The Renaissance of Sub-continental History and Heritage in Ajoka Plays and Performances

Abstract

It has been the tradition in the history of nations that whenever some powerful invasion occurs, the history and heritage of the inhabitants got in danger. The invaders try to shape the heritage of controlled people in their own way.  From the dark ages till present, there has been observed great influence of the colonizers over their dependent and weaker colonies. The impacts of “Anglo-Normans or French literature” on English history, is its best evidence. As the controlled people are being tended to believe that the ruling powers are civilized possessing great knowledge, remarkable history and marvelous heritage. The local people have to depend on them for learning their language and adopting their styles. In this way, the imperialist got succeeded in making such nations not only physically and geographically but also mentally slave. This mental slavery is more painful as it lasts for many generations. They are being tamed in every aspect of life which rips down their true history and identity. It has not only been the technique of imperialists but even the rulers of any free nation adopt the same method to get a noble recognition in the history. The original and true history of such nations disappears as it has always been reframed by the emperors to get their good names.  But the fact is that history never dies though it is removed from the scene for some time. When such colonies get freedom, the revival of the history and heritage of such nations occurred that help them to assert their identity at world level. There are some departments which consider it their responsibility to revisit and present the original history by uncovering all the artificiality from its face. The purpose of present study is to highlight the struggle of Pakistani theatre named “Ajoka” for the renaissance of Sub-continental History and Heritage in Ajoka Plays and Performances.