INDIAN WRITING IN ENGLISH BACKGROUND.pdf

INDIAN WRITING IN ENGLISH BACKGROUND

4. What is meant by ‘Indian Writing in
English’ ?

5. ‘Literature Produced By Indians In
English’

7. The three phases before
independence
1.The Pagoda Tree: From the
Beginnings to 1857
2.The Winds of Change: 1857 to 1920
3.The GandhianWhirlwind: 1920-1947

9. •Vasco da Gama and the Reopening of the Eastern Trade (1498)
•Vasco da Gama arrived at Calicut, India in 1498.
•His voyage restored the link between Europe and the East.
•India was perceived as a "land of spices and marvels" by Europeans.
•Portugal’s Dominance in the Indian Ocean (16th Century)
•Portugal controlled the Indian Ocean throughout the 16th century.
•Key focus: Trade in spices and control over sea routes.
•Portugal established trading posts and fortresses along the Indian
coast.

10. •Turning Point: Portugal Annexed by Spain (1580)
•In 1580, Portugal was annexed by Spain.
•Spain showed less interest in Portugal’s Asian colonies.
•Gradual decline in Portugal's control of the Indian Ocean.
•Opened opportunities for other European nations.
•Entry of the Dutch (1595)
•The Dutch were the first Europeans after the Portuguese to arrive in
India in 1595.
•Dutch objectives: Trade monopolization rather than empire-building or
proselytization.
•Focused on commercial ventures, particularly spices.

11. •British Entry: The East India Company (1600)
•Queen Elizabeth I granted a charter to London merchants on December
31, 1600.
•This charter marked the establishment of the East India Company
(EIC).
•The EIC's original target: Spices from Indonesia.
•Dutch opposition, including the Amboina Massacre in 1623, led the
British to focus on India.
•Conflict with Portugal and Mughal Collaboration
•English forces defeated Portuguese in certain Indian territories.
•The Mughal Empire, resenting Portuguese dominance, granted the
English rights to trade and establish factories.
•The English became virtual naval auxiliaries to the Mughal Empire.

12. •British Economic Supremacy
•The British trade in India became more profitable than that of the
Dutch.
•Gradual shift of dominance from the Dutch to the British.
•Battle of Plassey(1757): Victory made EIC dominant in Bengal,
shifting from trade to ruling.
•'Pagoda Tree' Reference: British exploited India’s wealth, with
Clive’s controversial moderation post-Murshidabadsack (1757).
•Growing British influence in Indian affairs.

13. •The Transition to British Domination (1818)
•By 1818, the British Empire shifted from being “in India” to being the
“British Empire of India.”
•The British established direct control over India, transitioning from a
trade-based relationship to imperial rule.
•Early Impacts of British Rule
•Modernization Seeds Planted: Despite exploitation, the British
initiated modernizing Indian society.
•Indian Renaissance: As observed by Aurobindo, a reawakening akin to
Ireland's Celtic movement rather than the European Renaissance.
•Dual View of Awakening: India simultaneously rediscovered its past
and engaged with Western ideas (Nehru's view).

14. •Role of Scholars and Orientalists
•Bengal Asiatic Society (1784): Founded by Sir William Jones, who along
with other scholars, explored India's ancient culture.
•Notable Figures: H.T. Colebrooke(Digest of Hindu Law), James Prinsep
(Asokaninscriptions).
•Non-imperial Burden: These scholars contributed to rediscovering
India’s rich heritage.
•Evolution of English Education
•Early British Educational Policy: Initially no formal policy post-Bengal’s
domination.
•Establishment of Institutions: Calcutta Madarasa(1781) and Sanskrit
College in Benaras(1792).
•Transition to English Education: Demand for clerks, Evangelical
influences, and imperial motivations led to the spread of English
leaning.

15. •Orientalists vs. AnglicistsDebate
•Orientalist Stance: Advocated for education in Indian languages.
E.g., H.H. Wilson criticized the spread of English as impractical.
•Anglicists’ Push: Led by figures like Charles Grant, promoting English
for administration and assimilation.
•Mission Schools: Promoted English alongside vernacular to
dismantle traditional Hindu systems.

16. •Indian Intellectual Response
•Raja RammohunRoy: Advocated for English education as a means of
advancing knowledge.
•Letter on English Education (1823): Criticized Sanskrit-based
education, promoting Western sciences and knowledge.
•Growing Enthusiasm for English: Indians adapted English as they had
with Persian earlier, seeing it as key to progress and governance.
Indian intellectuals, especially younger generations, saw English as a
path to advancement.
•Increased Demand: Enthusiasm for English education, particularly in
cities like Calcutta (e.g., HughliCollege).

