Pecuniary Undercurrents of Biraderism in District Toba Tek Singhpu.edu.pk/images/journal/studies/PDF-FILES/Artical-2_v17... · 2016. 10. 27. · Pecuniary Undercurrents of Biraderism

Pecuniary Undercurrents of Biraderism in District Toba Tek Singh Nabila Akhtar

Sadia Mushtaq

Abstract

In the social-political setup of the Punjab, biraderi1 or caste is believed to be the strongest adhesive identity force that is often selected in forming the groupings and loyalties of people with one another. This social identification taboo is ruling in an individual’s life due to social and economic insecurities thus he surrenders his free rationalised will especially in electoral politics. The objective of the study is to investigate through applying the theory of rational choice, what are the pecuniary dynamics of biraderi politics that empower the individuals or disempower them in using their free will? To what extent the pecuniary dynamics are the significant predictors of biraderi politics in order to create hindrance in the democratization process of the country. This is an empirical, descriptive and analytical study. In this context District Toba Tek Singh is to be selected for observation, with a minimum sample of 220 respondents (voters) to the set of questionnaire scale EDBPQ2

Introduction

Every contemporary state is predominantly heterogeneous punctuated with social, political, regional, and linguistic, religious and racial diversities. These heterogeneous features are the

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identities of social set up that carve out the political scenario and influence the arguments over freedom and parity through generating diversity, cooperation and conflict.3 The ethnic diversities are the specific attributes and societal relationships of individuals “that are institutionalized, which deliver a people with a particular identity that is persuaded or transmitted over time from generation to generation.”4 Patrick O’ Neil (2007) called this process “Ascription”-----the assigning of a particular quality at birth.”5 People do not select these identities rather they are innate attributes that are largely fixed in the entire life of an individual. These socio ethnic compositions have variation in the national mould of any state. Its variegated ethnic groups are more identifiable in the “Biraderies” which are based on caste, clan, lineage and family in sub-continent.

In this regard, there is no exception of Pakistan, particularly in Punjab. Biraderiis the most predominant identity markers in the state. The biraderi forms an imperative dynamic element of the power politics, especially in the central parts of the Punjab. Due to an agricultural economic region, it is an admitted fact that the social setup of Punjab is embedded by caste, clan and biraderi system for centuries. The presence of these hundreds of social institutions has deeply impacted on the people of Punjab in terms of their domestic lives, social patterns, rituals, traditions, cultural formation, politics and economy. The organizational structure of biraderies was seen after the annexation of Punjab, especially in Western areas of Punjab. Biraderi throughout from the colonial history played a very important role in electoral politics.

Literature Review: There is a rich literature on the colonial Punjab and much has been written at national level about Pakistani Punjab but there is very limited and available on biraderi politics because very little work is done on local micro level district analysis in that kind of study. Thus, there is a major gap with respect to local level studies about the origin and domineering dynamics of biraderies and their politics. L.C. Tupper puts forth the treatise of the mind-set of the colonial power of Punjab and the argument of Punjab’s social system which is served in the

Pecuniary Undercurrents of Biraderism in District Toba Tek Singh

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preservation of customary law and said that was a “Patriarch” lineage that encapsulated the offspring of common descents and support them in other words supports biraderi system.6 Ibbotson writes a book on the statistical basis of the 1881 Census report of Punjab. In which he described his hypothesis and consistency of international and evolutionary history in this manner that Punjab’s tribal societal set up was comprised of various races and classes.7 The whole social fabric is interwoven by caste and creed system.8 He debates in very detail and explicit on the matter of caste system along with its relation of the economy as he says that “occupation is the primary basis of caste ____ The whole diversity of caste is the diversity of occupation”. 9According to Ian Talbot, biraderism was the main cause of the British to rule over Punjab administrated and successful.10 Gilmartin’s studies, on the other hand, are looking towards the distinctiveness of colonial administration and says the British had no option other than to rely on local groups’ loyalties to rule.11 Muhammad Waseem reveals the penetrating theoretical explanation of Pakistan’s politics.Waseem highlights the undemocratic role of political parties and argues about the elections 1993 that they had no contact with the masses at door steps rather they developed links with local power holders (Landed aristocrat biraderies) and they in turn delivered a huge number of votes.12A more extensive analysis of their role in elections is provided by Andrew R. Wilder in the book “The Pakistani Voter, Electoral Politics and Voting Behaviour in the Punjab.13

This institutional building has led the administrative system towards “Biraderi politics” or ‘Biraderism’. Thus the state nullifies the emancipation powers of individuals to become the rationalise participant of a democratic state. The individuals feel secure under the biraderi identification as biraderi supports and separate them in all their domestic, socioeconomic problems and conflicts. In order to riposte the query of why this is so, this hypothesis uses an empirical approach to test how and why in colonial state and aftermath these landed biraderies rise to dominate the process of formal development in Punjab that permitted this biraderi


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phenomenon to increase and entrench its dynamics within the political order during the colonial and post-colonial periods. They also strengthen themselves too in both eras. It is considered that the economic dimension is dominating dynamic of biraderi politics that affects the democratization process and it projected factions and Biraderies and derail the political development in Toba Tek Singh. That is the main focal argument in which this article is framed.

District Toba Tek Singh: In this background, Toba Tek Singh is also a classical example of social-political manoeuvrings’ of colonial rule and has offered an insight to understand the dynamics of major biraderies politics that is also vital to pay off the dynamics of broader, state-level politics. Before partition, Toba Tek Singh was almost an ideal classic colonial settlement, the part of Chenab Colony and during this era the economic base of this area, like the rest of the Canal Colonies, was agricultural. Toba Tek Singh is basically a canal colony, district; the settlement policy of British worked in this area. It was a battlefield for political intrigues and triggering manipulations. The agricultural interests were the primary apprehension of the settlement‘s policy. The distribution of land policy among settlers (Abadkar) was held at the basis of Land Alienation Act 1901 which had left deep impact in this area. This policy created difference between agricultural and non-agricultural biraderies hence land becomes the hallmark of superiority in society. More to this administrative power was also given to local landed elite biraderies which played an intermediary between local people and the British. But at the end of colonial rule, the accumulated results of British policies and administrative measures that were taken in this area have changed the original nomadic outlook into a socially and administratively engineered canal settlement after the canalisation.

