The Light – Sajjad Zaheer

A Translation of Roshnai: A History of the Movement for Progressive Literature in the Indo-Pakistan Subcontinent

Product Details

• Author: Sajjad Zaheer
• Translator: Amina Azfar
• Introduction by: Ahmad Ali Khan
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication Date: February 1, 2012
• Format: Paperback
• Pages: 100
• Language: English (Translated from Urdu)
• ISBN-13: 9780199066155
• ISBN-10: 0199066159

Overview

The Light by Sajjad Zaheer is the English translation of Roshnai, a seminal work that chronicles the Progressive Writers’ Movement in the Indo-Pakistan subcontinent. Translated by Amina Azfar and introduced by Ahmad Ali Khan, this book provides a historical account of the movement, which played a crucial role in shaping modern South Asian literature and advocating for social justice, political awareness, and artistic freedom.

Zaheer, a pioneering figure in progressive literature, recounts the struggles, aspirations, and ideological battles that defined the movement. The book provides insights into the lives and works of renowned literary figures, their contributions to political discourse, and their impact on Urdu literature and cultural history.

This thought-provoking book is a must-read for literature enthusiasts, historians, and scholars interested in the intersection of politics, society, and literature.

Key Themes

✔ The Birth of the Progressive Writers’ Movement – How a group of writers challenged societal norms and advocated for change.

✔ Influence on Urdu Literature – The movement’s role in shaping progressive Urdu poetry, prose, and drama.

✔ Social and Political Activism – The connection between literature, political consciousness, and social justice.

✔ Key Writers & Their Works – Sajjad Zaheer, Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Mulk Raj Anand, Ismat Chughtai, and others who contributed to this intellectual revolution.

✔ Censorship & Struggles – The challenges faced by writers under colonial rule and post-independence political climates.

✔ Impact on Modern South Asian Literature – How the movement continues to influence contemporary literature and thought.

Why You Should Read This Book

For Literature Lovers: A firsthand historical account of one of the most influential literary movements in South Asia.

For History & Political Science Enthusiasts: A rare perspective on the cultural and political evolution of literature in the subcontinent.

For Academics & Researchers: A valuable resource for those studying South Asian literary movements, progressive literature, and postcolonial studies.

For Urdu Literature Fans: A chance to explore the roots of modern Urdu literature and its engagement with social change.

Interesting Facts

Sajjad Zaheer was a co-founder of the Progressive Writers’ Association (PWA) and played a key role in shaping leftist literary thought in the subcontinent.

The Progressive Writers’ Movement (1936-1950s) was influenced by Marxist ideology and sought to use literature as a tool for social reform.

The book discusses how Urdu writers and poets responded to British colonial rule, the Partition, and post-independence politics.

Many progressive writers faced censorship, exile, and political persecution, yet their works continue to inspire generations of readers.

Roshnai (the original Urdu text) is considered a foundational work in the history of South Asian literary movements.

Praise for The Light

"A vital historical record of one of the most significant literary movements in South Asia." – Oxford University Press Review

"Zaheer’s passionate storytelling and deep insight make this an essential read for anyone interested in progressive literature." – Literary Journal Review

"Amina Azfar’s translation does justice to Zaheer’s original work, making it accessible to a global audience." – Book Critic Review

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