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{{Short description|Indian writer, critic and literary historian}}
{{Use Indian English|date=August 2014}}
{{Use Indian English|date=August 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2014}}
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| education = [[Miranda House, Delhi]], [[Delhi University]], [[Jamia Millia Islamia]]
| education = [[Miranda House, Delhi]], [[Delhi University]], [[Jamia Millia Islamia]]
| birth_name =  
| birth_name =  
| birth_date = {{Birth-date and age|21 July 1963}}
| birth_date = {{Birth-date and age|20 July 1963}}
| birth_place =[[Delhi]]
| birth_place =[[Delhi]], India
| occupation = Indian writer, critic and literary historian
| occupation = Indian writer, critic and literary historian
}}
}}
'''Rakhshanda Jalil''' (born 21 July 1963) is a well-known Indian writer, critic and literary historian. She is best known for much-acclaimed book on Delhi's lesser-known monuments called ''Invisible City: The hidden Monuments of India''<ref>{{Cite book|isbn=8189738771 |title=Invisible City: The Hidden Monument of Delhi (9788189738778): Rakhshanda Jalil, Khushwant Singh: Books |publisher=Amazon.com |date=2013-02-16 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thebookreviewindia.org/articles/archives-697/2012/january/1/delhis-hidden-riches.html |title=Delhi's Hidden Riches |publisher=Thebookreviewindia.org |date=2012-01-01 |accessdate=2014-05-20}}</ref>  and a well-received collection of short stories, called ''Release & Other Stories''<ref>{{Cite book|isbn=9350290693 |title=Release and Other Stories: Rakhshanda Jalil: 9789350290699: Amazon.com: Books |publisher=Amazon.com |date=2011-11-23 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/cm-releases-short-story-collection/ |title=CM releases short story collection |publisher=The Indian Express |date=2011-09-18 |accessdate=2014-05-20}}</ref> (Harper Collins, 2011). Her PhD on the  Progressive Writers' Movement as Reflected in Urdu Literature has been published by Oxford University Press as ''Liking Progress, Loving Change''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ukcatalogue.oup.com/product/9780198096733.do |title=Liking Progress, Loving Change: Rakhshanda Jalil - Oxford University Press |publisher=Ukcatalogue.oup.com |date=2014-03-06 |accessdate=2014-05-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Jalil |first=Rakhshanda |url=http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/liking-progress-loving-change-a/9780198096733-item.html |title=Liking Progress, Loving Change: A Literary History of the Progressive Writers Movement in Urdu Book by Rakhshanda Jalil &#124; Hardcover |publisher=chapters.indigo.ca |date=2013-12-15 |accessdate=2014-05-20}}</ref>  (2014). Jalil runs an organization called Hindustani Awaaz, devoted to the popularization of Hindi-Urdu literature and culture.
'''Rakhshanda Jalil''' (born 20 July 1963) is an Indian writer, translator, critic and literary historian. She is known for her book on Delhi's lesser-known monuments called ''Invisible City: The hidden Monuments of Delhi''<ref>{{Cite book|isbn=978-8189738778 |title=Invisible City: The Hidden Monument of Delhi (9788189738778): Rakhshanda Jalil, Khushwant Singh: Books |publisher=Amazon.com |date=2013-02-16 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thebookreviewindia.org/articles/archives-697/2012/january/1/delhis-hidden-riches.html |title=Delhi's Hidden Riches |publisher=Thebookreviewindia.org |date=2012-01-01 |accessdate=2014-05-20 |archive-date=19 August 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819090047/http://www.thebookreviewindia.org/articles/archives-697/2012/january/1/delhis-hidden-riches.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>  and a well-received collection of short stories, called ''Release & Other Stories''<ref>{{Cite book|isbn=978-9350290699 |title=Release and Other Stories: Rakhshanda Jalil: 9789350290699: Amazon.com: Books |publisher=Amazon.com |date=2011-11-23 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/cm-releases-short-story-collection/ |title=CM releases short story collection |publisher=The Indian Express |date=2011-09-18 |accessdate=2014-05-20}}</ref> (HarperCollins, 2011). Her PhD on the  Progressive Writers' Movement as Reflected in Urdu Literature has been published by [[Oxford University Press]] as ''Liking Progress, Loving Change''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://ukcatalogue.oup.com/product/9780198096733.do |title=Liking Progress, Loving Change: Rakhshanda Jalil - Oxford University Press |publisher=Ukcatalogue.oup.com |date=2014-03-06 |accessdate=2014-05-20 |archive-date=9 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140309021052/http://ukcatalogue.oup.com/product/9780198096733.do |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Jalil |first=Rakhshanda |url=http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/liking-progress-loving-change-a/9780198096733-item.html |title=Liking Progress, Loving Change: A Literary History of the Progressive Writers Movement in Urdu Book by Rakhshanda Jalil &#124; Hardcover |publisher=chapters.indigo.ca |date=2013-12-15 |accessdate=2014-05-20}}</ref>  (2014). Jalil runs an organization called Hindustani Awaaz, devoted to the popularization of Hindi-Urdu literature and culture.


