Caste in Its Own Shadow: Urdu Stories of Muslim Identity in India - Anil Maheshwari

Caste in Its Own Shadow: Urdu Stories of Muslim Identity in India

(Author & Translator: Anil Maheshwari)

A groundbreaking literary anthology of translated Urdu stories that subject caste-based discrimination and social hierarchy within Indian Muslim society to unflinching scrutiny.

While caste hierarchy in India is most frequently discussed in the context of Hindu society, Caste in Its Own Shadow demonstrates how caste consciousness penetrates the lived experiences of South Asian Islam, revealing social fractures that transcend religious boundaries.

Translated directly from original Urdu literary works, these compelling stories serve as vital sociological documents. Rather than merely recording prejudice, the collection exposes the daily normalization of caste identity, laying bare the deeply entrenched divide between the Ashraf (noble/privileged lineages) and Ajlaf (lower-caste/working communities) groups.

In doing so, the anthology tests celebrated poetic ideals of universal brotherhood against harsh, ground-level social realities. By bringing together prominent Urdu writers whose work reflects subtle, often unacknowledged caste dynamics, author and translator Anil Maheshwari strips away the romanticized veneer to present a courageous, morally honest examination of South Asian social history.

Caste in Its Own Shadow is a crucial intellectual intervention that invites scholars, students, and general readers to rethink long-held assumptions about religion, equality, and social stratification in India.

Key Features:

• Translated Urdu Masterpieces: Features classic and contemporary Urdu short stories translated into clear, expressive English.

• Critical Sociological Perspective: Explores the Ashraf-Ajlaf divide and internal social hierarchies within Indian Muslim communities.

• Important Academic Contribution: Fills a critical gap in South Asian studies, caste literature, and comparative sociology.

• High-Appeal Non-Fiction: Essential reading for literary enthusiasts, sociologists, historians, and readers of Indian political and social dynamics.