17. •RammohunRoy’s Role in Western Education
•Early Advocate of Western Learning: Active before his 1823 letter to
Lord Amherst.
•Collaborations: Worked with David Hume and Edward Hyde-East.
•Association Founded in 1816: Aimed to promote European learning
and science.
•Founding of Hindu College (1817)
•First Major Institution: Hindu College founded on 20 January 1817.
•Roy’s Contribution: Established a school in Suriparato teach English
(1816-17).
•Personal Involvement: Invited top students for advanced coaching by
English instructors.

18. •Macaulay’s Minute on Education (1835)
•Macaulay’s Convictions: Advocated for English education for Indians.
•Key Quote: Emphasized European superiority in science, literature,
and philosophy.
•Cultural Dismissal: Criticized Indian texts and knowledge systems.
•Impact of Macaulay’s Minute
•Macaulay's Threat: Resigned unless his recommendations were
accepted.
•Governor-General’s Resolution (1835): Declared focus on European
literature and science.
•A Turning Point: 7 March 1835 marked a significant shift toward
English education.

19. •Sir Charles Wood’s Despatch (1854)
•Balanced Approach: Advocated for English in higher education and
vernacular languages for the masses.
•Outcome: Led to the founding of universities in Calcutta, Bombay, and
Madras (1857).
•The Birth of Modern Indian Universities
•Universities as Catalysts: Became centersfor Indian intellectual
growth.
•Cultural Renaissance: Played a key role in political, social, and literary
developments in India.

20. Early Prose in Indian English Literature
•Pre-Macaulay Era Writing: Indians started writing in English before 1835.
•CavellyVenkataBoriah(1776-1803): First significant Indian English writer.
•Essay: "Account of the Jains" (1809).
•Collaborator: Worked with Col. Colin Mackenzie.
•CavellyVenkataBoriah’sAchievements
•Linguist and Scholar: Mastered Sanskrit, Persian, Hindustani, and English.
•Multidisciplinary Knowledge: Studied mathematics, astronomy, and
geography.
•Contributions: Wrote poetry in Telugu, deciphered inscriptions, and
discovered ancient coins.

21. •Raja RammohunRoy’s Contributions
•First Original Indian Essay: "A Defence of Hindu Theism" (1817).
•Pioneer of Indian Renaissance: Reformer in religion, education, and
politics.
•Cultural Icon: Described by Tagore as "the inaugurator of the modern age
in India."
•RammohunRoy’s Early Life
•Background: Born in Radhanagar, Bengal (1772).
•Education: Studied Arabic, Persian, and Hindu theology.
•Expulsion and Exploration: Expelled for iconoclasm; traveledwidely to
study Buddhism and Hindu philosophy.

22. •RammohunRoy’s Reformist Work
•Religious Reform: Founded BrahmoSamaj(1828) to modernize Hinduism.
•Literary Contributions: Edited periodicals in English, Bengali, and Persian.
•Prolific Writer: Authored over 32 original essays in English, including
translations of Upanishads.
•RammohunRoy’s Legacy
•Advocate for Christian Reform: Authored "Precepts of Jesus" (1820).
•Theological Works: Published three major rejoinders defending his beliefs
against Christian dogma.
•Recognition: Praised for critical reasoning and deep scriptural knowledge.

23. •RammohunRoy and Social Reform
•Women’s Rights: Advocated for the abolition of Satiand
reforms in women's inheritance rights.
•Key Works:
•"A Conference between an Advocate for, and an Opponent of, the
Practice of burning Widows alive"(1818).
•"Brief Remarks regarding Modern Encroachments on the Ancient
Rights of Females According to the Hindu Law of Inheritance"(1822).
•Anti-Suttee Campaign: Addressed petitions to the British
government, including one to the House of Commons
(1832).

24. •Political Reforms and Advocacy
•Freedom of the Press: Fought against press censorship,
known as ‘Adam's gag’.
•"Petitions Against the Press Regulations"(1823).
•Defended the role of the press in holding rulers accountable
and ensuring public participation in governance.
•Critique of British Rule: Protested against economic
exploitation under the East India Company.
•"Exposition of the Practical Operation of the Judicial and
Revenue Systems of India"(1832).

25. •RammohunRoy’s Prose Style
•Literary Proficiency: Praised for his clear and logical English prose.
•Compared to Edmund Burke for eloquence and logic.
•Jeremy Bentham complimented his style, likening it to that of an educated
Englishman.
•Pioneering Indian English Prose: Roy's works mark the beginning of Indian
English prose, combining rational argumentation with social advocacy.
•Influence of RammohunRoy’s Writing
•Impact on Later Writers: His autobiography set a precedent for future
Indian autobiographers, such as Nehru and NiradC. Chaudhuri.
•Legacy in Journalism: Influenced the emergence of intellectuals like
Krishna Mohan Banerjiand Ram GopalGhose, who continued the tradition
of social reform and journalism in Bengal.

