What does the word “Hoshruba” mean?
- ‘Hoshruba’ is a combination of two words: ‘hosh’ meaning ’sense’ or ’senses’, and ‘ruba’ meaning ’stealing’ or ‘ravishing.’
What is the origin of the fantasy epic Hoshruba?
- Hoshruba was the work of Indian story-tellers who narrated it as a dastan—a genre of the oral literature. They used The Adventures of Amir Hamza as a source legend for Hoshruba. However, as described in the History, Hoshruba was an independent tale and it had very little to do with the legend of Amir Hamza.
How does one differentiate between Hoshruba and The Adventures of Amir Hamza?
- Hoshruba is a fantasy. The Adventures of Amir Hamza is a legend.
Who is the author of Hoshruba?
- The first name associated with the tale of Hoshruba is that of Mir Ahmed Ali. He was a professional storyteller who narrated it orally in public and private gatherings. But the present text was compiled by two rival storytellers, Muhammad Husain Jah and Ahmed Husain Qamar. The History tells the story of Hoshruba’s origins and the storytellers who contributed to it.
From which language has Hoshruba been translated?
- Hoshruba has been translated from the Urdu language.
Who has translated Hoshruba?
- The translator of Hoshruba is Musharraf Ali Farooqi.
Is the original Urdu version of Tilism-e Hoshruba available in print?
- Sang-e Meel Publications in Lahore reprinted a facsimile edition of Tilism-e Hoshruba in 1984 which has a printing error in the second volume. In 1988 Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Public Library, Patna also reprinted a facsimile edition made from the 1930 edition. They were both lithograph editions but the Khuda Bakhsh Library edition is preferable for its better print quality.
Was Hoshruba ever translated in any language in the past?
- No. This is the first translation of Hoshruba in any language.
Were there any original drawings made for Hoshruba?
- No. The original publication of Hoshruba was without any drawings.
How many books are there in the Hoshruba series?
- There are 24 books in the Hoshruba series.
What are the names of the next books in the Hoshruba series?
- The titles of the individual books will be announced as they are translated. Currently, the first three books in the series have been announced. They are:
Book One – Hoshruba: The Land and the Tilism (Available)
Book Two – Hoshruba: The Prisoner of Batin (Forthcoming, June 2020)
Book Three – Hoshruba: The Rival Emperor (Forthcoming, December 2020)
Is the Hoshruba series suitable for children?
- Some of the language and episodes are not suitable for young readers. A children’s edition of Hoshruba is planned for 2021.
How will the children’s edition of Hoshruba be different from the adult edition?
- The children’s edition of Hoshruba will have the same titles for each book in the series. However, it will be different in the following ways:
a. The text will be abridged for the children’s edition.
b. The language will be appropriate for children between 10-14 years (Upper Middle Grade book category).
c. It will be an illustrated edition.
What other books are recommended to be read with Hoshruba?
- Hoshruba is an independent fantasy. However, the readers who wish to learn more about the legend from which it grew may wish to read The Adventures of Amir Hamza.