Aangan novel (آنگن ناول) is a historical fiction story depicting the social, political, economic crisis that took place during the partition of India and Pakistan. It was published in 1962 and won the Adamjee Literary Award that year.
Some writers who belong to India but moved to Pakistan have written about the partition of India and Pakistan. Partition of India encouraged many writers to pick up pens and write. Thus, novels like Udaas Naslain Hussain and Basti were created.
The name of Khadija Mastoor is of paramount importance among Urdu women novelists. There are seven collections of his novels and fiction. But his novel ‘Aangan’ proved to be a novel that will always live on in Urdu literature. Even the name of Khadija Mastoor as its creator will live on in Urdu literature.
Aangan Novel Summary And Story
Aangan is an interesting novel written in the context of pre-partition conditions of the subcontinent. What is special about this novel is that its story revolves around a single family, which is a Muslim family. The men of this family have an extraordinary interest in domestic politics and the women have an extraordinary interest in domestic politics.
In Aangan novel real domestic life is depicted in such a way that although the story is set in one of the courtyards, the truth is that it is the story of a household. The crisis and decline in Muslim society have been beautifully portrayed. Beginning the story with a flashback, and then returning to real life, the author adds to the novel’s appeal.
In this novel, Alia, Chhammi, and Jamil are the main characters. Women seem to play the lead role in this novel. There is a clear impression that where an understanding woman can develop the house, a woman’s ego and hatred can also destroy it.
The plot is based on the courtyard problems of a middle-class Muslim family. Limited to the four walls of the house, this courtyard has become the courtyard of every house in the subcontinent. The plot of the novel is so interesting that no unnecessary events can occur. The author has described the problems of each class in their own language and expression, which has enhanced the beauty of the novel.
It would not be wrong to say that “Aangan” is the most accurate portrayal of Khadija Mastoor’s art. The author has thoroughly analyzed many social, political, and economic movements in this novel, so it would not be incorrect. She is said to have been a serious thinking novelist. Aangan is a family story. Where family feuds and ups and downs have been analyzed in considerable depth. In this novel, he has shown how the poison of bitterness dissolves the poison of bitterness in the whole family. And then how do these people suffer from mental separation?
Read Partition fiction: Ya Khuda by Qudratullah Shahab
Conclusion
Aangan is Khadija Mastoor’s masterful Urdu novel depicting a Muslim family amid the socio-political upheaval during the India-Pakistan partition. Through its microscopic lens centered on a single household, the book provides penetrating insight into the domestic tensions and decay plaguing Muslim society at that time.
With its nuanced female perspectives and deft characterization, Aangan book delivers an authentic glimpse into the human toll caused by divisive forces. Blending past and present, Mastoor skillfully crafts an engaging narrative that vividly brings to life the courtyard and its inhabitants.
Her thoughtful commentary on familial relationships underscores how bitterness and ego can destroy harmony. An enduring classic, Aangan Novel stands out for its profound themes and realistic portrayal of ordinary people during a period of extraordinary change.
