The Voice of Sandal Bar: Talib Hussain Dard and the Emotional, Spiritual, and Cultural Architecture of Pakistani Punjabi Folk Music

Abstract

This article focuses on the life, creativity, and legacy of the Punjabi folk music singer, who goes by the name Talib Hussain Dard or “King of Jog” from Sandal Bar in Jhang district of Pakistan. The current research is based on the interviews with the artist’s family members and his disciples as well as the information found in the published articles on Punjabi folk and classical music. It explores the phenomenon of folk music tradition, which may be considered an essential part of the culture of the Pakistani Punjabi community. Particular attention is paid to the interpretation of Sufi poetry by Khwaja Ghulam Farid, Mian Muhammad Bakhsh, and Bulleh Shah, as well as the features of the raga Jog, which was developed by Mr. Dard. Moreover, his contribution to the tradition of Jhangochi dialect maintenance, the preservation of cultural heritage, and the enhancement of social capital in the central and southern Punjab regions are discussed. It is argued that the legacy of Talib Hussain Dard has profound significance for the local community due to his contribution to the development and popularization of Punjabi folk music.

Keywords: Punjabi folk music, Talib Hussain Dard, Sandal Bar, Jog, Sufi poetry, Jhangochi dialect, cultural heritage.