Ep 367: Swapna Liddle and the Many Shades of Delhi
Feb 5, 2024
auto_awesome
Delhi's history has shaped its culture, art, languages, and society. Swapna Liddle explores this history, discussing the decline of the Mughal rulers, the impact of the East India Company, the influence of online connections, and the layers of depth in Ghalib's poetry. The podcast also covers the importance of context in appreciating art and history, the perpetuation of narratives through recording, and the challenges of writing and researching historical books. Other topics include leisure activities in the 19th century, the evolution of media in Delhi, the shifting political landscape under British rule, and the weaponization of history in politics. Throughout the podcast, there is an emphasis on forgotten languages and cultural knowledge.
Language development is influenced by historical events, cultural influences, and colonial interventions.
Top-down influences shape the evolution of language, but grassroots influences also play a role.
Language evolution is contingent on historical events and individual choices.
Extensive research using primary sources helped in understanding Delhi's history and culture.
Despite political constraints, artists and intellectuals in the 19th century blended traditional practices with Western influences.
Deep dives
Evolution of Language and Literary Styles
Languages and literary styles evolve over time due to various factors such as historical events, cultural influences, and colonial interventions. The development of a language and its literary form is influenced by the choices made by writers, scholars, and institutions. Standardization, print culture, and the influence of colonial powers can shape and freeze certain styles and norms. However, there are always alternative directions that could have been taken, and different choices could have shaped languages and literary styles differently. Colonial interventions, such as the promotion of a Persianized style or the distinction between Hindi and Urdu, have had lasting impacts on how languages are perceived and used. But there were other possibilities and diverse linguistic expressions that may have taken different paths in the absence of these interventions.
Top-Down Influence on Language
Top-down influences, such as colonial interventions and print culture, can play a significant role in shaping languages and literary forms. Standardization, institutional influence, and the canonization of certain styles and vocabulary can create a distinction between formal and everyday language. The influence of dominant cultural narratives and power structures can perpetuate certain language norms and stereotypes. However, language is also influenced by people's lived experiences, oral traditions, and cultural diversity. The interaction between top-down and grassroots influences shapes the evolution and use of language over time.
Contingency and Language Evolution
The evolution of language is not predetermined, but rather contingent on historical events, cultural interactions, and individual choices. Small happenstances and accidents of history can shape the direction a language takes. Different choices made by writers, scholars, and society at large could have led to alternative paths of language evolution. Colonial interventions, like the imposition of certain norms and divisions, can freeze languages in particular directions. However, recognizing the contingency of language evolution allows for the exploration of diverse possibilities and the appreciation of the complexities and multiplicity of human languages.
Research organization
For her research, the historian used a combination of primary sources from British government records, Urdu literature, and colonial texts. She extensively read official correspondence from the Delhi government, as well as poetry and letters from the time. She took comprehensive notes on index cards, organizing them based on themes, timelines, and connections to specific sources. This allowed her to easily retrieve information and maintain a structured approach to her research.
Political and Cultural Transformation
During the 19th century, the Mughal empire was in decline, with the British East India Company gradually taking control. However, the cultural and artistic traditions of the Mughals remained vibrant, with poets, painters, and musicians adapting to the changing political landscape. The symbolic authority of the Mughal emperor, though diminished, still held value, and artists and intellectuals sought legitimacy by associating themselves with the emperor. Despite the political constraints, figures like Mirza Ghalib and Master Ramchandra continued to produce their respective arts, navigating the challenges of the time. The period saw a blending of traditional artistic practices with emerging Western influences, giving rise to new forms and expressions.
Shifting Sands of Politics
The political landscape of the 19th century was complex and dynamic. The Mughal emperor was reduced to a figurehead, with the British East India Company assuming dominant control. However, the emperors and their advisors actively sought to leverage their symbolic authority, engaging with prominent individuals like Ram Mohan Roy and George Thompson to advocate for their interests and assert their role in the broader political landscape. Their actions were driven by both pragmatic considerations and a desire to maintain relevance and influence despite their constrained position.
Food, Art, and Cultural Adaptation
The 19th century saw cultural, social, and culinary changes as India transitioned under British colonial rule. Traditional systems of patronage for artists and musicians eroded, requiring them to adapt to new circumstances. While the political and economic shift affected their position, the artists and cultural figures of the time exhibited resilience and resourcefulness. As political power shifted, traditional elements of Mughal society gradually evolved, blending with emerging Western influences. Throughout these changes, artists continued to create, innovate, and find new modes of cultural expression.
The Power and History of Delhi
Delhi has been defined by power throughout its history, serving as the capital of various empires and administrations. The city's past is marked by the rise and fall of different rulers and their attempts to leave their mark on the city. Power continues to be a defining feature of Delhi, with the city being chosen as the capital of independent India. Despite the challenges of globalization and homogenization, the romanticized image of Delhi's rich history and cultural heritage persists, attracting people to explore its heritage through walks and reviving cultural practices.
The Importance of Urdu and Persian
Swapna Liddle highlights the value of Urdu and Persian as languages of knowledge and culture in India's history. She emphasizes the need to reconnect with these languages and the literary works written in them. Urdu and Persian offer insights into a wide range of subjects, allowing us to access a significant body of historical, literary, and cultural knowledge that might otherwise be lost. By recognizing the importance of these languages and exploring their literature, we can gain a deeper understanding of India's past and preserve an essential part of our heritage.