Toba Tek Singh has gone through a visible demographic change in the aftermath of Partition in 1947.As after partition; the “Mahajir” (the Migrators) biraderies along with already settled “Abadkar” biraderies shaped a different glimpse to this area through dominating dynamics of biraderi politics. This is a small district


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formerly a Tehsil of district Faisal Abad, which was separated from Faisal Abad for administration purposes in Zia era. Here the biraderi ties are very strong, even though the land holdings are not as large as in the southern areas of Punjab even though the manipulation of biraderies is evident. The important manoeuvring biraderies are Arain, Jat and Kharal of Kamalia and a segment of Pirs also exists in the area of Pir Mahal which is also very dominating since colonial rule. Due to an agricultural economy of the district it is pertinent to add the first hand information collected from the DCO office of District Toba Tek Singh that supports the main argument, about the economic dynamic biraderies effect on the political dispensation.

The table no.1 (See at the end of the article) depicts the loci of the biraderies in District Toba Tek Singh. The percentages of the area occupied can easily comprehend that share in the political arena is in according to the share of land occupied by these biraderies; It can be witnessed in previous election results of district Toba Tek Singh that is based on this notion and also evident from the collected data of this paper. (Discussed later)

The present work in this context is a district level study in which kinship, politics or biraderi system is to be studied as manoeuvring factor that seized the emancipation powers of individuals and do not let them to participate in the democratization process on the behalf of their free will and it further along within the representative democratization process only represents the upper strata of the biraderies. Local politics like many other Punjab districts cannot be fully understood without reference to the role of the biraderi system. Biraderies have emerged as a compelling force which is used to manipulate political power and authority.

Methodology: To conduct this study the objective is to document and assess through a survey, to what extent the economic dynamics, i.e. financial stability; wealth, land, business, class structure, dependence, employment, etc. of biraderi politics is considered to be a hurdle in the process of democratization or is it subsidized this process of Toba Tek Singh. The Rational Choice


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Theory is applied in this empirical study and the data was entered into the (SPSS), version 16.0. This software was also useful to get Percentage Based Data Analysis of the collected data and draw tables to support the findings.

Data Collection: As this phenomenon is about the whole population of the Pakistan to conduct this kind of study that was not possible for the researcher and beyond the limits to do. In order to lessen the biasness and articulate a reliable sample for the study certain attentions were put under consideration as the phenomenon under study is related to the whole population and the location where this population resident is a large area of whole district so, it is not possible to observe and interview every individual. Therefore, to acquire a reliable sample only a group or a sample of 220 respondents is chosen from the registered voters who are the political participants. Therefore, to avoid systematic bias, an appropriate frame of the sample was ensured. Thus the reporting sample units the respondents are selected on stratified random along with convenient basis that are of different age groups and also belong to different biraderies but the rural and urban division is made approximately 58% and 42% respectively and male female is selected equally in the sample of 220. As the questionnaire is the same for all respondents, despite the differentiations of rural and urban, male and female and of statesmen a cumulative findings are analysed to determine the economic dynamics of biraderi politics. A structured survey questionnaire the EDBPQ was made by the questionnaire guide on a Likert type scale based was collected by the researcher.

It is necessary to locate and clarify how much an item of the Economic Biraderi Politics Questionnaire (EDBPQ) has significance in establishing relationship with biraderi politics in democratization. The purpose of using statistical tests is to determine the structure of the scale which has significant effects and association with the phenomenon of Biraderi Politics. In order to explain the validity of the query, the Factor Analysis, Reliability statistics test have been applied to the collected data. Psychometric Properties of the Scale


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A factor analysis was carried out to identify the factor structure of the Economic Dynamics of Biraderi Politics Questionnaire Scale. Factor analysis with Varimax rotation was run on the Biraderi politics to determine the Factor Structure of the scale. The economic factor solutions emerged as the most meaningful. The Kaiser –Meyer Olkin measure of sampling adequacy was 0.61 above the recommended value of 0.60. Bartlett’s test of sphericity indicated a significantly large correlation between the items of analysis (Neill, 1994).

Exploratory Factor Analysis with Varimax Rotation Showing

Factor Structure of Biraderi Politics Questionnaire (BPQ; N= 220)

The factors explained a cumulative variance of 22.73%. The

items having the loading of more than 0.25 were considered for inclusion in a particular factor. This solution was meaningful and the items that clustered in the same parts made sense of representing common themes. These themes were mainly based on an existing theoretical framework according to the economic dynamics of biraderi politics affecting the democratization process. (See Table No.2at the end of the article) shows the factor loading after Varimax rotation. In the end, Eigen values 2.62, 6.39 is the % age of variance and Cronbach alpha is 0.79 for this component is also given in the respective columns. The factor structure of the EDBPQ Scale along with their loadings, Eigen values and alpha coefficients are given. These two tests have been run to prove the validity and inter-correlation between the items of the EDBPQ. The Reliability of EDBPQ Scale was determined under computing Cronbach’s Alpha

Second set of analysis in the table below was performed an Item analysis by using the item total correlation technique on the EDBPQ Scale’s internal consistency. The internal consistency of the whole Scale was used Cronbach’s alpha.


