Tashkeel ISSN(Online): 3007-3294 ISSN(Print): 3007-3286 “Tashkeel” is an Urdu research and critical inquiry Journal published by the department of Urdu, University of Jhang. The main theme of the journal is to promote the quality research culture in the field of Urdu language and literature. This journal is double-blind peer reviewed as per HEC Policy with focusing on complete transparency and research ethics. The journal is published bi-annually and issued for the goodwill of the research in the field of Urdu on non-profit bases.
Feminist Elements in Khalida Hussain's Short Stories: An Analytical Study
Khalida Hussain is a unique and distinguished short story writer of this era. She is considered one of the pioneers of modern Urdu Short Stories. Materialism, existentialism, feminism, fear, nostalgia, terror, psychological issues and human inner complexes, concepts of time and death and social issues are main themes of her stories. She has a variety of dimensions in her concept of feminism. It contains child marriage, mismatched marriage, a woman’s love for a man, a man’s infidelity to a woman, a woman’s disrespect, and disinheritance from property, women exploitation, gender discrimination etc. This article tends to explore her opinion regarding mentioned feminist elements in her short stories.
Marxist Critical Perspective of Farhat Parveen's Short Story
This paper critically examines Farhat Parveen’s short story “Aankhein Na Kholna” through the lens of Marxist literary theory. It explores how Karl Marx’s foundational concepts such as class struggle, alienation, materialism, and dialectical thinking can be applied to literary texts to reveal the underlying socio-economic structures and power dynamics. The story is analyzed as a reflection of a class divided society, where the ruling bourgeoisie exploits the labor and dignity of the proletariat. The narrative shows how systemic injustice is internalized by the oppressed, often justified as fate, which Marx termed "ideological conditioning." Thinkers like Engels, Althusser, Lenin, and Gramsci are referenced to explain how literature serves as a tool of both resistance and control. The article argues that Marxist criticism demands literature to side with the marginalized and portray the lived realities of the working class. Farhat Parveen's story, through the tragic depiction of class disparity and societal apathy, becomes a powerful critique of capitalist ideology and a call for awareness and change. Thus, literature is not viewed merely as an artistic endeavor but as an active participant in social transformation.
Tehseen Sabai Walvi: An Unsung Poet of Urdu and Saraiki Literature
Tehseen Sabai Walvi, a significant yet underrecognized poet, contributed extensively to Urdu and Saraiki literature, establishing a distinctive position among his contemporaries. His upcoming collection, Hadisa e Wafa, symbolizes his dedication to Urdu poetry, which, though revered for its quality, remains largely unpublished. Walvi explored nearly all literary genres, enriching both Urdu and Saraiki traditions. His work reflects themes of national identity intertwined with cultural heritage, particularly in the Saraiki language's legendary capital. Financial constraints impeded the publication of his complete Urdu works, creating a gap in literary history. Further research into his unpublished works could provide critical insights into his contributions and the development of regional literature.
Kishwar Naheed's Literary Columns: An Analytical Study
Kishwar Naheed, a prominent Pakistani poetess, writer, and literary columnist, is known for her profound contributions to Urdu literature. Her work often explores themes of feminism, social justice, and resistance, reflecting her commitment to giving voice to the marginalized, especially women. As a literary columnist, Naheed brings a unique perspective, blending her poetic sensibility with a fierce critical eye. Her columns address contemporary socio-political issues, examining the complexities of Pakistani society with a focus on cultural and literary traditions. Through her writing, Naheed not only critiques societal norms but also celebrates resilience, drawing from personal experiences and cultural heritage to advocate for progressive change. This article attempts to analyze the central themes of her literary columns, which she regards as addressing the pressing needs of the present time.
