کارل مارکس کا نظریۂ طبقاتی کشمکش اور پنجابی شاعری

Class Struggle in the Thought of Karl Marx and Punjabi Poetry

Abstract

This research article explores the manifestations of class conflict, economic inequality, and social exploitation in Punjabi poetry through the lens of Karl Marx’s theory of class struggle. While Marx formally articulated the concepts of economic exploitation and class division in the nineteenth century, the study demonstrates that similar concerns had already been embedded in the folk wisdom, oral traditions, and poetic heritage of Punjab for centuries. Drawing upon Punjabi folk songs, proverbs, Sufi poetry, classical verse, and modern Punjabi literature, the article examines how poets and folk creators have represented the unequal distribution of wealth, the hardships of laborers and peasants, and the dominance of privileged social classes. The study highlights the contributions of prominent Punjabi poets, including Baba Farid, Shah Hussain, Bulleh Shah, Ustad Daman, Sharif Kunjahi, Najm Hussain Syed, Afzal Ahsan Randhawa, Ahmad Saleem, and others, who addressed issues of poverty, exploitation, social injustice, and economic disparity in their works. The article further analyzes the relationship between Marxist thought and Punjabi literary discourse, identifying points of convergence between Marx’s critique of capitalism and the socio-economic concerns reflected in Punjabi poetry. In addition, the study discusses the Islamic concept of economic justice, emphasizing the role of zakat, charity, and equitable distribution of wealth as mechanisms for reducing social inequality. The findings suggest that Punjabi poetry functions not merely as an artistic expression but also as a significant intellectual and social document that critiques unjust socio-economic structures and advocates human dignity, equality, and social justice. The article concludes that the themes of class conflict and economic inequality remain relevant in contemporary society, and Punjabi poetry continues to provide valuable insights into these enduring human concerns.