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Reliability Analysis

Scale K Α M (SD) Economic Dynamics

18 .79 70.64 (7.0)

Overall Reliability of EDBPQ scale was found to be well

reliable as α = 0.80 which is a desirable reliability of a scale. Reliability for the EDBPQ scale was also computed and found significantly the reliable, i.e. Economic dynamics scale α= 0.78. Results of different statistical tests: 1. Inter-correlation amongEconomic dynamics of

Biraderi Politics Through Pearson correlation coefficient was computed (See

Table no.3 at the end of the article) The Pearson correlation coefficient was computed to assess the relationship between the all variables or dimensions within the sub-p “the Economic Dynamics Biraderi Politics Questionnaire”. There was a positive correlation between the maximum of its variables, the maximum r = 0.53, n = 220, Overall, there was a strong, positive correlation between the variables of economic dynamics. Increases in one variable were correlated with increases in rating of others. 2. Correlation of Democratization with Economic

Dynamics of Biraderi Politics (see Table No 4 end of the article) The Pearson correlation coefficient was computed to assess

the relationship between the all two variables or dimensions of the economic dynamics of biraderi politics. There was a positive correlation with the democratization process with the economic variable, maximum r = 0.27, n = 220, Overall, there was a strong, positive correlation between the variables of economic dynamics. Increases by one were correlated with increases in


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rating of other as mentioned in detail in the table 5.7 shows the significant correlation between “Democratization Process affects the by dynamics of biraderi politics” with the variable of Economic Dynamics of Biraderi Politics has a positive correlation too. 3. T- TEST Showing Gender Differences in Economic

dynamics of BPQ Functioning (Table No. 5 see at the end of the article) Results show that there is no significant difference in the male,

female opinion regarding Economic Dynamics of Biraderi Politics as the thinking of the both segments is same. It is pertinent to mention as male is domineering in the biraderi discourse so the thinking of the male is reflected in the female opinion. Females fully own what the male thinks regarding to economic dynamics of biraderi politics. Both genders fully agreed that in District Toba Tek Singh biraderi politics is dominated and covering the economic dynamics of democratization process. Patriarchy is significantly overwhelming rule in the social set up and as well as influence the economic setup too due to dependence in Toba Tek Singh.

4. One Way ANOVA Test for Caste (Table No.6 see at the end of

the article) Results indicate that caste reported brings no significant

variance in thinking about the biraderi politics among the different castes. The intensity of the phenomenon is evident from the upper table that thinking of all castes is the same and they all believe that social institution biraderi is covering the economic facet of the individuals. 5. One Way ANOVA test for Rural Urban Areas (See

table.7 at the end of the article) Results specify as rural, urban reported that there is no

significant economic dynamics of the Biraderi politics among the difference of rural urban area’s population. The intensity of the phenomenon is evident from the upper table that thinking of the people is the same regarding economic dynamics as they all believe


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that the social institution of biraderi is covering the economic facet of the individual. 6. One Way ANOV A test for Education (See Table No.8)

Results specify that education reported Analysis of variance that there is no any significant difference regarding economic dynamics of the Biraderi politics. The strength of the phenomenon is evident from the table. That thinking of the people is the same regarding economic dynamics of biraderi politics. Illiterate to higher degree holder cannot think that there is any other thing apart from that biraderism that may supersede in all three respects of biraderi politics the social, economic and political. Discussion and results of PBDA14

This part of the EDBPQ is constructed on the economic dynamics perspective of biraderi politics to explore whether an economic aspect of biraderies affects the process of democratization or not. What does an economic position impact on the emancipation power of the individual? Inequality in the masses of population can also be considered a huge effect on the road to democratization. The more the economic condition destabilises the more the corruption will be prevailed and the prevailing of corruption cause inequality in the society. That ultimately snatches the power of decision making from the individuals and dictates them in their preferences. Lipset, Acemgolu put emphasis on the economic aspect of democratization. It is true that the individual cannot evade from his dependency on this social institution of Biraderi. There is a direct relationship between economy and biraderi based political decisions of an individual in the democratization process. The social structural formation the caste creed system is erected on the bases of economy that generate different classes privileged and vanquished, landed elites and occupants, industrialists and labours etc. Robin Hahnel says about South Africa that is also fit in this area under study that ‘the community relations of apartheid created oppressor and oppressed racial community groups played the primary role in social struggle


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to preserve or coup the status.’15 In this regard the allocation and distribution of resources on egalitarian bases is a pre requisition for democratization. Hence this part investigates what kind of economic dynamics of biraderi politics effect on the democratization process.

1. Caste (Biraderi system) formation has been made

on the basis of the economy.

Table No.1 Category Frequency Percentage Strongly Disagree 4 1.8

Disagree 5 2.3 Neutral 25 11.4 Agree 145 65.9 Strongly Agree 41 18.6 Total 220

(This statement however is included due to its importance as

it is not loading in factor analysis)The tabulation of data depicts the findings on the question to what extent the respondents have agreed with the statement that caste formation is built for economy. Among the 220 respondents the 66% agree with the statement, and 18.6% are strongly agreed that social setup of the caste based biraderi system established on economic positions. 11.4% replies are in neutral responses. 1.8% respondents are strongly disagreed with the stance and 2.3% rejected and responded in disagree option. Ibbetson has done a precise debate on this, that Caste structure in Punjab is built on economic positions, hence it is required to investigate either in existent time do the people still think it is so? The empirical investigation supports the argument and about 75% endorsed it. Barni presents the concept of Ashraf (Superior) and Ajlaf (inferior) as described in chapter three. The construct of the Biraderi system is on the bases of the economic stability. The more the stable is the biraderi to more the rank higher of the biraderi name identification. The


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empirical investigation explores that caste based formation of biraderi system has been made on the basis of the economy. 2. Behaviours of the biraderies relate to their economic

positions.