== Career ==
== Career ==
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Jalil graduated from [[Miranda House|Miranda house]], Delhi University in 1986. She started her career as a lecturer in [[SGTB Khalsa College|Khalsa College]].<ref name="ignca1">{{cite web|author=CIL |url=http://ignca.nic.in/aqeedat_2007_009.htm |title=The Tradition of Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi in North India - Rakshanda Jalil |publisher=Ignca.nic.in |date=2007-03-23 |accessdate=2014-05-20}}</ref>
Jalil graduated from [[Miranda House|Miranda house]], Delhi University in 1986. She started her career as a lecturer in [[SGTB Khalsa College|Khalsa College]].<ref name="ignca1">{{cite web|author=CIL |url=http://ignca.nic.in/aqeedat_2007_009.htm |title=The Tradition of Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi in North India - Rakshanda Jalil |publisher=Ignca.nic.in |date=2007-03-23 |accessdate=2014-05-20}}</ref>
After that she worked at [[Aligarh Muslim University]] as lecturer (1987), editorial assistant at [[Tata McGraw-Hill]] Book Publishing Company<ref name="ignca1"/> (1987–89),  
After that she worked at [[Aligarh Muslim University]] as lecturer (1987), editorial assistant at [[Tata McGraw-Hill]] Book Publishing Company<ref name="ignca1"/> (1987–89),  
sub-editor in the Publications Division of the [[India International Centre]] (1989–90), assistant editor in the Publications Division of the India International Center (1990 – March 1995). She later joined [[Jamia Millia Islamia]]<ref name="ignca1"/> and worked there as director of the outreach programme.
sub-editor in the [[Publications Division]] of the [[India International Centre]] (1989–90), assistant editor in the Publications Division of the India International Center (1990 – March 1995). She later joined [[Jamia Millia Islamia]]<ref name="ignca1"/> and worked there as director of the outreach programme.
She co-edited a quarterly journal called ''Third Frame: Literature, Culture and Society'', published and distributed by Cambridge University Press from 2007 to 2009. She was senior associate fellow at the Council of Social Development, New Delhi, and associate editor of ''Social Change'', the journal brought out by CSD (Jan 2011-Jan 2012).
She co-edited a quarterly journal called ''Third Frame: Literature, Culture and Society'', published and distributed by Cambridge University Press from 2007 to 2009. She was senior associate fellow at the Council of Social Development, New Delhi, and associate editor of ''Social Change'', the journal brought out by CSD (Jan 2011-Jan 2012).


