INTRODUCTION
Social life of Punjab is depicted in the accounts of various scholars like Murray, Jacqueline, Burns etc who visited the court of Ranjit Singh often. According to these scholars Punjab was inhabited by a diverse range of people belonging to different castes, religions of which were Hindu and Muslims.
SOCIAL STRUCTURE :-
- Royal families with royal households grew faster due to expanding administration and political organisation of Lahore Darbar. Ruling class of Maharaja Ranjit Singh was diverse in nature and represented the top strata of society.
- Religious class played an important role in social structure. Three major religious classes were there, Sikhism, Hinduism and Islamic. Among Hindus Brahmins, among sikh giants, bhai, Akalis and among Muslims Sayyids, Sheiks, Mullahs. Ulema constituted prominent positions in the society.
- Agriculture was a major occupation of people in Punjab where Jats were major agriculturists.
- Artisans were of lower strata but hold importance due to labour needs in society.
POSITION OF WOMENS
Due to patriarchal society womens were not treated equivalent to mens. She always stayed at home and was a symbol of domestic harmony and unity in Sikhism. The birth of Girl child was considered as misfortune which led parents in female infanticide activities. Girls were married at a lower age. Large amount of dowry was demanded by the groom's family which became a burden for the bride's family. The Dowry System was equivalent for both lower and higher class. There was no property right given to womens and they had weak economic positions. They were not allowed to inherit their parents property. Widow remarriage was strictly prohibited. They observed Purdah or veil in order to save her honour.
FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
Lohri was a major festival observed by the people of Punjab as it marked the beginning of a new financial year for the peasantry class. While it was celebrated in Lahore Darbar as well. Next day of Lohri , Machi was celebrated which is associated with commemoration of martyrdom of Chali Mukta. Another major festival observed with great joy was Besant at the beginning of spring. It was also associated with the martyrdom of Haqiqat Rai. On the full moon Day of phalgun month Holi was celebrated, a festival of colours which signify triumph of good over evil.
Baisakhi, which is considered to be the most important festival of Punjab, is a seasonal festival with the starting of harvesting of rabi crops.
DANCE AND GAMES
Dance, games and music were the chief source of Entertainment. Folk songs represent the culture of Punjab . Folk dances like Guddha, Bhangra, killing, Luddi, National were most popular. Nati was popular in the mountain Region of Punjab.
Hunting was the most fascinating game and favourite means of Entertainment among royal households. Apart from this kushti was also a favourite Amusements among people of Punjab kabbadi and gulli danda was usually played by boys in different styles. 'Gudiyan Patole' was Gane popular among girls.
CONCLUSION
From the above discussion it can be concluded that people of Punjab were diverse in nature in terms of festivals, dance or games. The Culture was different and people celebrated different festivals all together. Different games were there for boys and girls. The position. Of girls were although not so good due to patriarchal society.
BOOK REFERENCE ( CLICK TO BUY )
The Sikhs of the Punjab: 03 (The New Cambridge History of India)