, literature and arts, buildings and structures, music, dances, celebrations, food and drink and other crafts that define the country of Pakistan. It also requires outlining of how these elements characterized the historical, religious, and cultural development of the country with references to examples and peculiarities of traditions.
Outline
1- Introduction
2- Historical Influences on Cultural Heritage of Pakistan
3- Main Features of Cultural Heritage of Pakistan.
- Regional and Ethnic diversities
- Spiritual and Religious Heritage
- Art and Architecture
- Literature and Language
- Traditional and Contemporary Music and Performing Arts
- Diverse Cuisine
- Religious, Cultural and National Festivals
- Traditional Handicrafts
4- Challenges of Culture and Heritage Preservation in Pakistan
5- Critical Analysis
6- Conclusion
Introduction
Cultural heritage of Pakistan can be described as a complex set of interactions between the Pakistani people and their history, their land that saved the Indus Valley civilization and has been home to the Gandhara culture, the Mughals and the Sikh empire before the British colonialism. Being in the area of the intersection of Central Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East, the cultural impact which has become part of the country’s identity is a mixture of various empires, ethnicities, and religious beliefs. Entrenchment of cultural history has its roots in the Indus Valley civilization, which started the early hope of urban establishment. Through the centuries, the region developed strong ties with the Islamic empire, most notably with the Mughals, where architecture and art were prominent. The British colonial influence remained on the Pakistani political, legal, and educational system and is also traced through some architectural styles. Pakistani ethnic groups, such as Punjabi, Sindhi, Pathan and Baluchi, each possessing its own culture, language and ways of life. This Diversity is expressed in Pakistan’s religious and spiritual history, closely connected to Islamic tradition, Sufism and interaction with religious minorities and is already an important part of its people’s spiritual experience. The art and architecture of Pakistan are very stylistically detailed, and places like the Badshahi Mosque and the Lahore Fort serve as examples of the country’s art. Over the decades, Pakistani literature, classical and modern, has given rise to the world’s renowned poets and writers. Pakistani music, from classical ragas to folk music, manifests the best of its kind. However, Pakistani food, festive fairs and performing arts have added to the cultural values, which define the nation and bear testimony of its antiquity and modernity.
Historical Influences on Cultural Heritage of Pakistan
The cultural importance of Pakistan is built on the historic, cultural and civilizational background of the area, which was influenced by various ancient Empires. A highly developed ancient civilization of the Indus Valley provided the basis for many aspects of Pakistan’s urban growth. Cities such as Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa are evidence of this civilization that brought sophisticated city planning, sewerage and trade to the region. The civilization played a significant part in architecture and engineering, where evidence from the well-structured cities and the irrigation method is used still today. After the destruction of the Indus Valley Civilization, people of the area went through generations of invasions and migrations, the most impactful of which were the Islamization of the region beginning from the 7th century. The effect of the Islamic invasions transformed the architectural look of the cities, the culture and the social organization. Establishment of such buildings as the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque in New Delhi and Lahore Mosque, continued dissemination of arts and literature made it more Islamic. Mughals contributed significantly to architecture, art and more importantly, the administrative structure of the region, to the regional culture. The most important influences from the British colonial period, which lasted from 1849 to 1947, are noticeable in the field of education, physical infrastructure and legal system. Construction of railroads/ railways, roads and the expansion of the British-oriented civil administrations and British education, where English primarily became the medium of instruction in India. Nevertheless, Pakistan had its cultural roots intact from where it was separated out from India and it inherited the culture of ancient, Islamic, Mughal and British culture.
