Abstract
The paper focuses on the nature of prevailing shrine politics in Jhang and the role
of shrines and Sajjada Nashins. It highlights the influences of shrines on party
politics and socio-religious fields. Moreover, the paper focuses on the discussion
of religion, Kinship, and Pirs in local politics. This research work highlights the
shrine-based families in Jhang, that have directly participated in the politics of the
pre and post-independence period and their political roles. Here; many renowned
shrine-based families are directly playing a crucial role in electoral politics. In
this list, are the family of Shah Jewna, the family of Hazrat Sultan Bahu of Jhang,
and the Syeds of Rajoya Sadat from Chiniot. There are three very influential
shrines, named Hazrat Shah Jewna, Hazrat Sultan Bahu, and Rajoya Sadat. The
original Sufis had a mission to only serve the local masses in the form of religious
teachings, preaching, mysticism, practicing Sufi rituals, and spreading the
message of love, peace, and harmony. But their Sajjada Nashins have left the
mission of their forefathers and got involved in the power. The Sajjada Nashins
have directly participated in the elections and contested from numerous
constituencies. Off and on, they nominate their favorite candidates during
elections; they visit the house of mureed and ask them for a favor. In Jhang local
masses follow their Pirs and generally never deny political support to them.
Although the electoral politics in Jhang is functioning by the shrines, Biradaris,
and clans, as there are instead of political parties, also play their part.
Muhammad Sajjad, Muhammad Husnain. (2022) The Role of Sajjada Nashins in the Shrine Politics of Jhang 1947-71, Journal of the Research Society of Pakistan, volume 59, issue 2.
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