INTRODUCTION

Spatial criticism is a method of literary analysis that examines how the physical

spaces and environments depicted in a text contribute to its meaning and themes. It is an

approach that emphasizes the importance of geography, architecture, and the built

environment in shaping the experiences and identities of characters in literature. Spatial

criticism is rooted in the idea that physical spaces are not just neutral backdrops for human

action but are actively involved in shaping human behaviour and social relations. By

analysing the spatial dimensions of a text, critics can gain insight into the power dynamics,

social hierarchies, and cultural values that are embedded in the fictional world.

Saadat Hasan Manto (1912-1955) was a prominent Urdu writer from India, known for his

candid and often controversial portrayal of social realities in his works.

He was born in Punjab, which was then part of British India, and after the partition of

India in 1947, he migrated to Pakistan, where he continued to write. Manto is best known for

his short stories, which are characterized by their gritty realism and bold exploration of taboo

subjects such as sexuality, violence, and poverty. He was unflinching in his depiction of the

social ills and injustices of his time, often drawing from his own experiences and

observations of life in Bombay, where he lived for several years. Some of Manto's most

famous works include Toba Tek Singh, which deals with the partition of India, and Thanda

Gosht (‘Cold Meat’), which explores the themes of violence and sexuality. He also wrote

several essays and film scripts and was a prolific writer in both Urdu and English. Manto was

a controversial figure in his time, often facing censorship and legal challenges for his writing.

He was also known for his leftist political views and outspoken criticism of the British

colonial government and later, the Pakistani government. Today, Manto is widely regarded as

one of the greatest writers of the Indian subcontinent, and his works continue to be read and

studied for their insights into the social and cultural history of the region.
 2

Spatial criticism can be applied to a wide range of literary genres, from novels and

poems to plays and films. It is an interdisciplinary approach that draws on insights from

geography, architecture, and urban studies, as well as literary theory and cultural studies.

Bombay Stories is a collection of short stories by the Indian author Saadat Hasan Manto, first

published in 1940. The stories are set in Bombay (now Mumbai), a bustling city on the

western coast of India, and explore the lives of its diverse inhabitants, from prostitutes and

gangsters to aspiring actors and struggling writers.

Manto's stories are known for their gritty realism and frank depiction of taboo

subjects such as sexuality, violence, and poverty. They offer a vivid portrayal of the seedy

underbelly of Bombay's urban landscape, while also capturing the humour, beauty, and

resilience of the city's people. “The study of urban politics takes a multitude of forms. In

almost every case, the politics is not only conditioned by the urban context in which it is

situated but its situatedness in urban space also contributes to the continual production and

reproduction of the city.” (McCann 77)

Some of the most notable short stories in the collection include: Toba Tek Singh,

which tells the story of a mentally ill man caught between India and Pakistan during the

partition of 1947. The Insult, which portrays the complex power dynamics and social

hierarchies that underpin relationships between servants and their employers. "The

Assignment," which explores the inner thoughts and desires of a prostitute as she navigates

the dangerous world of Bombay's red-light district. Ten Rupees, which follows a young boy's

attempt to make money by selling his body to an older man.

Overall, Bombay Stories offers a rich and nuanced portrait of life in Bombay during a

time of great social and political change and showcases Manto's skill as one of India's most
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celebrated writers of the 20th century. Spatial criticism can be applied to "Bombay Stories"

by examining how the physical spaces and environments depicted in the stories contribute to

their meaning and themes.

Overall, project work focus on spatial criticism to better understand the themes and

messages of Bombay Stories by examining how the physical spaces and environments

depicted in the stories contribute to the characters' experiences and the social dynamics at

play. In this research paper the first chapter is entitled as" Gender Bias", the deals with the

ideological battle between the genders. The second chapter is entitled as Economic Disparity

between classes it deals the economic conflicts prevalent in the society. The third chapter is

entitled as “The perception of the child prostitution by the society”, and shows the fate of the

young girl preyed on by older men. The conclusion summaries the findings of the theory

related to Spatial criticism and an overview of the short stories " Bombay Stories.
 CHAPTER 1

GENDER BIAS

Gender bias refers to the unequal treatment or representation of individuals based on

their gender. This can manifest in a variety of ways, including discrimination in employment,

education, and social interactions, as well as in media portrayals and cultural norms and

expectations. Gender bias is often rooted in deeply ingrained cultural and societal beliefs

about gender roles and stereotypes. For example, women may be seen as inherently less

capable or deserving of certain opportunities or positions or may be expected to conform to

traditional gender roles such as caregiving and homemaking. Gender bias can have significant

negative effects on individuals and society as a whole. It can limit opportunities and

advancement for women, contribute to the perpetuation of harmful gender stereotypes, and

perpetuate inequality and discrimination. Addressing and overcoming gender bias requires a

concerted effort at the individual, societal, and institutional levels. This can involve

challenging and changing cultural beliefs and norms, promoting equal access to education

and opportunities, and actively working to combat discrimination and inequality in all areas

of society.

