Jael Silliman, born into the Baghdadi Jewish community of Calcutta, was educated in the United States. She has written extensively on gender and economic development, and on women’s movements in the developing world. Her recent publications include the novel The Teak Almirah and two collaborative works with photographer Mala Mukherjee, Where Gods Reside: Sacred Places of Kolkata and ADDA! The College Street Coffee House.