Dr. Shajahana’s autobiographical novel ‘Mera jaha’ records the life of Telangana Muslim women in an intimate way.
Sangishetti Srinivas
Long back in 1952 Zeenath fateh ally wrote a novel called “Zohra” depicting the life of Muslim Nawabs, and their travails during 1948-52, era of police action. This was first attempt in English by a Muslim women from Hyderabad to write a novel. Then Hyderabad’s daughter in law Jeelani bano wrote a novel called “Aiwan e ghazhal” painting the decadent society of feudal landlords. This novel was first published in Urdu in 2003, later in 2016 National book trust re printed it. In their footsteps now Dr. Shajahana wrote an autobiographical novel in Telugu titled “Mera jaha”. This novel records the life of a Telangana Muslim/ Laddafi woman.
After the era of 1970 and 1980’s very few women wrote novels in Telugu, especially from Telangana. Till recently Mudiganti Sujatha Reddy seems to be the only women novelist from Telangana. To continue this saga Shajahana an expert short story writer and versatile poetess from Telangana, who travelled Russia and Germany on behalf of Indian government, and read poetry on the international dais. It is a rare honour to loterery livers that she has attempted to write a novel and succeeded in depicting their lives an intimate way.
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Indeed, this is an insider story and a must read novel to understand Muslim world of Telangana and also the Telangana movement.
Coming from a literary family, Shajahana learnt the nuances of literature at an early age. She studied her MA Telugu from Osmania university and did Doctor of Philosophy from Telugu University, Rajamundry centre, and received a gold medal. Her PhD topic is “Muslim Identity literature in Telugu an overview”. This research made her very strong in that field. In continuation of the research she was very vocal to the demands of Muslim women. She was in the fore front in demanding free the the Muslim woman from wearing a veil (burqa). Shajahana poetry was published under the title “Naqaab ” that means burqa. This book was published way back in 2005. She also authored “Dardi ” poetry and “Laddafni” short stories. In all these writings she demanded equal status to women especially Muslim women. For this she faced the wrath of fundamentalists. In spite of all the hindrances she made her point clear, and stood by the victims.
In the current novel Shajahana recollected her memories and penned it affectionately. she has drawn many aspects of rural and urban life, importance of education, etiquette of Muslims, customs of society, family relations, friendship, love, food culture all are depicted in an amicable way. “Mera jaha” depicts the Muslim world of Telangana, and also Telangana movement. Indeed, this novel an insider story and a must read book. I congratulate my friend for her endeavor.
Sangishetti Srinivas is writer and historian whose works are a great reference to understand the transforming Telangana in terms of history, literature and Dalit -Bahujan identities.
Long back in 1952 Zeenath fateh ally wrote a novel called “Zohra” depicting the life of Muslim Nawabs, and their travails during 1948-52, era of police action. This was first attempt in English by a Muslim women from Hyderabad to write a novel. Then Hyderabad’s daughter in law Jeelani bano wrote a novel called “Aiwan e ghazhal” painting the decadent society of feudal landlords. This novel was first published in Urdu in 2003, later in 2016 National book trust re printed it. In their footsteps now Dr. Shajahana wrote an autobiographical novel in Telugu titled “Mera jaha”. This novel records the life of a Telangana Muslim/ Laddafi woman.
