Article-3 COMPARATIVE LITERATURE IN INDIA_ overview of its history by Subha Chakraborty Dasgupta.pptx

This Presentation is based on Article-3 COMPARATIVE LITERATURE IN INDIA_ overview of its history by Subha Chakraborty Dasgupta.

1. Comparative Literature in India: An Overview of its History Subha Chakraborty Dasgupta, Jadavpur University Presented on: - 12/01/2024 Presented at:- Department of English, MKBU

2. Presenters Gayatri Nimavat Roll No: 06 Sem: 4 [M.A.] Enrolment Number: 4069206420220019 Batch: 2022-2024 Drashti Joshi Roll No: 05 Sem: 4 [M.A.] Enrolment Number: 4069206420220016 Batch: 2022-2024

3. Points to Ponder Introduction about Writer Abstract Key Points Key Arguments and Analysis of Arguments Conclusion References

4. - Visiting Professor, Department of Modern Indian Languages and Literary Studies, University of Delhi - Previously Professor at Department of Comparative Literature, Jadavpur University - Co-ordinator of Special Assistance Programme at Jadavpur University - undertook projects in Comparative Literature and Translation - Editor of Jadavpur Journal of Comparative Literature (2007-2012) - Also taught at Tokyo University of Foreign Studies - Secretary of Comparative Literature Association of India for two terms - Part of Research Team on Mapping Multilingualism in World Literature of the International Comparative Literature Association Introduction about Author

5. Abstract The essay gives an overview of the trajectory of Comparative Literature in India, focusing primarily on the department at Jadavpur University, where it began, and to some extent the department of Modern Indian Languages and Literary Studies in the University of Delhi, where it later had a new beginning in its engagement with Indian literatures. The department at Jadavpur began with the legacy of Rabindranath Tagore’s speech on World Literature and with a modern poet-translator as its founder While British legacies in the study of literature were evident in the early years, there were also subtle efforts towards a decolonizing process and an overall attempt to enhance and nurture creativity. Gradually Indian literature began to receive prominence along with literatures from the Southern part of the globe. Paradigms of approaches in comparative literary studies also shifted from influence and analogy studies to cross-cultural literary relations, to the focus on reception and transformation. In the last few years Comparative Literature has taken on new perspectives, engaging with different areas of culture and knowledge, particularly those related to marginalized spaces, along with the focus on recovering new areas of non-hierarchical literary relations. (Dasgupta)

6. Key Points:- The article provides an overview of the history and development of comparative literature as an academic discipline in India. It traces the beginnings of comparative literature in India back to the early 20th century, with figures like Rabindranath Tagore giving talks on "world literature" and making comparisons between Indian and Western literature. The first department of comparative literature was established at Jadavpur University in 1956. Early approaches focused on comparing Indian literature, especially Sanskrit, with Greek and Latin classics. In the 1970s, there was a shift to studying Indian literature more comprehensively, looking at literatures in different Indian languages in relation to each other. The idea of "Indian literature as comparative literature" emerged.

7. Over time, the scope expanded to include comparisons with literatures from Latin America, Africa, and other parts of the world beyond the West. Area studies components were introduced. Key developments included a focus on reception studies rather than just "influence", studying translation, interdisciplinary approaches, and connections between comparative literature and fields like cultural studies. Today, comparative literature in India engages with issues of marginalization, inter-Asian literary relations, translation, and the role of literature as a knowledge system. The article emphasizes discovering "new links and lines of non-hierarchical connectivity." The main goals are seen as constructing literary histories, nurturing creativity, and enhancing "civilizational gestures" against divisive forces. Much work remains to be done in systematically studying Indian and inter-Asian literary relations.

