In a spin about the 'Charkha'

The word charkha which has links with Persian چرخ: charKh, wheel, which is related to the word "circle." In short, it is  hand-cranked spinning wheel used for cotton and other fiber making purposes. Within subcontinental history, Gandhi had hoped that through its implementation the independence movement would able to be established. Self - sufficiency and independence via this means is even depicted on earlier flag versions of India.

From a historical perspective, Indians were working hard to produce cotton which often was shipped to England and made into cloth. It added to insult when the British would send the cloth back to India to be sold at a price that most were unable to afford. For those reasons, Gandhi sought to evade exploitation by developing a spinning wheel that every Indian could afford within a home environment. The shackles of oppression were broken as it helped in the fight for independence. It is still used in India today. It, thereby, became a free movement that reduced competition.

For those reasons the charkha is a symbol of culture; a culture that disappeared after industrialization. Almost an obsession for many; it is a nostalgia that is carried through glorification in books, songs and pop culture that is very alive today within Pakistan. Whilst that may be the case, if one searches deeper the relevance can be applicable to everybody in their daily grind.

In Sufi poetry, it is definitely appreciation of hard work. Its significance lies in the struggle for earning good deeds in this world for the hereafter. When demonstrated often in music made by artists such as Abeda Parveen and Junoon; it often brings a level of romanticism. Whilst it mainly depicts an elderly woman who is spinning a 'charka'; she is taken to another level and is rewarded by nothing too great in this life. She strives alone, continues uneffaced but still very present and required by society. In the scheme of things, her role often gets overlooked and is yet is the very reason for the tight fabric of society being glued and held together. The monotony, simplicity, and, existential being is what connects one and can draw one to celebrate it's being.  A purpose is found in this task and she humbly submits to the role that has been apportioned to her. Within the same,there is a high level of self- reliance as nobody is by her side. She keeps looking forward without complaint and utters nothing but praise for her Lord, coupled with, a high level of optimism it seems.

For those reasons, it is truly a special wheel as it encompasses history that helped force a change in India and Pakistan. It also seeks to remind that life is a perpetual journey of birth, resurrection, and death. So, shall we spin?