Vol. 2, Issue 7, Part N (2016)

The aim of this paper is to analyze the changing role of language factor in self-identification of Punjabi community during British rule and beyond.

Punjabi community hasmain common features that usually constitute ethnicity: Shared territory, history, geography and cultural roots. The basis of common cultural heritage is common language. There are controversies among scholars concerning the earliest traces of Punjabi language. The verses by Sheikh Farid found in the Adi Granth are usually considered to be a clear link in the descent of modern Punjabi from Multani dialect [Sekhon & Duggal 1992].

The earliest available prose works in Punjabi are the Janam Sakhis, hagiographic stories about life and teachings of the first Sikh Guru Nanak (1469-1539). The earliest Janam Sakhis belong to the 17-th century [McLeod 1980]. They were popular mostly in Sikh community, while Farid’s poetry, folk songs and Qissa stories constituted the common heritage of three main religious communities of the Punjab, Sikhs, Hindus and Muslims.