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Absurdism in Indian Literature

1. “Absurdism in Indian Literature” Prepare by: Jay Maruniya

2. Personal Information: Name:Jay Maruniya Roll No:13 Enrollment No:5108230027 Sem:2 Batch: 2023-2025 Paper No: 110A Paper Name: The Twentieth Century Literature: 1900 to World War II Submitted to:smt.S.B.Gradi, Department of English, M.K.B.U [email protected]

3. Table of contents: Introduction Brief history of absurdist movement Absurdism in Indian literature Examples of Absurdism in Indian literature Common Absurdist Themes in Indian Writings Comparing Western and Indian absurdist literature Conclusion Resources

4. Introduction: Absurdism is a philosophical concept that emerged in the 19th and 20th centuries, emphasizing the fundamental conflict between human beings' search for meaning and the inherent meaninglessness of the universe. It posits that human existence is absurd, as individuals inevitably encounter the absence of purpose or clear rationale for their existence. Absurdist literature often explores themes of alienation, purposelessness, and the absurdity of human endeavors. (Britannica)

5. Brief history of the Absurdist movement: The Absurdist movement gained prominence in the early 20th century, with writers and philosophers like Albert Camus, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Samuel Beckett exploring the concept of the Absurd. Camus's philosophical essay "The Myth of Sisyphus" (1942) and Sartre's play "No Exit" (1944) are considered seminal works of Absurdism. The movement flourished in post-World War II Europe, reflecting the disillusionment and existential crisis prevalent in the aftermath of the war.

6. Absurdism in Indian literature : Absurdism in Indian literature explores the fundamental absurdity and meaninglessness of human existence. Notable writers like Vijay Tendulkar, Girish Karnad, Mohan Rakesh, and Dharamvir Bharati have incorporated absurdist themes and techniques. Their works, including plays, poetry, and prose, often depict characters trapped in hopeless situations, grappling with existential angst. These writers challenge traditional narratives by subverting linear plots, blending myth and reality, and using surreal, non-realistic elements. Absurdism serves as a means to explore universal existential themes, provide social commentary, and push the boundaries of literary conventions in Indian literature.(Sabin)

7. Examples of Absurdism in Indian literature : The Absurdist movement had a profound impact on Indian dramatic literature, with playwrights exploring themes of existential angst, alienation, and the futility of human existence. Badal Sarkar's plays:(e.g., "Ebam Indrajit," "Baaki Itihaas") Badal Sarkar was a big deal in bringing Absurdism to Indian theater. In "Ebam Indrajit," the main character, Indrajit, feels like his life doesn't make sense, and the play gets pretty weird to show that. "Baaki Itihaas" also dives into how pointless wars are and how we struggle for things that don't matter much.(Biswas)

8. Indian novelists have embraced Absurdist themes and techniques to explore the existential dilemmas and profound contradictions inherent in modern life. Salman Rushdie's works (e.g., "Midnight's Children," "The Satanic Verses") Salman Rushdie, one of India's most celebrated novelists, has incorporated elements of Absurdism into his magical realist narratives. In "Midnight's Children," Rushdie blurs the lines between reality and fantasy, creating a surreal world where the extraordinary and the mundane coexist. "The Satanic Verses" explores themes of identity, migration, and the clash of cultures, presenting a fragmented and absurd reality that challenges conventional notions of truth and belief. (Raturi)

9. Indian poets have written poems about absurd things, showing how life can be strange and confusing. They use words to talk about big questions and to challenge what people usually believe. Arun Kolatkar's "Jejuri”: Arun Kolatkar's seminal work, "Jejuri," is a poetic exploration of the Absurd. Through a series of vignettes and observations, Kolatkar captures the contradictions and absurdities inherent in religious rituals and human behavior. The poem presents a surreal and often grotesque portrayal of pilgrims, challenging traditional notions of faith and spirituality.(Amit)

10. Common Absurdist Themes in Indian Writings: Questioning the Nature of Reality: Indian absurdist authors intricately weave narratives that challenge conventional perceptions of reality.They often depict a world where the boundaries between what is real and what is illusory become blurred, leaving readers questioning the nature of existence itself. Existential Angst and Alienation: Absurdist works in India delve into the profound sense of isolation and disillusionment experienced by characters. Satirical Social Commentary: Indian absurdist authors employ satire and dark humor as powerful tools to critique societal norms and institutions. Metafictional Experimentation: Absurdist writers in India push the boundaries of traditional storytelling through metafictional experimentation.(Kacker)

11. Comparing Western and Indian absurdist literature: Comparing Western and Indian absurdist literature, they both ponder life's absurdities but in different ways: Philosophy: They both explore life's meaninglessness, but Indian absurdist works often include ideas from Hindu philosophy like karma and illusion. Stories: Western absurdist tales use satire and surrealism, while Indian ones mix in folklore and mythology, often telling stories in a non-linear way. Culture: India's history and society, with its mix of religions and caste system, shape its absurdist literature, focusing on social issues like inequality and tradition versus modernity.

12. Conclusion: In summary, Absurdism has significantly impacted Indian literature, offering a unique perspective on life's contradictions and uncertainties. Its influence continues to shape the work of contemporary writers, enriching the literary landscape with themes of existentialism and surrealism. As society evolves, Absurdism remains a relevant and insightful lens through which to explore the complexities of human existence.

13. Resources: Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia. "Theatre of the Absurd". Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 Feb. 2024, https://www.britannica.com/art/Theatre-of-the-Absurd . Accessed 09 April 2024. Biswas, Tapu. “Absurdist Elements in Badal 12 for VB 1.” Academia.Edu, 10 May 2016, www.academia.edu/25216946/Absurdist_elements_in_Badal_12_for_vb_1 . Accessed 09 Apr. 2024. Chaudhary , Amit. “Jejuri.” New York Review Books, The New York Review Books, www.nyrb.com/products/jejuri . Accessed 09 Apr. 2024. Kacker , Mrinalini. “Existentialism in the Writings of Arun Joshi.” Existentialism In The Writings Of Arun Joshi, Department of Humanities, Graphic Era Hill University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India 248002, 8 Mar. 2021, www.nveo.org/index.php/journal/article/download/5505/4297 . Accessed 09 Apr. 2024. Raturi, Vara Ashita. “Neither Nature, nor Nurture: How Salman Rushdie’s Midnight’s Children Defies Genealogy through Absurdity.” International Review of Literary Studies, International Review of Literary Studies by MARS Publishers, Jan. 2021, irlsjournal.com/index.php/Irls/article/view/39 . Accessed 09 Apr. 2024. Sabin, Margery. “Anthologies of Modern Indian Literature.” College English, vol. 68, no. 1, 2005, pp. 90–106. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/30044666 . Accessed 9 Apr. 2024.