Analysing Hyder’s Transcreation from Aag ka Darya to
River of Fire
https://doi.org /10.5281/zen od o.14973946
Author(s): Asiya Ansari & Dr Ram Naresh Patel
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14973946
PDF: Download Full Text
Volume 16 | Issue 1 | Feb 2025
Pages: 203-213
AboutUs: https://www.the-criterion.com/about/
Archive: https://www.the-criterion.com/archive/
ContactUs: https://www.the-criterion.com/contact/
EditorialBoard: https://www.the-criterion.com/editorial-board/
Submission: https://www.the-criterion.com/submission/
FAQ: https://www.the-criterion.com/fa/
ISSN 2278‐9529
Galaxy: International Multidisciplinary Research Journal
www.galaxyimrj.com
The Criterion: An International Journal in English Vol. 16, Issue-I, February 2025 ISSN: 0976-8165
www.the-criterion.com
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10448030
Analysing Hyder’s Transcreation from Aag ka Darya to River of Fire
Asiya Ansari
Research Scholar,
Department of English,
PPN (PG) College, Kanpur.
(Under CSJM University, Kanpur)
&
Dr Ram Naresh Patel
Assistant Professor,
P.P.N Degree College,
Kanpur.
Article History: Submitted‐29/01/2025, Revised‐15/02/2025, Accepted‐26/02/2025, Published‐28/02/2025.
Abstract:
River of Fire is a literary endeavor that reimagines the timeless tale of Hyder, infusing
it with contemporary elements while staying true to the essence of the original narrative.
Through a blend of vivid imagery, lyrical prose, and thought-provoking themes, River of Fire
invites readers to delve into the depths of Hyder’s world and contemplate the universal truths
it unveils. By reimagining this classic tale for a modern audience, this transcreation serves as a
testament to the enduring power of storytelling to transcend boundaries and illuminate the
human condition.
The paper has a significant scope and relevance in the literary world. It focuses on the
transcreation of Qurratulain Hyder’s novel Aag Ka Darya into English as River of Fire.
Transcreation refers to the process of recreating a work of literature in another language while
maintaining its essence, authenticity, originality, and cultural identity. This paper explores the
challenges and achievements of transcreating Hyder’s novel, delving into the linguistic,
cultural, and literary aspects involved. It sheds light on the importance of preserving the
203
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14973946
Analysing Hyder’s Transcreation from Aag ka Darya to River of Fire
www.the-criterion.com
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10448030
original themes, style, and historical context of the work while making it accessible to a wider
audience. The relevance of paper lies in its contribution to the understanding and appreciation
of Qurratulain Hyder’s literary legacy and the art of transcreation itself.
Keywords: Translation studies, Transcreation, Cultural studies, Indian Literature,
Cultural Sensitivity.
Objectives:
This study will have the following objectives:
To analyse the concept of transcreation and how it differs from traditional translation.
To state the significance of transcreation in translation studies.
To compare and contrast the two versions of the text, Aag ka Darya (the original) and
River of Fire (the transcreated version). This would involve analyzing thematic
elements, character development, and narrative style in both texts.
To explore the cultural impact of the book River of Fire in both the languages Urdu and
English. This could include looking at the socio-political contexts of both works and
how they influence the narrative.
To study the literary techniques employed by the Hyder, in both texts. This would
include discussing symbolism, imagery, and other stylistic devices that contribute to
the overall impact of the stories.
To evaluate the significance of both works in the context of South Asian literature and
their contributions to discussions on identity, history, and narrative form.
Introduction:
Qurratulain Hyder’s novel River of Fire, originally written as Aag ka Darya in the Urdu
language is a monumental work of Indian literature. It spans different periods, from ancient
204
The Criterion: An International Journal in English Vol. 16, Issue-I, February 2025 ISSN: 0976-8165
www.the-criterion.com
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10448030
civilizations to the present day, exploring the themes of love, identity, and the cyclical nature
of the history of human race across generations. The novel takes the readers on a journey
through time and space, intertwining the lives of various characters and delving into the
complexities of human existence. Aag Ka Darya is celebrated for its rich storytelling, intricate
narrative structure, and thought-provoking reflections on the human condition. It’s a captivating
read that offers profound insights into the tapestry of life. It is often called Hyder’s magnum
opus. It has been compared to One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
because both novels employ a multi-generational narrative structure, exploring the lives of
interconnected characters across different time spans. Despite being a literary masterpiece, Aag
ka Dariya failed to get recognition worldwide as compared to One Hundred Years of Solitude
by Marquez, even though recognition and popularity can be influenced by various factors such
as cultural differences, translations, marketing efforts, and even timing. It’s also worth noting
that literary tastes and preferences can vary across different regions and audiences. But the
significant barrier with the Aag ka Darya was its language, because it was initially written and
published in Urdu in 1959, during that period Urdu was one of the prominent languages in
India, and some of its subcontinents but Urdu was not apprehensible in other countries to get
this book the prominence it deserved. In 1998 Hyder published an English transcreation of Aag
ka Darya under the name of River of Fire so that it could reach international readers and
acclaim recognition globally.
