Dr. Mahruba Mowtushi | Languages – Associate Professor at BRAC University, Bangladesh
Dr. Mahruba T. Mowtushi is an accomplished scholar in Comparative Literature, Postcolonial Studies, and South Asian Literary Traditions. With a focus on transnational literary networks, her research critically examines the intersections of colonial histories, migration narratives, and cultural representation. She has made significant contributions to global literary discourse, particularly in understanding the Bengali literary imagination of Africa. Her forthcoming book, Africa in the Bengali Imagination from Calcutta to Kampala, 1928-1973 (Routledge, 2024), is a testament to her scholarly excellence. Dr. Mowtushi’s academic career spans prestigious institutions, and her research has been recognized through multiple international fellowships. Her interdisciplinary approach and commitment to expanding literary studies make her an influential figure in contemporary academia.
Professional Profile
Education
Dr. Mowtushi holds a Ph.D. in Comparative Literature from King’s College London, where her thesis was completed without corrections, a rare distinction that underscores her academic rigor. Her doctoral research delved into South Asian literature’s transcontinental perspectives, particularly focusing on the literary representations of Africa within Bengali narratives. Prior to her Ph.D., she earned a Master’s degree in English Literature, where she developed a strong foundation in postcolonial studies, literary criticism, and cultural theory. Throughout her academic journey, she has been committed to exploring global literary connections and the evolving narratives of identity and displacement.
Experience
Dr. Mowtushi has an extensive teaching and research background, having served as a faculty member at leading institutions, including BRAC University and the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh. Her pedagogical expertise covers courses in global modernisms, postcolonial studies, fantasy writing, and transnational literature. Beyond teaching, she has actively participated in academic conferences, symposiums, and collaborative research projects, contributing to discussions on literary networks and migration narratives. Additionally, her involvement with research fellowships and international collaborations has further enhanced her academic outreach, making her a key contributor to the field of Comparative Literature.
Research Interests
Dr. Mowtushi’s research interests lie at the intersection of Comparative Literature, Postcolonial Studies, and South Asian transnational literary networks. Her work primarily focuses on literary depictions of Africa within Bengali literature, colonial and postcolonial migration narratives, and cultural memory. She is particularly interested in how historical and geopolitical contexts shape literary imagination and identity formation. Additionally, her research engages with interdisciplinary approaches, incorporating cultural studies, history, and literary theory to offer nuanced perspectives on literary and historical interactions across continents.
Awards
Dr. Mowtushi’s academic contributions have been recognized with several prestigious fellowships and awards. She was awarded the Baden-Württemberg Fellowship (2023) for her exceptional research contributions, highlighting her international scholarly impact. She also received the South Asian Studies Fellowship at Cornell University (2020), further solidifying her reputation as a leading researcher in transnational literary studies. Additionally, her work has been supported by multiple academic grants and fellowships, enabling her to conduct extensive archival research and field studies. Her recognition in the academic community speaks to her dedication and influence in literary studies.
Publications
📖 Mowtushi, M. T. (2024). Africa in the Bengali Imagination from Calcutta to Kampala, 1928-1973. Routledge. (Forthcoming)
📝 Mowtushi, M. T. (2023). “Colonial Encounters and the Bengali Literary Gaze: Africa in Rabindranath Tagore’s Travels.” South Asia: Journal of South Asian Studies. Cited by 12 articles
📚 Mowtushi, M. T. (2022). “Displacement and Belonging in Bengali-African Narratives.” The Journal of Commonwealth Literature. Cited by 18 articles
📄 Mowtushi, M. T. (2021). “Postcolonial Memory and Literary Representation of Africa in Bangladeshi Literature.” Interventions: International Journal of Postcolonial Studies. Cited by 10 articles
🔍 Mowtushi, M. T. (2020). “The Role of Oral Histories in Mapping South Asian Migration to Africa.” Comparative Literature Studies. Cited by 8 articles
📖 Mowtushi, M. T. (2019). “Reimagining the Colonial Periphery: Africa in Modern Bengali Fiction.” Postcolonial Text. Cited by 14 articles
📑 Mowtushi, M. T. (2018). “Transnational Memory and Literary Exchanges between South Asia and Africa.” The Journal of Transcultural Studies. Cited by 9 articles
Conclusion
Dr. Mahruba T. Mowtushi’s scholarly contributions have had a profound impact on the fields of Comparative Literature and Postcolonial Studies. Through her extensive research, she has brought new perspectives to the understanding of transnational literary networks, particularly in the context of South Asia and Africa. Her commitment to rigorous academic inquiry, interdisciplinary methodologies, and literary discourse has positioned her as a leading voice in her field. With an impressive record of publications, prestigious fellowships, and a forthcoming book, Dr. Mowtushi continues to shape global literary scholarship. Her dedication, intellectual contributions, and innovative research make her a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award.