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 Sangam poetry of the South to the oral traditions of tribal communities in the North-East, regional literature in India offers a kaleidoscopic view of the country’s diversity, in terms of customs, traditions and beliefs.
India’s linguistic diversity is perhaps one of its most defining features, with the country being home to 22 officially-recognised languages and over 1,500 dialects. Each region has its own unique language, dialect, and literary tradition that have evolved over centuries, reflecting the cultural nuances and societal dynamics of that particular region. These regional literatures serve as repositories of indigenous knowledge and heritage, offering a window into the hearts and minds of the people.
The roots of regional literature are deeply intertwined with ancient civilisations that flourished. Dating back to antiquity, these literary traditions have been instrumental in shaping the cultural, social, and philosophical landscape of the region.
Repository of knowledge
The Tamil Sangam literature, holds a venerable position in the annals of Indian literature as one of the oldest and most illustrious literary traditions. The term ‘Sangam’ refers to gatherings or assemblies of Tamil poets and scholars, where literary works were composed, recited, and preserved. These poetic compositions, collectively known as Sangam poetry, encompass a wide range of themes, including love, war and nature, providing a vivid portrayal of ancient Tamil society and culture.
The Sangam comprises poems attributed to numerous poets, both male and female, who hailed from different strata of society. Through their lyrical verses, the poets painted a vibrant picture of ancient Tamil life, depicting the customs, rituals, and social mores of the time.
One of the most notable features of Sangam literature is its emphasis on the concept of ‘tinai’ or landscape, which served as the thematic framework for many poems. Each tinai, such as kurinji (mountainous regions), mullai (forests), and marutam (agricultural lands), was associated with specific emotions, seasons, and cultural practices, reflecting the deep symbiotic relationship between humans and the natural environment.
Furthermore, Sangam literature played a crucial role in shaping the Tamil literary tradition and language, serving as a foundation for subsequent literary movements and developments. The poets not only contributed to the enrichment of Tamil vocabulary and grammar but also established literary conventions and poetic forms that continue to influence Tamil literature to this day. Ettuthokai or the Eight Anthologies, is classical Tamil poetic work comprising more than two thousand poems including Narrinai, Ainkurunuru, Paripatal, Kalittokai, Akananuru, etc.
Oral traditions and heritage
Sanskrit literary tradition, epitomised by epic poems such as the Ramayan and Mahabharat, offers a panoramic view of ancient Indian civilisation, its values, beliefs, and philosophical insights. Composed over millennia ago, these are not only monumental works of literature but also profound reflections on the human condition and the moral dilemmas faced by individuals in their quest for righteousness and truth.
These form the foundational pillars of Indian regional literature, offering invaluable insights into the civilisation. Through their timeless verses and captivating narratives, these literary traditions continue to inspire and enrich the lives of millions, over centuries.
India’s rich diversity extends beyond its mainstream literary traditions to encompass oral literature, particularly among its indigenous tribal communities. The oral traditions of tribes such as the Gonds, Santhals, and Bhils represent a living repository of cultural wisdom and indigenous knowledge, offering unique insights into their spiritual beliefs and customs.
Folklore, songs, and legends form the backbone of oral literature and these are often intricately woven with elements of nature, reflecting the close relationship of tribal communities with their natural environment and their deep spiritual connection to the land. Through stories of mythical beings, animal spirits, and ancestral heroes, tribal storytellers impart moral lessons, celebrate cultural identity, and instil a sense of pride and belonging among their people.
Resilience and sustainability
These oral traditions are characterised by their participatory nature, often taking the form of communal gatherings, festivals, and ritual performances, and not merely passive forms of entertainment. Through the act of storytelling, members pass on ancestral knowledge, traditional practices, and survival skills to younger generations, ensuring the continuity of their cultural heritage in an ever-changing world.
Moreover, oral literature serves as a means of resistance and resilience for marginalised tribal communities, enabling them to assert their distinct cultural identity in the face of external pressures and encroachments. In a rapidly modernising world, where traditional ways of life are increasingly threatened, oral literature serves as a powerful tool for preserving and revitalising indigenous languages, cultural practices, and ecological knowledge.
Tribal myths and folktales are imbued with ecological wisdom and reverence for the natural world, offering valuable insights into sustainable living practices and traditional ecological knowledge. By promoting a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of all living beings and the importance of preserving biodiversity, oral literature contributes to efforts aimed at mitigating the adverse impacts of climate change and environmental degradation as well.
Vernacular richness
States such as Maharashtra, Karnataka, West Bengal, Punjab, etc., have produced many literary luminaries that have inspired generations of readers. The rich and illustrious literary tradition of Marathi language has contributed significantly to India’s literary heritage.
Marathi literature, with its diverse genres, themes, and styles, has been shaped by a multitude of talented writers who have left an indelible mark on the literary world. Among these luminaries, Pu La Deshpande, V.S. Khandekar, and Govind Karandikar (aka Vinda) stand out as towering figures of Marathi literature.
Born in 1919, Pu La Deshpande was not only a prolific writer but also a renowned humourist, playwright, actor, and musician. His works, characterised by wit, satire, and keen observation of human nature, have earned him a revered place in Marathi literature. Some of his famous works include Batatyachi Chaal, Asa Mi Asami, Tuzhe Ahe Tujpashi, etc.
Vishnu Khandekar was a prolific writer who excelled in various genres, including novels, short stories, essays, and literary criticism. His literary masterpiece ‘Yayati’, a retelling of the ancient Indian mythological tale, won him the prestigious Jnanpith Award in 1974, making him the first Marathi writer to receive this honour.
Vinda Karandikar, widely regarded as one of the greatest poets of modern Marathi literature, was born in 1918. His poetry is marked by its lyrical elegance, philosophical depth, and keen sensitivity to the human condition. His works include Dhrupad, Svedganga, Jatak, Ranicha Bag, Pari Ga Pari, etc., and received the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1985.
Punjabi literature is deeply rooted in Sufi mysticism and folk traditions, and has produced iconic figures such as Bulleh Shah, Waris Shah, Shiv Kumar Batalvi, etc., whose poetry reflect the spiritual and cultural ethos of the Punjab region.
Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh also have vibrant literary traditions in their respective languages. MT Vasudevan Nair (aka MT) is a versatile writer of modern Malayalam literature and one of the most renowned names of post-Independence Indian literature. Kuppalli Venkatappa Puttappa (pen name Kuvempu) is known as one of the greatest Kannada poets and playwright. He became the first Kannada recipient of the prestigious Jnanpith Award.
Born in Visakhapatnam, Gurajada Venkata Apparao was an Indian poet, playwright and dramatist, who wrote the play Kanyasulkam in 1892 – considered to be the greatest play in the Telugu language.