The JLF 2026 speakers list is officially one of the most anticipated announcements of the year for literature lovers, culture enthusiasts, and curious travelers. The Jaipur Literature Festival 2026, celebrated globally as the “greatest literary show on Earth,” returns from 15 to 19 January 2026 at Hotel Clarks Amer, offering an extraordinary gathering of writers, thinkers, historians, filmmakers, journalists, economists, poets, artists, and public intellectuals.
If you are searching for the full list of JLF 2026 speakers or planning your travel to Jaipur for the festival, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know, from speaker details to venue information, visitor tips, and FAQs.
Jaipur Literature Festival 2026: What to Expect
Every year, JLF brings together some of the brightest voices from India and across the world. The festival features:
- Thought-provoking panel discussions
- Book launches and readings
- Workshops & masterclasses
- Film, art, heritage, and music events
- One-on-one author interactions
- Book signings and meet-and-greets
With over 100,000+ visitors, JLF remains India’s biggest and most influential literary gathering.
JLF Speakers List 2026 (Full Line-Up)
Alphabetical List of Speakers (with Short Bios)
- A.K. Bhattacharya: Editorial Director at Business Standard, former Editor of The Pioneer, and author of The Rise of Goliath and a three-volume series on India’s Finance Ministers. His long-running column “Raisina Hill” explores governance and policy.
- Abeer Kapoor: Game designer, author, and founder of Civic Games Lab. His work uses games and simulations to tackle governance, sustainability, and digitalisation challenges. A former German Chancellor Fellow, he is author of The Most Notorious Jailbreakers.
- Abhay K.: Poet, diplomat, and author of Nalanda: How It Changed the World. He has published numerous poetry collections, and his latest works include a lyrical translation of the Hanuman Chalisa.
- Abhishek Choudhary: Bilingual writer known for his acclaimed two-part study on Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Winner of the Tata Literature Award, his work has appeared in the BBC, The New York Times, and other platforms.
- Abhishek Singh: (Bio not available)
- Aditi Mehta: Retired IAS officer whose lifelong engagement with the Bhil Gavri performance tradition led to deeper explorations of marginality, identity and community in Rajasthan.
- Ahmed Alnaouq: Journalist and co-founder of We Are Not Numbers. He amplifies young Palestinian voices and co-edited the bestselling We Are Not Numbers: The Voice of Gaza Youth.
- Alex Fergnani: Professor, writer, executive educator, and author of The Dao of Foresight. Recipient of major fellowships including the Singapore President’s Fellowship.
- Alex von Tunzelmann: Historian and bestselling author of Indian Summer and Fallen Idols. She also writes BBC’s History’s Heroes podcast and has scripted major feature films.
- Ali Eslami: (Bio not available)
- Alice Oswald: Acclaimed British poet known for her experimental, nature-rooted poetry, including Dart and Memorial.
- Alka Patel: (Bio not available)
- Alok-Vaid Menon: (Bio not available.)
- Amish: Bestselling Indian author and diplomat-turned-storyteller, known for mythological retellings like the Shiva Trilogy. Over 7 million copies sold worldwide; also creates award-winning documentaries.
- Amrita Mahale: Author of Real Life and Milk Teeth, and an AI-for-public-health professional. Trained in aerospace engineering at IIT Bombay and Stanford.
- Amrita Tripathi: Author, media leader, and founder of The Health Collective. She writes on mental health, fiction, and interdisciplinary storytelling.
- Anamika: Award-winning Hindi poet, novelist, translator and Sahitya Akademi Award winner. Known for her feminist scholarship and powerful poetry collections.
- Anand Neelakantan: Mythology re-teller and bestselling author of Asura, Ajaya, and the Bahubali series. Also a screenwriter and columnist.
- Andrew Graham-Dixon: Prominent art historian and broadcaster for the BBC. Author of definitive books on Caravaggio and Michelangelo.
- Anirban Bhattacharyya: Television producer, stand-up comedian, and bestselling true-crime writer behind Savdhaan India and India’s Money Heist. Also an actor and children’s author.
