سفرنامہ "سیاحت ہند" میں نوآبادیاتی نظام کے نقوش: تنقیدی مطالعہ

COLONIAL IMPRINTS IN TRAVELOGUE “SIAHAT E HIND”: A CRITICAL STUDY

Abstract

In the history of the Indian subcontinent, the British colonial period was not only an era of political and military dominance but also had profound and multifaceted effects on Indian society, economy, and culture. British policies altered the local social structure, promoted class divisions, and, through economic exploitation, led to the decline of Indian industries and handicrafts. In this context, Hafiz Abdul Rahman Amritsari (1908–1990)’s travelogue "Siahat e Hind" stands out as a significant scholarly source, reflecting the colonial impacts on Indian society comprehensively. In his observations, Hafiz Abdul Rahman highlights the social and class distinctions inherent in the railway system, the religious and communal divisions, and the influence of English language and education. This paper presents a focused study of his travelogue within this analytical framework to elucidate the social, cultural, and economic dimensions of British colonial rule in the subcontinent.