Naseema Turabul Hasan was a distinguished Urdu writer, poet, essayist, and critic from Hyderabad who left a significant mark on Urdu literature. A multifaceted literary figure, her work is particularly celebrated in the specialised forms of essay writing (inshaiya nigari) and biographical sketches (khaka nigari). Beyond her individual literary output, she was a pivotal figure in Hyderabad’s literary scene, actively championing the participation of women and helping to shape a more inclusive community.
Naseema Turabul Hasan carved a unique niche for herself with her mastery of the essay and biographical sketch. Her profound skill in inshaiya nigari was such that it became the subject of academic study; scholars like Dr. Bi Bi Raza Khatoon of Maulana Azad National Urdu University have authored research papers analysing her distinct style and contributions. Similarly, her expertise in khaka nigari, the art of crafting vivid character portraits, was formally recognised in literary seminars.
Her body of work includes over a dozen published books spanning multiple genres. Her poetry and literary collections include titles such as Batein Kahne Sunne Ki (2002), Aks-e-Faryadi, Nuqoosh-e-Dil (2003), and Zikr Us Pariwash Ka (2009). Her biographical and critical works are equally significant, featuring titles like Goya Dabistan Khul Gaya (2015), Yadon Ki Rahguzar Par (2019), and a collection of letters titled Ali Baqar Ke Khutoot. Notably, in 2019, she penned an important biography on the last Nizam of Hyderabad, Mir Osman Ali Khan Asif Sabe, contributing a valuable perspective to the historical record in Urdu. Another one of her significant works is titled Rangbarangi Yeh Dunya.
According to the celebrated satirist Padma Shri Mujtaba Hussain, if all her works were combined, “a great history of Hyderabad can be written,” a testament to the depth and historical value of her writing. Likewise, Allama Ijaz Farrukh lauded her contributions, emphasising the importance of her writing in preserving the legacy of the Asaf Jahi era.
A cornerstone of Naseema Turabul Hasan’s legacy is her deep involvement with Mehfil-e-Khawateen, a groundbreaking literary organisation for women in Hyderabad established in 1971. Described as “the only organisation of its kind,” this platform was instrumental in fostering female literary talent. Starting with just five members, it grew to include over 200 women, providing them with a supportive community to build confidence, share their work, and achieve publication. The organisation was vital in bringing many talented women writers “out of the closet” and into the mainstream literary world. Hasan, alongside other prominent figures like Jeelani Bano and Dr. Zeenat Sajida, played a crucial role in nurturing this empowering environment.
Hasan’s literary achievements have been formally recognised and documented by the academic community. A comprehensive, 180-page scholarly book, Naseema Turabul Hasan Hayat Shakhsiyat Aur Adabi Karnamay (Naseema Turabul Hasan: Life, Personality and Literary Achievements), published in 2018 by Dr. Noori Khatoon, offers a detailed analysis of her life and work. Her contributions continue to be a subject of study in universities.