Cultural Resurgence in Novel Khas o Khashak Zamanay
In the 20th century, Urdu literature embraced new genres and themes, with the novel emerging as a powerful medium to depict contemporary life and socio-cultural realities. While cultural discourse in Urdu literature is relatively recent, evolving political and social conditions made its inclusion essential. Literature, both prose and poetry, began reflecting cultural concerns tied closely to civilization and the individual. Civilization stems from collective needs and structured living, while culture arises from aesthetic pursuits that define identity. Culture plays a vital role in shaping national recognition through customs, values, and traditions. Khas-o-Khashak Zamana, a novel by Mustansar Hussain Tarar, serves as a significant example of cultural recovery. It portrays a society in flux, undergoing intense socio-political and cultural transformations. The narrative explores how individuals either cling to their cultural roots or abandon tradition and identity for survival. The novel becomes a lens to study cultural preservation and erosion in modern contexts.
The Novel and Social Awareness: An Analytical Study of Child Rights in Ali Arshad Rana's Novel
Ali Arshad Rana is a modern novelist who reflects the changing trends and techniques in different literary periods, while also addressing social issues through imagery, which is becoming increasingly important in literature. In his novel Jalta Raha Charag Yaqeen-o-Guman Ka, Rana exposes the facade and so-called "doctors" of society, highlighting the crucial role that parents, teachers, and educational institutions play in the education of children. He emphasizes the importance of well trained teachers, who are vital in shaping a nation’s future. In this article it is tried to explore that how author identified the problems and shortcomings in children's education and suggested the solutions to these issues, showcasing the maturity of his social consciousness throughout the novel.
Enlightened Islamic Thought in Urdu Writings of Dr. Manzoor Ahmad
Dr. Manzoor Ahmad Khan is a prominent rationalist Islamic scholar who strives to understand religious beliefs, traditions, and teachings through a modern intellectual and rational lens. He believes that the current interpretations of Islam are no longer beneficial for today’s modern society. According to him, Muslims lag behind other nations primarily because they have distanced themselves from reason and intellect. Dr. Manzoor advocates for a new interpretation of Islamic thought and emphasizes the need for fresh methodologies to explore new intellectual avenues within Islam. He is critical of blind conformity (taqlid) and seeks to awaken public consciousness through enlightened thinking. He also stresses the importance of religious tolerance and interfaith dialogue for building a harmonious society. Although he faces criticism from various quarters, Dr. Manzoor boldly points out the flaws present in Islamic societies and also offers constructive solutions. In his view, true enlightenment lies in making Islamic teachings practically relevant and effective in addressing contemporary social issues.
Gender Discrimination in Urdu Short Stories: An Analysis of Collection "Adha Insan"
Humans are inherently equal, with no innate superiority or inferiority between men and women. However, society has constructed gender discrimination based on biological differences. In Pakistani society, this discrimination has led to male dominance and the subjugation of women. Urdu fiction often reflects these gender disparities, and Rishi Khan's short story collection Aadha Insan holds significant relevance in this regard. These stories aim to expose the true nature of gender discrimination within Pakistani society, highlighting its presence in various aspects of life. Through themes of education, economics, violence, survival, insecurity, and sexual exploitation, the author vividly portrays the pervasive gender biases. Beyond merely depicting these injustices, the stories also serve as a catalyst for challenging male dominance and advocating for gender equality.
The 1971 tragedy is a significant and painful chapter in Pakistan's history, marked by the involvement of global powers with ulterior motives. Wars devastate not only the physical landscape but also the human psyche, leaving individuals helpless and scarred. Literature serves as a crucial medium to articulate these impacts, capturing the internal and external dimensions of war. Among literary forms, the novel stands out for its role in documenting the fall of Dhaka. These novels vividly portray the historical, political, and cultural complexities of the era, offering narratives of disaster, displacement, and human suffering. Through these works, the profound tragedies of war are preserved and explored in their full depth and nuance.
Fiction and Magical Realism: An Analysis of a Story by Mazhar ul Islam
Magical realism is a technique that presents the fusion of reality and magic in such a way that the fantasy and real worlds are indistinguishable and that surprising transcendental elements appear to be connected to everyday affairs. In this technique, the elemental, paranormal world fuse reality with magic seamlessly. The concepts of the paranormal and supernatural are found in cultural and political contexts. This article tends to analyse the elements of magical realism and its uses in the story. This study will be based on the ideas presented in Magical Realism: Theory, History, Community by Parkinson Zamora, and Wendy B. Faris. This analysis will also cover how Mazhar-ul-Islam performed the task of conveying meanings by combining the traditional concept of reality and transcendence using this technique.