Saadat Hasan Manto's Short Story collection Bombay Stories depicts life in Bombay

(now Mumbai) in the mid-twentieth century and explores a variety of themes related to

gender and sexuality. While Manto's writing is known for its frank and unflinching portrayal

of social issues, it is also criticized by some for perpetuating gender biases and stereotypes.

The collection portrays the diverse and often conflicting realities of life in the city, from the

glittering world of film stars and wealthy businessmen to the gritty existence of street vendors

and prostitutes.
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One of the most notable examples of gender bias in Bombay Stories is the way in

which women are often depicted as objects of male desire and sexuality. Many of the female

characters in the stories are sex workers or mistresses, and their bodies are often objectified

and commodified by male characters. In “The Assignment”, for example, the women in the

brothel are portrayed as little more than objects of male desire, with their bodies described in

explicit detail. The story is set in a brothel in a crowded and chaotic part of Bombay. The

physical environment is described in detail, with dark, narrow alleys and cramped rooms that

offer little privacy. The lack of physical space for the characters mirrors their lack of agency

and control over their lives. The brothel is also depicted as a space of exploitation and danger,

with the women working there constantly at risk of violence and abuse. The narrator

describes the alley leading to the brothel as "a narrow, dingy passageway that seemed to

shrink as it went along" (Manto, p. 81). This description highlights the cramped and

uncomfortable nature of the space, which reinforces the idea that the women working there

are trapped and have little agency or control over their lives.

At the same time, however, Manto's writing can also be seen as a critique of gender

bias and inequality. Many of the female characters in the stories are shown to be strong and

independent, fighting against the societal and cultural constraints that limit their opportunities

and experiences. In "Cold Meat," for example, the female character Sakina defies traditional

gender roles by rejecting the advances of her male suitor and choosing her own path in life.

Manto's work often explores the role of women in Indian society and the discrimination they

face. “Our country India very proudly claims to be living in the motherland and worship

various deities and goddesses but the dire concern of this is women sadly do not get the same

respect and equal status.” (Banerji)

In the story "Smell," Manto portrays the main female character, Rubina, as a victim of

gender discrimination. Rubina is a prostitute who is constantly belittled and abused by the

men who come to her brothel. She remarks, "Why do men always act like they're doing us a

favour? As if they're not the ones who come here to take advantage of us!"(5) This quote

highlights the power imbalance between men and women and how women are often

objectified and exploited.

The epic Mahabharata presents the ethics and ethos of the society and status of

women…. Draupadi was a victim of male dominance; her father took her as a burden

on him. She was married to five Pandvas at the same time and she was loyal to all of

them. The incident of losing Draupadi in the game of dice is the best example of

woman as the victim of male dominated society.” (Shaw 178)

In “The Dog of Tithwal”, Manto depicts the patriarchal mindset of Indian society. The

story revolves around the relationship between a dog and its owner, but the underlying theme

is the oppression of women. The protagonist's mother is forced to live in seclusion after her

husband's death because it is believed that a widow brings bad luck. The protagonist's father

remarks, "What else can she do? She's a woman. She's weak."(18) This statement reveals the

low status of women in Indian society and how they are viewed as inferior to men.

In "Ten Rupees," Manto criticizes the gender discrimination that exists in the workplace. The

story is about a woman who is denied a job because of her gender, even though she is

qualified for the position. The employer tells her, "We don't hire women here. It's not

proper."(22) This quote demonstrates how women are often excluded from certain

professions and how gender bias can prevent them from achieving their goals.
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In "Naya Qanoon," Manto highlights the gender discrimination that occurs in the legal

system. The story is about a woman who is raped and seeks justice in court, but her case is

dismissed because she is unable to provide sufficient evidence. The judge tells her, "Without

any witnesses, we can't do anything. We have to take the man's word for it."(29) This quote

exposes the biases and prejudices that exist in the legal system and how they can prevent

women from receiving justice. In his novella is "Manto Ke Afsane" (Manto's Stories), which

explores the life of Manto and his experiences as a writer, Manto discusses the challenges he

faced as a writer and the gender bias that exists within the literary world. Manto describes

how women writers were often excluded from literary circles and their work was not taken

seriously. He writes, "In those days, the literary world was dominated by men. Women

writers were looked down upon, and their work was dismissed as sentimental and shallow."

