The Indian Ladies’ Magazine: From Raj to Swaraj by Deborah Anna Logan is an insightful exploration of one of India's pioneering English-language periodicals dedicated to women’s voices, aspirations, and intellectual contributions. 

This groundbreaking work traces the evolution of The Indian Ladies’ Magazine (ILM), first published in the early 20th century, as a platform that bridged the colonial and nationalist eras, empowering women through literature, social commentary, and political discourse.

With meticulous research and historical depth, Logan examines how the magazine, under the leadership of Kamalabai Samuel, provided an unprecedented space for Indian women—both Hindu and Muslim—to articulate their perspectives on education, gender equality, nationalism, and cultural identity. From colonial rule to the dawn of Indian independence, ILM played a crucial role in shaping the discourse on women’s rights, suffrage, and their role in a rapidly changing society.

This book highlights the magazine’s contributions to literary and feminist movements by featuring a rich tapestry of fiction, poetry, essays, and editorials that reflected the complex interplay of modernity, tradition, and resistance. Logan’s work sheds light on forgotten voices and overlooked narratives, situating the magazine within the broader context of Indian women’s history and postcolonial literary studies.

A must-read for scholars of gender studies, South Asian literature, history, and colonial/postcolonial studies, The Indian Ladies’ Magazine: From Raj to Swaraj offers a compelling account of a literary movement that helped redefine Indian womanhood during a transformative period in the nation’s history.