SEMIOTIC ANALYSIS (OF SELECT EXCERPTS) OF AHMAD ALI’S TWILIGHT IN DELHI

Abstract

This paper attempts to explore and analyze the colonial rule of English in British-Indian sub
continent, their socio-political objectives and various predicaments faced by Muslim
Community in British-India through signs and symbols of Ahmad Ali’s Twilight in Delhi.
Symbolic components are used by Ahmad Ali, quite vehemently and dexterously. His
direct and indirect method of using symbology is a unique approach to convey the
essence of his thought and feelings, which otherwise would have been difficult to be
communicated and understood in simple language. For instance, Mir Nihal’s family, cat
versus pigeon, pigeon flying, dancing girls, city wall, kite flying, Mrs. Nihal blindness,
lane, beggars, etc., speak louder for the colonial rule and its devastating effects upon
the Muslim community. Close reading technique is used as a critical approach to
analyze the select passages (of the text) in the backdrop of British colonial regime in
Indian subcontinent