Twilight in Delhi

Ahmed Ali (1908-1994)

• Ahmed Ali was an Indian poet, novelist, critic and scholar.

• Born in Delhi, India, Ahmed Ali was educated at Aligarh and Lucknow universities.

• This novel was published in 1940.

Author’s Introduction

Character of Mir Nihal

•Mir Nihal seems the protagonist of the novel.•He is nearly sixty-two years old

person whose outward appearance is the picture of Muslims.

•He is tall and wearing white Muslim coat reaching down to the knees.

Begum Mir Nihal:

• The wife of Mir Nihal who take decision of Asghar’s marriage against Mir Nihal.

• She is nearly sixty years old.

Babban Jan and Mushtri bai:

• Babban jan and Mushtri bai sis the most important personality in Mir Nihal’s life.

• Both are the symbol of courage, love and hope in his life.

Asghar:

• The son of Mir Nihal who wears English shirt and shoes.

•He accepts the new trends and wants to marry with Zohra.

Bilquees:

• She is the representative of low class.• The first wife of Asghar.

Zohra:

• Second wife of Asghar.

Significance of the title• “Twilight” refers to the time of day just

after the sunset when the sun is below the horizon.• The novel is aimed at writing about the downfall

of the culture and civilization of Muslim India due to the arrival of British during the early 20th century.

Symbolism:

•Asghar Representative of the youth•Mir Nihal’s Family Muslim community in India• Pigeons Culture•Mir Nihal’s paralysis the end of old orthodox beliefs• Begum Nihal’s blindness blindness of women of that age

Summary:• It is about love between Asghar, who is from an upper class

family and Bilqees, who comes from a lower class family.• Mir Nihal struggles to protect the new generation from the

disastrous effects of new culture.• Mir Nihal does not approve the relationship between Asghar

and Bilqees because of the class difference.• Asghar seeks help from his mother.• Asghar go against the norms of his family• The death of Bilqees• 2nd marriage with Zohra• Death of his elder brother

Theme:•Modernity vs Conservatism

Arrival of British, old views of Mir Nihal.

• Downfall of Muslim civilization in IndiaDecay of Mughal kingship e.g Mir Nihal

• Gender issuesPatriarchy, needs of men

Islamic perspective:

• Men and women have equal rights.

• “Who ever commits Zina should repent and turn to ALLAH and ask his forgiveness, and resolve firmly never to commit such sin again.”