REPRESENTATION OF WOMEN IN ISMAT CHUGHTAI’S WRITINGS: AN EXPLORATION INTO META-ANALYSIS TECHNIQUE

Abstract

Ismat Chughtai as a literary icon and a trailblazer for feminist thought in South Asian literature. Jalil portrays Chughtai as a defiant and unconventional figure who challenged societal norms both in her personal life and through her writings. The essay highlights Chughtai’s resistance to patriarchal structures, her critique of middle-class morality, and her fearless depiction of female sensuality, desires, and struggles. The study adopted exploratory research design and followed meta-synthesis method of investigation. The sample was drawn from the primary sources i.e. Chughtai’s fiction, and secondary sources i.e. critique essays upon Chughtai as mentioned in Jalil (2017). Using a feminist lens, this analysis examines how Jalil foregrounds Chughtai’s subversion of traditional gender roles and her contribution to the feminist discourse in Urdu literature. Jalil contextualizes Chughtai’s works within the Progressive Writers’ Movement while emphasizing her individuality and unique voice. Furthermore, this study reflects on the enduring relevance of Chughtai’s writings in contemporary feminist thought, underscoring her role as a cultural disruptor who paved the way for future generations of women writers. Chughtai’s unflinching critique of patriarchy, her bold exploration of taboo subjects, and her commitment to portraying women’s lived realities continue to resonate in contemporary feminist discourse. Through her works, Chughtai not only challenged societal norms but also expanded the boundaries of Urdu literature, asserting the importance of individuality and creative freedom.