Colonial Modernity and Native Identity: A Case Study through Sikh Journals (1900-20)

This paper will explore the consolidation of colonial modernisation in the Punjab of the late nineteenth century. This will basically be in regard to projects of a similar nature carried in the entire Indian sub-continent. It will then look at fascinating responses in indigenous identity formation as an outcome of the Singh Sabha Movement of 1873, one of the most significant modernising influences on the colonised Punjab. By looking at the examples of various Sikh journals and their coverage of Sikh education and identity related issues during the years between 1900 to 1920, this paper will conclude to observe as to how there was a simultaneous process of influence and subversion on the part of members of native communities to modernising measures introduced by the colonial administration. From a post-colonial viewpoint and that of social enquiry, this is fascinating, as it is not a routine exercise to consult such lesser known sources, while exploring the colonial-native encounter in one of the most significant periods of Indian history.