Depictions of Backward Classes in Urdu Novels

Abstract

Urdu novels have long served as a powerful mirror reflecting the plight of society's lower strata. The flexibility and scope of the novel form have always captivated writers, allowing them to explore the intricate connections between literature and social realities. This rich tradition features Urdu novelists from various eras who employed satire to expose social ills like the caste system and the stark divide between the wealthy and the underprivileged. Their narratives often depict the powerful as cruel and oppressive, controlling the lives of the poor in every aspect. The wealthy are portrayed as exploiting the impoverished, draining their resources and leaving them in a state of perpetual despair. By highlighting these injustices, Urdu novelists throughout history have shed light on the systemic oppression faced by the lower classes for centuries.