Interview with Ruth Vanita

Abstract

Ruth Vanita is a professor of Liberal Studies and Women’s Studies at the University of Montana, where she teaches courses in the Humanities and Literature on Shakespeare, Oscar Wilde, and Jane Austen; Women’s Studies; Gender and Sexuality in 20th century fiction; and on same-sex love in western and Indian literary traditions. She was formerly a reader in English at Miranda House and the English department, Delhi University. She received her PhD in 1992 in English at Delhi University. She also received her MA and BA in English from Delhi University and Miranda House. From 1979 -1990 Ruth was active in the women’s movement in Delhi. As one of the founding co-editors of Manushi, India’s first feminist journal, she traveled to various cities, towns, and villages where she worked with women’s groups conducting research on issues such as women’s inheritance and land rights, marriage and dowry practices, and wife battering and murder. Vanita was also active in movements against communal violence. She is the author and editor of many books including In search of answers; Indian women’s voices from Manushi, Sappho and the Virgin Mary: Same Sex Love and the English Literary Imagination, and Queering India: Same Sex Love and Eroticism in Indian Culture and Society.