A Comparative Analysis of the “Janan Cheni” and “Chin Ba Jabeen”

Abstract

In contrast, “Cheen-ba-Jabeen” is an account of a fortnight-long journey undertaken by eight writers. Dr. Inayatullah Faizi presents China’s history, progress, culture, economy, and education as well as Pakistan-China relations through a scholarly and research-oriented lens. His writing is characterized by dialogue, historical references, statistical data, and a satirical tone; he also draws attention to the shortcomings of Pakistani society when viewed against the backdrop of China’s development. Overall, while “Janan-e-Cheen” is defined by personal impressions, humour, and aesthetic imagery, “Cheen-ba-Jabeen” represents research, history, analysis, and a comparative perspective. Both travelogues hold a significant place in Urdu travel literature due to their distinctive styles. The present study offers a comparative analysis covering both artistic and intellectual dimensions of Qazi Inayat Jalil’s “Janan Chini” and Dr. Inayatullah Faizi’s “Chin-ba-Jabeen”. While both travelogues highlight various aspects of travel to China, including observations, civilization, culture, and development, there are distinct differences in their respective styles and perspectives.“Janan-e-Chin” chronicles a twenty-one-day journey undertaken by a group of thirty-two individuals, emphasizing the historical and cultural ties between China and Chitral. Qazi Inayat Jalil’s writing style is simple, fluid, evocative, witty, and aesthetic; his work also features unique elements such as vivid descriptive imagery and an exploration of the linguistic similarities between Chinese and Khowar.

References:

1. Khalid Mahmood, Urdu Safarnamon ka Tanqeedi Mutala‘a, New Delhi: Maktaba Jamia Limited, 2011, p. 22.
2. Qureshi, Qudsia, Dr., Urdu Safarnamay Beeswin Sadi mein, Lucknow: Nusrat Publishers, Haidari Market, 1987, p. 48.
3. Anwar Sadeed, Urdu Adab mein Safarnama, Lahore: Maghribi Pakistan Urdu Academy, p. 48.
4. Inayat Jalil Amber, Qazi, Interview, April 25, 2025.
5. , Janan Cheeni, Peshawar: Anjuman-e-Taraqqi-e-Khowar, Halqa Peshawar, 2019, p. 49.
6. Inayatullah Faizi, Dr., Cheen ba Jabeen, Islamabad: Dost Publications, 1998, p. 114.
7. Inayat Jalil Amber, Qazi, Janan Cheeni, Peshawar: Anjuman-e-Taraqqi-e-Khowar, Halqa Peshawar, 2019, p. 52.
8. Ibid, p. 12.
9. Inayatullah Faizi, Dr., Cheen ba Jabeen, Islamabad: Dost Publications, 1998, pp. 22–23.
10. , p. 26.
11. Wazir Agha, Dr., Urdu Safarnama: Fan aur Tarikh, Lahore: Sang-e-Meel Publications, 2004, p. 112.
12. Inayat Jalil Amber, Qazi, Janan Cheeni, Peshawar: Anjuman-e-Taraqqi-e-Khowar, Halqa Peshawar, 2019, p. 23.
13. Inayatullah Faizi, Dr., Cheen ba Jabeen, Islamabad: Dost Publications, 1998, p. 98.
14. Ibid, p. 142.
15. Inayat Jalil Amber, Qazi, Janan Cheeni, Peshawar: Anjuman-e-Taraqqi-e-Khowar, Halqa Peshawar, 2019, p. 24.
16. Inayatullah Faizi, Dr., Cheen ba Jabeen, Islamabad: Dost Publications, 1998, p. 79.
17. Ibid, p. 64.
18. Ibid, p. 65.
19. Ibid, p. 67.