The Tradition of Despatch Writing in Punjab: 1900 to 1950

Abstract

Despatch writing is the oldest form or genre of literature. Despatch writing is the subtle art. Its scope is personal as well as universal and collective. Its inception is attributed to the Rome’s commencement. All  the languages, whose written form has been emerged, have helped in the propagation of this genre. Like the other languages, this genre is as old in Urdu as the language itself. It was Ghalib who upgraded it to the modern letter writing and became torch bearer of Despatch writing. In respect of literature, history and biography, the importance of Despatch writing increases.  Regarding this literary genre, such a way of expression in Punjab’s literary history is highly valuable. In this area, this genre sought the attention of some of the most renowned writers  such as, Allama Iqbal, Sir Sheikh Abdul Qadir, Saadat Hassan Manto, Rajindar Singh Baidi and Pandit Brijmohan Datta Tarye Kaifi, who continued to write in this genre, and hence shaped a tradition of this genre in this part of the country. In this research paper, the creative efforts in respect of Despatch writing in Punjab in the first half of  the 20th century have been analyzed.

 References:

1. Farhang-e-Asifiya, Jild Chaharum, Syed Ahmad Dehlvi, Lahore: Maktaba Hassan Suhail Limited, Urdu Bazar, 1901 (Tab'a Awwal), Tab'a Doim 1974, p: 390
2. Shahnaz Anjum, Dr.: Adabi Nasr Ka Irtiqa, Lahore: Progressive Books, 1989, p: 260
3. Khurshid-ul-Islam, Dr.: Khatoot Nigari, Mashmula: Urdu Nasr Ka Irtiqa, Farman Fatehpuri, Dr., Lahore: Al-Waqar Publications, p: 398, 399
4. Muhammad Askari Mirza: Adabi Khatoot-e-Ghalib, Karachi: Educational Press, 1954, p: 14
5. Malik Ram: Urdu Ke Munfarid Maktoub Nigar, Mashmula Naqoosh Khatoot Number, Lahore: Idara Farogh-e-Urdu, 1968, p: 39
6. Khawaja Ahmad Farooqui: Maktubaat-e-Urdu Ka Adabi Wa Tareekhi Irtiqa, Makhzoona Delhi University, Delhi, S.N., p: 158-159
7. Syed Abdullah, Dr.: Wajhi Se Abdul Haq Tak, Lahore: Maktaba Khayaban-e-Adab, 1977, p: 281
8. Syed Abdullah, Dr.: Wajhi Se Abdul Haq Tak; Ezan, p: 292
9. Ghulam Rasool Mehr, Ra'ye Mashmula: Naqoosh Makateeb Number 65-66, November 1957, Murattib: Muhammad Tufail, Lahore: Idara Farogh-e-Urdu, p: 13
10. Malik Ram: Ra'ye Mashmula Naqoosh Makateeb Number 65-66, November 1957, Murattib: Muhammad Tufail, Lahore: Idara Farogh-e-Urdu, p: 39
11. Rafeeq-ud-Din Hashmi, Dr.: Asnaf-e-Adab, Lahore: Sang-e-Meel Publications, 1976, p: 176
12. Syed Abdullah, Dr.: Wajhi Se Abdul Haq Tak; Ezan, p: 284-285
13. Ezan, p: 292
14. Syed Abdullah, Dr.: Urdu Khatt Nigari, Mashmula: Naqoosh Makateeb Number 65-66, November 1957, Murattib: Muhammad Tufail, Lahore: Idara Farogh-e-Urdu, p: 38
15. Brij Mohan Lal Roshan Ambalvi: Kamla Ke Khatoot, Roshan Publishing House Delhi, Hamdard Press Koocha Cheelan Delhi, S.N., p: 8
16. Professor Aal-e-Ahmad Suroor: Iqbal Ke Khatoot, Mashmula: Iqbal Aur Un Ka Falsafa, Lahore: Maktaba Aaliya, 1977, p: 110
17. Ezan, p: 118
18. Brij Mohan Lal Roshan Ambalvi: Kamla Ke Khatoot, Roshan Publishing House Delhi, Hamdard Press Koocha Cheelan Delhi, S.N., p: 2
19. Muhammad Baqir: Landani Dost Ke Naam Khatoot, Lahore: Maktaba Ilm-o-Adab, 1946, p: 6
20. Majmooa Rajinder Singh Bedi; Murattiba: Salah-ud-Din Mahmood, Lahore: Sang-e-Meel Publications, 2003, p: 1348
21. Muhammad Hasan Askari: Manto Ka Maqam; Naqoosh Manto Number 65-66, November 1957, Murattib: Muhammad Tufail, Lahore: Idara Farogh-e-Urdu, p: 251
22. Muhammad Hasan Askari: Manto Ka Maqam; Naqoosh Manto Number, Ezan; p: 251
23. Naqoosh Makateeb Number 65-66, November 1957, Murattib: Muhammad Tufail, Lahore: Idara Farogh-e-Urdu, p: 255