سلطانہ مہر کےمصاحباتی تذکروں کا تجزیاتی مطالعہ

An Analytical Study of Sultana Meher's Interview-based Biographical Anthologies

Abstract

This research paper presents an analytical study of Sultana Mehar’s pioneering contributions to interview-based biographical anthologies in Urdu literature. Merging the classical tradition of biographical anthologies with modern journalistic interviews, Sultana Mehar transformed transient newspaper columns and interviews into enduring documentary artefacts. Tracing her journey from her early journalistic engagements—particularly her column "Aaj Ka Shair" in Daily Jang—to her major compilations, the study examines Aaj Ki Shaairaat (1973), the five-volume series Sukhanwar (1979–2004), and the two-volume prose interview-based anthology Guftani (2000-2004). The paper explores methodological shifts in Sultana Mehar's work, notably her transition from face-to-face interviews to epistolary questionnaires, necessitated by her migration, and her use of alphabetical categorisation to circumvent contemporary literary rivalries. Furthermore, it highlights her documentation of marginalised literary segments, including contemporary female poets, prose writers, and diasporic authors. While acknowledging the immense documentary and historical value of these works—recognised by prominent scholars such as Mushfiq Khawaja and Dr Jameel Jalibi—the study also critically evaluates structural limitations, such as questionnaire repetition, the absence of rigorous cross-examination, and occasional authorial subjectivity. Ultimately, Sultana Mehar’s compilations emerge as an invaluable, comprehensive primary resource for literary interviewing, biographical accounts, contemporary Urdu literary history and criticism.