Article
Some of the renowned Pakistani-English Poets
Fariyal Mir
Pakistan is the land of talented and intellectual people. It has given birth to talent in every field. The people of Pakistan are good artists, who can produce art of any kind. They have a grip over musicology, they are the best actors, they produce living pictures, and their architecture is depicted in their construction. These people are high in intellect as they have contributed to the different fields of study. They are the sculptors and producing amazing items from mud. They are no less than anyone in the ground of sports. The brave people are the top-level mountaineers. They are never behind in the field of studies. The spontaneity of their writing skills is outstanding. They do not just write in their language but also have earned a name in multi-languages. And their written pieces are full of knowledge and power.
A good number of Pakistani writers have proved themselves as the best writers in the English language as well. They have disseminated their visionary thoughts to the world through different genres. There are many good poets, novelists, researchers, and essayists. But today we will talk about some of the prominent Pakistani-English poets.
- Taufiq Rafat
The influential Taufiq Rafat was born in 1927 and passed away in 1998. He is known to be the father of Pakistani Idioms which he translated into English. He has written Urdu books as well. But his contribution to Pakistani English literature is appreciable. His ‘Collection of poems’ and ‘Arrival of the monsoon’ were published in 1985. He has translated the verses of Bulleh Shah and Qadiryar Puran into the English language.
- Daud Kamal
The multi-stakeholder Daud Kamal was the child of Abbottabad who lived from 1934 to 1987. He has served the University of Peshawar (English department) as a teacher and chairman for 29 years. He is also known to be the founder of Jinnah College for Women. Above all, he was influenced by modernist English writers like Ezra Pound, W.B Yeats, and T.S Eliot. He has written four English books which are Remote Beginnings, Compass of love and other poems, Recognitions, and Before the Carnations Wither. He has translated some selected Urdu poems of Faiz Ahmad Faiz.
- Alamgir Hashmi
The multi-talented Alamgir Hashmi was born in 1951 in Lahore. He has received his education from the same city. He is a great living name among the Pakistani English writers. Hashmi is famous for his being a poet but he has been a professor of English and comparative literature, and editor of literary and scholarly journals, a scholar-critic, a broadcaster, a translator, long lapsed lay minstrel, and a weekend canoeist. He has contributed to literary criticism and different other scholarly editions. His most famous poems are; The Oath and Amen. (Philadelphia, Dorrance 1976), America Is a Punjabi Word. (Lahore, Karakorum Range, 1979), An Old Chair. (Bristol, Xenia Press, 1979), My Second in Kentucky (Lahore, Vision Press, 1981), This Time in Lahore (Lahore, Vision Press, 1983), Neither This Time/Nor That Place (Lahore, Vision Press, 1984), Inland and Other Poems (Islamabad, Gulmohar Press, 1984), The Poems of Alamgir Hashmi (Islamabad, National Book Foundation, 1992), Sun and Moon and Other Poems (Islamabad, Indus Books, 1992), A Choice of Hashmi’s Verse (Karachi and New York, Oxford University Press, 1997).
We are grateful to all the intellects who have presented us in front of the world with the help of the English medium.
Ranikot Fort, often dubbed as the “Great Wall of Sindh,” is one of Pakistan’s most fascinating and enigmatic historical landmarks. Situated near the town of Sann in Jamshoro District, Sindh, the fort is recognized as one of the largest in the world, with a perimeter of around 32 kilometers (20 miles). Despite its immense size and strategic location, much about its origins remains a mystery, adding to its allure and significance as a cultural and historical monument.
Historical Background
Ranikot Fort is believed to have been originally constructed in the first half of the 17th century, though there are varying accounts about its exact origins. Some historians suggest that it may date back even further, to the reign of the Sassanian Empire or earlier. It was later renovated and expanded during the rule of the Talpur Mirs in the early 19th century, as they sought to fortify their domain against external threats.
The purpose of the fort, however, remains unclear. While some believe it was built as a defense against invasions, others argue that it was a means of securing trade routes or serving as a safe haven for local rulers. The lack of any major historical records associated with significant battles or sieges at Ranikot adds to the ambiguity surrounding its function.
Architectural Marvel
The scale of Ranikot is staggering, covering an area of approximately 32 square kilometers. The fort’s massive walls snake across the barren landscape, resembling the Great Wall of China, with which it is often compared. Constructed from limestone and sandstone, the fort’s walls rise up to 6 meters (20 feet) in height and are punctuated by several bastions and watchtowers.
Ranikot has four main gates: Sann Gate, Amri Gate, Shah-Pere Gate, and Mohan Gate, each offering access to different sections of the fort. The Sann Gate, located on the eastern side, is the main entrance and is notable for its intricate design and stonework.
Within the fort’s vast expanse lies another fortification known as the “Meeri” or “Mirikot,” a small fort within the larger walls that served as the residence of the Talpur Mirs. This inner fort has its own gates and walls, adding an additional layer of defense. The Meeri Fort is perched on a hill, providing a commanding view of the surrounding landscape.
The Great Wall of Sindh
The fort’s walls, stretching across the arid hills, resemble a smaller version of the Great Wall of China. This feature has earned Ranikot the nickname “The Great Wall of Sindh.” The zigzagging walls extend for miles, blending into the rocky terrain, and are a stunning sight, especially at sunrise or sunset when the golden light casts long shadows over the surrounding desert.
Unlike the Great Wall of China, however, Ranikot is not located in a highly populated or strategically important area. Its remote location has contributed to the fort’s air of mystery, as well as its relative obscurity in the global historical and architectural landscape.
Mysteries and Theories
The true purpose of Ranikot Fort is still shrouded in mystery. Scholars and historians have proposed various theories about why it was built, ranging from a defense structure against invasions from Central Asia to a royal retreat for the Talpur dynasty. Some suggest that it was intended to protect the local population from bandits and raiders, while others believe it may have been a strategic point for controlling trade routes passing through the region.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Ranikot is the lack of significant historical records or evidence of major battles taking place there. Its size and scale suggest that it must have had some important function, yet it remains an enigma to this day.
Cultural Significance
Ranikot Fort is not only an architectural marvel but also a cultural treasure. It stands as a testament to the rich history of Sindh, a region that has been home to ancient civilizations, including the Indus Valley Civilization. The fort’s design reflects the influences of various dynasties and cultures that have ruled over Sindh, from the Greeks and Mauryas to the Mughals and Talpurs.
In modern times, Ranikot has gained recognition as a symbol of Sindh’s historical heritage. The fort has been nominated for inclusion in UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites list, which would help preserve and promote this incredible site on a global stage.
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