A translation of twelve short stories titled Adhure: Muslim Kadhalu, Vegetarians Only introduces readers to the life-world of Telugu Muslims, their dreams, sorrows and predicaments. Negotiations around the burqa and dowry are interwoven with communal sharing of marriage expenses and work. Unfulfilled love, the desperation and helplessness of penury are eased by promises of migration to the Gulf. The stories present moving portraits of individuals battling prejudice and isolation, within and outside the community, with dignity and courage. They also foreground the friendships and camaraderie between poor rural and mofussil Telugu Muslims and Dalits and invite us to share their emotional journeys.
Skybaaba’s fiction captures a ‘Muslim subalternity’ in post-colonial Deccan that finds itself at the crossroads of language, religion and economies, challenging stereotypes, even as his use of ‘Telugurdu’ brings into focus the disparate histories of Muslim communities across India. His stories raise vital questions about Muslim and Telugu identity in India, the status of women in Islam, and crucially—caste among Telugu Muslims.
Written in refreshingly direct and simple prose, these stories will resonate with a pan-Indian readership and lovers of Indian literature.
Skybaaba is a writer, poet, activist and freelance journalist. His published anthologies of poetry include Jago-Jagao (2009), Quit Telangana (2010) and Dimmisa (2011), besides Zakhmi Awaz (2012), a collection of his own writings on Telangana.
The Volume Editors
A. Suneetha is Senior Fellow and Coordinator of Anveshi Research Centre for Women’s Studies. Uma Maheswari Bhrugubanda is Assistant Professor, Department of Cultural Studies, English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and a member of Anveshi Research Centre for Women’s Studies.
Acknowledgements
Of Mofussil Muslim Lives A. Suneetha and Uma Maheswari Bhrugubanda
Jani Begum Translated from Chhoti Behen, by A. Suneetha
Petition Translated from Dawa, by Uma Maheswari Bhrugubanda
Vegetarians Only Translated from Vegetarians Only, by Uma Maheswari Bhrugubanda
Romance 1424 Hijri Translated from Mohabbat 1424 Hijri, by A. Suneetha
The Dying Flame Translated from Bhadakta Chirag, by Kiranmayi Indraganti
Homeland Translated from Watan, by R. Akhileshwari
The Benefactor Translated from Kabootar, by Christopher Chekuri
The Wedding Feast Translated from Dastar, by R. Akhileshwari
Sheer Khorma Translated from Majboor, by Uma Maheswari Bhrugubanda
Life in Death Translated from Jeevam, by D. Vasanta
Nowhere to Turn Translated from Qibla, by Rama S. Melkote
Urs Translated from Urs, by A. Suneetha
Glossary of Deccani and Telugu Terms
Note on Author
Notes on Translators