Behind the veil

Shaista Suhrawardy Ikramullah (1915-2000) was a politician, diplomat and writer of late colonial India and independent Pakistan. She was born in Calcutta and went on to earn a doctorate in Urdu literature from the University of London. She has written many books, including an autobiography and a biography of her brother, Hussain Shaheed Suhrawardy. In this book, she has provided details about life and culture in the world of purdah-observing upper-class Muslim women. The book discusses rituals, clothes, food, jewelry, manners and habits in this society. It is meant to acquaint Western readers with Muslim culture.