- Anirudh Kanisetti: Historian and author of Lords of the Deccan and Lords of Earth and Sea. Hosts popular history podcasts and is winner of the Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar.
- Anish Gawande: Writer, politician, and LGBTQ+ rights advocate; founder of Pink List India. A Rhodes Scholar working across literature, politics, and contemporary art.
- Anita Anand: BBC journalist and broadcaster, author of Sophia and The Patient Assassin. Co-host of the Empire podcast.
- Anne Applebaum: Pulitzer-winning historian and staff writer at The Atlantic. Author of Gulag, Red Famine, and Twilight of Democracy.
- Anne Beate Hovind: Producer and Chair of the century-long Future Library project in Oslo, working at the intersection of art, ecology, and long-term imagination.
- Anupama Chopra: Film critic, author of King of Bollywood, and founder of Film Companion. National Award winner and noted voice on global cinema.
- Anuradha Roy: Award-winning novelist whose works have been translated into 16 languages. Winner of the DSC Prize and Sahitya Akademi Award.
- Anurag Minus Verma: Podcaster and author of The Great Indian Brain Rot, known for sharp commentary on culture, digital India, and society.
- Archana Sharma: (Bio not available.)
- Arjun Raj Gaind: Mystery writer known for the Maharaja Mystery series and multiple graphic novels blending history and fantasy.
- Arun Maira: Former Planning Commission member and leadership expert. Author of books on institutional reform and India’s economic future.
- Arunava Sinha: One of India’s most prolific translators, with over 100 translations between English and Bengali. Teaches at Ashoka University.
- Arundhati Nath: Writer, editor, and Director of Content at Teamwork Arts. Her debut translation collection explores Bengali ghost stories.
- Aruni Kashyap: (Bio not available.)
- Arvind Subramanian: Former Chief Economic Advisor to the Government of India, senior fellow at PIIE, and global economic thinker.
- Ashutosh Kumar Thakur: Writer and cultural commentator from the India–Nepal border, published across leading South Asian platforms.
- Ashwani Kumar: (Bio not available.)
- Ashwin Sanghi: Bestselling thriller and mythology writer known for the Bharat Series and collaborations with James Patterson. Featured in Forbes India Celebrity 100.
- Avi Shlaim: Oxford historian and leading scholar on Middle Eastern politics. Author of The Iron Wall and Genocide in Gaza.
- Badri Narayan: Social historian, poet, and political commentator. Author of Republic of Hindutva and recipient of the Sahitya Akademi Award.
- Banu Mushtaq: (Bio not available.)
- Bee Rowlatt: Writer and cultural curator. Author of In Search of Mary and the novel One Woman Crime Wave. Awarded an MBE for services to women’s rights.
- Beena Kamlani: (Bio not available.)
- Bhavika Govil: Novelist and short story writer whose debut Hot Water was shortlisted for major literary prizes.
- Bhawana Somaaya: Veteran film critic, author, Padma Shri awardee, translator, and chronicler of Indian cinema.
- Bijoya Sawian: Writer and translator whose work focuses on Khasi lore, culture, and storytelling traditions of Meghalaya.
- Raja Mohan: (Bio not available.)
- Caroline Elkins: Pulitzer Prize–winning historian and Harvard professor, author of Imperial Reckoning and Legacy of Violence, whose research on colonial violence has won major prizes and shaped global conversations about empire and decolonisation.
- Charmi Chheda: Award-winning theatre director, filmmaker and choreographer celebrated for works such as Gangnam Girls and With Love From Bhutan. She has led national cultural events and international collaborations, earning recognition including the Order of Merit (Silver) from the King of Bhutan.
- Chiki Sarkar: (Bio not available.)
- Chirag Thakkar: (Bio not available.)
- Chloe Dalton: (Bio not available.)
- Chris Barkley: Novelist and creative writing instructor; his debut novel The Man on the Endless Stair (2025) drew critical praise, and he has served as Writer in Residence at the Edinburgh Book Festival and taught at Yale.
- Colin Burrows: UK-based film producer with deep experience in Indian cinema; co-founder of Beautiful Bay Entertainment and executive producer on multiple Indian films, including Bombairiya.