Review of Literature:
Qurratulain Hyder was a renowned Urdu writer known for her remarkable contributions to
literature. Her writings often examine complex themes such as history, culture, identity, and
the human condition. Rich storytelling, vivid descriptions, and a deep understanding of the
social and political landscape characterize Hyder’s works. She has been praised for her ability
205
Analysing Hyder’s Transcreation from Aag ka Darya to River of Fire
www.the-criterion.com
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10448030
to capture the essence of different eras and bring them to life through her narratives. Some of
the previous research articles related to the paper are given below:
The Article “Imagined Buddhisms and the Limits of Female Liberation in Qurratulain
Hyder’s River of Fire” in South Asian Review by Crystal Baines discusses how
Qurratulain Hyder historicizes the role of Buddhism in her magnum opus, River of Fire
“Reconstructing the Contested Past: Reading Qurratulain Hyder’s River of Fire Against
the Rhetoric of Radical Hindu Nationalism” by Swaralipi Nandi talks about how the
book critiques fragmentation associated with Partition and the rising anti-Muslim
sentiments in contemporary India.
“Becoming and Belonging: The Ambivalent Space of Hybrid Identity in Qurratulain
Hyder’s River of Fire” by Arshad Jappa – This research explores the themes of hybrid
identity and the sense of belonging in the lives of the novel’s characters.
The paper in IOSR Journal Of Humanities And Social Science “The Role and Scope of
Translation Studies in the 21st Century” by Mr Shivnath Kumar Sharma explores the
role and scope of translation studies in the globalized world, discussing how translation
acts as a bridge between different cultures and languages.
Transcreation and its Significance:
Transcreation is a term coined from the words “translation” and “creation”, and a concept used
in the field of translation studies to describe the process of adapting a message from one
language to another while maintaining its intent, style, tone, and context. (wiki)
Translating works from one language to another can present several challenges. One of the
biggest threats is the loss of nuance and cultural context. Languages often have unique
expressions, idioms, and cultural references that may not have direct equivalents in another
language. Translators do not usually navigate these linguistic and cultural gaps to ensure the
206
The Criterion: An International Journal in English Vol. 16, Issue-I, February 2025 ISSN: 0976-8165
www.the-criterion.com
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10448030
essence of the original work. Another challenge is maintaining the author’s writing style and
voice. Translators need to strike a balance between staying faithful to the original text and
making it accessible and engaging for readers in the target language. Additionally, there can be
challenges in translating poetry or wordplay, as the beauty and impact of these elements can be
lost in translation. It’s a complex process that requires skilled translators who are not only
proficient in both languages but also deeply understand the cultural nuances of both. As
Khushwant Singh has also said
“The translator needed to be very good at the language being translated into and reasonably
good at the language being translated out of.”
To be cautious and avoid these threats Hyder decided to rewrite her works into English and
called it transcreation because when the themes are complex, a literal translation may not
capture the intended meaning or impact of the original work. Translators may need to engage
in transcreation, which involves creatively reimagining the text to convey the same essence
and emotional impact in the target language so that the aura of her works does not get lost, and
the translator’s subjectivity does not change the cultural contexts of the novels.
Differences and Similarities between Aag ka Darya and River of Fire:
Aag Ka Darya and The River of Fire are two versions of the same novel by Qurratulain Hyder,
one of the most influential Urdu writers of the 20th century. Even though on the surficial level
it seems like the only difference between these two versions is their language but when we do
a close reading of both versions, we can find several differences other than language. Some of
the differences between Aag Ka Darya and River of Fire are mentioned below:
Aag Ka Darya is more than 1000 pages long, while The River of Fire is about 400 pages
long. The author had to condense some parts of the original novel to fit the English
version.
207
Analysing Hyder’s Transcreation from Aag ka Darya to River of Fire
www.the-criterion.com
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10448030
Aag Ka Darya has more references to Urdu poetry, classical music, and historical
figures than River of Fire. The author also used different styles of writing, such as
letters, diaries, and parables, to convey the richness of Urdu literature.
Aag Ka Darya has a more complex and nonlinear narrative structure than River of Fire.
The author often switches between past and present, reality and fantasy, and different
points of view. The reader has to piece together the connections between the characters
and their reincarnations.
Aag Ka Darya has a more ambiguous and open-ended conclusion than River of Fire.
The author leaves it to the reader to interpret the meaning of the novel and its message
for the future of India.