Transformative Translation of Paulo Coelho’s novel: "By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept": An Analytical Review
In this article, pragmatic adaptation in Urdu translation by Saeed Ahmad, entitled “Girya bar kinar-e-darya” from the source text of Paulo Coelho’s novel: “by the River Piedra I sat down and wept” has been analyzed and discussed. There is a lot of difference in territorial myths, religious beliefs, social norms and other thinking patterns of the locality of this Brazilian novel then that of Pakistani people. This translated version of the said creative masterpiece is more suitable than any other in the market due to its need-based co-textual changes and particularly coined diction in order to make it acceptable for the target text readers. In spite of all the pragmatic skills and craftsmanship employed, there are some gray areas to be noticed, but ironically which offer a special jouissance to its reader as well. The purpose of this article is to further enhance the interest in harnessing pragmatic adoptations as well as adaptations in translation work more effectively to entertain lexicographical documentations and meet the needs of ideological state like ours.
Tradition of Manuscript Studies in East and West and Contemporary Trends
In this research article, the tradition of identifying the Manuscript and its importance is discussed critically, and in future prospective. A manuscript or Makhtoota’s role is very significant in Literary research. Makhtoota is usually a piece of paper, but this paper depicts untold stories of ancient literature. The western tradition started with the compilation of Holy Bible, in Greek and Latin languages and then to other western languages. There are some famous names including, Dr. Moheen Uddin Qadri Zaoor, Moulvi Abdul Haq, Hafiz Mahmood Sherani, Mushfiq Khawaja, Moulana Imtiaz Ali Arshi, Kalique Anjum, Rasheed Hassan Khan and Dr. Jamil Jalbi.This important academic activity of Manuscript identifying, is as much as relevant to the research scholars as it was relevant in the past.
A Deconstructive Study of Urdu Short Story"Aanandi"
Ghulam Abbas is an important Urdu fiction writer of the 20th century. “Anandi” is one of his representative short stories. This story shows the double standards of society and exploitive behaviors prevailing in society. However, a close study of the text reveals that it revolves around the settlement of a new city and related details. There are many technical gaps in the story. In this paper, the textual and deconstructive study of Anandi will bring out all the gaps in it, which will present a new understanding of this short story.
Existentialism, Environmentalism and Maut ki Kitaab
Khalid Javed is a prominent name in modern Urdu fiction. His work holds unique and distinct significance in Urdu literature. His novel Maut ki Kitab was first published in 2011. Although it is a short novel, it is considered a masterpiece due to its theme, language and philosophical depth. According to critics, Khalid Javed presents the existential crisis of contemporary man in this novel. This article presents a study of this novel in the context of Existentialism and Ecological crisis. The writer argues that the extential crisis in Khalid Javed’s work is not isolated, it is interwined with environmental crisis and corporate culture.
Social and Literary Perspectives of Feminism: An Expository Study
This article deals with the multifaceted landscape of contemporary feminism, examining its evolution, challenges and triumphs in the 21st century. Sacrifice, mercy, selfness and loyalty are the jewels of a women. Through a socio-literary lens, it explores the intersectionality of feminism, addressing issues of race, class, sexuality, and gender identity. By analyzing the diverse voices within the feminist movement, from grassroots activism to academic discourse, this study aims to highlight a comprehensive explaination of feminism's relevance and impact in today's society. Through nuanced exploration, it seeks to contribute to ongoing conversations surrounding gender equality and social justice.
