Eastern Critics and Western Theories: Beneficial or Harmful for Urdu Literature?

مشرقی نقاد اورمغربی تھیوریز : اُردو ادب کے لیے مفید یا مضر

Abstract

The application of Western literary theories in Urdu literature has sparked a critical debate regarding their relevance, suitability, and cultural alignment. This paper argues that these theoretical frameworks, deeply rooted in Western intellectual traditions, fail to capture the essence of Urdu literary thought. The philosophical, historical, and socio-cultural contexts that shaped Western literary theories differ significantly from those that have influenced Urdu literature. As a result, imposing these foreign analytical models on Urdu literary works often leads to misinterpretations and a disregard for indigenous literary values. 

Moreover, the dominance of Western critical paradigms has overshadowed the rich tradition of indigenous literary criticism in Urdu. This trend has not only marginalized the contributions of native critics but also created an intellectual dependency on borrowed methodologies that do not fully address the nuances of Urdu literary expression. Instead of following Western approaches, this study advocates for a revival and recognition of indigenous literary criticism, emphasizing the need to develop analytical frameworks that resonate with the spirit of Urdu literature. By exploring the contributions of prominent Urdu literary critics and theorists, this paper underscores the necessity of fostering a culturally grounded literary discourse. The study concludes that a more authentic and contextually relevant approach to Urdu literary criticism must emerge from within its own intellectual traditions, ensuring that the literature is analyzed and appreciated on its own terms rather than through external lenses.