26. •Pioneers of Social Reform in the Bombay Presidency
•BalShastriJambhekar(1812-46):
•First prominent Sanskrit scholar to study English.
•Founder of The Durpan(1832), the first English-Marathi journal in Maharashtra.
•Prominent teacher, linguist, and antiquarian.
•DadobaPandurang(1814-82):
•Educationist and religious reformer.
•Known for his comparative religious studies, including A Hindu Gentleman’s
Reflections respecting the works of Emanuel Swedenborg(1878).
•BhauDaji(1822-74):
•Physician and social reformer, active in political causes.
•His essay on infanticide (1847) and antiquarian research earned recognition.

27. •Madras Presidency: Education and Journalism
•VannelakantiSoobrow:
•Known as "English Soobrow," he contributed to educational reform in Madras.
•His 1820 report on education revealed insights like The Arabian Nightsbeing a
school text.
•GazuluLakshmi NarsuChetty(1806-68):
•Founder of The Crescentnewspaper.
•Advocated for social and administrative reforms, including petitions for transferring
governance from the East India Company to the Crown.
•CavellyVenkantaRamaswami:
•Author of Biographical Sketches of the DekkanPoets(1840), the first Indian English
literary biography.
•Covered more than a hundred Indian poets in Sanskrit, Telugu, Tamil, and Marathi.

28. •North India: Autobiographical Literature
•Lutufullah’sAutobiography:
•Autobiography of Lutufullah: A MohamedanGentleman(1857).
•First extensive Indian English autobiography.
•Lutufullah, a tutor in Persian, Arabic, and Hindustani, offered observations on Indian
society and British customs.
•His work was part travel diary and part autobiography, blending scholarly thought
with personal experience.
•Impact of Early Reformers
•These early pioneers not only contributed to journalism, literature, and
education but also pushed for significant social and political changes.
•Their writings in Indian English literature laid the foundation for future
reformers and intellectuals, shaping the course of Indian thought and social
progress.

29. Early Indian English Poetry: Key Figures and
Contributions
•CavellyVenkataRamaswami
•Translation of Viswagunadarsana(1825):
•Translation of a 17th-century Sanskrit poem by Arasanipala
Venkatadhvarin.
•Significance: Earliest verse in English by an Indian (though a
translation).
•Published in Calcutta with support from notable figures like
RammohunRoy.
•Also translated passages from the Telugu epic Vasu
Charitraby BhattuMurti.

30. •Henry Louis Vivian Derozio(1809-1831)
•Background:
•Born to Indo-Portuguese father and English mother.
•Taught at Hindu College, Calcutta; led reformist discussions on
politics and religion.
•Works:
•Poems(1827), The Fakeerof Jungheera(1828).
•Themes:
•Influenced by Romantic poets, especially Byron.
•Use of Indian myth, patriotic tone in poems like "To India—My
Native Land."
•Legacy:
•Regarded as a pioneer of Indian English poetry with nationalistic
zeal and reformist spirit.

31. •KashiprasadGhose(1809-1873)
•First Indian Poet to Publish Original English
Verse:
•The Shairor Minstrel and Other Poems(1830).
•Style:
•Inspired by British Romanticism but lacking
deep emotional or imaginative strength.
•Included Indian themes like Hindu festivals in
his poetry.

32. •Michael MadhusudanDutt(1824-1873)
•Shift from English to Bengali:
•Initially wrote in English but later became prominent in Bengali
literature.
•The Captive Ladie(1849), Visions of the Past(1849).
•Themes: Romantic narratives, influenced by Byron and
Scott.
•Transition: Became a major figure in Bengali literary
renaissance, abandoning English poetry for deeper cultural
expression.
•Early Phase: Dominated by translations, imitations of
Western styles, and experimental efforts.
•Impact: Laid the groundwork for the evolution of Indian
English poetry, moving from imitation to a more authentic
voice.

34. •Overview of the Period (1857-1920):
•A significant phase in Indian history marked by political, social,
and cultural changes.
•The aftermath of the Indian Rebellion of 1857 catalyzeda shift
in literary production and themes.
•Historical Context:
•Impact of British colonial rule and the response of Indian
intellectuals.
•Emergence of a nationalistic sentiment through literature.
34

35. •Literary Context
•Transition in Literature:
•From colonial representations to indigenous voices expressing
national identity.
•Emergence of Indian English literature as a medium for
political and social discourse.
•Influence of Western Literary Forms:
•Adoption of Western literary styles (novels, poetry, drama)
while incorporating Indian themes.
•Dialogue between Indian traditions and Western literary
influences.
35

36. •Key Historical Events
•The Indian Rebellion of 1857:
•Overview of the rebellion and its significance.
•Shift in British policy leading to direct rule (British Raj).
•Impact on Society:
•Changes in education systems, rise of the English-
educated middle class.
•Growth of social reform movements advocating for
rights and justice.
36