Both books are just two different versions written by the author herself in Urdu and English,
so finding similarities in content is an obvious thing but we will discuss the similarities in
narrative style, structure, themes, and cultural influence. Despite being written in two
completely different languages both Aag ka Darya and River of Fire have the same cultural
context, nuances, and themes which helps transcreation to ensure the same essence of the
original work and staying true to the original spirit of the work.
Cultural Impact of River of Fire in Urdu and English:
The cultural impact of River of Fire by Qurratulain Hyder in both Urdu and English has been
significant. In Urdu, the original language of the novel titled Aag Ka Darya, holds a special
place in the literary canon. Hyder’s exploration of history, identity, and social issues resonated
deeply with Urdu-speaking readers, making it a celebrated work of Urdu literature. The novel’s
complex narrative structure, blending different periods and characters, challenged traditional
storytelling conventions and expanded the possibilities of Urdu fiction.
208
The Criterion: An International Journal in English Vol. 16, Issue-I, February 2025 ISSN: 0976-8165
www.the-criterion.com
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10448030
In English, the transcreation of Aag Ka Darya as River of Fire introduced Hyder’s powerful
storytelling to a wider international audience. It allowed readers who didn’t have access to the
Urdu language to experience her literary genius. The novel’s themes of love, loss, and the search
for identity struck a chord with English-speaking readers, fostering a cross-cultural
understanding and appreciation of Hyder’s work. River of Fire has also contributed to the
broader cultural landscape by shedding light on the history, culture, and social dynamics of
South Asia. It explores the partition of India and Pakistan, the struggle for independence, and
the interconnectedness of diverse communities. Through her vivid descriptions and refined
characters, Hyder provides a deeper understanding of the region’s complexities, leaving a
lasting impact on readers in both Urdu and English.
Overall, the cultural impact of River of Fire in both Urdu and English lies in its ability to
transcend language barriers, evoke emotions, and spark conversations about history, identity,
and human experiences.
How transcreation is better than translation:
Transcreation is often considered better than translation because it goes beyond a literal word-
for-word conversion and focuses on capturing the essence, cultural nuances, and creative
elements of the original work. Transcreation takes into account the cultural context of the target
language, ensuring that the work resonates with the intended audience. It adapts idioms,
metaphors, and cultural references to maintain the impact and meaning of the original work.
Transcreation allows the creator to have more artistic freedom. It enables them to make
adjustments to the style, tone, and structure of the work to suit the target language and culture
while staying true to the original spirit. This ensures a more engaging and authentic reading
experience. Transcreation aims to evoke the same emotions and reactions in the target audience
as the original work intended. By recreating the emotional impact, it creates a deeper
209
Analysing Hyder’s Transcreation from Aag ka Darya to River of Fire
www.the-criterion.com
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10448030
connection between the reader and the text, enhancing the overall experience. Transcreation
goes beyond language translation and considers the target market’s preferences, beliefs, and
values. It ensures that the work feels natural and relatable to the local audience, making it more
effective in conveying the intended message. It also makes literary works accessible to a wider
audience by overcoming language barriers. It allows readers who don’t understand the original
language to experience the creativity, depth, and beauty of the work through a transcreated
version.
While translation focuses on conveying the meaning of the text, transcreation strives to capture
the essence, cultural distinctions, and creative elements of the original work. It is a more
dynamic and creative process that ensures the intended impact and emotional resonance are
preserved across different languages and cultures.
Comparative Analysis with Other Canonical Transcreations:
To conduct a comparative analysis, we can look at how Hyder’s narrative techniques and
thematic concerns align or contrast with other canonical transcreations, such as Rubaiyat of
Omar Khayyam and One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabreil García Márquez, River of Fire
is a novel that intricately weaves personal and historical narratives, focusing on the impact of
the partition of India and Pakistan on individual lives. It explores themes of identity, memory,
and the search for meaning in a tumultuous world. Similarly, One Hundred Years of Solitude
by Marquez deals with the Buendía family’s multi-generational saga in the fictional town of
Macondo, reflecting on the cyclical nature of history and the interplay of personal and
collective experiences. In One Hundred Years of Solitude, García Márquez employs magical
realism to depict the surreal aspects of life, blending the ordinary with the extraordinary. This
technique allows for a deeper exploration of themes such as solitude, fate, and the passage of
time. In contrast, Hyder’s narrative is grounded in historical reality, focusing on the emotional
210
The Criterion: An International Journal in English Vol. 16, Issue-I, February 2025 ISSN: 0976-8165
www.the-criterion.com
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10448030
and psychological ramifications of the partition. Both works, however, emphasize the weight
of history on individual lives—Hyder through the lens of trauma and Márquez through the
repetition of familial patterns. Hyder did the transcreation of River of Fire on her own but on
the other hand One Hundred Years of Solitude was transcreated by Gregory Rabassa, for which
Marquez said was better than original Spanish version.