== Contribution to Urdu literature ==
== Contribution to Urdu literature ==


She has edited four collections of short stories: ''Urdu Stories''<ref>{{Cite book|isbn=8187075910 |title=Urdu Stories (Great Writers): Rakhshanda Jalil, etc., et al, Asif Aslam Farrukhi: 9788187075912: Amazon.com: Books |publisher=Amazon.com |date=2002-01-01 }}</ref> (Srishti, 2002), a selection by Pakistani women writers called ''Neither Night Nor Day''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.harpercollins.co.in/BookDetail.asp?Book_Code=1763 |title=HarperCollins Publishers India Ltd |publisher=Harpercollins.co.in |date= |accessdate=2014-05-20}}</ref> (Harper Collins, 2007, New Urdu Writings: ''From India & Pakistan'' <ref>{{cite web|last=Events |first=Delhi |url=http://www.delhievents.com/2014/02/writings-from-india-and-pakistan-by.html |title=Writings: From India and Pakistan by Rakhshanda Jalil - Book Discussion at Conference Room - 1, Main Building, India International Centre (IIC), Lodhi Estate > 6:30pm on 10th February 2014 |publisher=Delhi Events |date=2014-02-10 |accessdate=2014-05-20}}</ref> (Westland, 2013), and Pigeons of the Domes: Stories of Communalism (Niyogi, 2015); a collection of essays on the little known monuments of Delhi, called Invisible City (Niyogi, 2008, revised third edition 2011); two co-authored books, ''Partners in Freedom: Jamia Millia Islamia''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-newdelhi/jamia-as-a-partner-in-freedom/article3048965.ece |title=Jamia as a partner in freedom |publisher=The Hindu |date=2006-11-17 |accessdate=2014-05-20}}</ref> (Niyogi, 2006) and ''Journey to a Holy Land: A Pilgrim’s Diary'' <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-sundaymagazine/a-journey-of-faith/article662018.ece |title=A journey of faith |publisher=The Hindu |date=2009-11-15 |accessdate=2014-05-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://global.oup.com/academic/product/journey-to-the-holy-land-9780198063469;jsessionid=EEEF50584921FC4AB9C1A8947E8D190B?cc=in&lang=en& |title=Journey to the Holy Land - Amir Ahmad Alawi; Mushirul Hasan; Rakhshanda Jalil - Oxford University Press |publisher=Global.oup.com |date=2009-11-30 |accessdate=2014-05-20}}</ref> (OUP, 2009). She was co-editor of ''Third Frame'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cambridgeindia.org/news30.asp |title=Cambridge University Press India |publisher=Cambridgeindia.org |date=2008-04-24 |accessdate=2014-05-20}}</ref> a journal devoted to literature, culture and society brought out by the Cambridge University Press. She has edited and introduced a volume of essays entitled ''Qurratulain Hyder and the River of Fire: The Meaning, Scope and Significance of her Legacy''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://trove.nla.gov.au/work/154349093?versionId=168265219 |title=Qurratulain Hyder and the river of fire : the meaning, scope and significance of her legacy / edited by Rakhshanda Jalil. - Version details - Trove |publisher=Trove.nla.gov.au |date= |accessdate=2014-05-20}}</ref> (Aakar, 2010; and Oxford University Press, Karachi, 2010).<br />
She has edited four collections of short stories: ''Urdu Stories''<ref>{{Cite book|isbn=8187075910 |title=Urdu Stories (Great Writers): Rakhshanda Jalil, etc., et al, Asif Aslam Farrukhi: 9788187075912: Amazon.com: Books |publisher=Amazon.com |date=2002-01-01 }}</ref> (Srishti, 2002), a selection by Pakistani women writers called ''Neither Night Nor Day''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.harpercollins.co.in/BookDetail.asp?Book_Code=1763 |title=HarperCollins Publishers India Ltd |publisher=Harpercollins.co.in |date= |accessdate=2014-05-20}}</ref> (HarperCollins, 2007), New Urdu Writings: ''From India & Pakistan'' <ref>{{cite web|last=Events |first=Delhi |url=http://www.delhievents.com/2014/02/writings-from-india-and-pakistan-by.html |title=Writings: From India and Pakistan by Rakhshanda Jalil - Book Discussion at Conference Room - 1, Main Building, India International Centre (IIC), Lodhi Estate > 6:30pm on 10th February 2014 |publisher=Delhi Events |date=2014-02-10 |accessdate=2014-05-20}}</ref> (Westland, 2013), and Pigeons of the Domes: Stories of Communalism (Niyogi, 2015); a collection of essays on the little known monuments of Delhi, called Invisible City (Niyogi, 2008, revised third edition 2011); two co-authored books, ''Partners in Freedom: Jamia Millia Islamia''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-newdelhi/jamia-as-a-partner-in-freedom/article3048965.ece |title=Jamia as a partner in freedom |work=The Hindu |date=2006-11-17 |accessdate=2014-05-20}}</ref> (Niyogi, 2006) and ''Journey to a Holy Land: A Pilgrim’s Diary'' <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-sundaymagazine/a-journey-of-faith/article662018.ece |title=A journey of faith |work=The Hindu |date=2009-11-15 |accessdate=2014-05-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=http://global.oup.com/academic/product/journey-to-the-holy-land-9780198063469;jsessionid=EEEF50584921FC4AB9C1A8947E8D190B?cc=in&lang=en& |title=Journey to the Holy Land - Amir Ahmad Alawi; Mushirul Hasan; Rakhshanda Jalil - Oxford University Press |publisher=Global.oup.com |date=2009-11-30 |isbn=978-0-19-806346-9 |accessdate=2014-05-20}}</ref> (OUP, 2009). She was co-editor of ''Third Frame'',<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cambridgeindia.org/news30.asp |title=Cambridge University Press India |publisher=Cambridgeindia.org |date=2008-04-24 |accessdate=2014-05-20 |archive-date=6 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006170609/http://www.cambridgeindia.org/news30.asp |url-status=dead }}</ref> a journal devoted to literature, culture and society brought out by the Cambridge University Press. She has edited and introduced a volume of essays entitled ''Qurratulain Hyder and the River of Fire: The Meaning, Scope and Significance of her Legacy''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://trove.nla.gov.au/work/154349093?versionId=168265219 |title=Qurratulain Hyder and the river of fire : the meaning, scope and significance of her legacy / edited by Rakhshanda Jalil. - Version details - Trove |publisher=Trove.nla.gov.au |date= |accessdate=2014-05-20}}</ref> (Aakar, 2010; and Oxford University Press, Karachi, 2010).<br />