- Colin Grant: Author and cultural historian whose books include Bageye at the Wheel. A Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and Director of WritersMosaic, he explores migration and diasporic voices.
- Daisy Rockwell: Award-winning artist, writer and translator of Hindi–Urdu literature, author of Alice Sees Ghosts and translator of significant South Asian works; her cross-genre practice spans fiction, memoir and visual art.
- Debra Diamond: Art historian and curator specialising in South Asian and Southeast Asian art at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art; author and curator of landmark exhibitions on Pahari and Rajasthani painting.
- Deep Mukherjee: Senior journalist and Assistant Editor at The Wire with a strong track record covering human rights, labour, and marginalized communities; co-author of a forthcoming political history of Rajasthan.
- Deepa Anappara: Novelist and journalist whose debut Djinn Patrol on the Purple Line was lauded internationally; teacher of creative writing and co-editor of essays amplifying writers of colour.
- Deepa Bhasthi: (Bio not available.)
- Deepti Priya Mehrotra: (Bio not available.)
- Devesh Kapur: Starr Foundation Professor at Johns Hopkins SAIS and authority on diaspora, development and global institutions; author of major works on the World Bank, migration and higher education.
- Devyani Bhardwaj: (Bio not available.)
- Dhananjaya Chandrachud: Chief Justice and jurist whose landmark judgments span free speech, gender equality, electoral transparency, climate and prison reform; noted for principled dissents on key constitutional issues.
- Divya Dugar: Journalist and storyteller with extensive experience in documentaries and travel writing, now based in Southeast Asia and focused on wildlife, heritage and mindful travel narratives.
- Ella Al-Shamahi: Explorer, paleoanthropologist and TV presenter known for fieldwork in difficult regions; National Geographic Emerging Explorer and presenter of science and archaeology programming.
- Emma House: International publishing consultant with 25+ years in the industry; senior roles at The London Book Fair and The Publishers Association, and leader of adult literacy initiatives.
- Eric Chopra: Public historian, author of Ghosted: Delhi’s Haunted Monuments, podcaster and founder of Itihāsology; focuses on making history accessible through storytelling and cultural programming.
- Esther Duflo: Nobel laureate economist known for pioneering randomized controlled trials in development economics; author and public intellectual on poverty alleviation and policy.
- Esther Freud: Novelist and playwright whose fiction includes Hideous Kinky; author of multiple novels and theatre works, with a career spanning literary fiction and children’s literature.
- Fara Dabhoiwala: (Bio not available.)
- Fernando Cervantes: (Bio not available.)
- Fredrik Logevall: Harvard historian and Pulitzer-level biographer whose work on JFK and 20th-century American diplomacy has earned major literary prizes and wide critical acclaim.
- Gaur Gopal Das: (Bio not available.)
- Geoff Dyer: Essayist and novelist celebrated for genre-bending work such as Jeff in Venice and Yoga For People Who Can’t Be Bothered To Do It; a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature.
- Georgina Godwin: (Bio not available.)
- Geraint Lewis: (Bio not available.)
- GJV Prasad: (Bio not available.)
- Gopalkrishna Gandhi: Diplomat, writer and public intellectual; former Governor of West Bengal and a noted voice on civil liberties, history and public affairs.
- Gurcharan Das: Author, commentator and public intellectual known for books on business, economics and culture, including India Unbound; blends storytelling with economic history.
- H.H. Gaj Singh, Maharaja of Jodhpur: Former Maharaja and cultural patron with longstanding contributions to heritage conservation, arts and cultural events in Rajasthan.
- Hal Cazalet: (Bio not available.)
- Hallie Rubenhold: Historian and author who re-examined Victorian crime and women’s lives; notable for scholarship that reframes historical narratives.
- Hanako Footman: British-Japanese novelist, actor and director; debut novelist Mongrel earned major nominations and she has screen credits including The Crown.
- Harbans Singh: (Bio not available.)
- Hari Ram Meena: (Bio not available.)
- Harinder (Shammy) Baweja: (Bio not available.)
- Harleen Singh: Writer and researcher documenting colonial Punjab and Partition narratives; founder of The Lost Heer Project and based in Toronto.
