In the shadow of Trauma ' Malika

Nayika's struggle for identity in “Between

Clay and Dust”
Abstract:
The study focuses on the social issues in Pakistani society
by Musharraf Ali Farooqi's novel "between clay and dust"
by using the theory of traumatist to highlight the
prominent and traumatist element .The main argument of
the study is that Nayika's are passing the traumatist
condition and how can affect on the social background.
The Nayika's were given training to perform in the Kotha
and belong to a low position in society and were
kidnapped at a young age and also the source of love
affairs for the people. The nayika mean trainee girl and
also considered women of low status. Moreover the
qualitative explore research of type is applied to explore
the meaning of different traumas in the novel. The text
between clay and test by Musharraf Ali farooqi has been
chosen as the research instrument. The text of the novel
critically analyzed by using trauma in the novel. The
study explores minor and important social issues in the
society and found that the drama is an intericat and
stubborn entity, making extraction and arduous and
painful process. Being a woman from a lower socio
economic background Nayika faces trauma that
exacerbated buy suicidal operation, where her status is
reduced to a mere commodity, forcing her into
exploitative relationships, silenced by the weight of
societal exceptions and powerlessness.The study will
encourage reader. The Nayika's as journey raises essential
questions about identity, culture and society norms. As we
reflect on the struggles and triumphs, let us examine our
own biases and work towards creating a world where
every individual can live with dignity and respect. The
Nayika's community's stories serves as a powerful
reminder of the importance of inclusivity and social
Justice by embracing their experience we can break down
barriers and foster a society that values diversity and
promotes equality.

Introduction:
Musharraf Ali farooqi's novel "between clay and dust"
presents a pathetic exploration of drama, memories of
past and cultural heritage in the Indian subcontinent. It is
about to artist or at the end of their careers and they are
trying to cook with the changes that have been brought
about by the event of partition. These events have rope
them of the main patterns who are the rajas and maharajas
princess of princely States and after the evolution of
princely states with the partition. These institutions which
relied on Royal patinage were left to find themselves and
with survival becoming difficult the need for compromise
aroused. These two artist were given same almost similar
kind of choices, Ustad Ramzi portrait as a struggle
between his physical existence (clay) and his spiritual
aspirations (dust). This novel was about the kind of
choices offer to us and how we can make compromises
without compromising on their dignity and principle. I
wish to portray a common culture this story developed
with both the pehlwan and the tawaif trying to coming
with their new realities of life and trying to walk
maintain a balance how the react changes, how they assert
themselves which in there on particular domains of a
power. Their choices and decisions affected the power of
art. the novel sheds light in the silence suffering of these
women whose lives were marked by exploitations and
violence. In this research the researchers also describe
how the new changes affecting peoples behaviour towards
each other. The possibility of redemption even after when
you think that all possibilities have been lost. this novel
set against the back drop of the regions positions through
the lives of Ustad Ramzi (a legendary wrestler) and Gohar
Jaan (a courtesan). Farooqi direct into the complexities of
traumas, memory and identity . this paper will inspect the
representation of trauma's of Nayika's tradition.
In unclaimed experience, Cathy Caruth proposes that in
the widespread and bewildering experience of trauma in
our century. Cathy Caruth and Shoshana Felman
emphasizes the ways in which traumatic experience can
shatter an individuals sense of Identity and disrupt their
narrative of self. The experience of Malka Nayikas,
courtesans in the Indian subcontinent, reflect the ways
which trauma can be sustain and reinforced. That decline
of the Mughal empire and rise of colonialism lead to the
marginalisation of these women silencing their voices and
erasing their experiences.
The drama experience by Malka Nayikas, story is marked
by exploitation violence and silence. As she decals her
experiences to Ustad Ramzi, she says "I was told to the
kotha when I was just a child...I trained in music, dance,
and poetry but I was never allowed to keep my earning...
The kotha owner took everything" Farooqi(123)
This day knock highlights the exploitation and
objectification that Malka Nayikas faced.
"I am a courtesan, Ustad Ramzi. I am a thing, a
commodeti to be bought and sold" Farooqi (145)
This dialogue reflects Malka Nayikas internalized trauma
, where she see herself an object rather than a person.
Why it is important to study?
Malka Nayikas Life is controlled by kotha owner and she
has limited agency over her own body and choices. Her
story represents the struggles of women to have their
voices heard. As a courtesan, Malka Nayikas is exploited
by those around her, including her parents and the kotha
owner . These reasons leads to emotional and
psychological trauma.
Indian writer and scholar pran nevile said" the word
tawaif deserve respect and disdain. On May 12, 2024
Pakistan's Dawn newspaper described tawaif as "cultural
idols and female intellectuals".