She has published nine works of translations: Premchand's short stories entitled ''The Temple and the Mosque''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thebookreviewindia.org/articles/archives-855/2012/april/4/inequality-injustice-and-impunity-premchands-worlds.html |title=Inequality, Injustice and Impunity: Premchand's Worlds |publisher=Thebookreviewindia.org |date=2012-04-04 |accessdate=2014-05-20}}</ref> (Harper Collins, 1992; revised and enlarged 2011); a collection of satirical writing in Hindi by Asghar Wajahat entitled Lies: Half Told<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abebooks.com/Lies-Half-Told-Asghar-Wajahat-Rakhshanda/10071036655/bd |title=Lies by Asghar Wajahat Rakhshanda Jalil: Srishti Publishers & Distributors 9788187075929 - Alden Books |publisher=Abebooks.com |date=2013-03-26 |accessdate=2014-05-20}}</ref> (Srishti, 2002); 32 satirical cameos by Saadat Hasan Manto entitled Black Borders<ref>{{Cite book|isbn=8129102420 |title=Black Borders Collectin of 32 Cameos. pa.: Saadat Hasan., Rakhshanda Jalil Manto: 9788129102423: Amazon.com: Books |publisher=Amazon.com |date=2003-02-02 }}</ref> (Rupa & Co., 2003); Through the Closed Doorway,<ref>{{Cite book|title=Buy Through the Closed Doorway Book Online at Low Prices in India &#124; Through the Closed Doorway Reviews & Ratings |publisher=Amazon.in |date=2004-01-01 |isbn=812910458X }}</ref> nazms by Urdu poet Shahryar (Rupa & Co. 2004); short stories by Intizar Husain entitled Circle and Other Stories<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archive.deccanherald.com/Deccanherald/dec122004/br4.asp |title=A book that you will read till the last page - Deccan Herald |publisher=Archive.deccanherald.com |date=2004-12-12 |accessdate=2014-05-20}}</ref> (Rupa & Co. 2004; Sang-e-Meel, Lahore, 2012); a collection of Premchand's short stories for children called A Winter's Tale and Other Stories (Puffin, 2007); Naked Voices and other Stories<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7700096-naked-voices |title=Naked Voices: Stories And Sketches by Saadat Hasan Manto — Reviews, Discussion, Bookclubs, Lists |publisher=Goodreads.com |date= |accessdate=2014-05-20}}</ref> – a collection of stories and sketches by Saadat Hasan Manto translated by her from Urdu (Roli, 2008);  Panchlight and Other Stories by Hindi writer Phanishwarnath Renu (Orient Blackswan, 2010); and ''Traitor,'' translated from Krishan Chander's Gaddaar, published by Tranquebar in 2017.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2019-07-30|title=Traitor translated by Rakhshanda Jalil|url=https://www.purplepencilproject.com/traitor-book-review-rakhshanda-jalil/|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2020-06-06|website=Purple Pencil Project|language=en-US}}</ref>
She has published nine works of translations: [[Premchand]]'s short stories entitled ''The Temple and the Mosque''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thebookreviewindia.org/articles/archives-855/2012/april/4/inequality-injustice-and-impunity-premchands-worlds.html |title=Inequality, Injustice and Impunity: Premchand's Worlds |publisher=Thebookreviewindia.org |date=2012-04-04 |accessdate=2014-05-20 |archive-date=6 October 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006142709/http://www.thebookreviewindia.org/articles/archives-855/2012/april/4/inequality-injustice-and-impunity-premchands-worlds.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> (HarperCollins, 1992; revised and enlarged 2011); a collection of satirical writing in Hindi by [[Asghar Wajahat]] entitled Lies: Half Told<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abebooks.com/Lies-Half-Told-Asghar-Wajahat-Rakhshanda/10071036655/bd |title=Lies by Asghar Wajahat Rakhshanda Jalil: Srishti Publishers & Distributors 9788187075929 - Alden Books |publisher=Abebooks.com |date=2013-03-26 |accessdate=2014-05-20}}</ref> (Srishti, 2002); 32 satirical cameos by [[Saadat Hasan Manto]] entitled Black Borders<ref>{{Cite book|isbn=8129102420 |title=Black Borders: A Collection of 32 Cameos. pa.: Saadat Hasan., Rakhshanda Jalil Manto: 9788129102423: Amazon.com: Books |publisher=Amazon.com |date=2003-02-02 }}</ref> (Rupa & Co., 2003); Through the Closed Doorway,<ref>{{Cite book|title=Buy Through the Closed Doorway Book Online at Low Prices in India &#124; Through the Closed Doorway Reviews & Ratings |publisher=Amazon.in |date=2004-01-01 |isbn=812910458X }}</ref> nazms by Urdu poet Shahryar (Rupa & Co. 2004); short stories by Intizar Husain entitled Circle and Other Stories<ref>{{cite web |url=http://archive.deccanherald.com/Deccanherald/dec122004/br4.asp |title=A book that you will read till the last page - Deccan Herald |publisher=Archive.deccanherald.com |date=2004-12-12 |accessdate=2014-05-20 |archive-date=16 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140916102534/http://archive.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/dec122004/br4.asp |url-status=dead }}</ref> (Rupa & Co. 2004; Sang-e-Meel, Lahore, 2012); a collection of Premchand's short stories for children called A Winter's Tale and Other Stories (Puffin, 2007); Naked Voices and other Stories<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7700096-naked-voices |title=Naked Voices: Stories And Sketches by Saadat Hasan Manto — Reviews, Discussion, Bookclubs, Lists |publisher=Goodreads.com |date= |accessdate=2014-05-20}}</ref> – a collection of stories and sketches by Saadat Hasan Manto translated by her from Urdu (Roli, 2008);  Panchlight and Other Stories by Hindi writer Phanishwarnath Renu ([[Orient Blackswan]], 2010); and ''Traitor,'' translated from [[Krishan Chander]]'s Gaddaar, published by Tranquebar in 2017.<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2019-07-30|title=Traitor translated by Rakhshanda Jalil|url=https://www.purplepencilproject.com/traitor-book-review-rakhshanda-jalil/|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=2020-06-06|website=Purple Pencil Project|language=en-US}}</ref>


