The South Asian Studies Program will present a guest seminar by author, filmmaker, and UI alum Jocelyn Cullity from 4-5:30 p.m. on Thursday, February 15, in 1100 University Capitol Centre.  This event is free and open to the public.

Focusing on the actions of powerful women at a pivotal moment in Indian history, Jocelyn Cullity will discuss the roles played by Lakhnavi noblewomen, courtesans, and elite African guards during the 1857 resistance that helped spark India’s independence moment.

Cullity’s writing has appeared in The Writer's Chronicle, Blackbird, Hayden's Ferry Review, and Minerva Rising.  She teaches Creative Writing at Truman State University. 

Cullity will also read from her debut novel, Amah and the Silk Winged Pigeons, at Prairie Lights in downtown Iowa City (15 South Dubuque St.) at 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 17. Based on a true story of colonial events in Lucknow, Cullity's novel, Amah and the Silk-Winged Pigeons, illustrates for the first time the lost history of the Afro-Indian, Muslim women who fought against the English, hoping to save the city they loved.

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa-sponsored events.  If you are a person with a disability who requires an accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact Sarolta Petersen in advance at sarolta-petersen@uiowa.edu or 319-335-3862.