Regional and Ethnic diversities
Four major sections, Punjabi, Sindhi, Pathan and Baloch, have their own languages, culture and traditions, so it’s a rich and diverse culture. Being very culturally inclined, Punjabis are famous for their folk music, Punjabi Bhangra dance and craft amongst others. Lahore is one of the most significant cities of Pakistan known for its impressive history, colourful markets, and food. Punjab also has an honoured history of the great Sufi poet Waris Shah and the Punjabi literature is still promoted enthusiastically today. Sindhi Culture has the origin of the Indus valley civilization and it has significance of the habitat of Mohenjo-Daro, which is a world heritage site for a significant demonstration of the Indus civilization. The province also boasts of Sindh literature and its legendary poet, Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai, who had enlightened many Sufi Kalam’s and Sindhi folklores. Pashtun has a culture of hospitality and is tribally influenced. Basically, the Pashtun people live in KPK province in Pakistan and the tribal areas at Balochistan. Pashtuns also have a tradition of oral narrative as well as the colorful tradition of handicrafts employing vibrant embroidery and jewellery. Baloch people have colorful dresses, their materials or ornaments, rugs and other goods, which hint at the age-old civilization. The Balochi language and their culture expression, including singing and dancing, are reflected in the traditional Balochi songs, which are still being practiced by the Baluch. These essentialist ethnic and regional cultures are not mutually exclusive but exist side by side in Pakistan, adding to the complexity and richness of an evolving national culture. These groups have influenced the society and culture of the country, some of which have made Pakistan one of the most ethnically diverse countries in South Asia.
Spiritual and Religious Heritage
The role of religious and spiritual identity of Pakistan is an inseparable part of the Pakistani culture that reflects saints of sufism, contribution of non Muslim religions and strong Islamic connection. These elements together form the spiritual identity of people of Pakistan and are reflected in its art and architecture as well as in its everyday practices. Islamic Legacy is the core of Pakistan, as being an Islamic Republic, approximately 96% of its citizens are followers of Islam. The Badshahi Mosque in Lahore, and the Faisal Mosque in Islamabad are the modern face of the Islamic architecture. Data Ganj Bakhsh in Lahore, Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai in Sindh and Lal Shahbaz Qalandar in Sehwan are some of the important places of pilgrimage people from millions of across the country visit every year. Some of the ethnic minorities, which form part of the population, include Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, and others, who have in one way or the other contributed to the development of the nation culturally, educationally and economically. Also, Pakistan does not lack museums presenting its history and culture, religious and spiritual sites and architecture of historical and cultural heritage. This history has bestowed the rich legacy and remained a proved determinant of its unified fundamental character and its versatility.
Art and Architecture
These architecture reflects the combination of Islamic, Mughal and regional influences with folk art, calligraphy and painting being part of the nation’s heritage. All of these elements are incorporated to demonstrate the country’s cultural creativity which represents the spiritual, historical, and cultural transformation. Cultural history of Pakistan in particular is incomplete without mentioning Islamic Architecture in Pakistan since it is indeed among the finest examples of art in the region. One of the examples of the Islamic architecture in Pakistan is the Badshahi Masjid of Lahore, which was constructed in the early Mughal period. In the same way, Faisal mosque in Islamabad, designed by Turkish architect Vedat Dalokay, is a post-modern symbol of Islamic architecture – simple, eye-catching, and being one of the largest mosques in Asia. Folk Art in Pakistan is another important area of Pakistani art and craft and is indigenous artwork of the masses. Every province has its distinct folk art forms, including truck arts, pottery and embroideries. Truck art is bright and complex as ornamented trucks and buses are painted with floral images referring to the local standard of beauty and art. Pakistan has an inherent importance of calligraphy in art and it remains highly valued as well. The Arabic script used in manuscripts or chalk on the walls of the mosques and other public places is inspired by the Qur’an. More than any other form of art, folk art, and calligraphy remain the expressions of the nation’s history, and painting and Islamic architecture continue to define its complex and diverse culture. Apart from that, they also show the historical aspect of Pakistan but also play a role in the development of the society.
Literature and Language
Urdu literature has a classical and modern connection to the literary traditions of the country, Persian literature, Islamic Sufi movements and further the South Asia hybrid civilization blend. Allama Iqbal, who was a philosopher, a poet, a statesman, regarded as the spiritual father of Pakistan. Collection of his poetry like ‘Bang-e-Dra’ and ‘Asrar-e-Khudi’, merging Islamic philosophy with elements of self-power and nationalism inspired the people of the sub-continent. Some of the other famous poets of that era, like Faiz Ahmed Faiz, who also wrote in Urdu, his poetry was against the fascist forces, and hence it was revolutionary in its tone, and it reflected both romanticism and social realism. This tradition also consists of Mirza Ghalib, but he is somewhat before the partition of India. Like other Culture of Pakistan, there is great regional literature as well, Pashto being one of the famous regional literature where writers and poets like Khushal Khan Khattak had expressed the socio-political experiences of the Pashtun people in a different way and Sindhi literature also has lot of mysticism and spiritualism in it which can been seen in the kalam of Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai. Regarding language, Urdu is the medium that binds Pakistanis together linguistically, although there are many different languages spoken across the country, but the most widely used languages are Punjabi, Pashto, Sindhi, Balochi and Saraiki languages. These languages have different literary and cultural contexts but complete the cultural diversity of the country.
