Kewal Dhaliwal’s play portrays Punjab’s folk heroes, their rebellion

Historically, Sandal Baar, a geographical region located between the Ravi and Chenab in the colonial era, had mostly a tribal population that earned their living through farming on small land holdings. But the place soon fell prey to British colonial oppression and exploitation when the British officers displaced the local people and grabbed their land in the garb of development.

Re-telling the story through a brilliantly directed play, Kewal Dhaliwal brought alive the lores of Punjab's folk heroes and their rebellion, of Dullah Bhatti — the Robinhood of Punjab. It was less about individual heroics and more about the collective tragedy of a community.

Based on a popular story by Dr Harjit Singh and directed by Shiromani playwright Kewal Dhaliwal, the play was staged by Manch-Rangmanch, Amritsar, in collaboration with Virsa Vihar at the Kartar Singh Duggal Auditorium, Virsa Vihar. The play was dedicated to the famous playwright Inderjit Saharan, who passed away recently.

Dullah Bhatti is famous for leading a rebellion against the Mughal empire, especially during the reign of Akbar. Dullah Bhatti's rebellion is an important part of the history of the region, symbolising resistance against oppressive rule, especially relevant to the story of Sandal Baar.

As it narrated how the British tried to oppress the tribal community of Bhattis, forcing them to leave and fend for themselves, it also presented a sharp commentary on social injustices, administrative oppression and a systemic failure for the weak and the vulnerable. The Sandal Baar area, historically, was sparsely populated until the late 19th century when it was brought under irrigation after the establishment of the Chenab Colony. Sandal Baar, also known as Jungle Bar, is a historical region in western Punjab, Pakistan, located between the Ravi and Chenab rivers, forming the southern part of the Rachna Doab. It roughly corresponds to the present day districts of Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh and Chiniot. In the local language, the word Baar refers to a forested area with limited resources for agriculture.

The play runs as continuation of Dullah Bhatti's story, as he rebels against the Mughal taxation and oppression, the tribals of Sandal Baar region follow their community hero's path and stand against the British dispossession. Dhaliwal said that the play is a symbol of Punjabi spirit and rebellion against tyranny. "Punjabis have been standing against injustice, oppression at every given point in history and this rebellion is inherited and passed on to every generation. Dullah Bhatti is a folk hero of Punjab and his tale is an example of the Punjabi defiance," he said.

The play was enacted by actors Sajan Kohinoor, Gurdit Singh, Harpreet Singh, Nishan Singh, Jaswin Kaur, Harshita, Akash, Shivam, Raja, Jujhar Singh, Gurleen Kaur, Joy Sharma and Chiman Jira. The lyrics and music of the play were by Kushagar Kalia and Yuvnish Nayak. The lighting effects were by Gobind Kumar.