The Problem of Post 9/11 Representation in Sikandar: A Postcolonial Perspective

Abstract

The issue of representation has always been a concern in postcolonial discourse. It is the result of colonialism. Earlier, it was the physical domination of the West and it ruled over their colonies in various parts of the world like the Caribbean, and South Asia. Currently, it is cultural and imperialistic domination by the same powers and of the same territories. The basic concern of these western powers is that the colonized cannot represent themselves since they are inferior, uncivilized, barbaric, and illiterate and so many other terms are used for their disposition and particularly after the catastrophic incident of 9/11. This paper investigates the issue of representation in Sikanadar, a novel by M Salahuddin Khan where he confronts, although in soft language, this European/Western stance, and stresses on the importance of mutual respect and dignity and love for humanity. This is a qualitative research where the researcher has used interpretation and textual analysis through the lens of postcolonialism. It has used an eclectic framework by combining both Edward Sarian and Bhabha concepts of colonialism.