Ismat Chughtai: A Lady with a Difference
1. How did Ismat Chughtai describe the occasion of her birth?
Answer:
Ismat recounted that her birth was neither celebrated nor attended by a midwife, unlike her siblings. She was born during a family event and was delivered by a sweepress, which became a source of teasing by her siblings.
2. How did Ismat spend her childhood days?
Answer:
She spent her time playing football, gilli danda, and riding bicycles. Despite societal opposition, she engaged in activities considered suitable only for boys, enjoying a mischievous and adventurous childhood.
3. What role did her mother play in her childhood?
Answer:
Her mother showed little affection toward Ismat, which led to a complex relationship between them. Ismat’s elder sister Manju filled the maternal gap, becoming her emotional support.
4. What challenges did Ismat face in her early education?
Answer:
Ismat’s education began with tutors at home and later at a municipal school in Agra. Despite societal pressure to focus on domestic skills, she resisted and prioritized her education over conventional expectations for girls.
5. How did Ismat ward off an early marriage?
Answer:
When her parents arranged a marriage, she cleverly sought help from her cousin Jugnu, who faked a marriage proposal. This intervention delayed her marriage and allowed her to continue her education.
6. What was Ismat’s attitude towards traditional women’s roles?
Answer:
Ismat refused to learn sewing or cooking, which worried her mother. She believed practical alternatives, such as hiring a cook, were more sensible solutions for managing household chores.
7. What religion did Ismat find most appealing?
Answer:
While exploring different religions, she identified with the “religion of humanity.” Although she enjoyed Hindu customs and Islamic rituals, she was more drawn to human values than religious doctrines.
8. What does the story suggest about Ismat’s rebellious nature?
Answer:
Her sense of rebellion can be traced to childhood neglect and societal expectations. She continually resisted gender stereotypes and pursued independence throughout her life.
9. How did Ismat view her relationships with religion?
Answer:
Ismat believed in a higher power but was not religiously devout. She found meaning in the cultural aspects of religion rather than its spiritual elements.
10. Why is Ismat considered a bold and unconventional writer?
Answer:
Her writings addressed taboo subjects, especially female sexuality, and challenged traditional social norms. This fearless approach redefined Urdu literature.
11. How did her family background influence her outlook?
Answer:
Born into a large family with indifferent parents, Ismat grew up questioning societal norms. Her father’s relatively progressive attitude allowed her some freedom, shaping her independent spirit.
12. What hobbies did Ismat pursue as a child?
Answer:
She engaged in adventurous activities like horse riding and playing outdoor games. These experiences fostered her sense of individuality from a young age.
13. How did her parents react to her unconventional behavior?
Answer:
Her mother was deeply concerned about her refusal to adopt feminine roles. However, her father admired her practical thinking, though he struggled to control her free spirit.
14. How did Ismat view gender discrimination?
Answer:
Ismat believed that being a girl gave her certain advantages, such as protection from physical reprimands. She used her wit to exploit these differences to her advantage.
15. What did Ismat believe about life after death?
Answer:
She was skeptical about the existence of an afterlife and focused on living meaningfully. Her writings reflect agnostic ideas and emphasize moral behavior over religious dogma.
16. What impact did Ismat Chughtai have on Urdu literature?
Answer:
Ismat brought feminine sensibility and raw expressions into Urdu literature. Her work challenged societal views on women’s issues and reshaped literary standards.
17. What role did travel play in her life?
Answer:
She traveled extensively across the world, including China, Russia, and Europe. These journeys enriched her worldview and inspired her travelogues.
18. How did Ismat handle contradictions in her later life?
Answer:
In her old age, her memory faded, but she stubbornly refused to admit mistakes. Her wit remained sharp, and she continued to assert her opinions with confidence.
19. What were Ismat’s final wishes regarding her funeral?
Answer:
Despite her Muslim background, she requested a cremation, which was carried out in an electric crematorium. This act reflected her unconventional beliefs until the very end.
20. Why is Ismat described as ‘a lady with a difference’?
Answer:
Ismat stood out for her boldness, wit, and resistance to societal norms. She championed individuality and women’s rights, leaving a lasting legacy in literature and beyond.
Leave a Reply