Punjabi Criticism
BANKRUPTCY OF CRITICISM
It is argued that books are being published in Punjabi in large numbers, most of which are rubbish. Whatever the literature and whatever the level, the first objection is to call it rubbish.
THE REBEL CHAMBA IS BLOOMING
Bagin Chamba is flourishing (Publications Bureau, Punjabi University, Patiala, 1999). Nahar Singh’s Malwai is the fifth volume of folk songs. In the preface, the author has outlined ten volumes, which give the impression that the work is large-scale and critical.
THE SITUATION OF DALITS
Some of the historical facts provided by Opurio are eye-opening. The karah prasad of the untouchables was not accepted in Darbar Sahib. Ramdasis, Mazhabi Rahitis, etc. could not go beyond the fourth step of Darbar Sahib. Perhaps this is why he came to be known as the “Singh of the fourth step”.
STORY COLLECTION NARRATIVE STUDY
Gurmeet Kalramajri’s edited story collection ‘Birtant’ makes one think of many things. The first is that the grip of the Punjabi storytellers on the narrative is so strong that they have no threat to the end of the narrative which has grown so much of postmodernist thinking.