Disagree 19 8.6 Neutral 13 5.9 Agree 145 65.9 Strongly Agree 39 17.7 Total 220 100.0

The upper table depicts the data of the replies to the question

that the behaviours of the biraderies relate to their economic positions in society. About 66% respondents have agreed with the statement that the attitudes of the birders are driven through its economic status. 18% respondents strongly agree with the opinion. 6% respondents are not sure about this stance where as 10.4%, approximately rejected and reply in disagree option. There is no doubt the affluence and privileged circumstance effects on the attitudes and behaviours of sociality. The economic constancy gives the emancipation power, whereas if the situation reversed, then the individual deprived of his /her empowerment capabilities he / she become dependent and then he is bound to obey to whom he is dependent. The one aspect of the biraderi politics is it exploit this situation and subjugate the choices of the people.

3. Financial position makes any biraderi superior or inferior


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Disagree 18 8.2 Neutral 16 7.3 Agree 154 70.0 Strongly Agree 27 12.3 Total 220

The above table postulates the response data of the statement

that financial position makes any biraderi superior or inferior, around 70% respondents are agreed with the opinion, 12.3% respondents are strongly agreed with the stance that superiority is measured by the financial condition of a biraderi. Around 11% (By summing up both disagree and strongly disagree responses shown in table no. 3) respondents reply against the question statement. 7.3% respondents are neutral as they are not confirmed about the statement. Our social set up the norms and customs all are defused in alignment of the biarderi system. Fundamentally, Biraderi system is erected on the occupations the modes of the earnings of the biraderies. Thus the superiority is conditioned by the affluence and the higher strata of biraderi system maintain their economic positions to persist their superiority and nobility e.g. the landed biraderies, Arain, Jatt, Kharral, Beloch, Sayeds, etc. On the other hand the economic deprivation makes the biraderi inferior e.g. the menial castes Kamin, Mirasi, Mashki, tenants, etc.

4. Land holdings make the biraderies dominating in politics.

Table No. 4

Category Frequency Percentage


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The table is displaying the findings of the proposition of the

respondents to what extent they agree with the opinion that domination in politics may be measured through the land holdings of the concernedbiraderies. As there is a significant relation between land and political domination since colonial history. Around 70% respondents are agreed, 15% respondents are strongly agreed and 1.8% strongly disagreed and 5.9% are simply disagreed the proposition that domination in politics is not related to how big is the land area the biraderi held. However, 7.7% respondents are silent and opted neutral option. As the data on land wise distribution of castes shows (See the table no. 1) and the results of the representation of the biraderies shown in election results that land has a significant factor to become the participant in the political arena. Arain, Jatt Kharral and Syeds share in landholding witness their political power. Here the importance of the land is more signified through the responses of the sample units.

6. Business* (trade, industry) plays a strong role in making the biraderies dominance in local level politics

Strongly Disagree 4 1.8 Disagree 13 5.9 Neutral 17 7.7 Agree 153 69.5 Strongly Agree 33 15.0 Total 220 100.0


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The above table shows the effectiveness of the statement to

what extent the respondents are agreeing or not agreed with it. 57.3% respondents are agreed that business like trade, industry (The big Businesses not the small ones) plays a strong role in making the biraderies predominant in local level politics. As then they become at the position where they can exploit or to manoeuvre to have their interests. 21.4% is given assent to strongly agreed option. 12.7 % replies are responding in neutral option. Around 10% are disagreed that business is not making the biraderies’ dominance in political dispensation. It is very pertinent to explore which kind of affluence is more important to become at influential positions. It is clear from the results that not only the lands, but also there are other economic resources that can establish the biraderies’ dominance and they become the participant of the politics.

7. The land plays a main role in establishing the

borders dominance in T.T.S

Table No. 6 Category Frequency Percentage Strongly Disagree 5 2.3

Disagree 18 8.2 Neutral 25 11.4 Agree 126 57.3 Strongly Agree 46 20.9


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Total 220 100.0

The table gives the description of the results of the question that “Land plays a main role in establishing the biraderies’ power in T.T. Singh”. 57.3% responses of the sample is in favour of agreed option. 21% are strongly agreed, whereas 11.4% responseis neutral. Around 11% (by summing up the both disagreed and strongly disagreed) are responses which are against the argument. This indicates that according to the respondent’s point of view land is an imperative feature to become powerful. As described in the previous chapter. Being an agricultural district land owner believed that the honour, prestige and supremacy is remained as long as they have the lands so they it the land is theirs “Put Laaj” (honour and prestige). According to Ian Talbot Landholding is not the only mark of honour or respect rather it is a status of power.16

7. Landless biraderies cannot play a significant role in politics.

Table No.7

Category Frequency Percentage Strongly Disagree 8 3.6


The table describes the opinion of the respondents to what

extent they agree with the question that land is playing a crucial role in to participate in the state politics. 64.5% respondents agree with the assumption that without the land there is no significant participation in the politics of the biraderies, 14.5% are strongly agreed. 12.3% are neutral responses of the respondents as they have submitted this due to indecisiveness about the


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statement, whereas a segment of disagreeing response is around 9%.

8. Capital is more important for enhancing a biraderies’

dominance.

Table No. 8 Category Frequency Percentage Strongly Disagree 5 2.3 Disagree 13 5.9 Neutral 31 14.1 Agree 132 60.0 Strongly Agree 39 17.7 Total 220 100.0

The findings of the statement are shown in the table no. 8 to

what extent the respondents agree with the inevitable role of capital in the dominance of a biraderi. Data shows that 60% have agreed with the statement of the question, 17.7% are strongly agreed, 14.1% are neutral and around 8% are disagreeing with the question. The results explain that around 78% respondents agreed with the statement that to enhance a dominance of a biraderi wealth or capital plays an indispensable role. On the whole, the previous five statements pin point that all kinds of economic riches do matter in establishing the power, honour and prestige and a higher status of biraderies. So it is inferred that the biraderies who have not all that kinds of affluence have no opportunities to take their decisions, whereas economic stability empower the biraderies to take their decisions all social, economic and political. 9. Small farmers and peasant biraderies do not use their

free will in local level politics.