According to Thomas Hoeksema, translator and Professor of English: In what must qualify as
the most outrageous compliment, Dallas Galvin, Coordinator of the Translation Center at
Columbia University, states that “many Spanish-speaking people who are bilingual prefer to
read Rabassa’s English, because it is clearer than the original Spanish.” This statement clearly
states that Rabassa’s version was more in demand and loved by public than actual work.
The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, a collection of quatrains, presents a philosophical exploration
of life, love, and the fleeting nature of existence. Khayyam’s work reflects on the inevitability
of fate and the importance of living in the moment, often with a tone of resignation or
acceptance. This theme resonates with River of Fire, where characters grapple with their pasts
and the transient nature of their identities. Both texts encourage a contemplation of life’s
impermanence, though Khayyam does so through a more abstract and poetic lens, while
Hyder’s approach is narrative and character-driven. Edward FitzGerald transcreated original
work into English, FitzGerald’s translation is rhyming and metrical, and many of the verses are
paraphrased, FitzGerald has described his work ‘rendering’ or ‘transmogrification’ of the
original. In the introduction of the book, FitzGerald mentioned, “Omar…has never been
popular in his own country, and therefore has been but scantily transmitted abroad.” The first
English translation of Rubaiyat was the one did by FitzGerald in 1859 originally published
anonymously in a small pamphlet. The translation was initially not well received, but gained
popularity after being discovered by Dante Gabriel Rossetti and Algernon Swinburne. In
present time Omar Khayyam is known as highly productive Persian poet and Rubaiyat as one
211
Analysing Hyder’s Transcreation from Aag ka Darya to River of Fire
www.the-criterion.com
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10448030
of the most famous collection of poems with 2000 editions and reprints, FitzGerald’s
translation became one of the best-known English poems of 19th century and brought the
recognition to Omar Khayyam throughout the world.
While River of Fire, Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, and One Hundred Years of Solitude differ in
form and style, they share common ground in translation studies the way transcreation of Hyder
did better than original version, these two transcreations also exceeded their authentic versions
and got appreciation worldwide.
Methodology:
In this proposed research an attempt is made to study the novel River of Fire thoroughly and
trace the elements of nature. The study is based on a qualitative method of explanatory research
by primary and secondary sources. The study uses Expository Research so that it can
investigate the idea, evaluate evidence, propose the idea, and present an argument concerning
that idea in a comprehensible and concise way. The research is qualitative so it will use books,
journals, debates, articles, and interviews as tools to collect data.
Conclusion:
River of Fire is a remarkable work that showcases the power of transcreation in bringing
literature to a wider audience. Through its exploration of history, identity, and social issues, the
novel has made a significant cultural impact in both Urdu and English. By transcending
language barriers and evoking emotions, it has fostered cross-cultural understanding and
appreciation. The transcreation process has allowed readers to experience the genius of
Qurratulain Hyder’s storytelling while maintaining the essence and cultural distinction of the
original work. River of Fire stands as a testament to the importance of transcreation in
preserving and sharing literary treasures across different languages and cultures.
212
The Criterion: An International Journal in English Vol. 16, Issue-I, February 2025 ISSN: 0976-8165
www.the-criterion.com
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10448030
Works Cited:
Akhtar, Jameel. A Singular Voice – Conversations with Qurratulain Hyder. OUP Pakistan,
2018.
Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. “Qurratulain Hyder”. Encyclopedia Britannica, 17
Aug. 2024, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Qurratulain-Hyder. Accessed 27
September 2024.
Das, Bijay Kumar, A Handbook of Translation Studies. Delhi: Atlantic Publishers &
Distributors, 2023
Fatima Rizvi, Sahapedia. “Qurratulain Hyder Was Modern and Experimental before Most
Other Indian Writers Walked on That Road.” Scroll.In, Scroll.in, 18 Aug. 2019,
amp.scroll.in/article/934218/qurratulain-hyder-was-modern-and-experimental-before-most-
other-indian-writers-walked-on-that-road.
History for Peace. “Partitioning Women in the World of Men: A Study of Qurratulain Hyder’s
Works
–
Diptarka
Datta.”
History
for
Peace,
10
Mar.
2022,
www.historyforpeace.pw/post/partitioning-women-in-the-world-of-men-a-study-of-
qurratulain-hyder-s-works-diptarka-datta.
Walter Benjamin: Language and Translation | Ceasefire Magazine
https://dash.harvard.edu/bitstream/handle/1/37364885/MIRZA-DOCUMENT-
2020.pdf?sequence=1
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Qurratulain-Hyder
213
Asiya Ansari & Dr Ram Naresh Patel