Urdu literature, Feminism, Socio-cultural, Socio-literary, analysis, Expository study, gender equality, sexuality, social jistice
The War Frenzy of Global Power in the Context of Novel “Pagal Khana”: An Analytical Study
By the end of the 20th century, the world had evolved into a rudimentary form of a global village. With the beginning of the 21st century, the world turned upside down, and everything took on an artificial form. The narratives of caste, colour, race, politics, society, culture, civilization, and the entire way of life are changing. The obsession with border-bound power ran rampant, and the desire for global power fueled the madness of global wars, destroying everything in their path. Hijab Imtiaz Ali Taj's novel "Pagal Khana" gives a detailed analysis of the above situation. This novel shows the entire social culture of the late 20th century changing completely in the 21st century. This article consists of a special study of the political, cultural, and social narratives of the novel "Pagal khana" in the face of the narrative of global power. This article is a lamentation for the decline of the social situation that is ready to fall due to the decline of political chaos, and it is also a rich lesson that encourages the reader to read and think.
Global Village, 21st Century, Social Decay, 9/11, Democracy, Politics, America, Japan, Pakistan, Social media, Peasant, Third World, World Frame Order, Atomic Bomb, Depression, Hiroshima, Poland, Scientific Inventions.
“Mir Shanasi” in Histories of Urdu Literature: A Research Study
In this article it has been analyzed that how Urdu historians and researchers explored the poetic horizons of Mir Taqi Mir by studying his life through his books. All the historians gave Proper significance to Mir's autobiography and evaluated his theories and ideas. They basically got information from the early memoir ''Zikr e Mir''. When we minutely study this historical analysis, we come to know that the influences of Mir cannot be denied on Sauda and his contemporaries. Ghalib and all poets have acknowledged his mastery and perfection. A number of historians also realized the worth of Mir's poetry. They compared Mir's poetic diction with his contemporaries and proved Mir's superiority. Urdu history revealed Mir's criticism trends. Although literature of Urdu history started in 20th century yet a parallel Mir criticism can be seen obviously. History of Urdu literature is considered the primary source of Mir’s criticism. In this regard, it has been thoroughly studied historians’ remarks on Mir's life and poetry that may be much fruitful to comprehend the real stature of Mir Taqi Mir.
Mir criticism, history of Urdu literature, tradition and trend, History of Urdu Literature, Zikr e Mir, Mir's autobiography.
Distinctions of Form, Technique and Style in Urdu Poetry of Siddique Shahid
Siddique Shahid is a poet renowned for his simple and measured tone, deeply rooted in the classical genres of Urdu poetry, particularly the Ghazal. His work reflects traditional influences while integrating contemporary themes, with travel and the multifaceted emotions of love—such as separation, union, dispassion, indifference, and self-surrender—serving as central motifs. Shahid's poetry is distinguished by its elegance and beauty, capturing the refinement of classical ghazals alongside a light infusion of modern sensibilities. This blend of traditional and contemporary elements narrates the ongoing evolution of the ghazal, illustrating how it adapts to new rhythms amidst changing times, thereby presenting a dynamic interplay of historical and modern influences.
Siddique Shahid, Urdu Poetry, dispassion, Distinctions, Form, Technique, Style.
The Calamity of local Identity in Novel “Adh Adhooray Log”
Novel "Adh Adhooray Log" is written in the historical background of Bahawalpur State (former). Historical identity of the state has been spoiled under a conspiracy. Bahawalpur State was a prosperous state before partition. Being a Muslim state Bahawalpur joined Pakistan but this proved fatal for the state and its inhabitants. This novel portrait historical events and individuals with their psychological complications. After Jinah's death, people in power deprived Bahawalpur of its identity first and then provincial rights. Poverty, hunger, and inferiority complex became the fate of people of the state. This novel is the tragic story of such people. This research article intends to makes an analysis of the awareness produced by the novel's historical, cultural, and political dimensions in the context of Bahawalpur State.
Hafeez Khan, Adh Adhooray Log, Bahawalpur Prosperous State, Historical Novel, Tragic Story, Cultural and Political Novel.
