Her family banished her for 13 years
South Asian literature, rich with diverse narratives, has seen its fair share of controversial releases.
From the iconic Salman Rushdie to the fearless Ismat Chughtai, authors have pushed boundaries, facing consequences that transcended the written word.
The running theme with most of these novels is that they tackle real-life scenarios of taboo topics, such as women’s rights, or challenge certain laws, beliefs, and ideas.
It shows just how brave these South Asian authors were to publish their pieces.
However, it also emphasises a lack of free speech, harsh punishments, and tight-lipped communities that certain countries want.
We delve into the narratives that sparked uproar, examining the cultural and political landscapes that birthed controversial incidents.
Salman Rushdie – ‘The Satanic Verses’
Salman Rushdie, celebrated for Midnight’s Children, threw himself into the literary crucible with The Satanic Verses.
This novel, a surreptitious blend of magical realism, revolves around the transformative aftermath of a fatal plane crash.
The plot hones in on ensnaring legendary movie star Gibreel Farishta and voiceover artist Saladin Chamcha in the eternal battle of Good and Evil.
However, its reference to holy books and portrayal of Islamic history ignited a storm.
Banned in Pakistan and met with a fatwa from Ayatollah Khomeini, Rushdie lived in seclusion for nine years under the alias ‘Joseph Anton’.
The controversy still rages, highlighting the precarious line between creative expression and cultural sensitivity.
Taslima Nasrin – ‘Lajja’
Taslima Nasrin, a fearless voice from Bangladesh, faced physical assault and exile for her provocative work, Lajja.
This novel thrusts readers into the turmoil of a nation grappling with communal tensions.
Nasrin, unafraid to tackle contentious issues head-on, was forced to flee her homeland due to death threats.
Living in exile for 24 years, Nasrin continued her controversial anti-war statements about India.
Her autobiographical works, My Girlhood and Exile, provide a personal lens into a life marked by strife and unyielding convictions.
Perumal Murugan – ‘One Part Woman’
Perumal Murugan’s One Part Woman initially gained success but soon faced vehement opposition from local caste-based groups.
The novel explores the desperate measures a childless couple takes during a temple festival to conceive.
Accusations of defamation and religious insensitivity led to violent protests, forcing Murugan to declare his literary demise.
Fortunately, the court vindicated him, and the English translation of the book received the Sahitya Akademi Prize for Translation in 2016.
Murugan’s saga unfolds as a testament to the volatile interplay between tradition, identity, and artistic expression.
Malala Yousafzai – ‘I Am Malala’
I Am Malala thrust Malala Yousafzai into the limelight.
However, this autobiographical tale was controversial and sparked issues across South Asia.
In Pakistan, many schools banned the book, fearing its perceived negative influence.
Many people also claimed that Malala disrespected specific faiths and cultural values which she should be punished for.
Despite facing adversity, Malala’s advocacy for girls’ education became both a source of inspiration and contention, highlighting the struggles against regressive ideologies in the pursuit of knowledge.
Sohail Warraich – ‘Ye Company Nahi Chale Gi’
Sohail Warraich’s Ye Company Nahi Chale Gi was controversial not for its content but its cover.
On the front, one can see a cartoon of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa.
The book was removed from shops in Pakistan as many objected to the depiction of Khan as a child, insinuating the Army Chief was his parent.
This incident underscores the power of visual symbols in a politically charged landscape, where even artistic choices can become flashpoints of dissent.
Sadruddin Hashwani – ‘Truth Always Prevails: A Memoir’
Sadruddin Hashwani’s memoir delves into his tumultuous relationship with former President Asif Ali Zardari.
Truth Always Prevails alleged that there were attempts on Hashwani’s life and Zardari used coercive tactics during his reign.
The book’s ban amplifies the intersection of political power and the struggle for truth.
Hashwani’s narrative challenges the status quo, laying bare the consequences faced by those who dare to speak against authority.
Tehmina Durrani – ‘My Feudal Lord’ and ‘Blasphemy’
Tehmina Durrani’s My Feudal Lord was controversial for exposing the harrowing abuse within her marriage to Ghulam Mustafa Khar.
The novel resulted in familial rejection and subsequent threats.
For example. Durrani’s family banished her for 13 years after publishing the novel.
In her third book, Blasphemy, Durrani delves into the clandestine lives of religious pirs, uncovering the torment endured by their wives.
Both works shine a light on societal injustices, with Durrani herself becoming a target for seeking justice for acid-attack victim Fakhra Younus.
D. N. Jha – ‘The Myth Of The Holy Cow’
D. N. Jha’s The Myth Of The Holy Cow ignited a firestorm, challenging prevailing narratives about cows in Vedic India.
Threats, vandalism, and physical attacks marked Jha’s life post-publication.
For over two years, he required police protection, hindering free interactions with students.
A BJP MP called for a ban, arrest, and prosecution.
Members of Jain Seva Sangh were also incensed, obtaining a court injunction in 2001, but Jha triumphed in court in 2002.
The book’s victory in court exemplifies the persistent struggle between historical inquiry and entrenched beliefs, shedding light on the complexities of religious identity.
Saadat Hasan Manto – ‘Bombay Stories’
Saadat Hasan Manto, a literary maverick, faced constant legal battles and societal censure for his unflinching portrayal of taboo subjects.
In Bombay Stories, he fearlessly explores the lives of prostitutes, courting controversy that resulted in police interference.
Despite frequent charges of obscenity, he never ceased writing, facing legal troubles in both Bombay and Lahore post-partition.
In Lahore, police surrounded his house, obtaining an arrest warrant.
Manto’s resilience against censorship and his enduring legacy redefine the boundaries of creative expression.
Ismat Chughtai – ‘Lihaaf’
Ismat Chughtai, an icon of 20th-century progressive literature, fearlessly confronted societal norms.
Lihaaf, her story on female homosexuality, led to obscenity charges in 1942.
Addressing female homosexuality landed her in court alongside Manto, which was shown in the 2019 short film adaptation.
Chughtai’s triumph in court reflected her commitment to freedom of expression, challenging patriarchal norms and shaping a feminist narrative that endures to this day.
Chughtai never refrained from presenting such topics in her writing.
She remained consistent with her work but in turn, was constantly under scrutiny.
South Asian literature, vibrant and tumultuous, thrives on controversy as much as acclaim.
From Rushdie’s global notoriety to Chughtai’s unyielding feminism, these authors illuminate the intricate dance between artistic expression and societal expectations.
In exploring the controversies that enveloped these works, we glimpse the resilience of the human spirit against forces that seek to silence diverse voices.
The struggles etched in these narratives become not just literary tales but mirrors reflecting the complexities of the societies that birthed them.
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