Formation of a Multicultural Consciousness: An Analytical Study of “Kai Chand Thay Sar-e-Aasman” کثیر تہذیبی شعور کی تشکیل:’’ کئی چاند تھے سرآسماں ‘‘کا تجزیاتی جائزہ

Abstract

Shamsur Rahman Faruqi’s novel “Kai Chand Thay Sar-e-Aasman” serves as a monumental exploration of cultural transformation and civilizational fusion in the Indian subcontinent. The study of Comparative traditions is essential in understanding how languages and cultures evolve through continuous interaction. Every language carries within it the essence of a distinct tradition, a collective memory of social, aesthetic and spiritual values. The Dravidian tradition of ancient Sindh one of the earliest known civilizations gradually expanded and transformed through contact with the Indo-Aryan, Indo-Islamic and later the Ganga-Jamuni traditions, finally intersecting with the Indo-European cultural framework during the colonial period. The British rule brought not only political dominance but also a linguistic and psychological hegemony. English was projected as the language of progress and intellect, while native languages and customs were systematically portrayed as primitive or obsolete. This subtle ideological manipulation led to the internalization of inferiority among local populations. Consequently, the indigenous tradition already a rich amalgamation of diverse cultural influences absorbed yet another layer of colonial modernity, creating a hybrid identity that was both local and global. In “Kai Chand Thay Sar-e-Aasman”, Faruqi symbolically reconstructs this transitional period through the lens of literature, language and individual consciousness. The novel becomes a metaphorical arena where multiple civilizations coexist, confront, and ultimately merge into a complex yet harmonious mosaic. This research paper analyzes the novel as a reflection of the subcontinent’s historical, social and political realities, emphasizing how Faruqi transforms the narrative of cultural conflict into one of synthesis, dialogue and continuity thereby redefining the essence of South Asian identity.