William Empson and New Criticism: Representation of Seven Types of Ambiguity in Urdu Poetry
Seven Types of Ambiguity is a method of close reading of literary text. In other words, it shows the effects of poetry and enhances the reader's curiosity and understanding of a piece of poetry by segregating the linguistic properties of the text. William Empson explored that words or references in poetry are mostly ambiguous and, if showcased coherently, convey multiple meanings that may enrich the reader’s admiration of the work. In this article, Urdu poetry has been compared with English poetry to understand the criteria of ambiguity. In the Urdu world, every poem and verse are misconceived as ambiguous, which is difficult to understand. Urdu critics consider ambiguous poems to be meaningless. This work seeks to analyze Urdu poetry in light of William Empsons views.
New Criticism, William Empson, Ambiguity, seven types, Close reading, synesthesia, Anomoiosis, Personification, Sense, feeling, intention, Tone.
Foregrounding in Majeed Amjad’s Lyrical Poetry: An Analytical Study
Foregrounding is a linguistic device that comprises grammatical, phonetic and semantic deviations. Majeed Amjad (1914-1974CE) expresses philosophies of time, life and death in his lyrics. To maintain the delicacy of lyrical genre and to make communication uncomplicated, he used various deviations in language, due to which foregrounding occurs. This research article tends to analyze that how Amjad’s foregrounded language has influenced the artistic essence, semantic system of lyrics, comprehension of philosophy and conveyance of aim, by reviewing diverse points of linguistic deviation in his lyrics. To accomplish the objective, foregrounding theories proposed by Mukarovsky and Khalīl Ahmad Baig are considered. According to these concepts, to use the language beside the prevailing meanings, dictations and rules or with verbal and syntactic recapitulation (Parallelism) causes foregrounding, moreover an artist foregrounds the language to produce the aesthetic essence in the art.
Linguistics, Stylistic, Foregrounding, Deviation, Semantics, Parallelism, Majeed Amjad, Lyrical Poetry, Mukarovsky, Khalil Ahmad Baig, Rhythm, Music, Songs, Shab-i Rafta, Kuliyat-i Majeed Amjad
A Research Study of Tradition of Nastalgia in Urdu Literature
The term nostalgia is commonly used in Psychology. It is a sentimental yearning of pleasure and sadness that is caused by remembering something from the past. The nostalgia is observed throughout the tradition of Urdu poetry and prose. This technique is widely used by modern Urdu poets such as Nasir Kazmi, Munir Niazi, Faiz Ahmad Faiz and Ahmad Rahi. The trend of nostalgia is dominant among the modern Urdu prose writers as well like Intizar Hussain, Qurat-ul Ain Haider, Abdullah Hussain, Raam Lal and Mushtaq Ahamd Yousufi. The migration during the partition of India is expressed as dominant nostalgic phenomenon in Urdu literature.
Nostalgia, Restorative, Reflective, Homesickness, sadness, pleasure, Migration, Past, memory, Partition, Nasir Kazmi, Intizar Hussain.
Discourse of Resistance in Literature and Society
Resistance is derived from the Arabic word 'Zahma' which means obstacle or opposition. As a term Resistance means protest and practical struggle against all kinds of oppression. Literature itself is a resistance act, so such literature which seems to be an expression of Prevention, libertarianism, protest, rebellion, defection, revolution or any such spirit will be called resistance literature. In such a case, it would not be wrong to say that there are as many types of resistance in the world as there are types of oppression. The article under consideration covers the discourse of resistance in literature and society.
Resistance, Prevention, libertarianism, protest, rebellion, defection, revolution, discourse
An Analytical Study of Ahmad Javed’s Short Story writing
Ahmed Javed is a fiction writer who made his mark after 1960 promoting symbolic fiction. He published four volumes of short stories as his legacy, i.e. “Ghair Aalamati Kahani, Chidya Ghar, Gum-Shuda Shehar Ki Dastan and Raat Ki Rani”. He has written mostly on topics regarding resistance, political coercion, social stagnation, human exploitation and gender discrimination. This article comprises analytical and critical study of his short stories.
