#urudu classic

[indigokashmir]

Umrao Jaan Ada: The Courtesan from Lucknow.

An Indian Classic Novel About Exploitation and Double Standards.

Considered by many to be the first Urdu novel, "Umrao Jaan Ada" was published in 1899. This novel narrates the life story of a courtesan and poet from 19th century Lucknow. It was penned by Mirza Hadi Ruswa, an Urdu language poet and writer known for his works in fiction and treatises, particularly on topics like religion, philosophy, and astronomy. Ruswa was a polyglot, proficient in several languages, including Urdu, Greek, and English.

Ruswa was born in Lucknow around the time of the 1857 'Indian Mutiny,' which marked a significant turning point not only in the lives of Princely States like Awadh (also known as Avadh or Oudh) but also in the history of India as a whole. According to the novel, Umrao Jaan's story was recounted by her to the author during a poetry gathering in Lucknow. However, the actual existence of Umrao Jaan is a subject of dispute among scholars. There are few mentions of her outside Ruswa's novel, although there are records of the existence of an Uttar Pradesh dacoit named Fazal Ali. British documents also mention a courtesan named Azizan Bai, who claimed to have been taught by Umrao Jaan.

Rekha as Umra Jaan Ada in the 1981 adaptation of the novel.

The dark secrets of mid 19th Century Lucknow.

Umrao Jaan Ada provides an intricate portrayal of mid-19th century Lucknow, depicting both its decadent and morally hypocritical society. Some argue that it serves as a metaphor for India itself—a nation that had long attracted numerous suitors, many of whom were only seeking to exploit her.