Banu Mushtaq made history by winning the International Booker Prize for 2025 for her acclaimed short story collection, Heart Lamp, translated by Deepa Bhasthi. This remarkable achievement marks her as the first writer in the Kannada language to receive this esteemed award.
This triumph is historic for several reasons:
Heart Lamp features twelve short stories that were originally published in Kannada between 1990 and 2023. These stories reflect the daily lives of women and girls in patriarchal societies in southern India, delving into themes such as resilience, resistance, and survival.
Banu Mushtaq is a prominent writer, lawyer, and women's rights activist from Karnataka, southern India. Her literary journey began in the 1970s and 1980s within progressive literary circles, where she drew inspiration from women seeking her assistance as a lawyer and activist.
Mushtaq explains that her stories focus on women and how societal, religious, and political pressures demand their obedience, often subjecting them to inhumane treatment. Her engagement with marginalized communities greatly influences her narratives.
Deepa Bhasthi, the translator of Heart Lamp, is a writer and literary translator based in southern India. She is celebrated as the first Indian translator to win the International Booker Prize. Bhasthi describes her translation approach as "translating with an accent," aiming to preserve the multilingual essence of southern India.
The award was announced on May 20, 2025, during a ceremony held at London's Tate Modern. Both Mushtaq and Bhasthi received trophies and split the £50,000 prize money equally.
In her acceptance speech, Mushtaq expressed, "This book was born from the belief that no story is ever small, and that in the tapestry of human experience, every thread holds the weight of the whole."
Kannada is the official language of Karnataka, spoken by approximately 65 million people. It is one of the oldest languages in the world, boasting a rich tradition of oral storytelling.
Critics have lauded the collection for its "dry and gentle humor," highlighting its "deceptively simple tales" that criticize the subjugation of women while honoring their resilience. Mushtaq's compassion and dark humor shine through in her portrayals of complex characters and situations.
This victory brings significant global attention to Kannada literature and regional Indian writing. Following the 2022 International Booker Prize win by Geetanjali Shree’s Tomb of Sand (translated from Hindi), it underscores the increasing international appreciation for India's diverse literary voices.
Q1. What is the significance of Banu Mushtaq's win?
Answer: Banu Mushtaq's win is significant as she is the first Kannada writer to win the International Booker Prize, highlighting the importance of regional literature on a global stage.
Q2. What themes are explored in Heart Lamp?
Answer: The collection explores themes of resilience, resistance, and survival, focusing on the everyday lives of women and girls in patriarchal communities.
Q3. Who translated Heart Lamp?
Answer: The book was translated by Deepa Bhasthi, who is recognized as the first Indian translator to win the International Booker Prize.
Q4. When was the award announced?
Answer: The International Booker Prize was announced on May 20, 2025, at a ceremony in London's Tate Modern.
Q5. How has the book been received by critics?
Answer: Critics have praised Heart Lamp for its humor and depth, noting its powerful commentary on women's issues and its celebration of their resilience.
Question 1: Who is the first Kannada writer to win the International Booker Prize?
A) Geetanjali Shree
B) Banu Mushtaq
C) Arundhati Roy
D) Kamini Kaushal
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: What is the primary theme of Banu Mushtaq's stories in Heart Lamp?
A) Adventure
B) Science Fiction
C) Women's resilience
D) Historical events
Correct Answer: C
Question 3: Who is the translator of Heart Lamp?
A) Deepa Bhasthi
B) Kamini Kaushal
C) Anita Desai
D) Jhumpa Lahiri
Correct Answer: A
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