A Paradox of Modernity: Tracing Postcolonial Urban Spaces in Musharraf Ali Farooqi’s Between Clay and Dust

Abstract

This research article looks at the paradox of modernity in the postcolonial urban spaces of

Musharraf Ali Farooqi’s novel Between Clay and Dust. The novel shows a world stuck between holding onto tradition and moving toward modernization, which is symbolized by the akhara. The article analyzes the tension between these two forces and uses theories of modernity and postcolonial urban spaces to explore how the history of colonialism affects urban life and cultural identities. The study utilises the ideas of theorists like Marshall Berman and Homi K. Bhabha to understand how traditional values and modernism interact. The study reflects the complexities of postcolonial societies, where traditional values often conflict with the changes brought by modern life. This research will examine how the novel shows the fluidity of identity in these societies, which aims to highlight the dynamic relationship between tradition and modernity.