Ismat Chughtai

21 August 1915 – 24 October 1991

Ismat Chughtai was an Indian Urdu writer known for her bold, feminist fiction that explored female sexuality, class conflict, and social issues. A leading figure of the Progressive Writers' Movement, she is best remembered for her controversial 1942 short story 'Lihaaf' (The Quilt).

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Life events

Born in Badayun, United Provinces, British India
21 August 1915

Ismat Chughtai was born into a large Muslim family in Badayun.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Earned Bachelor of Arts from Isabella Thoburn College
1940

She graduated with a B.A. degree in 1940 after insisting on continuing her education.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Completed Bachelor of Education degree
1941

She earned a B.Ed. from Aligarh Muslim University.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Published the short story 'Lihaaf' (The Quilt)
1942

Her most famous story, dealing with female homosexuality, appeared in the Urdu journal Adab-i-Latif.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Married filmmaker Shahid Latif
1942

She married writer and film director Shahid Latif.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Tried for obscenity over 'Lihaaf'
1944

She faced obscenity charges in a Lahore court for 'Lihaaf' but was acquitted.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Published the novel 'Terhi Lakeer' (The Crooked Line)
1945

Her semi-autobiographical novel became one of her major works.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Awarded the Padma Shri
1976

She received India's Padma Shri award for her contributions to literature.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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Died in Mumbai
24 October 1991

Ismat Chughtai died in Mumbai at the age of 76.

Source: en.wikipedia.org
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