Literature review:
When i moved towards to literature review f, first article
is that "My Mum was a courtesan and not ashamed of it."
(Cherylan mollan)
"I danced in the dark, I used to light up the room with
candles and perform. In the blackouts my fate was going
to shine."
"Growing up in a kotha, a child sees a lot more than hi
should. But the hands of men and society."
'Mr. Gupta says, India courteous culture began to decline
often the British who saw then as dance girls or merely
sex workers enated laws aimed at curbing the practice.
And one such story in that of Re.Khabai. She was born in
a poor family in the western city of Pune. At the age of 9
or 10. She was married off to settle a family debt, and was
later sold by her-in- laws to a Kotha in Bowbazar area in
the eastern city of Kolkata. She was not yet a teenager
when she began training as a tawaif, learning to sing and
dance. But controlled by a woman relative who was also a
courtesan than. The Kotha the small space in which she
performd, lived , raised her childd ironically became a
symbol of freedom and power of her .
Many scholars has reviewed from the book of the novel
between Clay and Dust Sam Diego review of book . This
novel is about almost like Urdu into sensibility for it ,
capture the cadence of a culture in decline in post-
partition India and Pakistan, a shaved, plural composite
culture and the refinement of pleasure and the arts, of
which courtesan and wrestlers are perhaps it's most
enduring, romantic and graceful ciphers. Our research
focuses on the traumatic experiences of Nayika's
practically the protagonist of Malik in Between Clay and
Dust. There a lack of explicit discussion on trauma. We
aims to address this gap of highlighting the impatient of
domestic violence, poverty, and societal pressure on
tawaif. Our goal is to challenge negative stereotypes and
emphasis their vulnerability, rather than perpetuating
harmful notion of bad women instead, we seek to
humanize their experiences and advocates for protection
and support.

Research objective:
The study aims to explore how the decline of traditional
Pakistani culture affects Malka Nayikas sense of identity
and contributes to her traumatic experiences. It aims to
investigate the importance of representation and those for
marginalized communities, particularly woman.
Research questions:
 How does the novel "between clay and dust" portray
the trauma experienced by tawaifs in Pakistani
society?
 What kind of trauma is faced by the Nayika's of
Pakistan after post Partition?
 What are the strategies does Malka employ to cope
with her trauma?
 How does Malka's trauma intersect with her identity
as a woman, a tawaif and a member of a marginalized
community?

Theoretical framework:
The theoretical framework of "Between Clay and Dust"
1. Postcolonial Theory: The novel explores the aftermath
of colonialism, partition, and the struggle for identity in
post-colonial Pakistan. It critiques the legacy of
colonialism and the impact on local cultures.
2. Subaltern Studies: Farooqi gives voice to
marginalized characters, highlighting their experiences
and perspectives. This approach challenges dominant
narratives and power structures.
3. Magical Realism: The novel blends realistic
descriptions of everyday life with magical and mystical
elements, reflecting the complexities of human
experience.
4. Sufi Mysticism: The story incorporates Sufi themes,
emphasizing the search for spiritual meaning and the
interconnectedness of all things.
5. Psychoanalytic Theory: Characters' inner struggles,
desires, and traumas are explored, revealing the
psychological impact of historical events on individuals.
6. Cultural Studies: The novel examines the tension
between traditional and modernizing forces in Pakistani
society, highlighting the complexities of cultural identity.

