1. Introduction: The Architect of Modern Punjabi Prose

In the expansive landscape of Pakistani Punjabi literature, Farkhanda Lodhi stands as a monumental figure. She transitioned the short story (Afsaana) from mere rural folklore into a sophisticated tool for social and psychological critique. For aspirants of the Provincial Management Services (PMS) Punjab, her collection “Chany de Uhle” (Shadows of the Moon) is more than a book—it is a mandatory window into the sociology of the Punjab.

As we navigate the competitive exam cycle, PPSC examiners are increasingly rewarding candidates who move beyond “Summary Writing” and into “Critical Deconstruction.” This guide provides the high-level analysis required to bridge that gap and secure top marks in the Punjabi Optional Paper.

2. Farkhanda Lodhi: A Life of Literary Dissent

To master the PMS syllabus, one must understand the woman behind the pen. Born in 1937 in Sahiwal, Farkhanda Lodhi was a librarian of the soul. Her professional tenure as the Chief Librarian at Government College (GC) Lahore allowed her to immerse herself in world classics, which she then synthesized into a unique Punjabi Modernist (Jadeediyat) flavor.

Lodhi didn’t just write about women; she wrote about the invisible structures—feudalism, patriarchy, and economic disparity—that govern their lives. Her work is characterized by a sharp, analytical gaze that refuses to romanticize the hardships of rural life.

3. Critical Timeline & Literary Milestones

• 1937: Born in Sahiwal, Punjab, nurtured in a region rich with the “Theth” (pure) Punjabi dialect.
• 1947: Witnessed the displacement of Partition, a theme that later birthed her masterpiece “Parbati.”
• Academic Career: Her influence as a scholar-librarian helped bridge the gap between traditional folk themes and modern sociological theory.
• “Channy De Ohly”: Published as a seminal collection of short stories, challenging the status quo of Punjabi domestic life.
• National Recognition: Recipient of the Pride of Performance, cementing her status as the gold standard for “Social Realism” (Samaji Akkaasi).

4. Thematic Deep-Dive: Chany de Uhle

The title itself serves as a profound metaphor. In Punjabi tradition, the “Chann” (Moon) is a symbol of beauty and romance. However, Lodhi focuses on the “Uhle” (Shadows)—the dark, hidden corners of society where female aspirations, domestic violence, and economic struggles are tucked away.

Feminist Consciousness (Niswani Shaoor): Lodhi is a pioneer of indigenous feminism. She portrays the “Chaar-Diwari” not as a sanctuary, but as a site of psychological warfare where women fight for their identity daily.

5. Analysis of Major Stories for PPSC Exams

To score high in the PMS Punjabi Paper II, candidates must provide specific textual references. Here are the three pillars of the collection:

• Parbati: A story of displacement and religious identity. It asks whether a woman has a soul of her own or if she is merely a vessel for communal “honour.”
• Chany de Uhle (The Title Story): A deconstruction of the male ego and the hypocrisy of middle-class respectability.
• Jhalli: An exploration of mental health and societal neglect in rural settings.

6. Technical Artistry: Fann-e-Afsaana Nigari

Lodhi’s style is deeply rooted in the Punjabi oral tradition but executed with modern precision. Her verses and prose often carry dual meanings: one connected to immediate reality, and another to spiritual or psychological yearning.

• Diction: Mastery over the Sahiwal/Rachnavi dialect.
• Symbolism: Using household items (spinning wheels, clay pots) to represent existential struggles.
• Interior Monologue: Pioneered the technique of letting characters speak their internal truths to the reader.

7. Legacy and Cultural Impact for 2026

Channy De Ohly remains a timeless piece because the “shadows” Lodhi described in the 20th century still linger in the 21st. Her work is a staple for researchers and students alike, ensuring the richness of Punjabi folk heritage is never lost to modernization.

• Romantic Expression: Emotionally charged yet logically grounded.
• Connection with Nature: The moon as a witness to human suffering.
• Universal Themes: Longing, beauty, and the quest for social justice.

8. Conclusion: A Defining Voice

Through Channy De Ohly, Farkhanda Lodhi established herself as a defining voice in Punjabi literature. For the PMS aspirant, her work offers a wealth of material for critical essays and short questions.

With its poignant themes of love, separation, and spiritual longing, the work continues to inspire, serving as both a cultural treasure and a profound artistic expression of the Punjabi soul.