(Sharma) Manto himself was criticized for his portrayal of women in his stories, which were

often seen as controversial and scandalous. He writes, "I was accused of being vulgar and

obscene, but I was simply reflecting the reality of women's lives. I wanted to show the world

what was really happening to them.” (Mambrol)

Through his writing, Manto challenges the gender biases that exist within the literary

world and exposes the harsh realities of women's lives. His work highlights the need for more

diverse voices in literature and the importance of creating a space for women writers to share

their stories.
 CHAPTER 2

ECONOMIC DISPARITY

Economic disparity refers to the inequalities among individual’s income and wealth.

It is a concerning issue all around the world and often people are trapped with little chance to

enhance their wellbeing. The gap between the rich and the poor continues to widen leaving

millions of people struggling to make ends meet. Economic disparity can be caused by a

range of factors, including structural inequalities in the labor market, disparities in access to

education and training, unequal distribution of land and natural resources, and political

factors such as corruption and unequal taxation policies. It also has far-reaching impacts on

individuals, communities, and societies. It can lead to social unrest, political instability, and a

range of negative health outcomes. Economic disparities can also contribute to a lack of

social mobility, as individuals from lower-income backgrounds often face greater barriers to

success and advancement.

Spatial criticism is a literary theory that examines the ways in which the physical

setting and space in a text contribute to its meaning and themes. It explores how the location,

architecture, geography, and other aspects of the physical setting shape the characters and

events in a work of literature, and how these elements relate to broader social, political, and

cultural issues. It is particularly useful in analysing texts that are set in specific geographic

locations, such as cities or rural areas, or that deal with issues related to migration,

displacement, or identity.

All the world’s a stage,

And all the men and women merely players.

They have their exits and their entrances,

And one man in his time plays many parts,

His acts being seven ages.

As You Like It (Shakespeare II.vii.139-143)

These are the celebrated lines from William Shakespeare’s ‘As you like it’. It

powerfully illustrates about some of the dominant assumptions about space and spatiality that

come to prevail in the histories of western modernity: space is seen as an empty container, of

little interest in and of itself, within which unfolds the real drama, that of history and human

passions.

Spatial criticism through economic disparity challenges the traditional understanding

of space as static and neutral, arguing that space is a product of social, economic, and

political processes. These processes create spatial relations that are often unequal, as certain

groups have more power and resources to shape and control spaces. This unequal distribution

of power and resources contributes to economic disparity, as marginalized groups are often

excluded from economic opportunities and resources that are concentrated in certain spatial

locations. For example, in many urban areas, low-income neighbourhoods are often located

in areas with limited access to quality education, healthcare, and job opportunities. This

spatial inequality perpetuates economic disparity, as individuals from disadvantaged

backgrounds are less likely to have the resources and opportunities to succeed economically.

Saadat Hasan Manto’s Bombay stories clearly portrays about the time and setting of

the story. He sheds light on the Bombay that he visions. According to him, it is not just a

name, it stands for the cosmopolitan air of a young city that throbs with life. An unforgiving

city; At the same time an all-embracing city. A city that never sleeps; a city where one can

sleep anywhere and at any time. Bombay is the city that people love and adore; a city for

which they have a special corner in their heart.

The city is also densely populated, with a mix of modern and traditional architecture,

and a complex network of streets and neighbourhoods. Above all, the Bombay that Manto

refers to be a city with playful prostitutes and the insouciant destitute. The physical spaces

where the character lives and work hold its vitality throughout the stories in the novel. Since,

it is written in first person narrative, he gives a very clear description of the daily lives of

those living in the rural slums in the 1930’s and 1940’s. He vividly describes his memories

and experiences and incorporates them into stories ranging from those of alcoholic delirium

to the daily activities of a young prostitute.

