Author: Dr. Mohammad Shoaib Mujaddidi
Editor: Prof. Farid Ahmad Saljooqi
Layout Designer: Hamed Asim
Cover Designer: Fereydoun Mujaddidi
Publisher: Dr. Mohammad Osman Noorzai Ghoriani Charitable Foundation
First Edition: Autumn 1396 SH (2017–2018 AD)
Format: PDF available for download — Access the full text here
About the Book
“Free Poets in a Cage” is a powerful exploration of female poets who have resisted oppression within cultural, social, and political confinements. From the legendary Rabia Balkhi—who is said to have inscribed verses with her lifeblood before her tragic end—to the poignant modern voice of Nadia Anjuman, this collection illuminates the stories of courageous women who raised their pens from behind metaphorical bars.
Structured into thematic chapters, the book delves into:
- Expressions of resistance, protest, and defiance in female-authored poetry
- The emotional intensity of women’s lives, depicted through symbolism of imprisonment
- A diverse array of poetic forms—ghazals, rubaiyyas, free verse, and more—revealing how female poets navigate pain, hope, love, and defiance through artistry
- Global reflections, bringing in international voices like Maya Angelou, Emily Dickinson, and Delmira Agustini, tracing universal themes of captivity and liberation
- Critical reflections on cultural, religious, and gendered barriers that suppress women’s poetic voices, juxtaposed with the resilience of their creative spirit
Through this work, Dr. Mujaddidi invites readers into a broader understanding of women’s literary resistance—those who, despite constraints, crafted beauty, articulated suffering, and asserted their voices across centuries and borders.
