Unapologetic women. Inspiring women. Women who question societal norms. Women who lead from the front. Historical figures who have shaped the modern Indian woman of today who challenges patriarchy on a daily basis.
When it comes to empowering Indian literature, there are often the usual suspects. Nothing against them, but there are also innumerable books that often slip under the radar.
All through 2022 as a part of Blogchatter‘s #CauseAChatter campaign, I have been sharing book recommendations across a range of causes. Mental health, LGBTQIA+, disability, and women’s empowerment. Today I have for you my favorite reads this year. Books I cannot recommend enough. Lesser known books that are a must-read.
Lioness of Punjab
by Anita Jari Kharbanda
Buy on Amazon | Add to Goodreads
“I would not accept my fate as a woman, left behind in the villages to mourn. I was going to fight.” When Mai Bhago, all of 18 years, lead an army of Sikh soldiers against the Mughals.
Sikh history is replete with fierce women warriors. Lioness of Punjab is the story of Mai Bhago or Mata Bhag Kaur who chose the sword for her unwavering loyalty and devotion to her people and her faith.
One of my favorite reads this year, I highly recommend you pick it up. I am looking forward to sharing a complete review soon.
Disobedient Girls (The Story Project Book 8)
Edited by Snigdha Basu
Buy on Amazon | Add to Goodreads
I came across The Story Project all thanks to our lovely Sonia Dogra @ A Hundred Quills. An author whose works I never miss. Disobedient Girls – the whole series in fact – is one such book that often misses all the hype and deserves more love.
A collection of short stories and poems that celebrate brave and outspoken women. From an uneducated mother who wishes a better life for her daughter to the feminist retelling of Taming of the Shrew to Abbakka Chowta who history seems to have forgotten.
Be sure to check out the video links at the end of the book for panel discussions. Their latest book, Devi, is already on my TBR.
Empowering Indian Literature That Inspires: My Favorite Picks From 2022 @CindyAnnDSilva @nooranand #BlogaberryDazzle #BohoPonderings Click To Tweet
Aanandi by Jyoti Jha (Hindi)
Buy at BooksClinic | Buy at Amazon | Listen at Storytel | Add to Goodreads
The story of a remarkable young girl. An inspiring story spanning decades of a determined woman to be self-reliant. Indeed an illustrative symbol of woman empowerment. A story so rooted in India that deserved to be told in Hindi.
India has a rich history of regional literature and yet translated pop-culture books are often promoted more. One of my pet peeves. If you enjoy reading books in Hindi, I highly recommend you pick Aanandi by Jyoti Jha. And if you enjoy audiobooks, it is available at Storytel. Books narrated by the authors themselves is always such a treat!
Valmiki’s Women
by Anand Neelakantan
Sometimes you have a book on your TBR for a while that you never get around to reading. And when you do, you wonder why you hadn’t picked it earlier. Valmiki’s Women has been one such book for me this year.
A peek into the minds of characters such as Shanta (Ram’s sister), Kaikeyi, Manthara, Surpanakha, and Tataka. And the repercussions of their actions. A refreshing read, I was pleasantly surprised that the author did not go the tried and tested way of painting the good all-black to absolve the antagonists of the sins. Do pick it up if you haven’t already.
Apart from the books above, here are a few more to add to your TBR. Books I have read over the years. A cross-section of genres, languages, and writings with one common thread. Empowering literature that inspires.
This post is part of Blogchatter’s CauseAChatter
This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.
This post may contain affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a very small percentage of the sale at no cost to you.
Photo credit: Canva.com
December 17, 2022 @ 2:03 pm
Indian Literature supplies a lot of inspiring and empowering books for us to read and contribute towards a better society.
February 8, 2023 @ 11:50 pm
Very true, Anuradha.
December 17, 2022 @ 6:37 pm
Such a informative post on books. It is always difficult for me to choose book. I am thankful to Blogberry that I met you. You always inspired me to read more books. Because of you I came to know the site Good Reads. Thank you dear
February 8, 2023 @ 11:52 pm
Thank you so much for your kind words, Neeta 😊. So glad yo know that.
