A Rebel and Her Cause: the life and work of Rashid Jahan

Despite a brief and slender literary career Rashid Jahan blazed like a meteor in the progressive firmament of pre-and post-Independence India. Doctor writer political activist crusading member of the Communist Party of India Rashid Jahan was radical in a way that defied all expectations -- from her social class her comrades her peers and colleagues. In a remarkably perceptive richly detailed account of this pioneering woman Rakhshanda Jalil offers readers an unusual document: a warm and informed biography -- based on archival material extensive interviews and critical commentaries -- together with fine translations of Rashid Jahan's best known stories and plays. Through a subtle counterpointing of Rashid Jahan's political purpose with her literary and professional skills and sensibility Jalil paints an arresting portrait of a woman deeply and passionately engaged with the great debates of her time: fascism imperialism nationalism socialism and feminism. This intense engagement is reflected in every facet of her life and literature as they unfold here in vivid and compelling prose.