Identity: Renowned historical novelist

Ilyas Sitapuri was a distinguished historical fiction writer who brought remarkable popularity to historical storytelling in Urdu digest literature. He was especially known for his historical narratives published in Sabrang Digest and Suspense Digest.

His real name was Muhammad Ilyas Khan. He was born on 30 October 1934 in Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh, India. His family belonged to the Yusufzai tribe, which had settled in Sitapur during the reign of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. In 1952, he migrated to Pakistan and settled in Karachi.

He began his literary journey by writing children’s stories. At the age of just 16, he wrote his first novel, “Shakar.” After moving to Pakistan, he initially struggled and worked with various publishing houses. In 1970, he was introduced to Shakeel Adilzada, the editor of Sabrang Digest, after which his first historical story, “Khan-e-Azam Ka Tohfa,” was published in January 1971. He remained associated with Sabrang until 1974, and from January 1975 onward, he became a regular contributor to Suspense Digest, writing for it until his death. His books were also published by Shama Book Depot in Delhi.

He presented historical facts with fictional characters and vivid descriptions in such a way that readers felt transported to the past. His strength lay in portraying human psychology and emotions.

His wife, Zia Tasneem Bilgrami, also wrote Islamic biographies. They had five daughters and three sons. One of their daughters, Zanobia, is associated with performing arts and journalism.

His well-known works include Dastan-e-Hoor, Sikandar-e-Azam, Changez Khan, Taimur Lang, Taj Mahal, Haram Sara, Bala Khanay Ki Dulhan, Raag Ka Badan, Ashna Parast, and many other historical novels.

Death: He passed away on 1 October 2003 in Karachi.