Pragmatism or betrayal?
Article Type
Article
Description
Mirza Ghalib’s Dastanbu, his diary of the 1857 Rebellion, raises questions about his allegiances. Written in archaic Persian to limit its readership, the text praises the British while harshly condemning the Indian freedom fighters. Ghalib’s motivations seem personal—seeking royal favors such as the restoration of his pension and the title of "Poet Laureate." His panegyric to Queen Victoria, celebrating the British conquest of India, further complicates his stance. While some scholars argue that Ghalib privately mourned the rebellion’s devastation in his letters, he never openly criticized the colonial rulers, perhaps seeing them as symbols of progress.
Publication Source
DAWN
Publication Date
2-23-2025
Pages
7
Recommended Citation
Nomanul Haq, Syed. (2025, February 23). Pragmatism or betrayal?. DAWN, . 7. https://ir.iba.edu.pk/faculty-research-press/372
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