ABSTRACT
Passing through the stages of oral, manuscript, and print technology, Urdu literature has now entered the digital sphere, transforming the contours of the Urdu literary culture and the public sphere not only by revolutionizing its reach but also by redefining its identity and ethos. In the process, Urdu has been salvaged from the ravages of communal politics that crept into its fold as a side-effect of print culture and was further amplified under the heightened nationalist fervour during the anti-colonial politics and the subsequent Partition of the nation. This chapter undertakes a close examination of the digitization work being carried out by the Rekhta Foundation-owned website https://www.rekhta.org" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">rekhta.org to examine the ways in which digital technology is transforming Urdu literary and public sphere. The study employs qualitative research method involving document review, interviews, and personal observation of the Rekhta Foundation office, workspace, and their digitization process.
