Dr. Usha Sanyal, Ph.D.History (1990) Columbia University, is a scholar and historian specializing in Asia. Her dissertation concerned the Islamic legal scholar Ahmed Rida Khan, founder of the Barelwi movement. Later published in book form, it is often cited by historians writing about India and Islam. She is currently researching Barelvi madrasas (islamic schools), “traditionalist” reformist women, especially those of the Ahl-i Sunnat or Barelwi movement, through the study of the “Sunni Bihishti Zewar” and related texts; and Al-Huda International and the Ahl-i Sunnat movement.
The daughter of Indian diplomat B.K. Sanyal and Vina Sanyal (nee Boolchand), she was raised in India, Laos, and Argentina, eventually studying at Loreto Convent, Tara Hall, Shimla and Jesus and Mary College (New Delhi). She is married and has two children. Dr. Sanyal is a part-time Lecturer in History at Queens University of Charlotte, NC, USA.
In addition to numerous articles, Dr Sanyal has authored two books:
[Reviewed on Salaam, a UK-based website ]