History, Self, and Survival in Bapsi Sidhwa’s Postcolonial Narratives

Abstract

Bapsi Sidhwa, a Pakistani novelist of Parsi descent, has significantly shaped postcolonial literature through her exploration of history, identity, and survival in the context of the Indian subcontinent’s Partition and its socio-cultural aftermath. Her novels, including The Crow Eaters, The Pakistani Bride, Cracking India, An American Brat, and Water, delve into themes of cultural hybridity, gender dynamics, and the marginalization of minority communities, particularly the Parsi Zoroastrian community. This paper examines how Sidhwa’s narratives weave personal and collective histories to critique colonial and patriarchal structures while foregrounding the resilience of marginalized voices, especially women. Through a postcolonial and feminist lens, the analysis highlights Sidhwa’s unique contribution to redefining cultural identities, with a focus on the intersections of disability, diaspora, and gendered survival. By synthesizing critical scholarship, this study underscores the enduring relevance of Sidhwa’s work in postcolonial discourse and identifies areas for future research, particularly in disability and diasporic identity.