Feminine Consciousness and Socio-Political Discourse in the Novels of Naheed Sultan Mirza

ناہید سلطان مرزا کے ناولوں میں نسائی شعور اور سماجی و سیاسی بیانیہ

Abstract

This research article explores the thematic depth of Naheed Sultan Mirza’s novels, focusing on her portrayal of feminine consciousness as a symbol of civilizational survival and resistance. Unlike traditional narratives that depict women as passive victims, Mirza reimagines them as active agents of change and historical witnesses.

Through a critical analysis of her major works, including Dasht-e-Khwab ke Musafir, Ankhain Aahan Posh, Road to Mohenjo-Daro, Taqseem se Taqseem Tak, and Thar ki Sargoshi, the study highlights how Mirza bridges the gap between personal grief and collective history. In Dasht-e-Khwab ke Musafir, the character of Scheherazade symbolises creative resistance, while in Ankhain Aahan Posh, Zarin Taj represents an intellectual rebellion against political tyranny and religious authoritarianism.

The author effectively critiques the dual exploitation of women across different geographies, from the historical landscapes of Iran and Sindh to the modern crises in Kabul and Karachi. By integrating themes of existential anxiety, national identity, and cultural aesthetics, Mirza’s work transcends domestic boundaries. The study concludes that Mirza’s literature establishes the woman not just as a domestic figure, but as an "iron-clad" guardian of history and a vital force for any future social or civilizational revolution.