Ahmad Javed, Urdu Short Stories, Symbolism, Resistance, Ghair Alamti Kahani, Chidya Ghar, Gum-shuda Shehar Ki Dastan, Raat ki Rani, stagnation, exploitation, gender discrimination.
A Brief Study of Mustansar Hussain Tarar’s Dramatic collection “Murat”
Mustansar Hussain Tarar is widely recognized and celebrated as one of Pakistan's leading figures of fiction. He wrote many dramas and plays for television in Urdu and Punjabi as well. This article intends to explore the highlighted themes and characters in the dramas of his collection “Murat”. The first drama “Murat” focuses on the continuous struggle of men to attain the purposes in life. The second drama “Dasht-e Tanhai” construes the conflict between matter and spirit. The third drama “Abath Bad Naam” highlights the bleak-outcomes and downsides of commendatory system. The fourth drama “Paani ka Qaidi” elucidates the unpaid and rewardless struggle of parents in the upbringing of their children. The fifth drama “Mehak” illustrates the patriotic sentiments while the last drama of the collection shed light on the strengths of disable persons and gives hope by clarifying that the physical disability should not be taken as the weakness which may stops one to attain the goals. His optimistic approach of believing in constant strive to gain the successes is the essense of his dramas.
Mustansar Hussain Tarar, Urdu Drama, TV Play, Murat, Dasht-e-Tanhai, Abath Bad Naam, Paani ka Qaidi, Mehak, Jangal Ka Raasta
Symbolism in Urdu Short Stories: An Analytical and Critical Study
The symbolist movement emerged in France in the late nineteenth century and after some period it entered in English Literature. It entered in Urdu Literature through English literature. It influenced many genres of Urdu Literature, one of which is Urdu Short Fiction. Ahmad Ali, Karishan Chander, Rajinder Singh Bedi, Manto, Mumtaz Shirin, Hasan Askari and Quratul Ain Haider wrote irregular symbolic short fiction in Urdu. The status of Intizar Hussain is like that of a founder in this scenario. Anwar Sajjad, Khalida Hussain, Surender Parkash, Balraj Manra, Masood Asher, Ikram Ullah, Asad Muhammad Khan, Rasheed Amjid, Mansha Yad, Ahmad Dawood, Ahmad Javed, Mazhar ul Islam, Hamid Baig and Saleem Akhtar are major symbolic short fiction writers. Some of them use concrete and deep symbols, others use abstract symbols. All such writers use symbolism in various ways to express their feelings, thoughts and problems.
symbolism, symbol, Urdu short stories, analytical, critical, study, short fiction, abstract.
A Study of De-Colonial Trends in Short Stories of Prem Chand
The most important literary figure of colonial era against the dominant imperialist designs was the Prem Chand. He knew all the traits of imperialism and had been trying to deconstruct them. He wished a system which is free from exploitation. Contemporary age occupies a paramount place in his novels. This contemporary age has linked with political and mental exploitations of colonial masters. He challenged, at every level, all the imperialist agendas and also those who were complicit. Extensive study of his novels reveals his rejection of imperialism, patriotism, non-cooperative policy, sodaishi movement, attempt of Hindu Muslim unity and revolutionary movement. His strong protest and resistant against suppressive colonial institutions, their corrosive impacts on society, colonial aristocratic and capitalists also show his de-colonial tendency. In this article those novels of Prem Chand are discussed which de-colonial trends.
Prem Chand, colonialism, patriotism, freedom, resistance, anti-imperialism, De-colonial, Conflict, Capitalism, De-construction.
Linguistic Links between Balochi and Urdu Language
The Balochi language holds a significant position among the languages spoken in Pakistan. The accent of the Balochi language is categorized into two variations, Estern Balochi accent and western Balochi accent that is influenced by diverse civilizations, ethnicities and cultures. Geographical, social and cultural differences exist between the both accents of Balochi language. Clear signs of linkage between Urdu and Balochi can be observed by analyzing the sounds of words and scripts. Numerous Balochi words, proverbs and idioms have been borrowed from the Urdu language. There are similarities in the literary genres of both languages as well.