Punjabization
Process of cultural or linguistic change towards Punjabis / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Punjabization (Punjabi: پنجابیکرݨ (Shahmukhi), ਪੰਜਾਬੀਕਰਨ (Gurmukhi); Pañjābīkaraṇ), is a process of cultural or linguistic change in which someone or something non-Punjabi becomes acculturated to Punjabi influence. Punjabis are the largest ethnic group in Pakistan and one of the major ethnic groups in northern India.[1]
Most of the time in history, this process was not forced and happened on its own as non-Punjabi tribes settled in Punjab. One example is the Punjabization of the Pashtun tribes that settled in Hazara. These tribes gradually adopted local culture and shifted from Pashto to Hindko, a variety of the Punjabi language.[2][3][4]
This process also occurred with the Baloch settlers and their descendants, predominantly in southern Punjab, as they gradually assimilated into the Punjabi culture and adopted the Punjabi language.[5][6]
The earliest forms of modern Shalwar kameez originated in Punjab, after the advent of Islam, and were adopted by various othher people groups throughout South and Central Asia. Today, Shalwar kameez is the national dress of Pakistan. It has also become common amongst Indian Muslims, Afghans and Bangladeshis.[7][8][9]