Banu Mushtaq Makes History as First Kannada Writer to Win International Booker Prize
In a landmark moment for Indian literature, 77-year-old Kannada writer, lawyer, and activist Banu Mushtaq has become the first-ever Kannada author to win the prestigious International Booker Prize. She was honoured for her powerful short story collection titled Heart Lamp, a work that shines a light on the everyday lives and struggles of Muslim women in Karnataka.
Mushtaq’s win is significant not only for regional literature but also for the broader landscape of Indian writing. With this historic achievement, she joins an elite group of Indian literary figures who have been recognised with the International Booker Prize since its inception in 1969. This includes renowned names like V.S. Naipaul, Salman Rushdie, Arundhati Roy, Kiran Desai, Aravind Adiga, and Geetanjali Shree.
The winning book, Heart Lamp, is a collection of 12 short stories that span over three decades—from 1990 to 2023. The stories poignantly depict the lives of Muslim women navigating social, political, and personal challenges in a rapidly changing Karnataka. Through her sharp storytelling, Mushtaq highlights themes of resilience, injustice, and inner strength, offering a rare and authentic voice from the margins.
During her acceptance speech, Mushtaq said, “This is not just my victory, but a chorus of voices often left unheard.” Her words echoed the sentiment of her writing, which centers the experiences of underrepresented women and communities.
The prize also recognised Deepa Bhasthi, who translated Heart Lamp from Kannada to English, making it accessible to global readers. The International Booker Prize honours both the author and the translator, acknowledging the importance of bringing regional stories to an international stage.
Who is Banu Mushtaq?
Banu Mushtaq hails from Hassan district in Karnataka. Her literary journey began at a young age—she wrote her first short story in middle school. At the age of 26, her first published story appeared in the well-known Kannada magazine Prajamata, marking the start of a prolific career.
According to her Booker Prize profile, Mushtaq has published six short story collections, a novel, an essay collection, and a poetry collection. Throughout her career, she has been deeply influenced by grassroots movements in Karnataka, including the Dalit movement, farmers’ protests, environmental struggles, and campaigns for women’s rights and language preservation.
In an interview with the Booker Prize Foundation, Mushtaq stated that her writing doesn’t rely heavily on research. Instead, it draws directly from her life and interactions with people in marginalized communities. “My heart itself is my field of study,” she said, underlining her deeply personal and empathetic approach to storytelling.
A long-time advocate for women’s rights and social justice, Mushtaq has used her platform to speak out against caste discrimination and religious intolerance. Her legal work and activism have further enriched her writing, giving it authenticity and emotional depth.
Banu Mushtaq’s International Booker Prize win is a proud moment not just for Kannada literature, but for all of India. It reinforces the power of regional voices and affirms that stories from the grassroots can have a global impact when told with honesty and heart.
