Writing Muslim Women in South Asia

This book explores the often misrepresented, unheard, and actively other-ed experiences of Muslim women in South Asia, shedding light on their historical and contemporary interventions in debates surrounding reform, decolonization, and citizenship. It highlights their pioneering roles in feminist scholarship and activism, tracing the multiple meanings of ‘writing’ as an act that extends beyond textual archives to include material and oral histories. By navigating binaries of emancipation and oppression, Muslim women have carved identities that interrogate and subvert these categorizations, asserting their agency and reclaiming their selfhood. From the architectural contributions of Empress Nur Jahan to the performance politics of Qandeel Baloch, this book traces the chronologies and genealogies of Muslim women’s public and private participation within the fabrics of society. This book takes a multi-dimensional approach to the act of ‘writing’ by, of, and about Muslim women in South Asia, showcasing their political, social, and historical contributions to the region. It is an essential resource for students and scholars across a broad range of disciplines, including history, literature, architecture, sociology, and politics. With its interdisciplinary focus, the book is particularly relevant for those interested in feminist studies, South Asian studies, and the intersections of gender, identity, and agency. It aims to foster a timely conversation on the pasts and presents of Muslim women, offering valuable insights for academics, researchers, and anyone seeking to understand the complexities of their lived experiences and contributions. The chapters in this book were originally published in South Asia: Journal of South Asian Studies.