University of Chitral Journal of Linguistics and Literature (May 2024)
Decolonizing the Disillusionment of Binate Kyriarchy by Embodying Transformative Praxis in The Heart Divided by Mumtaz Shah Nawaz
Abstract
This research delves into the intricate portrayal of characters such as Zohra, Mohini, and Sughra in Mumtaz Shah Nawaz's literary work, The Heart Divided, within the context of British colonial rule. It scrutinizes Nawaz's depiction of these women as they navigate the challenges posed by kyriarchal structures, elucidating the impediments barring them from educational attainment, marital choice, and political participation. Through the lens of Kyriarchy, the study unveils the interwoven power dynamics that sustain oppression, underscoring the inseparable correlation between women's agency and their rights. Nawaz's characterization of Zohra, Mohini, and Sughra as emblematic figures advocating for social equity and gender parity prompts readers to scrutinize both covert mechanisms and overt displays of authority, thereby illuminating the inherent contradictions within privileged and dominant systems.