Sultana's Dream

An allusion is a literary device in which a writer refers to another work of literature, historical event, person, or cultural artifact within their own writing. Allusions are often used to add depth and complexity to a text by connecting it to a broader literary or cultural context.

While talking to Sultana, the Queen of Ladyland alludes to the glory of the Mughal Empire by mentioning the Koh-i-Noor and the Peacock Throne. These two priceless objects signify great wealth and royal power, so much so that every other ruler during that time coveted them. The Queen is neither interested in expanding her territory through invasion nor is she interested in the kind of progress achieved through immense wealth and power. She does not want to emulate these rich and powerful male monarchs and believes science and innovation is the way forward for Ladyland. Here, both the Queen and Begum Rokeya critique the lust for wealth and power that hinders progressive measures toward a better future.