We have been writing all along!

Mythlogy speaks about the Brahmavadini, women who strive for philosophical knowledge, and scholars like Mythreyi and Ghosha as poetess and authors. These women found a mention in the Vedas, the veneered religious scriptures of the Hindu religion. The Government of Tamil Nadu celebrates an Annual Avvai Vizha (festival) to commemorate the birth anniversary of Avvaiyar, one of the earliest women to be a poet and an author. Her legacy goes back to the Sangam era, and her name finds mention in the Thirukural. Ponmudiyar and Velliveethiyar are women authors who made a mark in the Sangam era. They also occupied important places in the courts of the Chola and Pandya kings. Akka Mahadevi is one of the earliest known women writers of Kannada literature, dating back to the 12^th Century BC. Indian women have had a tryst with literature since time immemorial.

But then, somewhere along the way…

With centuries of war and invasion, women writers took a backseat. Sparing a few Queens, Indian women had little access to education and nearly zero right to express their opinion. The pardah came into effect in many dynasties, completely restricting access to the King’s court and to public life.

A New Beginning

The fiery struggle for independence at the turn of the 19^th Century marked a fresh beginning to the world of women in writing. This received further impetus from the quest for liberation of women and minorities that this period saw. Kamini Roy, Cornelia Sorabji, Sarojini Naidu and Roekhya Shakawat Hussain created a space for themselves in the world of literature, marking a new beginning for women in literature. Slowly, women rebelled with words, with writers like Ismait Chugtai, Amrita Pritam being the torch bearers to a new breed of women who were unapologetic with the written word. And once they began, there was no looking back. Banumathi, a south Indian actress and novelist, went on to make movies to tell her stories to the world, as early as mid-20^th Century.  We now have seven Sahitya Academy Awards, Pulitzer, CommonWealth Prizes, The Man Booker  and the Jnanpith Award won by Indian women in writing.

It has been a long drawn battle, with hurdles at every step. But here we are, running Literature Festivals and dazzling in the limelight of the words we have penned down. We have broken free from the shackles of child marriage and a dehumanized existence, now sharing space in educational institutions and at workplace and boldly putting our thoughts to paper and luring the world to read our minds. Because who can define us better than our own selves?

As an ultimate celebration to the liberty that literacy has offered, IWI is proudly celebrating Women In Writing, this January. And look who we had for The IWI Talk! The multi-faceted Director of Pune LitFest, Dr Manjiri Prabhu was in conversation with Anupama Jain from IWI.

“Your story does not need a hero saving someone or major antics. A simple story can be inspiring” Manjiri began. She has confessed to be a born writer and this was evident throughout the discussion. Manjiri has ventured into writing for children now, and feels the challenge in this genre is two-fold – Children today require a lot more content owing to the exposure they are receiving, and they also need to be kept engaged. Manjari sees a lot of potential for sci-fi and fantasy in India in the future.

The Pune International Fest was held online this year and Manjiri feels this format comes with its advantages. The program received an international reach and the organisers did not have to deal with logistic hassles. “Any words for debutante authors attending Litfests?” we asked Manjiri. Her suggestion was that writers have to write for themselves and also present themselves with dignity at LitFests, which are great platforms for showcasing their work.

With her moving love for her pet Tuggy and her simple ways to unwind and get over a writer’s block, speaking to Manjiri felt as relatable as it was informative.

All the best Manjiri, for The Adventures Of Mithoo! We look forward to great stories and grand festivals in celebration of literature from you.  

Author

Nithya Rajagopal is Manager, Content and Community at Incredible Women Of India.