Traditional and Contemporary Music and Performing Arts
The Pakistani music and performing arts are culturally rooted and depict overlays of modernity where traditionalism forms an unbroken link. It’s music, whether western, classical or folk, developed through centuries until the downfall of the British Empire. It is also influenced by Persian, Mughal, Sufi cultures, and ethnic and regional differences. Classical music of Pakistan has its origin with ragas and talas of Indian classical music, which also consists of vocal and instrumental music. Out of all music genres in Pakistan, Qawwali is probably the most popular having its roots in Sufi devotional music. One of the heavenly voices in this context is Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. The great genre of qawwali was reflected to the international level through this great vocalist. Their performances involve Sitar, tabla, sarod, and flute. The same can also be seen with folk music, however, each region provides its own variant. The dance association of Pakistan also exhibits the pluralism of the country’s culture. The culture of Pakistan has different dance traditions, folk dances such as the bhangra of Punjab, the attans of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the Kathak, associated with Mughal royal courts, which are performed on festivals and ceremonies. Hence, music and performing arts in the context of Pakistani culture are much more than just entertainment, they are the ways in which Pakistan’s cultural, religious, and regional diversities are manifested. They remain active and by adapting the old ways with the new generation give homage to over 200 years of artistry.
Diverse Cuisine
The culture of food in Pakistan varies due to the different regions, ethic groups, as well as the occupants who have accommodated several civilizations. Pakistani cuisine is linked to Persian, Central Asian, Mughal, and British foods with native local staple recipes. Punjab cuisine is famous for being hot and spicy meat recipes, and more dairy products. Examples may include butter chicken, dal makhani and the meat stews known as sari’shta. It later became one of the strongest features of the Sindhi cuisine because of the use of spices, chilies and rice. Some examples of staple foods of the region include Sindhi biryani – the spicy, aromatic rice dish, Sindhi karhi – the spicy yogurt curry and saag – mustard greens. The dishes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan are closer to grilled meat served with baked breads. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa flavours include Peshawari chapli kebabs and pulavs. Baloch cuisine is simple and slowly cooked meat recipes like sajji (lamb stuffed and roasted) and khadi (from a slow cooked meat broth) etc. These meat recipes are usually accompanied by naan and roti. Also, Karachi has its own seafood diet as there are many recipes related to fishes, such as fish curry, prawn masala, etc. The variety of Pakistani dishes is a perfect example of the stereotype that the areas of South Asia are associated with, as it is an important part of Pakistan’s national culture. The food ranges from spicy curries in the south to marinated kebabs in the north, so Pakistani food is actually a celebration of all those histories.
Religious, Cultural and National Festivals
National days include Independence Day, which is celebrated on 14 August, marking the birth of Pakistan in 1947 & Pakistan Day, which is observed on 23 March (the year of the Lahore resolution of 1940, demanding creation of a separate Muslim state). They have been observed through the display of flags, events, parades and patriotic performances all over the nation. Another major national holiday is May 1, for workers and labour rights in the process of Pakistan’s development. Religious Festivals have always been an important cultural aspect of the people of Pakistan which include Eid-ul-fitr and Eid-ul-adha. Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated after the month of Ramadan, the month of fasting. Eid al-Adha, also called the Festival of Sacrifice, is celebrated through sacrificing animals. Muharram, particularly, the tenth day of Muharram referred to as Ashura is commemorated by public processions, recitation of sermons, oratory and mourning performance, although more solemnly observed by the Shi’ites. Cultural festivals comprise the Basant, the festival of kites, which is in Punjab, is a symbol of spring. This colourful festival includes competitions in Kite flying, music and the local cuisine. Mela Chiraghan, also known as the Festival of lights, is held in Lahore. They collectively contribute to the growing heritage of Pakistan by overwhelmingly providing means of unity, faith and diverse culture. They are also useful in preserving the traditions of Pakistan and promoting the integration of the nation.