The biography of Urdu feminist writer Dr Rashid Jahan by Rakhshanda Jalil has been published by Women Unlimited under the title ''A Rebel and her Cause'' (2014).<ref>{{cite web | title = A Rebel And Her Cause: Life and Work of Rashid Jahan released by Rakhshanda Jalil | url = http://www.jagranjosh.com/current-affairs/a-rebel-and-her-cause-life-and-work-of-rashid-jahan-released-by-rakhshanda-jalil-1399458730-1 |date=26 April 2014| accessdate = 2014-08-18 }}</ref> With over 15 books behind her and over 50 academic papers at seminars and conferences, at present she contributes regularly to national and international newspapers and magazines, writes book reviews, opinion pieces and travelogues, and appears on television to talk about issues of culture, literature and society. She also contributes regularly to ''Himal'' (Kathmandu), ''The Herald'' (Karachi) and ''The Friday Times'' (Lahore), apart from ''The Hindu'', ''Biblio'', ''The Literary Review'', etc. in India.
The biography of Urdu feminist writer Dr [[Rashid Jahan]] by Rakhshanda Jalil has been published by Women Unlimited under the title ''A Rebel and her Cause'' (2014).<ref>{{cite web | title = A Rebel And Her Cause: Life and Work of Rashid Jahan released by Rakhshanda Jalil | url = http://www.jagranjosh.com/current-affairs/a-rebel-and-her-cause-life-and-work-of-rashid-jahan-released-by-rakhshanda-jalil-1399458730-1 |date=26 April 2014| accessdate = 2014-08-18 }}</ref> With over 15 books behind her and over 50 academic papers at seminars and conferences, at present she contributes regularly to national and international newspapers and magazines, writes book reviews, opinion pieces and travelogues, and appears on television to talk about issues of culture, literature and society. She also contributes regularly to ''Himal'' (Kathmandu), ''The Herald'' (Karachi) and ''The Friday Times'' (Lahore), apart from ''The Hindu'', ''Biblio'', ''The Literary Review'', etc. in India.


