Social Radicalism in Urdu Literature: A Study of Gender Issues and Problems, 1930-1960

History and literature reflect the truth in different ways, leading to the spread of new and radical ideas in the early twentieth century. In India, the progressive trend started in 1932 with the publication of Angare, an electrifying anthology of ten stories by young writers dissatisfied with mild reforms and the moribund state of Urdu literature.

Format: Hardback
Length: 254 pages
Publication date: 22 January 2024
Publisher: Manohar Publishers and Distributors

History and literature are two powerful means of understanding society and the world around us. They offer different perspectives and approaches to conveying the truth, and their contributions have been invaluable throughout history.

One of the most significant periods in history was the early twentieth century, which saw the spread of new and radical ideas due to a combination of economic depression, resurgence of widespread nationalism, and the impact of Marxism. This period was marked by significant social and political changes, and it had a profound impact on the arts and literature.

In India, the progressive trend started in 1932 when a group of young writers, including Sajjad Zaheer, Rashid Jahan, Ahmad Ali, and Mehmuduzzafar, published an electrifying anthology of ten stories titled Angare. These stories were a departure from the traditional Urdu literature of the time, which was often characterized by mild reforms and a moribund state.

Angare was a bold and daring work that challenged the established norms and conventions of Urdu literature. It explored themes of love, politics, social inequality, and the struggle for independence. The stories were written in a simple and direct style, and they were filled with vivid imagery and powerful emotions.

One of the key themes of Angare was the struggle for independence. The writers were deeply concerned about the plight of the Indian people under British rule, and they used their stories to highlight the injustices and oppression that they faced. They also emphasized the importance of unity and solidarity among the Indian people in order to achieve their goals.

Another important theme of Angare was the role of women in society. The stories featured strong and independent women characters who challenged the traditional gender roles and expectations. They were portrayed as intelligent, capable, and passionate individuals who were capable of achieving great things.

Despite the challenges that they faced, Angare was a huge success. It was widely read and praised by critics, and it helped to establish a new genre of Urdu literature that was more focused on social and political issues. The writers of Angare were also instrumental in the development of the Indian literary movement known as the Progressive Writers' Association.

In conclusion, history and literature are two powerful means of understanding society and the world around us. They offer different perspectives and approaches to conveying the truth, and their contributions have been invaluable throughout history. The early twentieth century was a period of significant social and political change, and it was marked by the spread of new and radical ideas. In India, the progressive trend started in 1932 with the publication of Angare, which challenged the established norms and conventions of Urdu literature and explored themes of love, politics, social inequality, and the struggle for independence. Angare was a huge success and helped to establish a new genre of Urdu literature that was more focused on social and political issues.

Weight: 490g
Dimension: 223 x 149 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9788173048906