Table No. 9 Category Frequency Percentage


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Strongly Disagree 4 1.8 Disagree 11 5.0 Neutral 30 13.6 Agree 136 61.8 Strongly Agree 39 17.7 Total 220 100.0

The upper given table is the depiction of the results of the

question that the small farmers and peasant biraderies do not use their free will in local level politics. That means the follow the instructions of higher biraderies decisions and in a corporate system they have to follow them that are why they not able to use their emancipation powers. In this regard 61.8% respondents are statement agreed with the statement. 17.7% are strongly agreed .Whereas 13.6% respondents means 14 % are neutral and around 7% negate the question and disagreed with the statement. The emancipation powers come with self –sustainability, self – contentment and self-sufficiency among most of these biraderies mostly they are short of capital and take support from higher biraderies. Ultimately the indebtedness forces them to follow the directives of the upper strata. This is the peculiar feature of the rural side area of Toba Tek Singh.

10. Artisan biraderies do not use their free will in local

level politics rather they are subjugated by prominent biraderies.

Table No.10

Category Frequency Percentage Strongly Disagree 4 1.8



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The table no. 10 explains the percentages of the five responses

of the statement that artisan biraderies like Jolaha (Weaver), Mochai (cobbler), Nai (Barber). Lohar (black smith), etc. do not use their free will in local level politics rather they are subjugated by prominent biraderies of the area for whom they sell their skills. In this statement 1.8% responded against the argument and opted strongly disagree category. 3.6 % respondents opted the disagree option. 9.1% respondents were selected the neutral option. 63.2% respondents were chose agree option and 22.3% strongly agreed with the statement that these artisan biraderies do not avail their free will in local bodies’ elections as their free will is controlled by the local major biraderies. It is supposed in the rural areas that artisan biraderies have to serve to the superior ranked biraderies. 11. Economically dominating biraderies used politics

to regenerate economic resources for their biraderies.

Table No.11

Category Frequency Percentage Strongly disagree 4 1.8 Disagree 5 2.3 Neutral 33 15.0 Agree 148 67.3 Strongly Agree 30 13.6 Total 220 100.0

This table represents the vivid numerical depiction of the

opinion in five categories of the assumption that economically dominating biraderies used politics to regenerate economic resources for their biraderies and support them and also facilitate in inducting the public offices and get them employed. In order to


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do so, they sustain their power along with confidence and honour in too. This is a powerful source for sustaining financial positions of the major financially strong biraderies. 67.3% responders tick the agreed option of the opinion. 13.6 % was strongly agreed that financially strong biraderies used politics for rejuvenating economic assets for promoting their biraderies. 15% responders tick the neutral option of the statement. While summing up the both disagreed and strongly disagree category around 4 % respondents ticked these options as they have not agreed with the statement. 12. Economically dominant biraderies have a big role

in state politics.



The upper table represents the pen picture of the data findings

of the statement thateconomically dominant biraderies have a big role in the state politics. The responses in agreeing category come 73.6%, whereas, 13.6% replies in strongly agreed category. Only 1% did not agree with the notion and around 3% claimed disagree option. In neutral category 9 % response was fallen who were neither disagree nor agree with the statement.

13. Economically Powerful biraderies use their affluence

and bribe district institutions, i.e. (Thana, tehsildar, patwari) for their vested interests.

Table No.13


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Category Frequency Percentage Strongly disagree 2 0.9


The upper table indicates about the responses of the

proposition that “economically powerful biraderies use their riches and may bribe district institutions, i.e. (Thana, Tehsildar, Patwari) for their vested interests”. It is said that power is corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. All kinds of power can be misused. But as for the concern of the district Toba Tek Singh here it is reported that who have economic resource can secure their rights and those have not economic resource cannot access the district institutions and cannot able to get justice in their life. Despite of justice economically privileged biraderies may manipulate these local institutions to have their gains. The respondents also endorsed this argument and about 82% are in favour of the assumption that financially strong biraderies utilized their financial positions and gain their vested interests by giving bribes to district institutions. There are 7% response that fallen in both disagree and strongly disagree category. 10.5% respondents were answered in the neutral category. 14. Dominating biraderies have links with authorities

to attain their socio-political objectives.

Table No.14 Category Frequency Percentage


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Strongly Disagree 6 2.7


This table describes the frequencies and percentages of the

responses of the respondents regarding the statement that “dominating biraderies have links with authorities to attain their socio-political objectives. The common people have no access to higher authorities so they face hindrance in seeking the justice. The figures postulate that 63.2 % respondents have agreed with the statement 20% respondents were come to the category strongly agreed. Around 8% responders answers were in disagreed category. The 8.2% response falls in the neutral category in findings the results of the statement. This situation is predicted that with riches one can purchase everything what he wants in socio- political sphere. Economic stability brings confidence to do for their entirety, they can have approach state departments, and they can manipulate district institutions they can buy justice. On the contrary the person who is deprived can do nothing even he cannot able to use his free will. Economic stability and financial contentment empowers the individual. But due to unequal distribution of resources caused subjugated society, where the majority is suppressed by a minority of affluent biraderies domination. 15. Unemployment has created dependency for

individuals to be dependent on their respective biraderies.

Table No. 15 Category Frequency Percentage Strongly Disagree 4 1.8


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The above table no. 15 indicates the results about the opinion

that unemployment has created dependency for individuals to be dependent on their respective biraderies. In this regard 59 % respondents replied in agreeing option that yes, it is so the increasing rate of unemployment makes the individual to be relied on his / her family or biraderi which supports him in his worst financial condition so in reverse he supports his biraderi. 21 % replies were dropped in strongly agreed category.11% replies came in neutral option, whereas around 9% replies came in both strongly disagreed and in disagreed category as in their point of view individual does not rely on his biraderi when he is unemployed and suffering with financial crises. It is vivid from the responses of the respondents that people do agree that economic soundness create confidence, courage and give self- esteem in the individual and when he / or she is dependent then the situation depraved. Here it is pertinent to mention that women’s role is also victimised by male domination as they are not independent and self -sufficient and most of them relied and dependent to their males either to their husbands or to father, brother or any of guardian. So their thoughts are captured by their male counterparts. This dependency also is not permitted to take independent decisions both the unemployed persons and women. 16. Poorer Biraderies sell their votes for their personal

interests to dominate biraderies in elections.

