Patriarchy in kaali shalwaar

We can see the patriarchal authority and its implications on women from the beginning of the story to the very climax. Sultana’s relationship with her pimp Khuda Baksh exemplifies the influence of men on women in the subcontinent. She was doing well in Anbala but she leaves thinking of Khuda Baksh as a lucky charm in her life. Atlthough Sultana’s superstitious beliefs also play their part but the dependency of sultana on her pimp is also noticeable.  

In Delhi, financial troubles make her life worse but the change in Khuda Bkash’s attitude adds boredom and depression in her life. This is noticeable that she is not famished or dying of hunger she is just bored for example see this excerpt from the story.

Sara din who apnay sunsaan makaan men bethi rehti kabhi chalyaa kaat’ti rehti or kabhi puranay or phattay puranay kaprron ko seeti rehti or kabhi balcony men aa ker janglay k pass kharri ho jati thi or samnay railway shed men sakat or mutaharak enginon ki taraf ghanton be matlab dekhti rehti.

The metaphorical railway station scene then strengthens the theme of patriarchy in the story but Shankar’s character adds up the missing ingredient.  Shankar comes like a relief in sultana’s boring life. This is interesting that Shankar talks almost nonsense in his dialogues with Sultana but she enjoys spending time with him. In carving out Shankar’s character Manto must have in mind the sole purpose of entertaining poor Sultana. But Shankar also comes out as any other man exploiting women in our society. The ending lines of the story sums up the whole discussion on patriarchy when sultana and Mukhtar lie to each other because of their deplorable situation in a society where men dictate the women’s lives.