اردو شاعری میں عورت کا امیج: کلاسیکی سے جدید دور تک

The Image of Woman in Urdu Poetry: From Classical to Modern Era

Abstract

_{The image of women in Urdu poetry has evolved alongside socio-political, cultural, and intellectual transformations in South Asia. From the mystical and idealized depictions of womanhood in classical ghazal to the assertive, self-conscious voices of modern feminist poets, Urdu poetry has mirrored changing perceptions of gender and identity. The classical poets—like Mir and Ghalib—presented women as metaphors for beauty, divine love, and emotional depth, while modern poets such as Kishwar Naheed and Fehmida Riaz reclaimed the female voice, challenging patriarchy and redefining femininity. This paper examines the shifting portrayals of women across eras, highlighting the intersection of aesthetics, spirituality, and social critique. It also explores how the female image in Urdu poetry reflects the evolving discourse on identity, power, and emotion in the literary tradition.}