Table No.16 Category Frequency Percentage Strongly disagree 3 1.4 Disagree 8 3.6


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Neutral 26 11.8 Agree 129 58.6 Strongly Agree 54 24.5 Total 220 100.0

The deprivation and poverty play a big role in elections. The

above table depicts the views of the respondents that poorer biraderies due to their economic or personal benefits and interest sale their votes for the candidates of elections. The finding of this notion presents that 58.60% responses came to agree a choice. 24.5% response was fallen in strongly agreed choice. This depicts that around 83% respondents were in view that economically poorer biraderies sell their votes to the electioneer contestants. Views of 11.8% have no decision about the above mention stance and chose a neutral option. Around 5% response were fallen in the negation of the statement as they were disagreeing with this opinion. The lower strata or the poorer biraderies of society due to not having enough their livelihoods take that kind of immoral and unethical decisions and do not understand the worth of their vote rather they bargain who gives them a better price and then vote to that contender in elections who give fair prices. There is another situation too, that poorer biraderies are financial and social backing by higher biraderies so they in honour and respect cast their votes in favour of the respective biraderi who help them with problems socioeconomic etc. them. It is imperative to note here that this question statement was extracted by Factor Analysis but due to its importance over here it was included in Percentage Based Data Analysis. It is because the society which is intertwined with biraderism along with social, economic discriminations and a gap between privileged and non-privileged classes is very vast where this kind of bargain is not astonishing. 17. People of Lower Biraderies change their biraderi

identification if they become rich.

Table No.17


49

Category Frequency Percentage Strongly Disagree 4 1.8 Disagree 6 2.7 Neutral 34 15.5 Agree 120 54.5 Strongly Agree 56 25.5 Total 220 100.0

This table shows the respondent's opinion about the

proposition that people of lower Biraderies have changed their biraderi identification if they manage to become rich. About 55% respondents were agreed with the given notion and 25.5% were strongly agreed that members of lower biraderies want to become rich which is the basic instinct of every human being but if they manage with some effort to become wealthier than they apart themselves from their original Caste and adopted new one that have respect, reverence and prestige in society that ultimately have the major biraderies. About 15.5% responders were chosen neutral option as they are indecisive about the statement. Approximately in disagree and strongly disagree option, 4.5% respondents against this point of view that it is not so, lower biraderies do not change their biraderi identification. Ibbotson highlights this point in Punjab Castes that small farmers and tenants do so if they get the profit they change the castes.17Actually, it is human nature that he is recognised to be an honourable person in society, those who have conscious, of this self-esteem, they do struggle and come forward and want to change their setup. But on the other hand, the complexes of inferiorities and marginalisation make the people to do so. The ignorance is a big hurdle to pulling these people up with their self- respect, self- dignity along with their identification. 18. Economically dominant biraderies are affecting the

process of democratization.

Table No.18


50

This table presents the respondents' views about the statement

that economically dominant biraderies are affecting the process of democratization.51% respondents agreed with the option and 34.5% were strongly agreed that it is the main cause which is not permitted the democracy to be boosted up. 2.3% respondents having the point of view that it is not a hurdle in the process of democratization and responded in strongly disagree option about the statement 1.4% responders were not agreed. About 11% responded in neutral option as they are indecisive about the statement. But it is evident from the results that most of the respondents know that the economic domination is due to unequal distribution of resources. People do not get social, political and economic rights in those societies where disparities and inequalities prevail. The societies where there are economic opportunities are not equally given and profits of the economic activities have not gone to those who have the right. The per capita income of the individual is also not enough rather a huge disproportion is witnessed. The minority of the populaces the landed aristocrats or the business tycoon biraderies are enjoying the authority in the social and political setting, whereas the majority is suppressed by deprivation and exploitations in socio – economic and political spheres and hence do not become the participant and streamlined in the democratization process. These economic disparities affect the process. The poorer and suppress biraderies get benefited from higher strata rather by benefitting from the state’s structural functional institutions. The role of the state institution is absent; they are also seized by the biraderi politics.

Category Frequency Percentage Strongly disagree 5 2.3



51

Those who have the links along with biraderi prejudices they may solve their all kinds problems. Even the urbanization does not impact on this as shown in the Anova Test of rural and urban Areas. Thinking of both areas is same there is no significant difference

Biraderism is basically the name of “individual fright” or fear that is used for securing one’s rights. In fact the absence of the performance of the government institutions forces the people to rely on their biraderies for the social and economic asylum. The 12thstatement of the questionnaire is the root cause that also correlates with the previous two findings and Percentage Based Data Analysis show that the majority of the respondents are agree with the proposition that people caste vote to their respective biraderies as they think only their biraderies shelter them and solve their personal problems and conflicts regarding i.e. Lands, Pitwar, Thana, Kachehri, employment, etc. Primarily the personal issues of the individual are resolve by the biraderies. Amich Alhumami cited Donald Kurtz (2001), that pedigree or lineage has three main functions in its anthropological interpretation, “First Social networking and cohesion and conflict-resolution, second provide political organisation with leadership within the family members, and third mechanism of elite transmission within traditional political systems controlled by elite family members, relying on blood relations.”18 These three functions are also fulfilled in Punjabi biraderi system. This is why people relied on their biraderies. This social fabrication of biraderi politics, forces them to vote their biraderies and it is the strongest reason of voting trends towards biraderism. Conclusion

