Punjabi Translated Novel “Jaat ki Kartoot” : A Study

Abstract

The literature of every language is a manifestation of a particular background and creative expression. In order to understand the idea and the topic under discussion in the study of any literature, it is necessary to understand the special environment and creative atmosphere in which this literature appeared. The creations in Punjabi language and literature are important because of their rich and historical cultural and literary background. Punjabi poetic and prose creations are the guardians of the vast and ancient political, social, economic and folk heritage of Punjab. Miran Bakhsh Minhas is one of the first Punjabi novelists. Miran Bakhsh Minhas was born in February 1882 in Tehsil Phalia District of Gujarat. Meeran Bakhsh Minhas, who was associated with teaching, died on August 22, 1957. Being a government employee, he continued to publish his works under a pen name. On the books published after his employment, his name is Munshi Abdul Rahman Miran Bakhsh. Miran Bakhsh Minhas wrote books on poetry, fiction, novels and science. Among all these creations, the most important work is his novel “Jutt Di Kartoot” published in 1923, which was translated into Urdu by Altaf Qamar under the auspices of Academy of Letters, Islamabad. This novel, written in Persian script, was translated into Gurmukhi script and included in the curriculum. The book with Gurmukhi script was first published by Bhai Jodh Singh in 1929 under the name “Nawab Khan”. The background of the Punjabi novels written before this novel had religious tendencies and new themes were not being included in the novel. Miran Bakhsh Minhas, broadening the thematic scope of the novel, described the social problems for the first time and also suggested solutions. A glimpse of Punjabi Culture and customs is also shown in this novel. This thesis contains the study of Punjabi culture and civilization as well as social issues, folk wisdom and Punjabi customs in the novel.