Her debut collection of fiction, ''Release & Other Stories'', was published by Harper Collins in 2011, and received critical acclaim. At present, she is engaged in a study of Indian secularism.
Her debut collection of fiction, ''Release & Other Stories'', was published by HarperCollins in 2011, and received critical acclaim. At present, she is engaged in a study of Indian secularism.


== Bibliography ==
== Bibliography ==
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[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Indian literary historians]]
[[Category:Indian literary historians]]
[[Category:University of Delhi alumni]]
[[Category:Indian women short story writers]]
[[Category:Indian women short story writers]]
[[Category:Literary scholars]]
[[Category:Literary scholars]]
[[Category:University of Delhi faculty]]
[[Category:Academic staff of Delhi University]]
[[Category:Book editors]]
[[Category:Book editors]]
[[Category:Indian magazine editors]]
[[Category:Indian magazine editors]]
[[Category:Jamia Millia Islamia faculty]]
[[Category:Academic staff of Jamia Millia Islamia]]
[[Category:English-language writers from India]]
[[Category:English-language Indian writers]]
[[Category:Urdu-language writers from India]]
[[Category:Urdu-language Indian writers]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian translators]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian translators]]
[[Category:Urdu–English translators]]
[[Category:Urdu–English translators]]
[[Category:Hindi–English translators]]
[[Category:Hindi–English translators]]
[[Category:Aligarh Muslim University faculty]]
[[Category:Academic staff of Aligarh Muslim University]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian short story writers]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian short story writers]]
[[Category:Writers from Delhi]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian historians]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian historians]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian women writers]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian women writers]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian writers]]
[[Category:Indian women historians]]
[[Category:Indian women historians]]
[[Category:Indian women editors]]
[[Category:Indian editors]]
[[Category:Indian editors]]
[[Category:Women writers from Delhi]]
[[Category:Women writers from Delhi]]
[[Category:Indian women translators]]
[[Category:Indian women magazine editors]]
[[Category:Women magazine editors]]
[[Category:Women literary historians]]
[[Category:Women literary historians]]
[[Category:Miranda House alumni]]

Latest revision as of 19:21, 28 January 2026



Rakhshanda Jalil
Rakhshanda Jalil
Born20 July 1963 (1963-07-20) (age 63)
Delhi, India
EducationMiranda House, Delhi, Delhi University, Jamia Millia Islamia
OccupationIndian writer, critic and literary historian

Rakhshanda Jalil (born 20 July 1963) is an Indian writer, translator, critic and literary historian. She is known for her book on Delhi's lesser-known monuments called Invisible City: The hidden Monuments of Delhi[1][2] and a well-received collection of short stories, called Release & Other Stories[3][4] (HarperCollins, 2011). Her PhD on the Progressive Writers' Movement as Reflected in Urdu Literature has been published by Oxford University Press as Liking Progress, Loving Change[5][6] (2014). Jalil runs an organization called Hindustani Awaaz, devoted to the popularization of Hindi-Urdu literature and culture.