37. •Emergence of New Literary Voices
•Rise of Indian Authors:
•Introduction of writers like BankimChandra Chatterjee
and his influence on the novel.
•Shift from anonymous poets to recognizable authors with
distinct styles.
•Formation of Literary Societies:
•Establishment of organizations promoting literature in
English (e.g., The Indian National Congress's role in
literature).
•Influence of magazines and journals in disseminating
literary works.
37

38. •Notable Literary Figures
•R. Parthasarathy:
•Exploration of themes of identity, culture, and nationalism in
his poetry.
•His contributions to the evolution of Indian English poetry.
•B.R. Ambedkar:
•His writings on social justice and caste issues; impact on Indian
literature.
•Sri Aurobindo:
•The philosophical and political dimensions of his writings.
•Connection between literature, spirituality, and the freedom
struggle.
38

39. •Themes in Literature
•Nationalism and Anti-Colonial Sentiment:
•Expression of nationalist fervorin literary works.
•Literature as a tool for mobilization against colonial
oppression.
•Identity and Cultural Renaissance:
•Exploration of Indian identity amidst colonial rule.
•Revival of interest in Indian heritage and traditions.
•Social Reform and Gender Issues:
•Literary representations of social reforms (e.g., caste, gender
equality).
•The role of literature in advocating for women’s rights and
social justice.
39

40. •Development of Genres
•Emergence of New Genres:
•Proliferation of novels, short stories, and poetry addressing
contemporary issues.
•Influence of Realism and Romanticism:
•Integration of realistic portrayals of Indian life and romantic
ideals.
•Contrast between romantic visions of India and harsh realities
of colonial rule.
•Notable Works and Their Significance:
•Examination of key texts that shaped the period (e.g., Bankim
Chandra’s Anandamath).
40

41. •Early Poetry
•Poetry as a medium of expression for national and social
concerns.
•Influence of romanticism and early English poets.
•Notable Poets:
•Henry Louis Vivian Derozio:Fusion of Western poetic forms
with Indian themes; focus on youth and social reform.
•Toru Dutt:Integration of Indian cultural motifs; her poems
reflect a blend of Eastern and Western influences.
•Themes:
•National identity, spirituality, and social justice.
41

42. •Early Prose
•Development of Prose:
•Shift from oral traditions to written prose.
•Influence of English education and colonial literature.
•Notable Works:
•“The History of Indian Literature” by R.C. Dutt:An early
attempt to articulate Indian literary heritage.
•Writings of BankimChandra Chatterjee:His essays and
critiques contributed to the formation of modern Indian prose.
•Themes:
•Exploration of identity, society, and the critique of colonialism.
42

43. •Fiction
•Emergence of the Novel:
•Influence of the English novel form; blend of realism and
romanticism.
•Shift from moral tales to complex narratives reflecting Indian
society.
•Notable Novelists:
•BankimChandra Chatterjee:His novel Rajmohan’sWifeas one
of the first Indian novels in English.
•R. K. Narayan:His works explore Indian life with humorand
pathos.
•Themes:
•Social issues, caste dynamics, and family relations.
43

44. •Drama
•Development of Indian Drama:
•Influence of Western theaterforms; emergence of social and
political themes.
•Incorporation of indigenous theatrical traditions.
•Notable Playwrights:
•M. S. N. S. Raghavan:His plays often dealt with contemporary
social issues.
•Sri Aurobindo:His plays reflect philosophical themes and
spiritual insights.
•Themes:
•Nationalism, social justice, and cultural identity.
44

45. •Notable Literary Figures
•Key Authors and Their Contributions:
•Rabindranath Tagore:Bridged poetry and prose,
exploring spirituality and nationalism.
•MulkRaj Anand:A pioneering voice in depicting the
lives of the marginalized through fiction.
•R. Parthasarathy:Known for his reflective poetry on
identity and cultural heritage.
45

46. •Significant Works
•“The Light of Asia” by Edwin Arnold:
•A poem that represents the cultural exchange between the East and
West.
•Its influence on Western perceptions of Buddhism and India.
•“Untouchable” by MulkRaj Anand:
•A groundbreakingnovel addressing the issue of caste and social
exclusion.
•The portrayal of a day in the life of a scavenger and critique of social
norms.
•“Gitanjali” by Rabindranath Tagore:
•Spiritual themes reflecting the universal quest for meaning.
•The significance of Tagore winning the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913.
46

