The Muslim Women and Girls of India Win International Literary Acclaim: ‘Heart Lamp’ by Banu Mushtaq Wins International Booker Prize with Stories of India’s Muslim Women and Girls
The International Booker Prize has announced its winner for 2025, and it is a book that breaks new ground in the literary world. ‘Heart Lamp’ by Banu Mushtaq has won the prestigious award, making history as the first short story collection to take home the prize.
A Window into the Lives of Muslim Women in India
The author, Banu Mushtaq, and translator Deepa Bhasthi have received the award for their book, which showcases 12 short stories written by Mushtaq between 1990 and 2023. These stories delve into the lives of girls and women in Muslim communities in southern India, navigating issues such as caste and class.
The book offers a candid portrayal of the struggles faced by these women, including jealousy, reproductive rights, faith, and power. In one story, a woman’s relationship with her husband is put to the test when he develops feelings for his mother. Another story explores a woman’s painful experience with her son’s circumcision.
According to the 2011 census, 24.1% of Indian women are Muslims.
In recent years, there has been a significant increase in initiatives aimed at empowering Muslim women in India.
The government has launched several programs, including the 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao' scheme, which focuses on education and girls' empowerment.
Additionally, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have established schools and vocational training centers specifically for Muslim women.
These efforts aim to improve their socio-economic status and provide them with equal opportunities.
A Personal Touch
Mushtaq, a lawyer and advocate for women’s rights, drew inspiration from daily incidents that affected women in her life. She often meets women who come to her seeking relief from their problems. ‘I witness this day-to-day,’ she said. ‘They have brought all the problems with them. They seek relief.’
A New Voice in Translation
‘Heart Lamp’ is also notable for being translated from Kannada, a language predominantly spoken in southern India. Translator Deepa Bhasthi‘s approach to translation emphasizes introducing readers to new words and thoughts, rather than conforming to traditional English standards.
‘I call it translating with an accent,’ she said. ‘So the English in Heart Lamp is an English with a very deliberate Kannada hum to it.’ This approach adds a unique flavor to the book, making it a rich experience for English readers.
A Rewarding Achievement
The International Booker Prize has announced its winner for 2025, and it is a book that will resonate with readers. The prize comes with £50,000 (about $66,000), split equally between the author and translator. This achievement is a testament to the power of literature to bring people together and challenge societal norms.
The shortlisted books for this year’s prize include ‘On the Calculation of Volume I’ , ‘Small Boat’ , ‘Under the Eye of the Big Bird’ , ‘Perfection‘ , and ‘A Leopard-Skin Hat’ . The International Booker Prize continues to celebrate the best fiction translated into English, offering readers a diverse range of perspectives from around the world.
