Introduction

Abstract

The thought-provoking introduction traces the origin, development, and expansion of Indian Muslim women’s short fiction, across different genres, from the early twentieth century to contemporary times. It examines writing by authors from different ethnic and linguistic backgrounds to reflect upon the diversity of imagined and lived experiences, to understand the intersectionality of various identities, and to examine voices and agencies of the Muslim women authors. It contests the assumption that Muslim women in India constitute a silent and homogeneous constituency with specific allegiances that derive from Islam. Furthermore, it investigates crucial religious and educational reforms that have impacted the socio-political condition of Muslim women in India, and elaborates upon the relationship between reforms, changing cultural configuration, and its impact on the writings by Muslim women.