The Seen and the Unseen - hosted by Amit Varma

Ep 421: Ira Mukhoty's Quest for Unseen Histories

10 snips
Jun 30, 2025
Ira Mukhoty, an Indian author and historian celebrated for her insights on gender and Mughal history, dives into the layers of India's past. She challenges colonial and patriarchal narratives, advocating for a more inclusive historical perspective that highlights women's contributions. Mukhoty shares her experiences during the pandemic while publishing a biography on Emperor Akbar, reflecting on the complexities of identity, and emphasizes the importance of reclaiming women's voices in history and mythology. Her insights make for a compelling discussion on rewriting narratives.
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ANECDOTE

Ira Mukhoty on Writing Through COVID

  • Ira Mukhoty endured COVID's disruptions while publishing Akbar's biography. She adapted to online launches and research but felt the emotional loss deeply.
  • She also wrote The Lion and the Lily during lockdown, benefiting from online archives and work-from-home flexibility.
ADVICE

Balancing Writing and Reader Connection

  • Embrace both solitary writing and reader interaction for fulfillment as a writer.
  • Value qualitative reader feedback over quantitative success for sustained motivation.
INSIGHT

Colonial Narratives Obscure Women

  • Colonial narratives shaped Indian history, painting women as powerless and cloistered servants.
  • Ira Mukhoty's research revealed powerful Mughal women with political, financial, and cultural influence, redefining historical perceptions.
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