- Helen Molesworth: Senior Jewellery Curator at the V&A and former Sotheby’s/Christie’s specialist, with deep scholarship in gems and jewellery history.
- Hemangini Dutt Majumder: Author and former corporate leader whose new novel The Scratch and Sniff Chronicles blends mystery and sensory detail; lives in Singapore and draws on global experiences.
- Herald van der Linde: HSBC Chief Asia Equity Strategist and author of city biographies such as Jakarta: A Biography; specialist in Southeast Asian history and markets.
- Hoihnu Hauzel: (Bio not available.)
- Ian Hislop: Editor of Private Eye, broadcaster and satirist; long-time team captain on Have I Got News for You and a prolific commentator on British public life.
- Imayam: (Bio not available.)
- Imran Mulla: British political correspondent for Middle East Eye with past bylines including BBC Hindi; author of The Indian Caliphate.
- Indran Amirthanayagam: (Bio not available.)
- Ivo de Figueiredo: Norwegian historian and biographer noted for works on Henrik Ibsen and Edvard Munch, as well as a postcolonial family memoir.
- Nandakumar: (Bio not available.)
- Jaideep Prabhu: (Bio not available.)
- James Champion: (Bio not available.)
- James Harding: Editor-in-Chief of The Observer, co-founder of Tortoise Media and former BBC Director of News; author of Alpha Dogs and a leading voice on journalism innovation.
- Jane Ohlmeyer: (Bio not available.)
- Janina Ramirez: (Bio not available.)
- Jeet Thayil: Poet, novelist and editor of The Penguin Book of Indian Poets; award-winning author of poetry and fiction, blending modern sensibilities with lyrical depth.
- Jérémie Gallon: Lawyer, former diplomat and foreign policy analyst; author of intimate portraits of figures like Henry Kissinger and Georges Pompidou.
- Jimmy Wales: Co-founder of Wikipedia and internet entrepreneur central to the free-knowledge movement and global digital culture.
- Jon Lee Anderson: Longtime New Yorker staff writer and foreign correspondent whose biographies and reporting include works on Che Guevara, the Taliban and global conflict zones.
- Jos Gommans: Professor of Colonial and Global History at Leiden University, noted for scholarship on medieval and early modern South Asian history and global entanglements.
- Joseph Koerner: (Bio not available.)
- Josephine Quinn: (Bio not available.)
- Julia Wheeler: Journalist and former BBC Gulf Correspondent who chairs festival panels worldwide; judge and trustee with deep experience in travel and literary awards.
- Jung Chang: Author of Wild Swans and other definitive works on modern China; acclaimed for her historical biographies and awarded a CBE for services to literature.
- Jyotsna Mohan: Award-winning journalist and former NDTV Senior Editor; author of Stoned, Shamed, Depressed and Pratap: A Defiant Newspaper, and host of the podcast Table Talk with Jo.
- R. Meera: Malayalam novelist and short-story writer awarded multiple literary prizes; widely translated and acclaimed for works such as Hangwoman.
- Kanishka Gupta: Literary agent, writer and publishing commentator; founder of Writer’s Side and an influential voice on publishing trends in South Asia.
- Karan Singh: Statesman, diplomat and author; former Head of State of Jammu & Kashmir, Union minister and ambassador, widely respected for his contributions to Indian public life and thought.
- Karuna Ezara Parikh: (Bio not available.)
- Kate Evans: (Bio not available.)
- Kavita Kane: (Bio not available.)
- Keshava Guha: (Bio not available.)
- Ketaki Karnik: (Bio not available.)
- Ketu Shah: Judge appointed to King County Superior Court and serving as Presiding Judge; has held roles including Chief Criminal Judge and Dean of the Judicial College.
- Kim Ghattas: Emmy-winning journalist and Middle East expert; author of Black Wave and The Secretary, with extensive reporting experience for the BBC and major international outlets.
- Kiran Desai: Award-winning novelist and Booker Prize winner known for her lyrical fiction and international acclaim.
