Jaipur Literature Festival announces 2nd list of speakers for the 20th edition

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Jaipur Literature Festival has announced its second list of speakers for its 20th edition, set to take place from January 14 to 18 at Hotel Clarks Amer, Jaipur. 

It brings together an expansive and diverse group of writers, historians, academics, scientists, journalists, artists and public figures whose work has shaped conversations across disciplines, geographies and generations.

The second list of speakers includes important voices in fiction and poetry, histories of empire and civilisation, questions of identity and belonging, scientific discovery, international affairs, wellbeing, food and the arts.

List of speakers at Jaipur Literature Festival 2027

It features Adania Shibli, the Palestinian writer whose novel Minor Detail was nominated for the National Book Award and the International Booker Prize; Alice Roberts, the biological anthropologist, author and broadcaster known for her work on human evolution and archaeology; and Ananya Vajpeyi, whose scholarship explores Indian intellectual history and political thought. The Festival also welcomes Benjamin Moser, the Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer and writer, among its distinguished line-up of speakers; Caroline Elkins, Harvard professor and Pulitzer Prize-winning historian whose work subverts the idea of British ‘liberal imperialism’; and Claire Messud, acclaimed novelist whose writing explores identity, relationships and contemporary life.

The list features Eric Cline, archaeologist and historian whose research focuses on the ancient Mediterranean and Near East; Gabrielle Rifkind, whose work centres on conflict resolution and international relations; and Hansda Sowvendra Shekhar, whose fiction explores the Adivasi identity. Makarand Sathe, Marathi playwright, novelist and theatre director, joins Mira Seo, whose academic work engages with classical literature, and Mona Arshi, poet and novelist whose writing explores identity, family and belonging. Neil MacGregor, distinguished art historian and former director of the British Museum, brings his expertise in art and cultural history, while Paul Zacharia, acclaimed Malayalam writer and essayist, comes with his expertise that blends social commentary, satire and philosophical enquiry with fiction.
 
It also includes Ritu Dalmia, the chef and restaurateur and co-owner of the popular Italian restaurant Diva; Roxie Nafousi, author and self-development coach known for her work on personal growth; and Shriram Nene, cardiovascular surgeon and health advocate whose public work focuses on healthcare and medical awareness. Sir Paul Nurse, Nobel Prize-winning geneticist and cell biologist, brings pioneering scientific ideas while Suraj Yengde, author of Caste Matters, examines caste, race and social justice. Sven Beckert, Harvard historian known for his work on capitalism and global economic history, and Tabish Khair, novelist, poet and critic whose writing explores migration, identity and cultural encounters, along with author and linguist Thangjam Hidustani Devi joins the list.

Finally, the list also has Akshata Murty known for her work in business, philanthropy and social impact; and Mishal Husain, acclaimed journalist, broadcaster and author; and Vishaka N. Desai, an art historian whose work focuses on Asian art, museums and international cultural exchange.

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