Traditional Handicrafts
They are essential instruments by which ethnic self-image is communicated and make a serious contribution to a nation’s patrimony. The South Asian and Dacca fabrics, engraved with the signature craftsmanship of Pakistani talented artisans, present the diverse and rich culture of Pakistan.The process of crafting the most famous Pakistani handicrafts, known as the embroidery of Punjab and Sindh, with fine arts from generations. The craft of having art pottery and ceramics has been quite popular in Pakistan and probably the most ancient one, as in the Multan and Swat, which goes back to the period of the Indus Valley Civilization. Other important handicrafts are woodworking and carving, mostly in Khyber Pakhtun Khwa and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Chinioti work is well known for the carving, the figures embossed on wooden furniture and Kashmiri work is well known for carving designs on wooden furniture and trinkets. The traditional hand woven carpets and woollen products, namely Kashmiri shawls, Peshawari carpets and Lahori silk, are world famous. These handicrafts affect the Pakistani culture as they give an opportunity to interact with the traditional era with the help of their products. In such handicrafts, Pakistan’s cultural heritage continues to form a rich history within the country to help with its economy and support its artisans.
Challenges of Culture and Heritage Preservation in Pakistan
The current high rate of urbanization and modernization is replacing the traditional processes and historical sites. For instance, the demography of Pakistan’s big cities has increased at a rate of 3.2% per year since the year 2011, thereby eradicating the old cultural eructations and changing the face of the culture. For instance, new business ventures demolish historical structures, e.g. Karachi and Lahore bear the brunt of uncontrolled growth and spread of urbanization. New commercial structures erode history, while urban growth claims historical buildings and locations.
Many archaeological sites and buildings in Pakistan Mohenjo-Daro, for instance is a UNESCO World Heritage are miserably neglected. The fact is that Mohenjo-Daro, which is the important part of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization, is still exposed to the degradation as effective methods of conservation have not been employed. The leader of the World Monuments Fund’s Pakistan mission said
“The extent of the destruction in this site illustrates the poor condition of most of Pakistan’s monumental heritage, which is threatened by both natural erosion and official neglect”.
The government allocates only 0.1 percent of its annual budget to the protection of heritage sites.
War and political insecurity around the world has been a major cause of deterioration of cultural heritage. For example, armed conflict has been going on in the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, and there has no political willpower to preserve landmarks such as the Buddhist kingdoms’ premises in the area.
Critical Analysis
Major threats to Pakistan’s cultural heritage include urbanization, abandonment and political instabilities. These major loopholes, like poor funding, no adequate legislation and politics, have so negatively impacted on the mining of our cherished cultural heritage. In order to fill these gaps, some serious attention of political authorities, active participation of communities, and sufficient funding that will guarantee the protection of Pakistan’s diverse cultural heritage are required. However, there is still some hope of conserving cultural heritage in Pakistan, though what little has been practiced seems futile and insignificant. To fully apply effective practices of conservation, there is a need for political systems, local people, the government and other international organizations. With the help of funding in education, awareness and setting up the legal protection of heritage, the Pakistani cultural identity can continue to remain preserved in each following generation. If Pakistan can resolve these three crucial issues of urbanization, negligence and political instability, then it will be possible to preserve the varied cultural value of Pakistan and work for the development of the nation, and unity can be seen all over the country.
Conclusion
Culture is a valuable treasure that portrays the historical, religious and even the ethnic endowment of Pakistan. But, there are great barriers to the conservation of this heritage among which are urbanization, negligence, and political instabilities. The fast growing urbanization, accompanied by the absence of a proper conservation plan, has led to the eradication of many cultural symbols and the subsuming of traditional aesthetics. Shortage of funds to maintain the sites and lack of skilled human resources, which can worsen this problem, has been attributed to neglect of the sites. Besides, the political turmoil and violence in some parts of the country continue to witness the wanton destruction of historical and religious edifices that resulted in the desecration of the nation’s culture.
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