Determination of Genre of “Rāh-i Ravān”

Bānū Qudsiyah (Bano Qudsia), a celebrated Urdū novelist, dramatist, and fiction writer, holds a prominent place in modern Urdū literature. Her literary pursuits primarily revolve around fiction and biographical narratives, in which she has demonstrated exceptional depth and artistry. Among her significant works are insightful biographical accounts of renowned literary figures such as her husband Ashfaq Ahmad, Mumtāz Muftī, and Qudratullāh Shahāb. Her acclaimed work, Rāh-i Ravān, occupies a distinctive position in her oeuvre. Bānū Qudsiyah described Rāh-i Ravān as her autobiography, yet its genre remains a subject of considerable debate among critics. While some interpret it as a personal recollection of her marital life with Ashfaq Ahmad, others view it as a harmonious blend of biography and autobiography. However, deeper literary analysis suggests that Rāh-i Ravān defies traditional genre classifications. The text’s nuanced narrative, artistic subtleties, and thematic focus indicate that it may be better understood as either a biography of Ashfaq Ahmad or a joint biography capturing the essence of their shared life journey.

This article critically examines Rāh-i Ravān to uncover its literary identity, analyze its structural complexity, and provide clarity regarding its genre. By doing so, it aims to shed light on the artistic ingenuity of Bānū Qudsiyah and her significant contribution to Urdū literature.