First Impressions of Feminist Autobiography in Urdu

اردو میں نسائی آپ بیتی کے اولین نقوش

Abstract

Autobiography is a significant literary genre that provides a personal account of an individual's life experiences, self-reflections, and historical events. It is an essential form of self-expression that allows writers to document their struggles, achievements, and personal evolution. In Urdu literature, female writers have actively contributed to the development of autobiographical writing, using it as a tool to highlight their social, cultural, and intellectual experiences. The first recorded female autobiography in Urdu was written by Shehrbāno Begum under the title Bītī Kahān in 1886. This marked the beginning of a rich tradition of autobiographical writing among Urdu-speaking women. Over time, several prominent female writers, including Nādir Jahān, Wazīr Sulṭān, ‘Aṭiyyah Fayḍī, and Qurrat al-‘Ayn Ḥaydar, wrote their autobiographies, reflecting diverse perspectives on gender roles, societal expectations, and literary contributions.

These autobiographies not only provide insights into personal lives but also serve as historical and sociocultural documents, offering perspectives on women's roles in different time periods. They capture the challenges faced by women in their pursuit of education, independence, and literary aspirations. This study aims to analyze the significance of these pioneering female autobiographies in Urdu literature by exploring their themes, narrative styles, and contributions to women's literary history. By examining these works, the article sheds light on the evolving nature of female self-expression in Urdu literature and its impact on contemporary feminist discourse