Sorat-e Hal and Willful Modernism

Abstract

Urdu literature saw a "Reform boom" in the second half of nineteenth century. Most of the literati were engaged in understanding, and presenting their views on, the rapidly changing world around them. This article analyses a text produced in 1893 by Shad Azeemabadi, enhancing the need for reform in the Zenana. By underscoring the relationship of reform with colonial authorities and the position Shad held while engaging in cultural criticism, it is argued that a "self-conceited" discourse was created by the reformists which tried to hegemonies the female sphere and social hierarchy.