Shadows of Azadi

Women's Lives in the Crucible of Kashmir

Manisha Sobhrajani

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English

MELBOURNE UNIVERSITY PRES
01 July 2025

Society & Social Sciences; Society & culture: general

Azaadi, or ‘freedom’, represents a woman’s right to choose, and to live by the choices she makes. So what happens when you aren’t allowed to choose? When your childhood, education, worklife and self-determined future are forbidden due to your gender?

In the conflict-torn and highly militarised region of Kashmir, ‘Azaadi’ can mean different things to different people. For one woman, it could mean expressing her innermost thoughts without the fear of punishment. For another, it could mean studying the subjects of her choice, or going out with friends without being harassed. It could also mean being able to wear make-up, or certain clothes; even to to read whatever one likes.

This anthology of essays by women from the three main regions of Indian-administered-Kashmir—Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh—explores what Azaadi means in a country where basic rights for women are forbidden.

By: Manisha Sobhrajani
Imprint: MELBOURNE UNIVERSITY PRES
Country of Publication: Australia
Dimensions: Height: 5,944mm, Width: 3,886mm,
ISBN: 9780522880694
ISBN 10: 052288069X
Pages: 256
Publication Date: 01 July 2025
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Manisha Sobhrajani is a journalist who works with communities in remote and hostile environments across India, on issues of trauma and reconciliation. Her books include The Land I Dream of: The Story of Kashmir’s Women (2014) and Forest of Tides: The Untold Story of the Sunderbans (2018). Sobhrajani lives in Hyderabad.