December 18, 2022 @ 8:23 am
“I would not accept my fate as a woman, left behind in the villages to mourn. I was going to fight.” -Women Warriors have always fascinated me. Adding Lioness of Punjab to my TBR. Thanks for sharing the list Ritu!
February 8, 2023 @ 11:52 pm
Do pick it up, Sakshi. I am sure you would enjoy it.
December 19, 2022 @ 2:06 am
An amazing collection, again, Ritu. I have heard about Mai Bhago but have not read the full story. This one I am surely going to read this one. Empowering stories of women should be read to learn and to grow.
February 8, 2023 @ 11:53 pm
Same here, Harjeet. It makes me so glad that authors are exploring such historical figures.
December 19, 2022 @ 7:14 am
I feel so proud when I see things about women empowerment, its nice to read about them and be guided tru their example
February 8, 2023 @ 11:54 pm
Absolutely Flavia
December 19, 2022 @ 7:41 pm
All the books are amazing! I will bookmar and these are definitely going to my TBR list. I have heard about Mata Bhag and would to read her story.
February 8, 2023 @ 11:54 pm
It is a brilliant read, Shail. Do pick it up.
December 19, 2022 @ 10:05 pm
Thank you for doing the homework for me! Now I will refer to this post of yours the next time I visit the bookshop because I need to restart reading ASAP.
February 8, 2023 @ 11:55 pm
The pleasure is all mine, Mandira 😊
March 31, 2023 @ 5:07 pm
This is my favourite theme to read. I had been looking for something feminist to read. Thanks for this list.
December 20, 2022 @ 1:03 am
Empowering stories of women should be read to learn and to grow. They can be a great source for reflection, perspective, and learning, as well. Thanks for shar8mg these list here.
February 8, 2023 @ 11:56 pm
Absolutely Anjali
December 20, 2022 @ 8:09 am
Love this article! Nothing is more powerful than supporting fellow women in their endeavors! Women are naturally powerful but are more boosted with energy when they know they are supported by others!
February 8, 2023 @ 11:56 pm
Thanks Jeannine 😊
December 20, 2022 @ 9:53 am
After checking out the books that you mentioned here I can definitely say that you have a unique taste of reading which is far different from others I came across. Brilliant choice of books you have and I congratulate you for that.
February 8, 2023 @ 11:56 pm
Thank you so much for your kind words, Samata 😊
December 20, 2022 @ 1:03 pm
Great list of recommendations. I am reading Lioness of Punjab and it is really good. I will be reading other books for sure.
February 8, 2023 @ 11:57 pm
Thank you, mom 😊
December 20, 2022 @ 4:57 pm
I am sure all of these books are wonderful reads Ritu… hats off to you for devouring so many different geners.
From the time I’ve read your review on Anandi it’s been on my TBR but because I am quite slow in reading hindi I haven’t picked it up yet. Guess I can do with the audio version.
February 8, 2023 @ 11:58 pm
I would definitely recommend the audiobook, Kaveri. It is narrated by Jyoti herself and is quite a treat.
December 21, 2022 @ 2:07 am
I have been wanting to read Valmiki’s Women but have been putting it off for no reason. This served as a reminder that this one is not ticked off my reading list as of yet! Anandi also sounds like a book that I would enjoy!
February 8, 2023 @ 11:59 pm
Same here, Vasumathi. I never got around reading it and then wondered why I kept delaying it.
December 21, 2022 @ 11:44 am
That’s a wonderful list. Thank you for sharing. I am particularly interested in That Long Silence. On my TBR list.
February 9, 2023 @ 12:00 am
Thank you, Tarang 😊
December 23, 2022 @ 3:19 pm
Thanks for the mention, Ritu. Always a pleasure to be on your blog and to take back some wonderful recommendations.
February 9, 2023 @ 12:00 am
The pleasure is all mine, Sonia 😊
December 23, 2022 @ 5:14 pm
Thank you for sharing this post it’s really helpful for selecting the best or books we would love to read.
February 9, 2023 @ 12:00 am
Thank you Neha
January 28, 2023 @ 1:26 am
Such wonderful suggestions! I’m definitely adding some of them to my TBR.
February 9, 2023 @ 12:01 am
Thank you Noor 😊