DECIPHERING THE UNSPOKEN: A FEMINIST PERSPECTIVE ON THE POLITICS OF BEAUTY AND GENDER IN THE MIRROR OF BEAUTY BY SHAMS UR REHMAN FARUQI

This dissertation undertakes a critical feminist exploration of Shams Ur Rehman Faruqi’s The Mirror of Beauty, focusing on the intricate ways in which beauty and gender are constructed, performed and politicized within the context of 19th-century Indian society. By employing the theoretical frameworks of Judith Butler’s concept of performativity and Kimberle Crenshaw’s theory of intersectionality, this research delves into the complex interplay between gender, beauty and power as depicted in the novel. It particularly examines the character Wazir Khanam, whose life story serves as a poignant illustration of the societal expectations and constraints imposed upon women of that era. Through a detailed analysis of the text, these studies uncovers how beauty standards are not merely aesthetic ideals but are deeply entwined with power structures that enforce gender norms and perpetuate inequalities. By highlighting the untold and often overlooked stories of women, it critiques the traditional notions of femininity and the societal forces that shape the identities of female characters. This research also illuminated the ways in which Faruqi’s portrayal of beauty challenges and subverts these norms, offering a nuanced perspective on the resilience and agency of women in the face of oppression. Hence, by scrutinizing the unspoken and marginalized experiences of women, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the ways in which literature reflects and shapes societal attitudes towards gender, beauty and power.