8. Key Arguments and Analysis of Arguments H ere are some of the key arguments made by Subha Chakraborty Dasgupta: Subha Chakraborty Dasgupta traces the evolution of comparative literature in India, noting its historical roots in pre-disciplinary comparisons of Indian literature. Tagore's 1907 talk laid the foundation, and by the 1970s, the focus shifted to exploring overlaps within Indian language literatures. The field expanded to include Global South perspectives, moving from examining "influence" to studying reception. Comparative literature in India also integrated with translation and cultural studies, embracing marginalized voices and oral traditions. (Dasgupta)

9. Current goals involve mapping intercultural relations, seeking non-hierarchical connections, and understanding literature's role in diverse cultures. In essence, the field has dynamically evolved, emphasizing contextual engagement with both Indian and non-Western literatures. This Article is divided into seven Parts, The Beginning Indian Literature as Comparative Literature Centres of Comparative Literature Studies Reconfiguration of areas of Comparison Research Directions Interface with translation studies and Cultural studies Non-Hierarchical Connectivity (Dasgupta)

10. The Beginning -Long before the establishment of Comparative Literature as a discipline, there were texts focusing on comparative aspects of literature in India, both from the point of view of its relation with literatures from other parts of the world and from the perspective of inter-Indian literary studies, - Late 19th century: Concept of world literature gained traction in Bengal, particularly with a surge in translation activities and poets advocating for connections with global literatures for "relationships of joy." ( Datta) - 1907: Rabindranath Tagore's talk "Visva Sahitya" (meaning "world literature") at the National Council of Education laid the foundation for the establishment of the Comparative Literature department at Jadavpur University in 1956. Tagore's use of "visva sahitya" and his declaration that it was commonly referred to as "comparative literature" influenced the nomenclature of the emerging discipline. ( Tagore) - Despite differing visions, even critic Buddhadeva Bose, a key figure in modern Bengali poetry, acknowledged Tagore's ideas.

11. 2. Indian Literature and Comparative Literature - In the 1970s, Comparative Literature at Jadavpur University in India saw new pedagogical perspectives. Focus on Indian literature entered the syllabus, not as a nationalist assertion but due to shared histories in contiguous spaces. - Comparative Literature studies in India centered around Indian literary themes, leading to the introduction of "Comparative Indian Literature" courses. Shift from exclusive Sanskrit-centric definitions to inclusive examinations of multilingualism and diverse historical and performative traditions. - Aijaz Ahmad emphasized tracing the dialectic of unity and difference through linguistic overlaps and historical contexts. Interdisciplinary approach evident in comprehensive studies covering language origins, manuscript cultures, performative traditions, visual arts, print culture, and modernity. ( Ahmad,) - Delhi University's department has students from diverse parts of India, allowing varied entry points into Indian literary systems and inter-cultural relations across the nation.

12. 3. Centres of Comparative Studies - Tamil studies included comparisons of Classical Tamil texts with Greek, Latin, and Japanese traditions. In the 1980s-1990s, other Comparative Literature centers emerged across India, either independently or within language departments (e.g., Punjabi University, Dibrugarh University, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Sambalpur University, Jawaharlal Nehru University, SNDT Women’s University). - In 1986, a full-fledged Comparative Literature department at Veer Narmad South Gujarat University focused on Indian literatures in Western India. In 1999, Dravidian University, Kuppam, established a department of Dravidian Comparative Literature and Philosophy. The Visvanatha Kaviraja Institute of Comparative Literature and Aesthetics in Orissa emphasized comparative poetics, a core research area. - During this period, national associations of Comparative Literature emerged: Indian Comparative Literature Association (ICLA) (Jadavpur) and Comparative Indian Literature Association (CILA) (Delhi). They merged in 1992 to form the Comparative Literature Association of India (CLAI), boasting over a thousand members.

13. 4. Reconfiguration of areas of Comparison - 1980s Changes: Jadavpur University added Gabriel Garcia Marquez's "One Hundred Years of Solitude" and Latin American and African literatures to the syllabus, emphasizing solidarity, resistance, and addressing colonial impacts. - 1990s Evolution: Introduced Area Studies on African, Latin American, Canadian literatures, and Bangladesh. Canadian Studies led to a focus on oral traditions within the comparative literature space. - Chinese and Japanese literature components were outlined, with current research scholars exploring these areas. An Area Studies module for Pakistani literatures was introduced. - Today: The department hosts Centers for African, Latin American, and Canadian studies, organizing research and seminars. The curriculum reflects a dynamic approach, embracing diverse global literary traditions.

