This is a short story
that starts with an unidentified narrator dozing off while contemplating the status of Indian womanhood. In her dream, she encounters her friend Sister Sara, who transports her to a world she has never seen before. The friend explains that they are in Ladyland, a female-ruled utopia.
Ladyland and its Efficiency
Ladyland is run with extreme efficiency, and working hours are held to a minimum, freeing up the remainder of the day for more productive tasks such as art and research. Sister Sara describes how, after their men were severely defeated in battle, the people of Ladyland rescued the nation by using science rather than brute force. Since then, the women took over the affairs of the country and men had to enter Purdah. In this country, only women can be seen on the streets while men take care of domestic chores. There is no crime which according to Sultana's guide, is caused by men. Furthermore, there is no manual labor since everything is done with electric power and no lack of water as it is harvested from the water balloon. The narrator compares the womanhood in this country to womanhood in India, stating, "As a matter of fact, in your country this very thing is done! Men, who do or at least are capable of doing no end of mischief, are let loose and the innocent women, shut up in the Zenana! How can you trust those untrained men out of doors?" (Hossain 9).
Meeting the Queen
The narrator is later taken to meet with the queen of Ladyland. During their conversation, the queen asserts that they do not trade with men because they are of questionable morals and the country has no desire to invade other peoples land. Rather than fight for resources, they "dive deep into the ocean of knowledge and try to find out the precious gems, which nature has kept in store for us" (Hossain 17). The narrator visits more exciting places in the country before she awakes from her dream.
Work Cited
Hossain, Rokeya Sakhawat. Sultana’s Dream. New York: The Feminist Press at CUNY, 2013. Print.
