Lucknow: The British used a divide-and-rule strategy to dismantle Awadh's harmonious Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb, exploiting religious and community differences to weaken unity and reinforce their control.
This was discussed at Koshala Literary Festival during a session titled ‘Awadh Ki Sanskriti: Ek Rangin Safar', on Sunday, by Nishant Upadhayay, historian Ravi Bhatt and scholar Rana Safvi, moderated by Tahira Hasan.
Safvi highlighted significance of Awadh's composite culture, a harmonious blend of diverse communities and traditions, saying India's civilisation, comprising over 3,500 communities, thrived on organic cultural exchange. "Awadh's culture peaked in 1769, but declined soon after," Safvi said, citing influence of migration in Alauddin Khalji's reign in 1290s, when scholars, intellectuals and artisans from Central Asia enriched the region's tapestry.
Safvi referenced Mughal inclusivity, noting how Emperor Jahangir's participation in Holi, depicted in miniature paintings, showcased spirit of unity.
Safvi explained how British annexed Awadh in 1856, disrupting its cultural harmony. The 1857 uprising briefly united people across caste and class divides, but British intensified divide-and-rule policies. "Colonial historians selectively portrayed certain eras as barbaric while minimising their cultural contributions," Safvi said, arguing that this manipulation of history undermined Awadh's inclusive legacy.
Historian Ravi Bhatt said Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb predates the era of Nawabs and highlighted literary milestones, such as Chandayan by Mulla Daud in 1379, considered Hindi's first Sufi love poem in Awadhi using the Persian Nastaliq script. Bhatt cited Padmavat composed by Malik Muhammad Jayasi in 1540 and Ram Charit Manas by Goswami Tulsidas in 1574 as foundational texts in Awadhi literature. "Awadh reflects diverse colours of Jainism, Buddhism, Islam and Sanatan traditions," he observed.
Architect Nishant Upadhayay discussed delicate artistry of Awadh's architecture and his efforts to revive traditional designs.
The session concluded by underscoring the importance of preserving Awadh's shared heritage, ensuring its stories continue to inspire