47. •Role of Women in Literature
•Emergence of Female Writers:
•Rise of women authors advocating for social justice and gender equality.
•Exploration of women’s experiences and challenges in a patriarchal
society.
•Influence of Social Reform Movements:
•Literature as a means to advocate for women's rights and education.
•Impact of the feminist movement on literary expressions.
•Notable Authors:
•SarojiniNaidu:Her poetry and political activism shaped women’s
literature.
•Kamala Das:Personal narratives addressing women’s experiences in a
patriarchal society.
47

48. •Early Indian English Short Stories
•The evolution of the Indian English short story is relatively
recent, emerging in the late 19th century.
•Early collections laid the groundwork for future developments
in Indian English literature.
•Significance:
•Reflects cultural narratives and social issues of the time.
•Serves as a medium for emerging Indian voices in a colonial
context.
48

49. •First Collections (1885)
•Key Works:
•Realities of Indian Life: Stories Collected from the Criminal
Reports of Indiaby ShosheeChunderDutt(1885)
•The Times of Yore: Tales from Indian Historyby Shoshee
ChunderDuttand SourindraMohan Tagore (1885)
•Importance:
•These collections marked the beginning of organized
storytelling in Indian English.
•The works provide insights into Indian society and colonial
administration.
49

50. •Early Prose Contributions
•ShosheeChunderDutt’sContributions:
•Bengaliana: A Dish of Rice and Curry and Other Indigestible Ingredients
(1892)
•Contains two significant tales:
•“The Reminiscences of a Kerani’sLife”
•“Shunkur: A Tale of the Indian Mutiny of 1857”
•Includes a variety of short stories reflecting on social life.
•Additional Authors:
•P.V. RamaswamiRaju:
•The Tales of Sixty Mandarians(1886)
•Indian Fables(1887)
50

51. •More Early Contributors
•KhetrapalChakravarti:
•Saralaand Hingana—Tales Descriptive of Indian Life(Calcutta,
1895)
•Exploration of local life and customs through storytelling.
•Samuel and Kamala Satthia-nadhan:
•Stories of Indian Christian Life(Madras, 1898)
•Depictions of Christian experiences in Indian society.
•B.R. RajamAiyar:
•Miscellaneous Storiespublished in The PrabuddhaBharat
(1896-98)
•Mythological tales retold, blending tradition with contemporary
issues. 51

52. •Emergence of a Literary Voice
•Cornelia Sorabji(1866-1954):
•First Indian woman advocate in Calcutta (1924).
•Notable collections:
•Love and Life Behind the Purdah(1901)
•Sunbabies: Studies in the Child Life of India(1904)
•Between the Twilights(1908)
•Indian Tales of the Great Ones among Men, Women and Bird-
People(1916)
•Themes in Sorabji'sWorks:
•Focus on Hindu and Parsilife, blending anecdotes, stories, and character
sketches.
•Generally sympathetic tone, advocating for social reform.
52

53. •Literary Style and Tone
•Narrative Style:
•Victorian mannerism, leisurely prose reflecting the period's cultural
sensibilities.
•Undercurrent of Social Reform:
•Sorabji’sworks often address social issues subtly, pushing for change
within traditional contexts.
•Notable Collections
53
S.S. Bose:
Humorous Sketches(Allahabad,
1903)
Light-hearted commentary on
Indian life.
S.M. NatesaSastri:
Indian Folk Tales(Madras, 1908)
A collection of folklore preserving
Indian traditions.
S.B. Banerjea:
Tales of Bengal(London, 1910)
Focus on Bengali culture and
traditions.
PrabhatChandra Mukherji:
Stories of Bengali Life(Calcutta,
1912)
Translations capturing the essence
of Bengali narratives.

54. •Further Contributions
•ShovonaDevi:
•The Oriental Pearls: Indian Folk-lore(London, 1915)
•Exploration of Indian folklore and traditions.
•DwijendraNathNeogi:
•Sacred Tales of India(London, 1916)
•Religious narratives reflecting India's spiritual heritage.
•SunityDevee:
•Bengal Dacoits and Tigers(Calcutta, 1916)
•Stories reflecting the socio-political landscape of
Bengal.
54

55. •Overview of the Period (1857-1920)
•Literary Growth:
•The period between the Great Revolt of 1857 and the
Non-cooperation movement of 1920 produced
significant literary works.
•Mature Works in Prose and Verse:
•Exploration of social themes and the emergence of
Indian voices in literature.
•Drama and Fiction:
•While drama was yet to establish a robust tradition,
fiction began to evolve with notable contributions.
55

57. •Introduction to the GandhianEra
•The period marked by Mahatma Gandhi's rise as a
national leader.
•Profound influence on Indian literature, reflecting
themes of nationalism and social reform.
•Gandhi’s Philosophy:
•Principles of non-violence (Ahimsa) and truth (Satya).
•Integration of spirituality into political activism.
57

