خالدہ حسین کے افسانوں میں عورت کی نفسیات اور سماجی مسائل: ایک فکری و ادبی مطالعہ WOMEN'S PSYCHOLOGY AND SOCIAL ISSUES IN KHALIDA HUSSAIN'S SHORT STORIES: AN INTELLECTUAL AND LITERARY STUDY Section Urdu Literature

Abstract

This study explores the psychological depth and social issues of women as reflected in the short stories of Khalida Hussain, one of the most prominent feminist voices in Urdu literature. Hussain’s fiction delves into the inner world of women, portraying their anxieties, insecurities, and struggles against patriarchal structures. Her stories highlight how social norms, gender discrimination, and cultural constraints shape women’s identities and often confine them to roles defined by men. At the same time, she presents women as complex individuals with their own inner consciousness and existential dilemmas. Through symbolic and abstract techniques, Khalida Hussain skillfully conveys women’s sense of alienation, their suppressed emotions, and their constant search for identity and security. Stories such as Darakhth (The Tree), Tafteesh (The Interrogation), and Masroof Aurat (The Busy Woman) exemplify her ability to blend psychological realism with social critique. Her female characters not only reflect personal suffering but also embody the collective struggle of women in a patriarchal society.By comparing her creative vision to that of Munshi Premchand, this article demonstrates that Hussain’s work, like his, carries a strong reformist impulse. Ultimately, her stories transcend the boundaries of gender to address universal human concerns, making her contribution to Urdu literature both intellectually profound and socially significant.