Ahmed Ali was an Indian (later Pakistani) author and scholar who was one of the most prominent figures in the Progressive Writers’ Movement, which he co-founded. His primary subject was social change occurring in India in the 20th century, a period during which Ali saw his country gain independence from British colonial rule, while at the same time Westernizing due to contact with English culture. During his career, Ali produced novels, short stories, poetry, and criticism, writing in both Urdu and English.
He was born in New Delhi in 1910. His father was a civil servant, so Ali had access to education. When he was five years old, he was taught Qu’ranic recitation, which gave him an...
