Krishna Sobti: A Counter Archive

Krishna Sobti is a Hindi writer known for her bold choice of themes and extraordinary use of the language. This book explores her life and works, including critical essays, excerpts from her translations, and reflections on her creative process. Her fiction addresses themes such as the Partition, women and sexuality, desire and violence, history and memory, subverting dominant narratives and de-historicizing history. Her characters are polyphonic and seeped in social realities, and her interactions with fellow Hindi writers further enrich the volume. This book is valuable for scholars and researchers in Indian literature, English literature, postcolonial studies, cultural studies, gender studies, translation studies, and Partition studies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 286 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the life and remarkable works of the renowned Hindi writer Krishna Sobti, renowned for her audacious choice of themes in her writing. Her exceptional command of the Hindi language has also earned her a prominent position as a counter-archive. While contextualizing the author within her historical era, this volume presents critical perspectives to establish her place in the canon of modern Indian literature.

In addition to insightful critical essays on Sobti, the inclusion of excerpts from the translations of some of her major works, such as Zindaginama, Mitro Marjani, and Ai Ladki, greatly enhances our understanding of her worldview and the contexts in which she wrote. Furthermore, this book offers valuable insights into Sobti's creative process, shedding light on the intricacies of her characters and her unique approach to fiction writing.

Sobti's fiction, crafted during a period of significant political and cultural upheaval, explores a wide range of themes, including the Partition of the country and its aftermath, women and their sexuality, desire and violence, history and memory. Her writing challenged the dominant narratives of her time and deconstructed historical narratives. Through her characters, Sobti vividly portrayed the social realities of her era and served as a site of resistance against the dominant power archive.

Her own essays and critical writings further showcase the polyphonic nature of Sobti's characters, who are deeply rooted in social realities. They encapsulate the cultural milieu of their times and function as a powerful counterbalance to the dominant archival discourse. Sobti's interactions with fellow Hindi writers, such as Nirmal Verma and Krishan Baldev Vaid, as well as her letters, memoirs, and reminiscences of others, enrich this volume and further establish her distinct voice.

As part of the 'Writer in Context Series, this book is an invaluable resource for scholars and researchers of Indian literature, English, and related fields. It provides a comprehensive exploration of Krishna Sobti's life and works, shedding light on her contributions to Indian literature and her enduring legacy.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032079660