Shahla Hussain

Shahla Hussain is an Associate Professor of South Asian History at St. John's University, where she is affiliated with the St. John's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. She is also a Vincentian Research Fellow (2024-2026) at the university.

Dr. Hussain's educational background includes:

• Ph.D. in History from Tufts University
• M.A. in Medieval Indian History from Jamia Millia University
• B.A. (Honors) in History from Jamia Millia University

Her research focuses on the complex historical dynamics of South Asia, with particular emphasis on colonialism, decolonization, diaspora studies, and migration. Dr. Hussain approaches these topics through the lens of Kashmiri history, exploring themes of freedom, self-determination, territorial nationalism, and the interplay between religious identity and political movements. Her work is characterized by a bottom-up approach that centers Kashmiri voices and experiences rather than state-centric narratives, using literary works, poetry, and oral histories as valuable historical sources when official archives are limited.

Dr. Hussain's major publication, "Kashmir in the Aftermath of Partition" (Cambridge University Press, 2021), represents a significant contribution to the field by placing Kashmir and Kashmiris at the center of historical discourse. The book has been recognized with prestigious awards including the John F. Richards Prize in South Asian History from the American Historical Association and the Berkshire Conference of Women Historians Book Prize. It examines how concepts like "haq" (rights), "insaf" (justice), and "izzat" (dignity) have shaped Kashmiri imaginings of freedom throughout the twentieth century.

Her scholarly achievements include:

• John F. Richards Prize in South Asian History (American Historical Association)
• Berkshire Conference of Women Historians Book Prize
• Shortlisted for President's Book Prize (South Asian Studies Association of Australia)

Dr. Hussain is currently working on two major projects: a book examining the land question in Kashmir, and an oral history project documenting the experiences of South Asian immigrants in New York, which is supported by the Russell Sage Foundation. Her teaching portfolio includes both survey courses on global history and upper-level seminars on modern and contemporary South Asia. Born and raised in Kashmir, her personal experiences during periods of political turmoil deeply inform her scholarly perspective.