Feminist Study of Sara Shagufta’s Poetry

Abstract

This study analyzes the expression of feminist consciousness in the poetry of Sara Shagufta, focusing on woman’s life in terms of existential suffering, social deprivation, and identity crisis. In her poetry, woman is not merely portrayed as an emotional or traditional figure but as a conscious and questioning being who silently resists patriarchal structures, male-dominated systems, and historical injustices. Elements such as childhood innocence, emotional deprivation, economic vulnerability, and social marginalization reflect the deep inner and outer experiences of women in her poems. The study highlights that through symbolic expression, metaphorization, and existential sensibility, Sara Shagufta presents woman as a dynamic and resistant force. Furthermore, her poetry challenges the historical perception of woman as a “thing” or a subordinate being controlled by male authority. Her poetic discourse transforms feminist consciousness into an intellectual and emotional protest that foregrounds issues of female autonomy, identity, and social positioning. Ultimately, this study emphasizes that Sara Shagufta’s poetic work represents a unique, intense, and revolutionary voice of feminist thought in Urdu literature, offering new dimensions to the lived experience of women.

References:

1. Saleha Siddiqui, Urdu Navalon mein Tanisi Hasiyat Mishmoola: Fikr-o-Tahqeeq (Se-mahi), Nai Dehli, Jild 19, Shumara 2, April ta June 2016, p. 239-240.
2. Sara Shagufta, Aankhen, Karachi: Tashkeel Publishers, Ishaat-e-Awwal 1985, p 3, 4.
3. Ibid,pp. 50, 51.
4. Mirza Khalil Ahmad Beg, Tanisiyat, www.punjnud.com batareekh 20 January 2023.
5. Sara Shagufta, Aankhen, Ibid., p. 44.

6.Ibid., p. 52.

1. Maududi, Abul Ala, Syed. Parda. Lahore: Islamic Publications, San-e-Nadard, p. 209, 210.
2. Sara Shagufta, Aankhen, Ibid., p. 68.
3. Ibid,pp. 73, 74.
4. Sara Shagufta, Neend Ka Rang, Karachi: Sara Academy, September 1993, p. 17.
5. Ibid., p. 22.
6. Ibid., p. 26.
7. Ibid., p. 38, 39.
8. Mubarak Ali, Doctor. Tareekh aur Aurat. Lahore: Fiction House, 2014, p. 8-19.