Cultural Study of Mustansar Hussain Tarar's Novelette "Roop Behroop"

Abstract

Mustainar Hussain Tarar’s novelette “Roop Behroop” (2020) presents a poignant cultural analysis of the rise and fall of the syncretic civilization of the Indian subcontinent. Through a child’s innocent perspective, Tarar beautifully depicts the shared Hindu-Muslim culture of pre-Partition era by portraying traditional havelis, ornate balconies, domestic shrines, Hindu deities, religious rituals, folk healing, kite-flying, horse-drawn carriages, and indigenous food. The narrative highlights religion as the central unifying force of this composite culture. In contrast, the latter part of the novelette exposes the cultural devastation in Pakistan caused by religious extremism and intolerance showing the systematic destruction of centuries-old heritage, decline of traditional arts, and denial of basic human dignity even in death. Ultimately “Roop Behroop” serves as a moving elegy for the lost syncretic culture of the subcontinent, illustrating how religion, once a source of cultural unity, has become a major tool of its destruction.

References:

1. Sibt-e-Hassan, Pakistan Mein Tehzeeb Ka Irtiqa, Karachi: Maktaba-e-Danial, 1989, P. 13
2. Malik Hassan Akhtar, Doctor, Tehzeeb-o-Tehqeeq, Lahore: Universal Book Depot, Lahore, 1985, P. 31
3. Muhammad Mubashir Raza Naqvi, Doctor, Mustansar Hussain Tarar Ke Novelon Mein Daryaon Ki Tehzeeb-o-Maashrat, Mashmoola, Matn, Shoaba-e-Urdu, Islamia University Bahawalpur, Jild No. 3, Shumara No. 2 (July ta December), 2022, P. 152
4. Ubaid-ur-Rehman, Hafiz, Mustansar Hussain Tarar Ke Novel "Roop Bahroop" Aur "Khali Shehar, Koocha-e-Shehar" Ka Mauzooati Mutala, Mashmoola, Al-Aasaar (Seh-Mahi), Jild No. 2, Shumara No. 2, 2025, P. 34
5. Mustansar Hussain Tarar, Roop Bahroop, Lahore: Sang-e-Meel Publications, 2020, P. 57
6. Ibid, P. 66
7. Ibid, P. 58
8. Ibid, P. 59
9. Ibid, P. 75
10. Ibid, P. 61
11. Ibid, P. 81
12. https://www.dawn.com/news/1816948
13. Mustansar Hussain Tarar, Roop Bahroop, Lahore: Sang-e-Meel Publications, 2020, P. 58
14. Ibid, P. 60-61
15. Ibid, P. 110
16. Ibid, P. 142
17. Ibid, P. 56
18. Ibid, P. 73
19. Ibid, P. 76
20. Ibid, P. 117
21. Ibid, P. 127
22. Ubaid-ur-Rehman, Hafiz, Mustansar Hussain Tarar Ke Novel "Roop Bahroop" Aur "Khali Shehar, Koocha-e-Shehar" Ka Mauzooati Mutala, Mashmoola, Al-Aasaar (Seh-Mahi), Jild No. 2, Shumara No. 2, 2025, P. 34
23. Mustansar Hussain Tarar, Roop Bahroop, Lahore: Sang-e-Meel Publications, 2020, P. 100
24. Ibid, P. 169-170
25. Ibid, P. 163