This tale features as its main protagonist an intelligent, resourceful and courageous woman. Other versions of the tale can be found in Kashmir, the Western Himalayas and the Panjab, but these either do not have a female protagonist, or do not give such a prominent role to the heroine. This strong depiction of female agency contrasts with the subordinate role of women in Kohistani society, who are relegated to domestic and agricultural work – a role which has been reinforced by the Islamic beliefs of the Deobandi sect. At the same time, many devices are used to give the story a more acceptably Islamic flavour.