By comprehending the whole phenomenon of biraderies it is easy to understand that how this genius played a dominating role in the democratization process of Pakistan and its architecture role putting effect on the democratic system and the political development. Toba Tek Singh is also a classical example of the social, economic and political manoeuvrings of the biraderi


52

politics. The study was conducted to explore and analyze the Biraderi politics in the district of Toba Tek Singh through a survey by taking a sample of 220 respondents the voters of the said District. The main research question was that in the district politics the Biraderi bonds and group consciousness have been strong since 1947. Whether these are elections or making of the district and union councils, provincial and national authorities value those who belong to the dominant groups in the district. The study verifies that most of the voters and candidates, parties, local, provincial and national authorities value the dominant Biraderi in the constituencies and in case of Toba Tek Singh Tehsil the dominant Biraderi has been the Arain Biraderi whose most of the members voted and supported the candidate which belonged to their own Biraderi the same is the case in Tehsil Gora where, Jats play the same role. But because of that phenomenon Biraderi politics in Punjab in general and in district Toba Tek Singh in particular the districts have been uninterruptedly failing to offer what a democratization process needs as the use of individuals ‘rational choice is restricted. Such awful situation has several explanations behind it at all three levels: State, government and society lying on all these three levels social phenomena of biraderi politics overwhelming has raged the situation. The non- democratic social structures reflect themselves into the nature and structure of political institutions. Democracy is not outward but inward phenomenal. It cannot implant rather it can be established and facilitated through a specific process of democratization. There are many shortfalls of the existing system that may subsidize the biraderi politics one of them is economic instability of individual that makes him vulnerable to set aside his free rational will. Along with that the study has also explored that caste, gender and education presently does not affect the thinking of the people. After analytical findings of the biraderi politics, it is clear that the biraderi politics phenomenon is superseded in the economic life of an individual. Insecurities and discriminations of societal set up, economic inequalities the uneven distribution of resources is the main cause that deprives the common individual


53

from his emancipating power and he seeks protection and shelter from their respective biraderies. Hence, he surrenders or bargains, his rational choice that at the end affects the process of democratization. The participation in the political arena is predominantly checked by the biraderi norms, customs and values generally in Punjab and particularly in District Toba Tek Singh. Overall it is concluded that the free will of the individual is regulated by biraderi politics through economic dynamics. It is suggested that by reducing the unevenness of distribution of wealth and decreasing the economic disparities can be addressed the issue of democratization process. Notes and References

1. The word caste in Pakistan is different from the word used in the Indian caste system. Here we mean a group of people having the same caste such as Rajput Jats and Arains. However the word derivation of the term “Biraderi” comes from the Persian word “Bradar” which means ‘brother’. In different Urdu dictionaries meanings for the word Biraderi “Zaat and Quam” are used. In Ijaz-UL-Lughat, it is meant as “Bhai Chara” (Fraternity) and as “Bhai Bandi” (Brotherhood). Whereas, in Farhang-e-Asfia it’s meanings describe as “Goth (Sub caste), Zaat (Caste), Groh (Group), Jamat (Class), Sangat (Companionship), Gharana (Family) and Risht-e-dari (relatives)

2. Economic Dynamics of Biraderi politics (Questionnaire Scale developed by Akhtar and Mushtaq )

3. Neil, Patrick H. O. (2007) Essential of Comparative Politics, 2nd, New York: W.W. Norton and Company,44

4. Ibid,p. 45

5. Ibid,p. 45

6. Robert Needham. Cust. (1866),Manual for the Guidance of Revenue Officers in the Punjab, Lahore: Koh-I -Noor Press. PP. 1-10&L C Tupper, Punjab Customary Law, Vol.I: A


54

Selection from the Records of the Punjab Government, (Simla: Central Government Press), 1880

7. Talbot, Ian. (2006) Punjab and the Raj, 1847-1947, Translated version by Tahir Kamran, Tarikh-e- Punjab, Lahore; Takhliqat, pp.62-81

8. Denzil Ibbetson, (1916), Punjab Castes, Lahore: Mubarak Ali Publishers, pp. 1 -27

9. Ibid,p.3

10. Talbot, Ian. (1999) Punjab Ghulami say Azadi Tak, (Trans) Lahore: Takhliqat. & Wilder, Andrew. (1999) The Pakistani Voter: Electoral Politics and Voting Behaviour in the Punjab, Karachi: Oxford University Press.p. 178.

11. David Paul, Gilmartin. (1979)Tribe Land and Religion Inthe Punjab: Muslim Politics and the Making of Pakistan, PhD Thesis: Berkeley; University of California. Chapter. 1

12. Waseem Mohammad.(1994) The 1993 Elections in Pakistan, Lahore: Vanguard Books,Pvt,Ltd,p.235

13. Andrew. R. Wilder, (1999) “The Pakistani Voter, Electoral Politics and Voting Behavour in the Punjab, Karachi; Oxford University Press.p.177-185

14. PBDA. Percentage Base Data Analysis

15. Robin Hahnel, (2007) The ABCs of Political Economy; A Modern Approach, New Dehli: Viva Books Pvt Ltd, p. 18

16. Ian Talbot, (Trans) Punjab Ghulami Say AzadiTak, 31 17. Denzil Ibbetsson, Punjab castes, P 1-12Ahumami Amchi,

(2013) The Viewpoint: Kinship politics threaten democracy, Jakarta Post/ Asia NEWS Net Work, Tuesday Nov, 19,2013

Table No.1 Total area Land wise Distribution) District Toba Tek Singh No

Biraderies Occupied Area in Acres along with % Total Area in District Toba Tek Singh