- Kunzang Choden Roder: Bhutanese writer and storyteller known for documenting folktales and fiction such as Circle of Karma and Telling Me My Stories.
- Lakshmi Puri: (Bio not available.)
- Laura Spinney: Science journalist and author of Pale Rider (on the 1918 flu) and Proto, known for making complex scientific histories accessible to general readers.
- Lena Khalaf Tuffaha: (Bio not available.)
- Leo Varadkar: Former Taoiseach (Prime Minister) of Ireland and medical doctor by training; memoirist and public commentator, noted for his Indian heritage and international profile.
- Lucy Hughes-Hallett: Award-winning biographer and cultural historian whose acclaimed works include prizewinning biographies and cultural histories, blending rigorous research with vivid narrative.
This year’s JLF 2026 speakers include bestselling authors, Pulitzer winners, Booker Prize winners, National Award recipients, global policy experts, celebrated poets, historians, cultural icons and emerging literary voices.
Whether you’re a student, budding writer, journalist, academic, book lover, or simply someone who appreciates new ideas, this incredible line-up offers something for every kind of reader.
About Jaipur Literature Festival 2026
The Jaipur Literature Festival began in 2006 and has grown into the world’s most important free literary festival. Organized by Teamwork Arts, JLF aims to democratize literature and bring conversations on ideas, culture and knowledge into the public domain.
Each edition features more than 300+ sessions spread across genres such as:
- Literature
- Politics & geopolitics
- History
- Economics
- Translation
- Poetry
- Art & culture
- Science & technology
- Climate & environment
- Identity & society
JLF 2026 Venue: Hotel Clarks Amer, Jaipur
After years of being hosted at Diggi Palace, JLF is now held at Hotel Clarks Amer, one of Jaipur’s most prominent event venues. Situated near Jawahar Circle, it offers:
- Multiple stages for parallel sessions
- Spacious lawns and open areas
- Smooth entry & crowd flow
- Easy connectivity to the airport
- Numerous hotels and cafés nearby
Visitors will find it easier to move between sessions and enjoy better infrastructure than in previous years.
Why JLF 2026 Is Unmissable
The JLF 2026 speakers list itself is a major reason to attend, but the festival is much more:
- Meet your favourite authors during book signings
- Get inspired by Nobel laureates, award-winning journalists, and iconic thinkers
- Experience Jaipur’s winter charm
- Explore Rajasthani food, culture and heritage
- Attend music evenings and cultural programs
- Network with publishers, creators and literary professionals
Travel & Visitor Tips for JLF 2026
Planning to attend? Here’s how to make the most of your visit:
- Reach early for high-demand sessions
- Book hotels in advance: January is peak season
- Carry a light jacket: Jaipur winters are chilly
- Explore nearby cafés & markets around Jawahar Circle
- Use Ola/Uber, autos, or rent a bike
- Check the session schedule daily; things evolve quickly
For a deeper travel experience, explore these guides:
- Best Jaipur Winter Foods
- Places to Visit Near Clarks Amer
- Offbeat Things to Do During JLF
FAQs About JLF 2026 Speakers & Festival
Question: Who are the speakers of the literature fest in Jaipur?
Answer: JLF 2026 features a diverse list of speakers, including award-winning authors, historians, journalists, economists, poets, artists, global thinkers, and emerging voices.
Question: Who is the organizer of Jaipur Literature Festival?
Answer: The Jaipur Literature Festival is organized by Team
work Arts, a leading cultural production company behind several major festivals in India and abroad.
Question: Can I meet authors at JLF?
Answer: Yes! Visitors can meet authors during:
- Book signing sessions
- Q&A interactions
- Special meet-and-greet zones
- Panel discussions and conversations
Arrive early to secure a place in the queues.
Question: How many people attend the Jaipur Literature Festival?
Answer: The festival attracts 100,000+ attendees every year, making it one of the world’s largest and most accessible literature festivals.
Final Words
If you’re planning to attend the festival, the JLF speakers list is your perfect starting point. With its unmatched curation of global voices, vibrant Jaipur atmosphere, and intellectually charged sessions, JLF 2026 promises to be one of the most exciting literary events of the year.