The poverty at the time is evident as nearly all the women in the novel have been

portrayed as prostitutes who also have pimps. Manto frequently satirizes our expectations,

such as when a young prostitute named Sarita, who is 15 years old, refuses to accept the

payment for her ‘job’ and returns it. In "Ten Rupees’, Sarita unexpectedly returns to the men

the 10 rupees that they paid for her services as they didn't do anything to her and when asked

why, she simply replies: " why should I take it?". (67). The stories do portray prostitutes as

women, women who do not care about society, women who had power over the men they

slept with, women who worked to earn their living but still lost it all for heart, women who

are as strong as they are vulnerable, women who are always by themselves, and women who

fear most of all their shelf life. It appears to be an accepted norm in the society of the 1930s

and 1940s because of the author's ease in presenting them and their interaction with their

clients.

The story takes place in a public park in Bombay, which serves as a meeting place for

men seeking sexual encounters with young boys. The park is described as both beautiful and

dangerous, with lush greenery and a serene atmosphere that contrasts with the illicit and

harmful activities taking place there. The physical space of the park is a reflection of the

characters' inner desires and impulses, which are both natural and taboo. The narrator
 11

describes the park as "a vast expanse of greenery, with trees and flowers blooming all

around" (Manto, p. 118). The physical space of the park serves as a metaphor for the

characters' inner conflict between their natural desires and societal expectations.

Through spatial criticism, readers can better understand the ways in which economic

disparity shapes the lives and experiences of characters in Bombay stories. This Collection

with its controversial and radical stories is, unsurprisingly, not short of critics with a few

stating that Mumbai had been falsely portrayed as a dangerous place full of ‘gangsters’ and

‘brothels’. In the end it all comes down to the creativity of Manto and how he has depicted

pre- independence Bombay. One of his most wonderful quotes is “If you find my stories

dirty, the society you are living in is dirty. With my stories, I only expose the truth.” Thus,

the approach of Spatial Criticism through economic disparity is grounded in the belief that

that space is not a neutral container, but rather a socially constructed and contested arena that

reflects and reinforces power relations.

The Perception of the Child Prostitution by the Society

A fragment of the society that has always been out of recognition and is being

undiscussed in today’s society are the prostitutes. We merely acknowledge them as a redlight

area, but the prominent aspect in terms of development, safety and medical support is

undeniably lacking from our part. Especially, highlighting Child Prostitution, it can be seen

as an extremely sensitive and complex issues that is often viewed with revulsion by the

society. Most people cannot fathom the ability of someone to exploit a youngster in such a

heinous manner. These vulnerable individuals of the society face an important issue dealing

with identity crisis especially when it comes to their children. Recognizing these children is

vital to protect their future from being added to the already known statistical list of

prostitutes.

For the reason that nobody has ever visited these locations except NGOs or

government officials, this section is unknown to the rest of the civilized world. These

Governments, NGOs, and various civil society organizations are working to raise awareness

about the issue and provide support to the victims of child prostitution. The children born in

brothels are indistinguishable to all the other children in every way, however, the former

lacks th opportunities and guidance that the latter possess. The legislation that is already in

existence does specify how to ensure that children born in brothel does feel secure and have a

normal upbringing, but laws can only function if both co-exist with each other. When society

refuses to embrace and apply the law, the law essentially loses all its intrinsic worth.
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Through his short stories in Bombay Stories, Saadat Hasan Manto tries to convey a

harsh and uncompromising view of life in then Bombay during the 1940’s. He Portrays a city

where poverty, via Manto's stories frequently reveal unpleasant and forbidden subjects—like

prostitution, violence, and social injustice—without holding back. He investigates the

experiences of the oppressed and underprivileged, giving voice to people who are constantly

disregarded or excluded in the discourse of the majority. Violence, and social inequality are

pervasive, and where people are forced to struggle to survive. Manto's stories shed light on

the ways in which children were exploited for sexual purposes, particularly in the red-light

districts of Bombay. The stories also depict the harsh realities that child prostitutes face,

including physical and emotional abuse, poverty, and lack of access to education and

healthcare.

One such stories which mainly portrays us about the difficulties of children during the

time is ‘The insult.’ It revolves around a young girl who is forced into prostitution by her

mother due to financial constraints story takes place in the red-light district of Bombay,

where the girl and her mother live in a small room. The girl is deeply ashamed of her

situation and is constantly belittled by her mother, who sees her as nothing more than a

commodity to be sold. One day, while the girl is walking in the street, a group of men start

teasing and harassing her. One of them slaps her, and the girl is deeply humiliated. She

returns home and tells her mother what happened, but her mother blames her for the incident

and demands that she go back to the street to earn money. The narrative makes an impactful

statement about the effects of poverty and the lengths individuals would go to in order to

survive. It draws attention to the fragility and challenging reality that young girls encounter in

such circumstances. Also, it illuminates the terrible realities of the red-light district, where

women and children are frequently taken advantage of and mistreated.