Tehsil Toba Tek Singh

Tehsil Kamalia

Tehsil Gojra

Acres % Acres % % Acres %


55

1 Jat 55220 21% 8000 6.8 % 117188 66.85% 180408 31.08%

2 Arain 135804 52% 15000 11.4 % 39364 22.45% 190168 33.56%

3 Gujar 4408 1.7 % 1500 11.2 % 9985 5.7 % 15893 2.8%

4 Rajput 16406 6.31 % 4200 3.2 % 2150 1.2 % 22756 4.1%

5 Sial ----- -- 3000 2.3 % 250 .14 % 3250 .57%

6 Jakhar ----- -- 3000 2.3 % ---- -- 3000 .53%

7 Kharral 2053 .79 % 32000 24.3 % ---- -- 34053 6 %

8 Seyad 1514 .58 % 60000 45.6 % 300 .2 % 61814 11 %

9 Chadhar ----- -- 500 .38 % ---- .65 % 500 .08 %

10 Beloch 30265 11.7 % 64 .05 % ---- .12 % 30329 5.3 %

12 Awan 1643 .63 % ---- -- 1150 .4 % 2793 .% %

13 Pathan 5448 2.1 % ---- -- 200 -- 5648 1 %

14 Kamboh ----- -- ---- -- 700 -- 700 .12 %

15 Chanar 934 0.36 % ---- -- ---- --- 934 .16 %

16 Others 5980 2.3 % 4300 3.2 % 3994 2.3 % 14274 2.5 %

Total 259675 100% 131564 100% 175281 100% 566520 100% Source: DCO office Toba Tek Singh(Table made by the author)

Table No.2 Exploratory Factor Analysis with Varimax Rotation Showing Factor Structure of Economic Dynamics of Biraderi Politics Questionnaire (EDBPQ; N= 220)

No Questionable Statements

EDBPD Factor3

1 Landless biraderies cannot play a significant role in politics. .635

2 Business (Trade, industry) plays a strong role in making the biraderies dominance in local level politics. .630

3 Capital is more important for enhancing a biraderies’ dominance. .607

4 Artisan biraderies do not use their free will in local level politics rather they are subjugated by prominent biraderies.

.572

5 Land holdings make the biraderies dominating in politics. .565

6 Small farmers and peasant biraderies do not use their free will in local level politics. .534

7 The Land plays a main role in establishing the biraderies’ dominance in T.T. Singh. .497

8 Financial position makes any biraderi superior or inferior. .473 9 Economically dominating biraderies used politics to .462


56

regenerate economic resources for their biraderies.

10 Unemployment has created dependency for individuals to be dependent on their respective biraderies. .431

11 Dominating biraderies have links with authorities to attain their socio-political objectives. .422

12 Economically dominant biraderies are affecting the process of democratization. .404

13 Behaviours of the biraderies relate to their economic positions. .379

14 Caste formation has been made on the basis of the economy. .362

15 Economically Powerful biraderies use their affluence and bribe district institutions, i.e. (thana, Tehsil-dar, patwari) for their vested interests.

.336

16 People of lower Biraderies change their biraderi identification if they become rich. .294

17 Caste, creed and biraderi system is a basic element of the society. .249

Eigen Values 2.62 % of Variance 6.39 Α .79 * EDBPD: Economic Dynamics of Biraderi in Democratization

Table No. 3 Inter-correlation amongEconomic dynamics of Biraderi Politics (N=220)

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

2 .34** .19** .22** .21** .11 .15* .06 .16* .23** .07 -.05 .05 .08 .05 .02 .17* .11

3 1 .30** .15* .20** .14* .19** .09 .14* .10 .21*

* -.01 .07 .10 .17* .01 .01 .08

4 1 .46** .36** .15* .15* .18**

.22** .13* .17*

* -.08 .11 .05 .08 .04 .04 .12

5 1 .37** .25** .31**

.29**

.22**

.19**

.22** .06 .17* .04 .06 .09 .05 .21*

*

6 1 .36** .35**

.35**

.25**

.28**

.23** -.02 .12 .18*

* .14* -.11 .07 .11

7 1 .49**

.26** .13 .22*

* .13 .05 .05 .06 .11 .00 .06 .12


57

8 1 .53**

.32**

.34**

.21** .12 .06 .06 .13 .01 .09 .21*

*

9 1 .48**

.38** .16* .09 .08 .17* .19*

* -.06 .08 .07

10 1 .47**

.19** .16* .06 .19*

* .12 -.10 .01 .09

11 -- .33** .13 .09 .25*

* .20** -.04 .18*

* .07

12 1 .41**

.24**

.26**

.24** .06 .14* .19*

*

13 1 .26** .17* .05* .05 .10 .19*

*

14 1 .45**

.21**

.17** .07 .14*

15 1 .48** .06 .21*

* .22**

16 .24**

.17**

.22**

17 1 .48**

.26**

18 1 .48**

1 *p<. 05. **<0.01.

Table No.4 Correlation of Democratization with Economic Dynamics of Biraderi Politics No Factors 1 2

1 Democratization Process affects by dynamics of Biraderi Politics ---- .27**

2 Economic Dynamics of Biraderi Politics ---- Note. *p <.05, ** p<.01.

Table No. 5 T- TEST Showing Gender Differences in Economic dynamics of BPQ Functioning (N= 220)

Male(n=112) M (SD)

Female (n=108) T P


58

M (SD) Economic dynamics of Biraderi Politics

70.49 (6.8) 70.72 (7.0) 1.4 .15

Table No. 6 One Way Anova for Caste (N=220)

SS MS F Sig. Economic dynamics of Biraderi Politics

10264.595 47.737 .34 .92

Note. df= 6, 214, p= n.s

Table. No.7

One Way Anova for Rural Urban Areas (N=220) SS MS F Sig. Economic dynamics of Biraderi Politics 10264.595 47.17 .31 .74

Note. df= 1, 219, p<.05

Table No. 8 One way ANOVAfor Education (N=220)

SS MS F Sig. Economic dynamics of Biraderi Politics 10264.595 47.44 .119 .95

Note. df = 3, 216, p= n.s

Documents

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