14. 5. Research Directions - Late 1990s - Early 2000s: Comparative Literature research expanded across India with UGC’s Special Assistance Programme. - Examples: Calcutta University explored 19th-century literary relations between Europe and India. Saurashtra University focused on Indian Renaissance, translating authors and studying travelogues. - Dibrugarh University emphasized translations, rare texts, and folk forms. Jadavpur University researched East-West Literary Relations, Indian Literature, Translation Studies, and Third World Literature. - Notable Translator: Manabendra Bandyopadhyay translated texts from "third-world countries." - Support Impact: Publications on genres, themes, literary historiography, and annotated bibliographies reshaped popular concepts, like Romanticism, offering diverse readings in the Indian context.

15. 6. Interface with translation studies and Cultural studies - 21st Century Comparative Literature: Embraced Translation Studies and Cultural Studies as integral components. - Translation Studies: Hyderabad University pioneered translation studies, now a common focus in Comparative Literature departments. Translation seen as rewriting; Jadavpur University has a dedicated Center for the Translation of Indian Literatures. - Interdisciplinary Approaches: Delhi University's course explores city and village themes in Indian literature, delving into human habitat systems, ecology, archaeological evidence, and accounts of travelers from different cultures. Jadavpur University's performance course studies social behavior patterns through ritual and theater, viewing them in terms of separation and integration. - Diaspora Studies: Some new Comparative Literature centers, established in recent universities, engage in diaspora studies.

16. - Comparative Literature isn't just about studying different literatures – it's about connecting them in meaningful ways. Imagine it like exploring a vast landscape of stories, where each culture is a mountain peak with its own unique view. Studying Comparative Literature is like climbing between these peaks, discovering how ideas and themes flow between them, creating a richer understanding of both the individual cultures and the larger human landscape. - This connection isn't about judging who's better – it's about "co-construction," ( Sangari) sharing histories and building bridges through translation and understanding. We're still exploring these connections, uncovering new literary relationships and rewriting histories that didn't just focus on single cultures. In the end, it's about using literature to celebrate our differences and find common ground, fostering creativity and a more united world. 7.Non-hierarchical connectivity

17. In conclusion, Comparative Literature in India has come a long way from its early days of comparing Sanskrit epics to Greek classics. Through a continuous process of decolonization, diversification, and a shift towards non-hierarchical connections, it has morphed into a vibrant field engaging with marginalized voices, inter-Asian dialogues, and the transformative power of translation. With the aim of reconstructing literary histories, nurturing creativity, and fostering inclusivity, Comparative Literature in India continues its unique exploration of the vast landscape of stories, both local and global, forging bridges and building a more connected world through the power of shared narratives. It stands as a testament to the ever-evolving and enriching tapestry of human expression, waiting to be further unveiled and celebrated. Conclusion

18. Ahmad, Aizaz. “Indian Literature.” Theory: Classes, Nations, Literatures. London: Verso. 1992. 243-285. Print. Dasgupta, Subha Chakraborty. “Comparative Literature in India: An Overview of its History.” Comparative Literature & World Literature , 4 July 2016, http://www.cwliterature.org/uploadfile/2016/0711/20160711020042997.pdf. Accessed 11 January 2024. Datta, Satyendranath. “Samapti.” Satyendranath Kabyagrantha. Ed. Aloke Ray. Kolkata: Sahitya Samsad. 1984. Print. R. Radhakrishnan. “Why compare?” New Literary History 40.3, Summer (2009): 453-71. Print. Sangari, Kumkum. “Aesthetics of Circulation: Thinking Between Regions.” Jadavpur Journal of Comparative Literature XLVX (2013-14):9-38. Print. Tagore, Rabindranath. “ Visva Sahitya .” Rabindra-Rachanabali Vol. 10. Kolkata: WBSG 1987. 324-333. Print. References

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