Cultural Resurgence in Novel Khas o Khashak Zamanay

ناول"خس و خاشاک زمانے"میں ثقافتی بازیافت

Abstract

In the 20th century, Urdu literature embraced new genres and themes, with the novel emerging as a powerful medium to depict contemporary life and socio-cultural realities. While cultural discourse in Urdu literature is relatively recent, evolving political and social conditions made its inclusion essential. Literature, both prose and poetry, began reflecting cultural concerns tied closely to civilization and the individual. Civilization stems from collective needs and structured living, while culture arises from aesthetic pursuits that define identity. Culture plays a vital role in shaping national recognition through customs, values, and traditions. Khas-o-Khashak Zamana, a novel by Mustansar Hussain Tarar, serves as a significant example of cultural recovery. It portrays a society in flux, undergoing intense socio-political and cultural transformations. The narrative explores how individuals either cling to their cultural roots or abandon tradition and identity for survival. The novel becomes a lens to study cultural preservation and erosion in modern contexts.