The Emergence of Contemporary Urdu Novel in Balochistan: A Study of Agha Gul's Distinctive Style

Abstract

The contemporary Urdu novel in Balochistan began to take shape post-2000, introducing a plethora of novelists, mostly debutants of the new century. This shift enabled them to vividly reflect modern concerns in their works. Agha Gul stands out among these novelists, having initiated his writing career in the 1980s. Although his first novella was published during the same period, his formal novel-writing journey commenced in the 21st century, culminating in four novels and one novella to date.

Agha Gul's works are distinguished by the pronounced presence of Balochistan's locale, linguistics, and landscapes, collectively forming his unique narrative style. This distinctive approach sets him apart from his contemporary fellow novelists. This article endeavors to highlight Agha Gul's individuality, contextualizing his novels within the broader framework of contemporary Balochistan's novelistic traditions.

References:

1. See "Noor Al-Lughat" Maulvi Noor-ul-Hassan Nair, Islamabad: National Book Foundation, Volume 3, 2006, p. 1584
2. http://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/contemporary
3. Daniyal Tayer, jadeediat, mabad jadeediat aur Ghalib, Quetta: Mehrdar, 2013, p. 125
4. Raz Mohammad Raz, The Holy Sinners, Quetta: Ghaznavi Publishers, 2004
5. Hashim Nadeem, 2005 to 2015 7 different editions of novels, published by different publishers. Important novels include "Khuda aur Mohabat", "Bachpan ka December", "Abdullah 1", "Abdullah 2", "Parizad", "Maqdis" and others. Also publishing a collection of short stories.
6. Fars Mughal's first novel "Hum Jaan" was published by Zeb Publishers Lahore in 2012 and his second novel "So Sal Wafa" was published in 2018 under the auspices of Hum Jaan Publishers, Quetta.
7. Abida Rehman, Sirf aik pal, Quetta: Mehder 2016
8. Shir Dil Ghaibtere Faraq, Quetta, Mehrdar, "Kothi No. 52", 2014, Turbat: Saeeda Publications, "Akhira Khat" (2106), Quetta: Mehrdar, "43", Quetta: Mehrdar.
9. Khayyam Sana, Dhai diin Mohabat kay, Quetta: Saach Publishers, 2014
10. Muhammad Waseem Shahid, "Deep Ki Lo Per Shabnam", (2017), "Dhadri" (2)
11. Aslam Azad, silent Love, Karachi: Asim Publishers, year of publication not published (2016).
12. Shaheen Baranzai's first novel "CPek" was published in 2019 and the second "Parliament" was published in 2020 by Gwarakh Publications.
13. Agha Gul, Dasht main safar, Quetta: Ruby Publishers, 1986, p. 6
14. Agha gul, Dasht-e-Wafa, Quetta: Mehrdar, (ninth edition), 2016, pp. 30, 31
15. Ibid, p. 33, 34
16. Agha gul, Bela, Quetta: Qalat Publishers, (third edition), 2007, p. 77
17. 17. Agha gul, Babu, Lahore: Al-Humra School, 2004, p. 53