In Gender, Sexuality and Feminism in Pakistani Urdu Writing (Published by Anthem Press, 2022, also available at Folio Press), the author, Amina Yaqin takes us on a journey into the vibrant yet understudied domain of progressive women’s poetry in Urdu, presenting a deeply nuanced and rigorous analysis. The work is an indispensable contribution to South Asian literary studies, particularly within the realms of gender, sexuality, and feminism, and it deftly navigates the complex interplay of these themes within the historical and cultural context of postcolonial Pakistan.
Amina Yaqin is a Professor of World and Postcolonial literatures at the University of Exeter. Before her tenure at Exeter, she served as a Reader in Urdu and Postcolonial Studies at SOAS, University of London. Her research spans multiple disciplines, focusing on contemporary Muslim life and the cultural politics of Pakistan. Additionally, she co-edits the international journal Critical Pakistan Studies, published by Cambridge University Press.
Behind the Book
The book’s blurb hints at the breadth and depth of the analysis, highlighting the unique linguistic hybridities of Urdu and the socio-political contexts that shaped the lives and works of Urdu-speaking women. Yaqin meticulously examines the zenana, a private space designated for women, as a site of both seclusion and creativity, where women poets articulated their visions and dissent. This nuanced exploration of the zenana reveals how it functioned as a paradoxical space: while it enforced societal restrictions on women, it also provided a fertile ground for literary and intellectual growth. Women poets within the zenana found innovative ways to express their thoughts and challenge patriarchal norms, turning their private quarters into arenas of cultural and political significance.
The book further delves into the exploration of canonical texts such as Mirat-ul Arus and Umrao Jan Ada, juxtaposing them with women’s diaries and autobiographies. This comparative analysis enriches our understanding of the gendered experiences and literary contributions of sharif (respectable) women. By placing these canonical works alongside personal narratives, Yaqin offers a holistic view of the women’s literary landscape. The inclusion of personal diaries and autobiographies adds an intimate dimension to the study, revealing the inner lives, struggles, and triumphs of these women. It underscores their resilience and ingenuity in navigating the socio-cultural constraints of their time, thereby providing a richer, more nuanced portrayal of their contributions to Urdu literature.
In addition to examining these texts, the book situates the women’s literary efforts within the broader historical and cultural milieu. It explores how colonial modernity, anti-colonial nationalism, and the Progressive Writers’ Movement influenced their writings. The impact of these movements is traced through the works of pioneering figures like Rashid Jahan and Ismat Chughtai, who used their literature to confront social injustices and advocate for gender equality. By weaving together literary analysis with historical context, Yaqin not only illuminates the individual contributions of these women but also highlights their collective impact on the Urdu literary tradition. This comprehensive approach makes the book an essential resource for understanding the dynamic interplay between gender, literature, and socio-political change in South Asia.
The Narrative and the Writing
The narrative begins by tracing the roots of women’s poetry in Urdu to pioneering figures like Zahida Khatun Sherwania and Haya Lakhnavi. These poets emerged from the zenana, bringing with them unique perspectives that challenged the literary and societal conventions of their time. Their voices, often confined within the private spheres of their homes, transcended these boundaries through their writings, articulating a distinct female experience that had been largely overlooked in mainstream discourse. The book situates their work within the broader currents of nineteenth-century Indian literature, where cosmopolitan and local sensibilities were in constant dialogue with secular and sacred paradigms. This interplay of diverse influences created a rich tapestry of literary expression that was both deeply rooted in tradition and boldly progressive in its outlook.
This period, marked by the rise of anti-colonial nationalism and the burgeoning Indian women’s movement, saw a significant transformation in the role of women in society. Women who had previously been relegated to the private sphere began to step into public life, becoming articulate subjects in their own right. The anti-colonial struggle provided a platform for women to voice their aspirations and grievances, aligning their personal battles with the larger fight for national independence. The Indian women’s movement, which gained momentum during this era, further empowered women to challenge patriarchal structures and demand greater rights and representation. Against this backdrop, the works of poets like Sherwania and Lakhnavi can be seen as not only literary achievements but also acts of defiance and empowerment.
The book meticulously explores how these poets navigated the complex socio-political landscape of their time, using their poetry as a means to engage with and critique prevailing norms. Their work reflects a nuanced understanding of the intersecting forces of colonialism, nationalism, and gender politics, offering insights that remain relevant to contemporary discussions on women’s rights and social justice. By highlighting the contributions of these early female poets, the book underscores the enduring legacy of women’s voices in Urdu literature and their pivotal role in shaping the cultural and intellectual currents of their era. This comprehensive examination enriches our appreciation of the historical and literary significance of women’s poetry in Urdu, shedding light on the powerful interplay between gender, literature, and societal change.
