Disconcerting the Colonizers: Delhi as a Parable of Struggle in Reclaiming National Consciousness in Ahmad Ali’s Twilight in Delhi

Abstract

Twilight in Delhi represents the colonial oppression and argues that this suppression functions as resistance, shaping the literature which challenges the dominant colonial narrative by the awareness of tradition, culture and history in reclaiming national consciousness. Twilight in Delhi by Ahmad Ali is widely acknowledged as a literary masterpiece that captures the quintessence of Delhi and was created amidst the turbulent times of the late 1930s. The text delves into the subjects of colonialism, resistance, gender roles, nostalgia, and the examination of both traditional and modern cultural clashes. The text explores the concept of resistance weather psychological, cultural, and political, by analyzing the portrayal of images and events in the novel. It specifically examines the process of decolonization, whether it be physical or psychological. Ahmed Ali depicted the devastation of society, culture, ethical principles, and economy at both individual and national scales. This qualitative research uses conceptual content analysis of the selected text emphasized on the characteristics of struggle and resistance, using theoretical framework by Frantz Fanon's influential work, The Wretched of the Earth, to understand the clash between traditional values and the modernism brought about by colonialism The novel provides a deeper comprehension of the resistance endeavors and the human toll of colonial supremacy in Delhi, ultimately reflecting the wider battles against imperialism. Ahmad Ali challenges and dismantles readers' colonial mindset while advocating for India's liberation from the Empire. Furthermore, the novel's focus on the historical achievements of Indo-Muslim civilization conveys a strong message of resistance against British colonial rule.