Role of Muslim Collaborators in Socio-Economic Transformation of Gujrat District of Punjab Under the British Rule (1849-1947)

Abstract

This qualitative study brings focus on the different aspect of social change and role of Muslim collaborators in transformation of British rule on district Gujrat and present the understanding regarding the policy of collaboration by tracing the British rule in Gujrat and explaining the role of mediators who shape the politics of region. The political control of British affected the socio-economic transformation of the agrarian society of district Gujrat during 1849 to 1947. So, it is widely acknowledged that cooperation of local elites was of essential importance to strengthen British control in Gujrat. For support the British enabled the powers with only a handful of soldiers and officials, in shape of zaildars, lambardar and provincial Darbari to rule vast area of land and huge population. The case study sources excess from Punjab Archives Lahore, district local sources and official family records. These sources portray impact of British rule on Gujrat through case study approach.