Queer Writing in Indian Literature: An Analysis of Ismat Chughtai Works

The term queer evokes a sense of unease as it refers to individuals whose sexual orientations fall outside the dominant heterosexual framework. This includes lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people, who have historically faced exclusion and invisibility within heteronormative societies. This paper seeks to explore queer identity, its evolution, and the struggles faced by queer individuals throughout history, culminating in the queer movement's emergence in the late 20th century, particularly in the context of gay rights in the United States. Additionally, the paper also highlights the representation of queer individuals in Indian literature, focusing on Ismat Chughtai's notable works like the short story Lihaaf and the novel The Crooked Line. These works prominently portray the homoerotic tendencies of their central characters, Begum Jan and her husband Nawab Saheb in Lihaaf and Samman and Ronnie Taylor in The Crooked Line.