Reviving Narratives: A Critical Analysis of the Dramatization of Lost Storytelling Arts

Abstract

Urdu dastan is a lost art form of storytelling which was once most popular among the masses. Urdu Dastan writing started in 1635 however; it gained public popularity and fame in the nineteenth century. In this period, Urdu Dastan Goi had become a regular art form of storytelling. During this era, many Dastan Writers and narrators (Dastan go) appeared who narrated these Dastans in various palaces, gatherings and public places. Dramatization in Urdu literature started much later. When Urdu drama started to stage, the art of dastan goi had ended. In the 20th century, the Urdu Dastan began to consider an obsolete genre. In the present time, efforts are being made for the revival of Urdu Dastan, but dramatization of dastan is still missing. Dramatization may be a one of the most important factor in the revival of Urdu dastans. In this article, the process of the dramatization of the dastan is critically analyzed and suggestions are made in this regard.