عصمت چغتائی کی آپ بیتی میں مردانہ احساسِ برتری کی مخالفت کے عناصر

Abstract

In an autobiography, all aspects of life are encompassed. It not only narrates one’s personal circumstances but also brings to light the prevailing conditions of society. This is why the study of autobiographies of a particular era is indispensable for understanding the events, conditions, and ideologies of that time. In this regard, Ismat Chughtai’s autobiography “Kaghazi Hai Pairahan” reflects not only the circumstances of her era but also the prevalent attitudes of that period.

She particularly tried to highlight the issues faced by women, where society deprived them of their rights, kept them away from education, restricted them from living life according to their own will, and glorified men’s pursuit of education. Male dominance was accepted, while women were regarded as helpless, weak, and less intelligent. Against all these attitudes, Ismat Chughtai strongly resisted in her autobiography.

This paper critically examines, from a research perspective, the opposition to male dominance and the patriarchal system as reflected in Ismat Chughtai’s autobiography “Kaghazi Hai Pairahan.”