58. Gandhi’s English writing
•Three Periods
•London Period (1888-91)
•London Diary, Guide to London (Essays)
•South African Period (1893-1915)
•Disputationist, journalist, author
•The Indian Opinion (journals), Hind Swaraj
•Indian Period (1915-1948)
•Young India and Harijan(Journals)
•The Story of My Experiments with Truth
58

59. Gandhi's Writings
•Key Texts by Gandhi:
•Hind Swaraj(1909):Advocated for self-rule and critiqued
modern civilization.
•The Story of My Experiments with Truth (1927):
Autobiography detailing his philosophy and experiences.
•Key Letters and Speeches:Addressed social justice,
communal harmony, and the role of individuals in the
freedom struggle.
•Impact of His Writings:
•Encouraged introspection and collective action among
Indians.
•Inspired writers and activists to engage with themes of moral
and social responsibility.
59

60. •Jawaharlal Nehru's Contributions
•Nehru’s Writings:
•The Discovery of India (1946):Explores Indian history,
culture, and philosophy.
•Glimpses of World History (1934):A narrative of world
events emphasizing India’s role.
•Letters from a Father to His Daughter (1929):Written for his
daughter, conveying knowledge about Indian history and
culture.
•Influence on Literature:
•Advocated for a progressive vision of India and the
importance of science and rationalism.
•His works blended historical insights with personal
reflections, fostering a sense of identity and nationhood.
60

61. •Journalism and Its Role
•Rise of Journalism:
•Newspapers and journals became platforms for nationalist
thought and social reform.
•Prominent publications: The Hindustan Times, The Modern
Review, andThe Times of India.
•Impact on Public Consciousness:
•Journalism addressed socio-political issues and engaged
readers in the freedom struggle.
•Writers like B.G. Hornimanand BalGangadharTilakused
journalism for political activism.
61

62. •History in Literature
•Authors like Nehru blended personal and national histories in their
works.
•Focus on the evolution of Indian identity and culture.
•Impact on National Consciousness:
•Historical narratives provided context for the freedom struggle and
fostered a collective identity.
•Religious and Philosophical Prose
•Radhakrishnan:Explored the intersection of Indian philosophy and
spirituality.
•Mahatma Gandhi:His writings reflected deep philosophical insights
rooted in Indian spirituality.
•Themes:
•Emphasis on moral and ethical dimensions in personal and social life.
62

63. •Biography and Autobiography
•Notable Works:
•Gandhi’s Autobiography:The Story of My Experiments with Truth.
•Nehru's Autobiographical Works:Letters from a Father to His Daughter.
•Purpose:
•Offer personal insights into the lives of prominent figures and the socio-
political context of their times.
•Literature of Travel Essays
•Prominent Travel Writers:
•Mark Tully:Captured the essence of India through his travel narratives.
•Isabella Bird:Offered insights into the cultural landscape of India.
•Impact:
•Travel essays helped shape perceptions of India, combining personal
experiences with cultural observations.
63

64. •Literary and Art Criticism
•AnandaCoomaraswamy:Critiqued Indian art and literature,
emphasizing traditional values.
•Nehru's Critiques:Addressed the importance of art and literature in
shaping national identity.
•Impact:
•Criticism fostered a deeper understanding of the cultural heritage and
inspired new artistic movements.
•Poetry of the Period
•SarojiniNaidu:Wrote about nature, nationalism, and the Indian
struggle.
•A. K. Ramanujan:Blended traditional Indian themes with modern
existential questions.
•Themes in Poetry:
•Emotional landscapes of freedom, identity, and social justice.
64

65. •Drama and Theater
•Emergence of Political Drama:
•Theatrical works reflecting social and political issues.
•Use of drama as a tool for awareness and activism.
•Key Playwrights:
•Habib Tanvir:Integrated folk traditions with contemporary themes.
•V. A. K. A. Muthuswamy:Explored themes of sacrifice and national
identity.
•Fiction and Novels
•MulkRaj Anand:Focused on social issues in novels like Untouchable
and Coolie.
•R. K. Narayan:Captured the essence of Indian life in works like Swami
and Friends.
•Themes: Exploration of identity, social justice, and the complexities of
modern Indian life.
65

66. •Short Stories
•Katherine Mayo:Mother India(1927) critiqued Indian society, leading
to significant debate.
•MulkRaj Anand:Addressed socio-economic disparities in his short
stories.
•Impact on Short Fiction:
•Focus on social injustices and the quest for identity amidst change.
•Women Writers and Their Contributions
•Kamala Das:Explored personal identity and gender issues in her poetry
and prose.
•IsmatChughtai:Addressed taboo subjects, pushing boundaries in
literature.
•Role in GandhianLiterature:
•Advocated for women’s rights and social justice through their writings.
66

67. •Legacy of the GandhianWhirlwind:
•A period of rich literary output shaped by political upheaval
and social consciousness.
•Literature became a reflection of the struggle for freedom
and identity.
•Continuing Influence:
•The values and themes from this era continue to resonate in
contemporary Indian literature.
67

68. The Asoka Pillar:
Independence and After

69. Post-Independence Literature
The period following the end of British colonial rule in
1947.
Emergence of new literary voices and themes
reflecting a newly independent India.
Significance of the Asoka Pillar:
Symbolizes justice, truth, and governance in Indian
culture.
Represents the aspirations and challenges of a
newly independent nation.

