اکیسویں صدی اور اردو ناول

Abstract

The journey of the Urdu novel underwent a significant transformation towards the end of the 20th century, evolving from a primarily narrative or historical form into a medium of philosophical and psychological exploration. With the dawn of the 21st century, Urdu novelists shifted their focus from mere storytelling to creating a literary canvas rich in aesthetics, social dynamics, and philosophical inquiry. As global sociopolitical landscapes changed—especially in South Asia—Urdu fiction began to mirror the complexities of its readers’ lives, embracing fragmented narratives and existential concerns. This literary evolution transformed the Urdu novel into a platform for critical, intellectual, and cultural discourse. The 21st-century Urdu novel has transcended conventional boundaries, integrating psychological introspection, gender issues, ecological consciousness, and global politics. Notable writers like Rahman Abbas, Khalid Javed, Mirza Athar Baig, and others have played a pivotal role in redefining the Urdu novel, rendering it a multidimensional genre that engages readers on intellectual and emotional levels. This article traces the thematic, stylistic, and structural metamorphosis of the Urdu novel in the 21st century, examining how it continues to evolve as a powerful voice of contemporary human experience.