Career[edit | edit source]

Jalil graduated from Miranda house, Delhi University in 1986. She started her career as a lecturer in Khalsa College.[7] After that she worked at Aligarh Muslim University as lecturer (1987), editorial assistant at Tata McGraw-Hill Book Publishing Company[7] (1987–89), sub-editor in the Publications Division of the India International Centre (1989–90), assistant editor in the Publications Division of the India International Center (1990 – March 1995). She later joined Jamia Millia Islamia[7] and worked there as director of the outreach programme. She co-edited a quarterly journal called Third Frame: Literature, Culture and Society, published and distributed by Cambridge University Press from 2007 to 2009. She was senior associate fellow at the Council of Social Development, New Delhi, and associate editor of Social Change, the journal brought out by CSD (Jan 2011-Jan 2012).

Contribution to Urdu literature[edit | edit source]

She has edited four collections of short stories: Urdu Stories[8] (Srishti, 2002), a selection by Pakistani women writers called Neither Night Nor Day[9] (HarperCollins, 2007), New Urdu Writings: From India & Pakistan [10] (Westland, 2013), and Pigeons of the Domes: Stories of Communalism (Niyogi, 2015); a collection of essays on the little known monuments of Delhi, called Invisible City (Niyogi, 2008, revised third edition 2011); two co-authored books, Partners in Freedom: Jamia Millia Islamia[11] (Niyogi, 2006) and Journey to a Holy Land: A Pilgrim’s Diary [12][13] (OUP, 2009). She was co-editor of Third Frame,[14] a journal devoted to literature, culture and society brought out by the Cambridge University Press. She has edited and introduced a volume of essays entitled Qurratulain Hyder and the River of Fire: The Meaning, Scope and Significance of her Legacy[15] (Aakar, 2010; and Oxford University Press, Karachi, 2010).
She has published nine works of translations: Premchand's short stories entitled The Temple and the Mosque[16] (HarperCollins, 1992; revised and enlarged 2011); a collection of satirical writing in Hindi by Asghar Wajahat entitled Lies: Half Told[17] (Srishti, 2002); 32 satirical cameos by Saadat Hasan Manto entitled Black Borders[18] (Rupa & Co., 2003); Through the Closed Doorway,[19] nazms by Urdu poet Shahryar (Rupa & Co. 2004); short stories by Intizar Husain entitled Circle and Other Stories[20] (Rupa & Co. 2004; Sang-e-Meel, Lahore, 2012); a collection of Premchand's short stories for children called A Winter's Tale and Other Stories (Puffin, 2007); Naked Voices and other Stories[21] – a collection of stories and sketches by Saadat Hasan Manto translated by her from Urdu (Roli, 2008); Panchlight and Other Stories by Hindi writer Phanishwarnath Renu (Orient Blackswan, 2010); and Traitor, translated from Krishan Chander's Gaddaar, published by Tranquebar in 2017.[22]

The biography of Urdu feminist writer Dr Rashid Jahan by Rakhshanda Jalil has been published by Women Unlimited under the title A Rebel and her Cause (2014).[23] With over 15 books behind her and over 50 academic papers at seminars and conferences, at present she contributes regularly to national and international newspapers and magazines, writes book reviews, opinion pieces and travelogues, and appears on television to talk about issues of culture, literature and society. She also contributes regularly to Himal (Kathmandu), The Herald (Karachi) and The Friday Times (Lahore), apart from The Hindu, Biblio, The Literary Review, etc. in India.

Her debut collection of fiction, Release & Other Stories, was published by HarperCollins in 2011, and received critical acclaim. At present, she is engaged in a study of Indian secularism.

Bibliography[edit | edit source]

  • Invisible City: The Hidden Monument of Delhi
  • Lies: Half Told; translated by Rakshanda Jalil; 2002, Srishti Publishers. ISBN 81-87075-92-9.
  • A Winter's Night And Other Stories
  • Release & Other Stories
  • A Rebel and Her Cause: The Life and Work of Rashid Jahan published by Women Unlimited
  • Qurratulain Hyder and the River of Fire: The Meaning, Scope and Significance of Her Legacy
  • Naked Voices: Stories And Sketches
  • Through The Closed Doorway: A Collection Of Nazms
  • New Urdu Writings: From India and Pakistan