70. The Partition of India
Background:
Partition occurred in August 1947, leading to the creation of
India and Pakistan.
Resulted from religious, political, and social tensions between
Hindus and Muslims.
Impact of Partition:
Displacement of millions, leading to communal violence and
trauma.
From colonial influence to postcolonial voice.
Writers grappling with themes of decolonization, cultural
identity, and independence.
Themes of loss, identity, and fragmentation became central
in post-independence literature.

71. Themes in Post-Independence Literature
Identity and Nationhood:
Exploration of Indian identity in the aftermath of
colonialism and Partition.
Questions of unity in diversity and regional
identities.
Social Issues and Reform:
Addressing caste, gender, and class disparities.
Literature as a vehicle for social critique and
change.

72. Major Themes in Post-Independence Indian English Literature
Nation-Building & Identity:
Post-partition trauma and the reconstruction of national
identity.
Writers’ focus on redefining "Indianness."
Colonial Legacy & Its Aftermath:
The colonial hangover in culture, language, and social
structures.
Writing as a way to critique and distance from colonial
power.
Social Reforms & Class Struggles:
Depiction of caste, class struggles, and economic disparities.
Rise of feminist voices and gender issues in literature.

73. Literary Movements (1947-1980s)
1947-1960s: The Early Phase
Early post-independence writers: influenced by
Gandhi, Nehruvianideals, and rural life.
1960s-1980s: The Modernist Phase
Modernist writers rejecting traditional forms.
Introduction of themes like urbanization, personal
identity, existentialism, and alienation.

74. Key Figures in Early Phase (1947-1960s)
Raja Rao–Kanthapura(1938 but continued influence
post-1947)
Focus on Gandhianideals and rural India.
MulkRaj Anand–Untouchableand Coolie
Class struggles, caste oppression, and marginalized voices.
R.K. Narayan–The Guide, Swami and Friends
Exploration of everyday life and spiritual dilemmas in post-
independence India.

75. Partition Literature
Themes of Trauma, Migration, and Identity
The psychological, social, and political impact of partition.
Key Works on Partition:
KhushwantSingh–Train to Pakistan
BhishamSahni–Tamas
SaadatHasanManto–Toba TekSingh(Urdu-English
translations)
The narrative of displacement and human suffering as
recurring themes.

76. New Poetry in Post-Independence India
Emergence of New Voices:
The post-independence era saw the rise of poets who
explored contemporary issues and personal experiences.
Blend of traditional forms with modern themes, reflecting a
new sensibility.
Shift from romanticism to modernism, reflecting urban life,
disillusionment, and personal identity.
Language becomes more experimental, blending Indian
vernacular with English.

77. Key Poets and Poetry Analysis
NissimEzekiel:
Known as the father of modern Indian English poetry.
Night of the Scorpion–blending Indian culture with
modernist themes.
Kamala Das:
Pioneering feminist voice in Indian poetry.
An Introduction–exploring themes of personal freedom,
gender, and societal expectations.
A.K. Ramanujan:
Known for his cross-cultural exploration and linguistic
hybridity.
Self-Portrait–personal identity and the fragmentation of self.

78. Themes in New Poetry
Modernity and Urban Experience:
Poets captured the complexities of urban life, dislocation,
and existential angst.
Works often reflect the alienation of modern individuals in a
rapidly changing society.
Personal and Feminine Voices:
Poets like Kamala Dasand KekiN. Daruwallaexplored
themes of identity, sexuality, and personal freedom.
Their works challenged societal norms and provided a
platform for women's voices.

79. Prominent Poetic Collections
Significant Works:
NissimEzekiel:The Unfinished Man(1966) –Addresses urban
angst and the search for identity.
Kamala Das:Summer in Calcutta(1965) –A collection that
reflects personal experiences and societal observations.
Literary Trends:
Use of free verse and experimentation with language and
form.
Blending of Indian mythology with contemporary issues.

80. Prose: Short Stories and Novels
Notable Short Story Writers:
SaadatHasanManto:Explored themes of Partition and
human psychology in stories like Toba TekSingh.
IsmatChughtai:Focused on women’s experiences and
societal constraints.
Prominent Novels:
R. K. Narayan:Captured the essence of Indian life in works
like The Guide(1958).
BhabaniBhattacharya:Addressed social issues in novels like
So Many Hungers!(1953).

