The Ministry of Utmost Happiness

by

Arundhati Roy

Mulaqat Ali Character Analysis

Anjum’s father. A direct descendent of a Moghul emperor, Mulaqat Ali is fond of retelling myths of the Moghul dynasty and reciting Urdu poetry. When his wife, Jahanara, reveals to him that their child—then Aftab—is intersex, he suggests that Aftab undergo a gender alteration surgery. After Anjum has moved to the Khwabgah, Mulaqat Ali never speaks with her again.
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Mulaqat Ali Character Timeline in The Ministry of Utmost Happiness

The timeline below shows where the character Mulaqat Ali appears in The Ministry of Utmost Happiness. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 2
Corruption, Political Violence, and Capitalism Theme Icon
Gender Identity, Social Division, and Coexistence  Theme Icon
...time when she can no longer avoid it. Desperate, she finally confides in her husband, Mulaqat Ali, and tells him their son is intersex. Once a successful tradesman, the business Mulaqat... (full context)
Gender Identity, Social Division, and Coexistence  Theme Icon
Mulaqat comes to the conclusion that he and his wife need to take Aftab to Dr.... (full context)
Gender Identity, Social Division, and Coexistence  Theme Icon
Mulaqat decides Aftab will get the gender-change surgery, and while he saves up money, he resolves... (full context)
Gender Identity, Social Division, and Coexistence  Theme Icon
Social Hierarchy vs. Social Inclusivity  Theme Icon
...resolves to meet with him every so often at the shrine of Hazrat Sarmad Shaheed. Mulaqat, ashamed, resolves to cut all ties with his former son. Meanwhile, Aftab becomes Anjum, eventually... (full context)
Gender Identity, Social Division, and Coexistence  Theme Icon
Religion and Power Theme Icon
...Hijra.” He suggests that they visit the shrine of Wali Dakhani, an Urdu poet whom Mulaqat loved. (full context)