Progressive Writers’ Movement
A significant portion of the book is devoted to the Progressive Writers’ Movement of the 1930s, a watershed moment in South Asian literary history. The movement, influenced by Marxist thought and anti-colonial resistance, was instrumental in bringing women’s voices to the forefront. Yaqin provides a compelling account of Rashid Jahan’s role in this movement, portraying her as a trailblazer who used a scientific and rational approach to mediate women’s narratives. This legacy was carried forward by Ismat Chughtai, whose fearless exploration of sexuality and class paralleled the controversial works of her contemporary, Saadat Hasan Manto.
The book vividly captures the tension and dynamism of this era, illustrating how these writers navigated the fraught political landscape of pre-Partition India. Through a meticulous examination of their works, the book delves into the complexities of their lives as they confronted the intersection of colonial rule, anti-colonial nationalism, and the emerging Indian women’s movement. These writers not only challenged societal norms but also engaged with broader political ideologies, contributing to a rich tapestry of literary and political discourse. Their writings reflect a profound struggle for identity and agency, offering nuanced perspectives on gender, sexuality, and resistance.
By situating these voices within the turbulent historical context, the book underscores the resilience and creativity of Urdu-speaking women. It highlights their ability to articulate dissent and envision alternative futures despite the oppressive conditions of their time. Yaqin’s engagement with both secular and sacred paradigms, as well as cosmopolitan and local sensibilities, reveals the dynamic interplay of forces shaping their work. This era, marked by intense political upheaval and social transformation, provided a fertile ground for these writers to explore and assert their identities, making their contributions all the more significant in the literary and cultural history of South Asia.
Post Partition and the division of Urdu literature
The narrative then transitions to the post-Partition era, where the progressive writers found themselves divided across the newly formed nations of India and Pakistan. In Pakistan, Urdu became a crucial medium for state formation, and writers faced increasing state surveillance during the Cold War. The book provides a penetrating analysis of how progressive women poets in Pakistan responded to these dominant narratives of nation, community, and gender. The ideological Islamisation of the state, with its conflicting relationship with secularism, posed significant challenges for these writers. Yaqin meticulously examines how national politics and ideological shifts influenced their work, often pushing them into subversive and creative realms.
The strength of Gender, Sexuality and Feminism in Pakistani Urdu Writing lies in its ability to weave a complex tapestry of historical, cultural, and literary threads. Yaqin’s writing is supported by extensive research and a deep engagement with both primary and secondary sources. The inclusion of women’s memoirs, diaries, and autobiographies alongside imaginative fiction allows for a comprehensive portrayal of gendered lives and experiences. The book also underscores the importance of linguistic hybridity in Urdu, highlighting how it served as a tool for both resistance and expression.
In many ways…
Gender, Sexuality and Feminism in Pakistani Urdu Writing is a seminal work that offers a groundbreaking understanding of progressive women’s poetry in Urdu and its enduring legacy. Through meticulous research and profound analysis, Yaqin delves into the historical, cultural, and political contexts that have shaped the lives and works of Urdu-speaking women poets. The book highlights the unique linguistic hybridities of Urdu, the socio-political constraints of the zenana, and the reformist impulses under colonial rule that influenced these women’s literary expressions. It underscores how these poets, despite numerous challenges and societal constraints, managed to articulate their visions and dissent, creating a rich tapestry of resistance and resilience.
The book serves as a testament to the creativity and fortitude of these women, who navigated the complexities of gender, sexuality, and politics in a deeply patriarchal and often oppressive environment. By examining canonical texts alongside women’s diaries and autobiographies, the Yaqin provides a comprehensive portrayal of the gendered experiences and literary contributions of sharif (respectable) women. This approach not only broadens our understanding of Urdu literature but also situates these women’s voices within the larger narrative of South Asian literary and political history. The book’s exploration of the Progressive Writers’ Movement, the impact of anti-colonial nationalism, and the ideological shifts post-Partition further enriches our understanding of the dynamic and evolving nature of Urdu women’s poetry.
Essential reading for anyone interested in South Asian literature, gender studies, and postcolonial politics, Gender, Sexuality and Feminism in Pakistani Urdu Writing is a profound reminder of the power of literature to transcend boundaries and give voice to the marginalized. It illuminates the ways in which these poets used their craft to challenge dominant narratives and advocate for social justice, making it a significant contribution to both literary scholarship and feminist discourse. The book is not only a historical account but also a call to recognize and celebrate the enduring legacy of these pioneering women who have paved the way for future generations.
Namrata is the editor of Kitaab, a South Asian literary magazine based in Singapore. Since 2018, she also runs a creative agency called Keemiya Creatives where she works with authors and publishing houses in different capacities.
She is a published author who enjoys writing stories and think-pieces on travel, relationships, and gender. Namrata is also an independent editor and a book reviewer. Her writings can be found on various sites and magazines like the Asian Review of Books, Contemporary South Asia Journal of King’s College-London, Mad in Asia, The Friday Times, Daily Star, The Scroll, Feminism in India, The Brown Orient Journal, Inkspire Journal, Moonlight Journal, The Same, Chronic Pain India and Cafe Dissensus among others.
Find her on Twitter: www.twitter.com/privytrifles