81. Fiction from the 1960s-1980s
The Expansion of Narrative Forms:
Indian fiction moved from rural narratives to urban realism and magic
realism.
Experimentation with language, form, and narrative voice.
Notable Novelists & Major Works
Salman Rushdie–Midnight’s Children(1981):
Magic realism; explores India's journey post-independence through
personal and national allegories.
The intersection of history and individual identity.
Anita Desai–Clear Light of Day:
Focus on familial relationships, memory, and the passage of time.
ShashiDeshpande–The Dark Holds No Terrors:
Feminist themes; depiction of women's struggles in a patriarchal society.

82. Drama and Theatre
Emergence of Political and Social Drama:
Drama as a medium for social criticism and political
commentary.
Influence of realism and folk traditions in contemporary
plays.
Introduction of folk traditions, mythology, and modern
themes in theater.
Focus on social issues, identity, and the human
condition.
Key Playwrights:
GirishKarnad:Blended traditional and modern themes
in plays like Tughlaq(1964).
V. B. Karanth:Explored cultural identity and social issues
through theater.

83. Journalism and Literary Criticism
Role of Journalism:
Newspapers and magazines as platforms for social
critique and cultural discourse.
Notable publications: The Hindustan Times, The Times of
India, and The Illustrated Weekly of India.
Literary Criticism:
Emergence of literary journals and critical essays
exploring Indian literature and culture.
Theoretical explorations of India’s colonial past and its
impact on culture and literature.
Key critics: K. R. SrinivasaIyengarand A. N. S. Iyer.
MeenakshiMukherjee: Contributions to understanding
Indian literature in English.

84. Biographies and Autobiographies
Influential Biographical Works:
Jawaharlal Nehru’s Autobiography:An Autobiography
(1936) detailing his experiences and vision for India.
Mahatma Gandhi’s Writings:The Story of My
Experiments with Truth(1927) as a significant
autobiographical text.
Themes:
Personal journeys reflecting larger national narratives.
Exploration of the intersection of personal and political
lives.

85. Religious and Philosophical Prose
Radhakrishnan:Explored the relevance of Indian philosophy in the
modern context.
Swami Vivekananda:His teachings continued to inspire philosophical
discourse.
Impact: Encouraged dialogue between Eastern and Western philosophical
traditions.
Literature of Travel Essays
Notable Travel Writers:
Paul Theroux:Explored the complexities of Indian society and culture in
The Great Railway Bazaar(1975).
Mark Tully:Captured the essence of India through travel narratives.
Themes: Cultural exploration and personal reflections on the changing
landscape of India.

86. Contemporary Issues in Literature
Post-Colonial Perspectives:
Literature addressing the legacies of colonialism and the quest for
authenticity.
Writers grappling with the complexities of modern Indian identity.
Globalization and Literature:
The impact of global narratives on Indian literature and cultural
expression.
Women's Voices in Post-Independence Literature
Emerging Female Writers:
Anita Desai:Focused on the inner lives of women in novels like Cry, the
Peacock(1963).
ShashiDeshpande:Explored women's struggles in a changing society
in works like That Long Silence(1988).
Themes: Empowerment, identity, and societal roles of women in
contemporary India.

87. Legacy of Post-Independence Literature:
A rich tapestry reflecting the struggles, aspirations,
and complexities of a new nation.
Literature as a means of navigating identity,
culture, and social issues.
Continuing Influence:
The themes and voices of this era continue to
resonate in contemporary Indian literature.

88. Expected Essay Questions
Explain the major thematic trends in Indian writing in English
during colonization.
How did the historical context of each period shape the
themes and forms of Indian English literature?
Discuss the evolution of the short story as a literary form in
Indian English literature from the early years to post-
independence.
Analyzethe contributions of key literary figures mentioned in
each chapter. How did their works reflect the socio-political
climate of their time?
Discuss the influences of colonialism on the early Indian
English literature, citing specific examples from prose and
poetry.

89. Analyzethe contributions of early Indian writers in
English to the development of Indian literary identity.
Discuss the role of literature in the Indian
independence movement, focusing on the works of
key writers from the third period.
Analyzehow Mahatma Gandhi’s writings influenced
the literary landscape of India during the 1920-1947
period.
How did the Partition of India in 1947 impact the
themes and narratives of post-independence
literature?
Discuss the emergence of new poetry in post-
independence India. What themes and concerns do
new poets address?

90. Analyzethe representation of women’s voices in post-
independence Indian literature. How have these
voices contributed to the literary canon?
Examine the literary responses to the challenges of
nation-building in post-independence India. How did
writers articulate their vision of a new India?
Discuss the influence of globalization on contemporary
Indian literature. How have writers navigated the
complexities of identity in a globalized world?