Of broken promises and failed nations: Tipu Sultan at the Lahore Fort

A site-specific performance at the Lahore Fort, 'Tiger of Mysore,' revealed how Tipu Sultan's legacy evokes nostalgia for Pakistan's past while simultaneously highlighting the nation's unfulfilled promises and precarious statehood. The study found that the performance intensified the site's expressive potential by connecting it to Pakistan's postcolonial nationalism, marked by a lack of territorial cohesion and ethnic minority alienation. This connection drew audiences into a complex relationship with the 'broken promise' of Pakistan, as manifested in its oppositional stance towards India. The research approach involved analyzing audience responses within the context of site-specific performance, guided by two key questions: what aspects of the performance elicited varied reactions, and how did the site and performance mutually inscribe each other? This study contributes to the understanding of postcolonial nationalism in Pakistan, emphasizing its precarious nature and the role of cultural performances in reflecting national identity.

Ahmed, S. (2023). Of broken promises and failed nations: Tipu Sultan at the Lahore Fort. Performing Islam, 12(1), 23–40. https://doi.org/10.1386/pi_00024_1