Escape from harem: a women-empowered novel of the Mughal harem

This study endeavors to scrutinize the intricate roles of women within Mughal harems and their corresponding social hierarchies, with a particular focus on the pervasive mental and physical oppression endured by these women and their endeavors to reclaim their autonomy and individuality. Employing M...

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Main Authors: Murugaiyan, Mohana Kala, Mani, Mani Mangai
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: AESS Publications 2024
Online Access:http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/114537/1/114537.pdf
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author Murugaiyan, Mohana Kala
Mani, Mani Mangai
author_facet Murugaiyan, Mohana Kala
Mani, Mani Mangai
author_sort Murugaiyan, Mohana Kala
collection UPM
description This study endeavors to scrutinize the intricate roles of women within Mughal harems and their corresponding social hierarchies, with a particular focus on the pervasive mental and physical oppression endured by these women and their endeavors to reclaim their autonomy and individuality. Employing Michel Foucault’s conceptual framework of power within the context of new historicism, the narrative of Escape from Harem is meticulously examined to unravel the multifaceted dynamics inherent in harem life. Through an analytical lens, this study uncovers the entrenched power structures governing the harem environment, exposing the systematic marginalization and restriction of women within these secluded spaces. By delving into the diverse experiences of women from varied social backgrounds, exemplified by the protagonist Zeenat, the research underscores their tenacity and agency in navigating the constraints imposed upon them. Furthermore, this investigation underscores the profound significance of literature as a potent medium for social critique and advocacy, illustrating how narratives such as Escape from Harem serve as compelling instruments for challenging prevailing power dynamics and advocating for transformative societal change. This study not only enriches our comprehension of Mughal society but also underscores the enduring impact of literature in reflecting and shaping cultural norms and values.
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spelling upm.eprints-1145372025-01-17T04:27:01Z http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/114537/ Escape from harem: a women-empowered novel of the Mughal harem Murugaiyan, Mohana Kala Mani, Mani Mangai This study endeavors to scrutinize the intricate roles of women within Mughal harems and their corresponding social hierarchies, with a particular focus on the pervasive mental and physical oppression endured by these women and their endeavors to reclaim their autonomy and individuality. Employing Michel Foucault’s conceptual framework of power within the context of new historicism, the narrative of Escape from Harem is meticulously examined to unravel the multifaceted dynamics inherent in harem life. Through an analytical lens, this study uncovers the entrenched power structures governing the harem environment, exposing the systematic marginalization and restriction of women within these secluded spaces. By delving into the diverse experiences of women from varied social backgrounds, exemplified by the protagonist Zeenat, the research underscores their tenacity and agency in navigating the constraints imposed upon them. Furthermore, this investigation underscores the profound significance of literature as a potent medium for social critique and advocacy, illustrating how narratives such as Escape from Harem serve as compelling instruments for challenging prevailing power dynamics and advocating for transformative societal change. This study not only enriches our comprehension of Mughal society but also underscores the enduring impact of literature in reflecting and shaping cultural norms and values. AESS Publications 2024-08-07 Article PeerReviewed text en http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/114537/1/114537.pdf Murugaiyan, Mohana Kala and Mani, Mani Mangai (2024) Escape from harem: a women-empowered novel of the Mughal harem. International Journal of English Language and Literature Studies, 13 (3). pp. 386-394. ISSN 2306-9910; eISSN: 2306-0646 https://archive.aessweb.com/index.php/5019/article/view/5146 10.55493/5019.v13i3.5146
spellingShingle Murugaiyan, Mohana Kala
Mani, Mani Mangai
Escape from harem: a women-empowered novel of the Mughal harem
title Escape from harem: a women-empowered novel of the Mughal harem
title_full Escape from harem: a women-empowered novel of the Mughal harem
title_fullStr Escape from harem: a women-empowered novel of the Mughal harem
title_full_unstemmed Escape from harem: a women-empowered novel of the Mughal harem
title_short Escape from harem: a women-empowered novel of the Mughal harem
title_sort escape from harem a women empowered novel of the mughal harem
url http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/114537/1/114537.pdf
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