Ruchi Verma discusses how indigenous literary traditions encountered Western influences as the Britishers imposed English as medium of education, and as a result, set forth a cultural exchange that transported Indian literature across the shores. Western literary techniques and forms were adopted by Indian writers, leading to the emergence of new literary genres that had a more global appeal and marking a shift from traditional storytelling and poetic forms that were prevalent at the time. India, a land known for its rich cultural heritage and diverse literary traditions, witnessed a long period of colonialism. The colonial influence on Indian literature…
Author: shubhangi
In her essay on Ancient Indian Literature, Nandini Rao dwells on how its rich legacy – both through recreation and shaping religion and guiding human lives – continues to thrive. In buttressing the point, she cites the epic Ramayana and Mahabharata, and Vedas and Upanishads, making out a case that literature in ancient India was not limited to religious and philosophical texts; but also included poetry, drama, and music. Literature is the mirror of a society and its people as it reflects their beliefs and traditions. In ancient India, literature not only served as a form of recreation but also…
Ruchi Verma discusses how indigenous literary traditions encountered Western influences as the Britishers imposed English as medium of education, and as a result, set forth a cultural exchange that transported Indian literature across the shores. Western literary techniques and forms were adopted by Indian writers, leading to the emergence of new literary genres that had a more global appeal and marking a shift from traditional storytelling and poetic forms that were prevalent at the time. India, a land known for its rich cultural heritage and diverse literary traditions, witnessed a long period of colonialism. The colonial influence on Indian literature…
Drawing their roots from Hinduism and Islam, the two traditions brought in devotional ferment conducive to India’s spiritual landscape. Anushka Singh explains how ‘Bhakti’ became an essential element of literature and showed a marked digression from orthodoxy of ritualistic worship and hierarchical structures. These devotional movements provided a platform to express their faith and emotions, breaking free from the rigid religious traditions of the time. Indian literature has a long and rich history, dating back to ancient times. However, it was during the medieval period that two significant literary traditions emerged – Bhakti and Sufi. Rooted in Hinduism and Islam…
Gliding through eons, Indian Literature has encompassed in its fold diverse genres, themes and voices. Kriti Kalra finds that it continues to occupy a niche in a globalised world, with a diverse range of genres and forms gaining recognition and acclaim. Many of these works have also been translated into other languages and other media such as films, television, etc. Spanning millennia, Indian literature has evolved through various epochs, reflecting the ethos, beliefs, and aspirations of successive generations. From the sacred hymns of the Vedas to the contemporary novels of renowned authors, Indian literature has traversed a magnificent journey, encompassing…
In a land that is marked by diversity, the Indian canvas has a unique richness of cultural expressions that transcend beyond its geographical boundaries. Neeti Prakash asserts it specifically stands out as a reflection of the country’s linguistic and cultural heritage. Regional literature in India presents a kaleidoscopic view of this diversity in terms of customs, traditions and beliefs. Rightly referred to as the land of diversity, India has a unique richness of cultural expressions that extend beyond its geographical boundaries. Indian literature specifically stands out as a reflection of the country’s linguistic and cultural heritage. From the ancient Tamil…
Soumya Nair takes a long look at the bustling realm of Indian theatre and points out how from the golden period of the Sanskrit era to the present theatrical excellence, Indian drama has retained its flavour and finesse through generations. She explains that through the changes that obtained, the literary traditions in theatre remain guarded, and points out, many contemporary plays are adaptations or interpretations of ancient texts. Dating back to the ancient times, Indian drama and theatre have evolved through centuries, inspiring art forms and literature around the world and leaving a lasting impact on the world of performing…
Known for its stunning natural beauty and dramatic landscapes, Dharamshala lies in the shadow of the Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas. The picturesque hill town is much more than a paradise for tourists seeking peace, tranquillity and breath-taking cameos. There is a gamut of activities that tourists can enjoy from dawn to dusk. Beyond Mcleodganj, the epicentre, a world replete with jaw-dropping sights and adventure awaits. We were lead actors in a fairy tale, we felt, as we woke up to a new dawn at the juSTa Birding Resort and Spa, a half hour drive from Dharamshala. The scenic hill…
“Improvisation in Carnatic music is a widely misunderstood concept. It is unfortunate that people have started to think that improvisation has to be complex.” Chennai-based Sivasri Skandaprasad (27) is multifaceted — a professional Carnatic vocalist, Bharatnatyam dancer, engineer, choreographer, art activist, playback singer, etc., she has also lent her voice to various TV commercials. She started singing at three and has given playback for the films Ponniyin Selvan 1 and 2, which has A R Rahman as composer. She won plaudits from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for her Kannada rendition of a devotional song. In a free-wheeling interview with A.…
Deft strokes, breath-taking colour palettes and an outpouring of creativity were the hallmarks of Chitrashaala 2024, an annual art residency held near scenic Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh. The setting proved, if at all it was required, that art is a bridge between cultures, civilizations and perspectives. He painted like a man possessed – long, sweeping strokes – looking up occasionally to embrace the eternal mountains that reared on the horizon. In two days, artist Sangiam Yarangsee, from North Thailand, had created 15 canvases at Chitrashaala 2024, an international art residency held at juSTa Birding Resort & Spa near Dharamshala. A total…