Description
“Umrao Jan Ada” is a classic Urdu novel written by Mirza Hadi Ruswa, published in 1899. The story is set in Lucknow, India, during the mid-19th century and tells the life story of Umrao Jan Ada, a courtesan who was kidnapped at a young age and sold into the profession.
The novel is an autobiographical account of Umrao Jan Ada’s life, narrated by herself. It describes her childhood, her abduction, and her subsequent life as a courtesan. Umrao Jan Ada is depicted as a woman of great beauty, intelligence, and artistic talent, who was trained in various forms of music, dance, and poetry.
The novel also depicts the social and cultural milieu of Lucknow during the period of Nawabs, where the courtesans played an important role in the cultural life of the city. It explores the themes of love, longing, betrayal, and the tragedy of being a woman in a patriarchal society.
“Umrao Jan Ada” has been adapted into various mediums, including films, TV series, and stage plays. The novel is considered a masterpiece of Urdu literature and has been translated into several languages. It is a must-read for those interested in the culture and history of Lucknow and the courtesans who lived there.
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