An Analytical Study of Muhammad Hafeez Khan’s Novel Anwasi with Reference to Punjabi Culture and Women’s Rights

محمد حفیظ خان کے ناول”انواسی“ کا پنجابی ثقافت اور حقوقِ نسواں کے تناظر میں ایک مطالعہ

Abstract

This research examines Anwasi written by Muhammad Hafeez Khan with special reference to Punjabi culture and the discourse of women’s rights. The novel offers a detailed picture of rural Punjabi life by portraying its customs, traditions, social relationships, language, and cultural practices. Through the experiences of different characters, the writer presents the social realities and difficulties faced by people living in a male-dominated society. A major focus of this study is the role and condition of women as depicted in the novel. It investigates the emotional, social, and financial hardships encountered by female characters and highlights issues such as inequality, cultural pressures, restricted independence, and traditional expectations imposed upon women. Despite these limitations, the novel portrays women as strong individuals striving for self-respect, recognition, and fundamental rights. The study also evaluates the narrative style and language of the novel, particularly the effective incorporation of Punjabi vocabulary into Urdu prose. This linguistic combination enhances the originality and cultural atmosphere of the text. Furthermore, the use of local idioms, folk elements, and depictions of village life contributes to the realism and richness of the narrative.