Methodology:
"Between Clay and Dust" is a novel, it doesn't follow a
traditional research methodology like academic studies.
However, Musharraf Ali Farooqi's writing process and
approach can provide insights:
1. Historical research: Farooqi drew heavily from
Pakistan's history, particularly the post-partition era. He
researched the cultural, social, and political context of the
time.
2. Cultural immersion: As a Pakistani author, Farooqi
brought his own cultural understanding and experiences
to the novel. He explored themes and traditions specific to
the region.
3. Oral storytelling: Farooqi was influenced by the oral
storytelling traditions of South Asia. He incorporated
elements of folklore, mythology, and Sufi mysticism into
the narrative.
4. Autobiographical elements: Some characters and
events are inspired by Farooqi's own life and family
history.
5. Literary influences: Farooqi's writing style and
themes were influenced by literary giants like Manto,
Faiz, and Borges.

Psychoanalytic framework and character

dynamics:
Trauma and its effects:
1. Malka's past trauma: Her experiences as a courtesan,
including exploitation and abuse, have left emotional
scars. Herman's concept of "complex PTSD" can be
applied to Malka's symptoms, such as hypervigilance,
avoidance, and emotional numbing.
2. Ramzi's loss and grief: The decline of his wrestling
career and the loss of his loved one trigger feelings of
grief, anger, and frustration, illustrating the impact of
traumatic events on individuals.
3. Inter generational trauma: The novel hints at the
historical trauma inflicted upon the subcontinent during
partition, which affects the characters' lives and
relationships.
 Ustad Ramzi
Ustad Ramzi's identity is deeply tired to his art and status
as a wrestler. He is ego and pride drive his actions. The
loss of his wrestling career and subsequent decline trigger
feelings of grief, anger and frustration. He remembers his
wrestling days and lost love, he uses aggression sarcasm
to hide his vulnerability.
  Malka Nayika
Malkas passed experiences have left emotional scars, but
she adapts and survives. As a courtesan, Malka navigates
multiple roles, blaring the lines between reality and
performance. Her tough exterior hides her vulnerability
and deep emotional pain.
 Gohar Jan(owner of kotha)
Gohar Jan exercises control over the women in the Kotha.
She profits from the women's labor, using emotional
manipulation to maintain power. She also fears loss of
control and status.

Findings:
1. Trauma and its intergenerational impact: The novel
highlights the lasting effects of traumatic experiences on
individuals and communities, demonstrating how trauma
can be passed down through generations.
2. Complexity of human identity: The characters'
multiple roles, personas, and identities illustrate the
complexity of human experience, challenging simplistic
notions of identity and culture.
3. Power dynamics and exploitation: The novel exposes
the exploitation and oppression that can occur in
patriarchal societies, particularly in the context of
colonialism and post-colonialism.
4. Resilience and agency: Despite traumatic experiences,
characters like Malka demonstrate remarkable resilience
and agency, highlighting the importance of empowerment
and self-determination.
5. Blurring of boundaries: The novel blurs the lines
between reality and performance, highlighting the
complex relationships between identity, culture, and
trauma.
6. Cultural heritage and tradition: The novel explores
the tension between preserving cultural heritage and
embracing modernity, illustrating the complexities of
cultural identity.

References:
1: Caruth C(1996) unclained experience trauma '
Narrative' and history ' johns Hopkins University Press .
2: Felman; S (1995) . What does a women want? Reading
and sexual differences johns Hopkins University Press .
3: My mum was a courtesan and not ashamed of it
(Cherylann mollan)
4: Code switching between clay and dust by Musharraf
Ali farooqi novel
5: Musharraf Ali farooqi interview about his own novel
between clay and dust