The story takes place in a wealthy household in Bombay, with a clear divide between

the living quarters of the family and the servants' quarters. The physical separation between

these spaces reflects the social hierarchy and power dynamics between the two groups. This

spatial arrangement reinforces the idea that the servants are seen as inferior and are expected

to know their place in society. The servants are confined to cramped and uncomfortable

living quarters, while the family enjoys spacious and luxurious surroundings. The narrator

describes the servants' living quarters as "a narrow, suffocating room" while the family

enjoys "a big house with four spacious rooms and a veranda" (Manto, p. 60). This spatial

arrangement reinforces the idea that the servants are seen as inferior and are expected to

know their place in society

Manto through his stories evoke the reader that the society also faces due crisis of

Gender Discrimination while Growing up in Brothels. Mere couple of children have access to

school and education, and the majority of girls are obliged to follow in their mothers'

footsteps if they are girls. Mothers are rarely able to care for their children because they are

involved in their career. This makes it simpler for youngsters to grow up in the wrong way

and become involved in more unlawful activities in society. Many of them become addicted

to narcotics, which has a long-term impact on their lives.

Due to a lack of guidance and education, these youngsters are forced to engage in

fraudulent activities, making them more likely to commit crimes in society. The author

through his writing shows his raw and unflinching side, and he also does not shy away from

portraying the harsh realities of life in Bombay during the early 90’s. Manto's stories cannot

be understood as a therapeutic exorcism of the horrors of Partition, nor can you sexualize his

women while avoiding the thorny nudity of his emotions. As steady a pair of hands as you

can imagine, his characters have a manic, unsparing steadiness that doesn't even yield to

grief. In his universe, amorality sits at the tip of the tongue, ready to parachute into the
 15

common, rather than being concealed up a man's sleeve or behind a woman's cleft. So, to

understand Manto and his works is to comprehend a world where mankind is permitted to

experience life in all its viciousness rather than dying at the mercy of morality. The realm of

Manto is merely a rudimentary reflection of society—not an exploited version. As it was

distinctly explained in his speech that “If you cannot bear these stories then the society is

unbearable. Who am I to remove the clothes of this society, which itself is naked. I don't even

try to cover it, because it is not my job, that's the job of dressmakers.” (Mehta)

Considering, Children who are born in brothels are subjected to a variety of odds in

the society. As they interact with society outside of the brothel, the prejudice they have

already experienced because of their origin remains prevalent. They have latent skills that

remain concealed due to a lack of possibilities, scope, and consideration from the outside

world. Several children remain caught in the industry, particularly if they are girls, and if they

are men, they are either involved with the profession of drug trafficking or crimes that will

make their future difficult. Prostitution is a career that is allowed in some nations but banned

in others. It does not require recognition, but it lacks assistance and protection for children

born in brothels. Children require the outside world to grow in order to provide a better future

in terms of financial, physical, emotional, and social stability, as well as learning possibilities

and the opportunity to establish themselves.

Saadat Hassan Manto was one of the most controversial writers of the age, who

crafted empathetic and shocking short stories about those living on the edges of the society.

Manto instead of depicting imaginary characters, he exposed the ugly face of society by

depicting lives along with their psychological and emotional aspects.

‘Khushiya’, the first story in the collection, introduces us to the eponymous title

character and simultaneously plunges us into Bombay’s insalubrious atmosphere. Khushiya is

a pimp who, at the beginning of the story, calls on Kanta Kumari, one of his prostitutes.

Perhaps not unexpectedly, she greets him at the door wrapped only in a towel. At first

embarrassed when Kanta thinks it’s no big deal, Khushiya next believes he should take her

casualness as an insult. In the following story, ‘Ten Rupees’, we meet Sarita, a good-time girl

of about 15, whose mother is prosecuting her. Her mother instructs her to obey according to

the wish of the males. So much for childhood innocence. “Barren” recounts a love story

between Naim, a servant, and Zahra, the daughter of his master. Eventually, they marry and

are happy despite the anger of Zahra’s father, but then tragedy strikes. Naim narrates this

story to a character named Manto—perhaps the author himself, who appears as an

interlocutor in several other stories. At the end, however, Naim reveals his story is not what

he originally claimed it to be. In “The Insult,” we meet Ram Lal, who pimps 120 prostitutes

all over Bombay, the most notable being Saugandhi. At least by the end of this story, we have

a character who is able to find her own voice and become self-assertive.

