The Pardah Nashin by Sarojini Naidu | Questions and Answers

The Pardah Nashin Questions and Answers

1. What does Sarojini Naidu means by the Pardah-Nashin?

Ans. “The Pardah Nashin” as an exquisite lyric taken from “The Golden Threshold.” The term “Pardah Nashin” indicates a lady who lives behind a veil or pardah. The poem is criticised for its glorification of Pardah. However, the poem focuses a typical aspect of Muslim culture as pardah still lingers on in conservative Muslim families. Truly speaking, under the apparent praise of Pardah, Naidu paints the tragic tale of its wearers.

2. “Her life is a revolving dream”-Explain. Or, How does the Pardah Nashin live her life?

Ans. The Pardah Nashin lives a life of ease, comfort and security in the harem. She moves constantly in a world of dreams. She has nothing much to do. She is free from the burden of life and perpetual ease and relaxation is felt by her. She is bejeweled with diamond studded girdles round her waist and bright jems in her hair which shine almost eternally Her dress is also soft like the “morning mist” embroidered with opal, gold and amethyst.

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3. How is the Pardah Nashin protected from impure ethos?

Ans. The Pardah Nashin is really protected from the lustful looks which the wicked stealthily cast on a woman, from the scorching rays of sun and even from the touch of hot or cold winds. Well decorated windows add to the beauty of her protected room. She is hidden from the eyes of the world as jewels in the hair are hidden by a turban. She is as unknown to the outside world as “secrets in a lover’s breast”. Sarojini proves herself to be an expert in the use of superb imageries.

4. What is the underlying tragedy in Pardah Nashin’s life left by time?

Ans. It is true that the Pardah Nashin spends a most protected life. None dares unveil her hidden graces without permission. Even none can have a look at her beauty without first obtaining her own sanction or that of her guardians. But, all her pardah, all the security she enjoys are futile, for they can’t restrict the swift march of time. With the passing of time, this easy going lady also knows sorrows and sufferings stamped on her face. No pardah can prevent the stealthy march of time which robs her of her happiness, and fills her eyes with tears. No pardah is effective to challenge the havocs of Time, done to everybody. So, the poem is surely not a glorification of pardah but the exposure of its futility.