Aag Ka Darya

Description

Aag Ka Darya” (Urdu: آتش کا دريا) is a novel published in 1959 by Pakistani writer Qurratulain Hyder. It literally translates to “River of Fire” in English.
Summary
Aag Ka Darya” is a novel that encompasses over 2,000 years of spiritual and cultural journeys in the Indian subcontinent. It explores the intricacies of society in India, delving into identity, culture, history, and spirituality.
The novel revolves around four major characters whose lives weave together against the tapestry of time:
Gautam (ancient India)
Kamal (Mughal era)
Cyril (British colonial era)
Jamuna (post-independence India)
Through these characters, Hyder writes with an untold depth about the tensions between tradition and modernity, and between materialism and spirituality of a rapidly changing world.
Major Themes:
Identity and belonging
Cultural heritage and continuity
Impact of colonialism and imperialism
Struggle for independence and self-discovery
Intersection of history, mythology, and spirituality
Literary significance:
“Aag Ka Darya” is considered a masterpiece of Urdu literature and one of the main works of the Indian subcontinent’ fiction. It has been translated into several languages, including English and received much praise for its complex characters, the lyrical prose, and nuanced exploration of the human condition.
Awards and Recognition:
Qurratulain Hyder received the Sahitya Akademi Award (1967) and the Jnanpith Award (1989) for her contributions to Indian literature, with “Aag Ka Darya” being one of the highlights in her work.
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