Breaking Ties (translated from the Kannada original Chandragiriya Teeradalli ) is a landmark feminist novel by Sara Abubakar that explores the systemic oppression of women within a patriarchal society. It is widely considered one of the first authentic literary accounts of Muslim women's lives in the coastal regions of Karnataka and Kerala. Plot Summary and Protagonist
: Nadira's husband, portrayed as a somewhat passive character. Though initially loving, he fails to stand up to Khan's dominance, making him complicit in the tragedy. Muhammad Khan breaking ties by sara abubakar pdf
: The book critiques a society where men hold absolute power over divorce and marriage, often using religious interpretations to suit their convenience. Though initially loving, he fails to stand up
| Stage | What Happens | Key Questions | Practical Tool | |-------|--------------|----------------|----------------| | | You notice patterns of conflict, disappointment, or asymmetry. | “Am I the only one feeling this?” “What would a healthy version look like?” | Tie‑Audit Worksheet – rate frequency, satisfaction, and emotional cost (0‑10). | | Resolution | You either renegotiate the tie or decide to end it. | “Can we set new boundaries?” “Is a clean break the healthiest path?” | Boundary Mapping Canvas – visual map of what stays, what goes, and why. | | Reintegration | You rebuild your social ecosystem, filling gaps left behind. | “What support systems do I need now?” “How do I prevent similar patterns?” | Future‑Fit Planner – goal‑setting for new connections, self‑care, and skill development. | | “Am I the only one feeling this
The concept of breaking ties refers to the process of severing or redefining social relationships, whether they be personal, professional, or communal. This can involve a range of experiences, from divorce or separation to migration or social exclusion. Abubakar's work on breaking ties seeks to understand the complex emotions, power dynamics, and social negotiations that underlie these experiences.
, asks Rashid for money to fund his second daughter’s wedding. When Rashid is unable to provide the funds, an enraged Khan forcibly takes Nadira and her child back to his home. The Forced Divorce:
: The story exposes the hypocrisy of a system where men hold absolute power over marriage and divorce while women are expected to be silent, obedient "ideal wives". Character Sketches