Armpit Intellectuals

"The State decided that National Honour was a liquid asset stored in the uterus." This week, we dive into the dark intersection of motherhood, post-colonial statecraft, and the modern surveillance state in India and...

If the "Big Three" (Said, Fanon, and Ahmad) gave us the blueprint of empire, then Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak, bell hooks, and Arundhati Roy are the ones pointing out that the building is on fire — and that the fire...

The "end of empire" wasn't a conclusion—it was the start of a new, more subtle war. In Episode 22 of Armpit Intellectuals , we go deep into the "Grand Critique" provided by the three pillars of anti-colonial thought...

In this episode, we confront Pakistan’s hidden epidemic of child sexual abuse — from Kasur’s dark legacy to everyday silences in homes, madrassas, and schools. Drawing on survivor stories, data, and global parallels, we...

In this episode, we pull back the curtain on Pakistan’s feudal order — the waderas, jagirdars, and sardars who didn’t just survive colonialism but turned it into dynasties of domination. From colonial land grants to...

In this episode, we explore the intricate dynamics of cousin marriage in South Asian families. We delve into the reasons behind its prevalence, the concept of collective narcissism, and the reflection of family identity...

In this episode, we delve deep into the origins and pervasive influence of patriarchy, especially within Pakistani society. The discussion covers the historical foundations, the role of women in perpetuating the system...

In this episode, we plunge into the incendiary brilliance of Tariq Ali—a lifelong contrarian, eloquent dissenter, and literary provocateur. Born in 1943 in Lahore to a family steeped in political defiance, Ali came of...

In today's episode, we delve into 'We Sinful Women,' a profound collection of Urdu feminist poetry translated and edited by Rukhsana Ahmed. This episode highlights the evolution of Urdu as a literary language and the...

In this episode of Armpit Intellectuals, we dive deep into the issue of colourism in South Asia, with a focus on Pakistan. We explore its roots in colonial history, class structures, and Eurocentric beauty standards. We...

Welcome back to Armpit Intellectuals! In this episode, we delve into the life and contributions of Sir Ganga Ram—engineer, philanthropist, and visionary who transformed modern Lahore's urban landscape and...

In this episode of Armpit Intellectuals, we explore the complex concept of nationalism in Pakistan. We discuss what it means for a country often described as a 'nation of nations' and how the interplay of culture...

In this episode, we discuss the complex and controversial case of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, a Pakistani neuroscientist whose imprisonment has sparked global outrage. We also discuss the circumstances of her arrest...

Join us as we discuss the extensive impact of student unions on Pakistan's political and social landscapes. This episode underscores the transformative power of younger generations in shaping societal norms and...

In this episode, we delve into the complex world of Jamaat e Islami (JI), exploring its evolution from a social-cultural movement to a modern political entity intertwined with religious ideology. We discuss JI's...