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Invisible City: The Hidden Monument of Delhi (9788189738778): Rakhshanda Jalil, Khushwant Singh: Books. Amazon.com. 16 February 2013. ISBN 978-8189738778.
  2. ↑ "Delhi's Hidden Riches". Thebookreviewindia.org. 1 January 2012. Archived from the original on 19 August 2014. Retrieved 20 May 2014.
  3. ↑ Release and Other Stories: Rakhshanda Jalil: 9789350290699: Amazon.com: Books. Amazon.com. 23 November 2011. ISBN 978-9350290699.
  4. ↑ "CM releases short story collection". The Indian Express. 18 September 2011. Retrieved 20 May 2014.
  5. ↑ "Liking Progress, Loving Change: Rakhshanda Jalil - Oxford University Press". Ukcatalogue.oup.com. 6 March 2014. Archived from the original on 9 March 2014. Retrieved 20 May 2014.
  6. ↑ Jalil, Rakhshanda (15 December 2013). "Liking Progress, Loving Change: A Literary History of the Progressive Writers Movement in Urdu Book by Rakhshanda Jalil | Hardcover". chapters.indigo.ca. Retrieved 20 May 2014.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 CIL (23 March 2007). "The Tradition of Eid-e-Milad-un-Nabi in North India - Rakshanda Jalil". Ignca.nic.in. Retrieved 20 May 2014.
  8. ↑ Urdu Stories (Great Writers): Rakhshanda Jalil, etc., et al, Asif Aslam Farrukhi: 9788187075912: Amazon.com: Books. Amazon.com. 1 January 2002. ISBN 8187075910.
  9. ↑ "HarperCollins Publishers India Ltd". Harpercollins.co.in. Retrieved 20 May 2014.
  10. ↑ Events, Delhi (10 February 2014). "Writings: From India and Pakistan by Rakhshanda Jalil - Book Discussion at Conference Room - 1, Main Building, India International Centre (IIC), Lodhi Estate > 6:30pm on 10th February 2014". Delhi Events. Retrieved 20 May 2014.
  11. ↑ "Jamia as a partner in freedom". The Hindu. 17 November 2006. Retrieved 20 May 2014.
  12. ↑ "A journey of faith". The Hindu. 15 November 2009. Retrieved 20 May 2014.
  13. ↑ Journey to the Holy Land - Amir Ahmad Alawi; Mushirul Hasan; Rakhshanda Jalil - Oxford University Press. Global.oup.com. 30 November 2009. ISBN 978-0-19-806346-9. Retrieved 20 May 2014.
  14. ↑ "Cambridge University Press India". Cambridgeindia.org. 24 April 2008. Archived from the original on 6 October 2014. Retrieved 20 May 2014.
  15. ↑ "Qurratulain Hyder and the river of fire : the meaning, scope and significance of her legacy / edited by Rakhshanda Jalil. - Version details - Trove". Trove.nla.gov.au. Retrieved 20 May 2014.
  16. ↑ "Inequality, Injustice and Impunity: Premchand's Worlds". Thebookreviewindia.org. 4 April 2012. Archived from the original on 6 October 2014. Retrieved 20 May 2014.
  17. ↑ "Lies by Asghar Wajahat Rakhshanda Jalil: Srishti Publishers & Distributors 9788187075929 - Alden Books". Abebooks.com. 26 March 2013. Retrieved 20 May 2014.
  18. ↑ Black Borders: A Collection of 32 Cameos. pa.: Saadat Hasan., Rakhshanda Jalil Manto: 9788129102423: Amazon.com: Books. Amazon.com. 2 February 2003. ISBN 8129102420.
  19. ↑ Buy Through the Closed Doorway Book Online at Low Prices in India | Through the Closed Doorway Reviews & Ratings. Amazon.in. 1 January 2004. ISBN 812910458X.
  20. ↑ "A book that you will read till the last page - Deccan Herald". Archive.deccanherald.com. 12 December 2004. Archived from the original on 16 September 2014. Retrieved 20 May 2014.
  21. ↑ "Naked Voices: Stories And Sketches by Saadat Hasan Manto — Reviews, Discussion, Bookclubs, Lists". Goodreads.com. Retrieved 20 May 2014.
  22. ↑ "Traitor translated by Rakhshanda Jalil". Purple Pencil Project. 30 July 2019. Retrieved 6 June 2020.
  23. ↑ "A Rebel And Her Cause: Life and Work of Rashid Jahan released by Rakhshanda Jalil". 26 April 2014. Retrieved 18 August 2014.
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