Manto, in Bombay Stories, the stories are literally immersed in an isolated world that

belongs to men and their concubines. Most men do not seem to have any other work except

drink and spent time with woman. Manto give these women a voice and grab readers

attention to this section of society.

The first chapter of the project titled Gender Bias describes the unequal treatment for

men and women by the society. Women has been restricted to many areas by the society

believing that they are not capable of that. This gender bias is deeply rooted in the society as

they view women as homemakers and expect them to live with the traditional roles. Many

women lose a lot of opportunities because of the traditional roles. The chapter exposes the

harsh realities of women lives. Director Nandita Das explains Manto’s works as: “His

empathy was very deep for those that exist on the margins of society- especially for women

and sex workers- and no one in India was writing about that at that time”. The stories

represent women who were taken advantage by men. (Das)

The second chapter titled Economic Disparity describes how economic status shape

the lives and characteristics of characters in the Novella Bombay Stories. Women are always

oppressed and expected to live according to the rules of society but here the women,

prostitutes, are shown as women who don’t care about the society. But even they don’t care

what society think they are marginalised group in the society. As they are marginalised, they

are denied of many opportunities. They are even prostitutes because they are marginalised

and won’t get enough food, healthcare or education. They took up this job for a living.

The third chapter named The Perception of the Child Prostitution by the Society

describes the perception of society towards children who are born in brothels. The girls born

in the brothels are forced to follow their mother’s path and boys are allowed to have

education. Many children growing there will not get the affection and care of a mother

because of their job. Many of them do illegal business because of the lack of education. The

story exposes the harsh realities of child prostitutes and the physical and emotional abuses

they face. The children born in brothels won’t get much exposure to opportunities and

guidance as other children get. Those children have bad experiences with the society. The

society won’t view them as a normal child but see them as something on which they can
 18

show their harshness. Only because they born and bought up in a brothel they are expected to

be ‘bad’. The story shows the struggle of such people to survive.

Bombay Stories is a novella which shows the stories of people who are marginalised

by the society. The story explains the social injustices that were done to the marginalised

people. It shows the struggle of people for a living. The separation between social hierarchies

makes the ‘lower’ strata to expect their life with struggle and to know their place in society.

Young girls and boys were approached by people for fulfilling their sexual desires. The story

depicts the hard life of marginalised people in Bombay during 1930’s and 1940’s.
 19

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Banerji, Oishika. “Children Born in Brothels : The Legal View” IPleaders,16 Nov. 2020,

https://blog.ipleaders.in/children-born-brothels-legal-view/. Accessed 16 Dec. 2022.

Das, Nandita. “I Have Started to Own the Woman-Director Identity”. The Indian Express,

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film-nawazuddin-siddiqui-book-6270095/. Accessed 13 Sept. 2022.

Manto, Saadat Hasan. Bombay Stories. Random House. 2014.

Mambrol, Nasrullah. “Spatial Criticism: Critical Geography, Space, Place and Textuality –

Literary Theory and Criticism.” Literary Theory and Critisism , 4 July 2017,

https://literariness.org/2017/07/04/spatial-criticism-critical-geography-space-place-

and-textuality/. Accessed 17 Jan.2023

McCann, Eugene J. “Space, Citizenship, and the Right to the City: A Brief Overview” Geo

Journal, vol.58, Oct. 2022, pp.77-79.

Mehta, Suketu. “Pearls of Regret.” The New York Times, 8 May 2014,

https://www.nytimes.com/2014/05/11/books/review/bombay-stories-by-saadat-hasan-

manto.Accessed 17 Sept. 2022.

Shakespeare, William. Shakespeare's Comedy of As You Like it. Edited by William James

Rolfe, Harper & brothers, 1878.

Sharma, Manik. “Manto: The Seer Who Knew Every Prostitute and Pimp in Town” Arré, 20

Sept. 2018, https://www.arre.co.in/culture/manto-the-seer-who-knew-every-

prostitute-and-pimp-in-town/. Accessed 20 Nov. 2022.

Shaw, Ian, and Ian Butler. “Understanding Young People and Prostitution: A Foundation for

Practice?” The British Journal of Social Work, vol. 28, no. 2, April 1998, pp. 177–

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