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 in this time ushered in new elements in literature as indigenous literary traditions encountered Western influences. British colonialism not only imposed English as the language of administration and education but also sparked a cultural exchange that took Indian literature to other parts of the world.
Prize in Literature
The period, which lasted for over 200 years, brought about significant changes in society, economy, politics, and literature. This exchange gave rise to a new genre of writing – Indo-Anglian literature – which was the original literary creation in English language by Indians. This new literary form was a fusion of indigenous cultural elements and Western literary techniques.
One of the most notable impacts of colonialism on literature was the introduction of the English language which the Indian writers soon began to adopt as the foreign language infiltrated education and administrative sectors. These writers were often referred to as ‘native writers’ and their works reflected their struggle to reconcile their identity with the language imposed by the colonisers.
Conflict and hope
Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, considered as the Father of Modern Indian Literature, was one of the most prolific writers. His novel ‘Anandamath’ illustrates how colonialism influenced Indian literature. The novel not only depicts the socio-political conditions of India under the British rule but also showcases the struggle for independence and the spirit of nationalism. Through his writing, Chattopadhyay criticised foreign rule and highlighted the importance of preserving Indian culture and traditions.
Apart from English, the British also introduced printing press in India. This enabled the dissemination of literature on a larger scale and led to the emergence of a new reading culture in India. The printing presses provided a platform for Indian writers to publish their works, giving rise to a new wave of literary magazines and journals which facilitated the growth of the new genre of literature.
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The encounter with Western literature also had a profound impact on the content and style of Indian writing. 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.
The influence of colonialism on Indian literature was not limited to just the language or literary forms. It also had an impact on the themes and subject matters. With the spread of Western education, Indian writers were exposed to new ideas and philosophies.
Rediscovering India
One of the most significant contributions of colonialism to Indian literature was the rediscovery and re-evaluation of India’s ancient texts and scriptures, which, in turn, inspired a generation of writers to incorporate elements from these classical sources into their works.
With the imposition of Western education systems by the colonial administration, more literature was being generated in English language. Indian writers were interpreting or translating ancient Indian texts such as the Vedas, Upanishads, Ramayan, Mahabharat, etc. And now, more of them were using English as the medium of literary works which led to the popularisation of ancient Indian scriptures around the world. This exposure sparked a sense of curiosity and reverence for India’s cultural heritage among the educated elite, who sought to delve deeper.
A towering figure in Indian literature and the first non-European to win the Nobel Prize in Literature, Rabindranath Tagore’s works including his poetry, novels, and plays, often drew inspiration from ancient Indian literature and philosophy. He wrote in his native Bengali (Bangla) language and translated into English himself. His translated works soon garnered interest among readers in Western countries where he became very popular.
Tagore’s profound engagement with texts such as the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita imbued his writing with a sense of spiritual depth and universal wisdom. Tagore’s poetic vision reflected the timeless themes of love, nature, and spirituality found in classical Indian literature, resonating with readers both within and beyond India’s borders.
Similarly, writers like Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay and Premchand also made significant contributions to Indian literature by incorporating elements from ancient Indian texts into their works. Sarat Chandra, often regarded as one of the greatest novelists in Bengali literature, drew upon themes of love, sacrifice, and social justice, echoing the moral dilemmas and ethical conflicts found in classical epics such as the Mahabharat. His novels, such as ‘Devdas’ and ‘Parineeta’, explored the intricacies of human relationships against the backdrop of colonial India, blending realism with elements of romance and tragedy.
Premchand, on the other hand, emerged as a pioneering figure in Hindi literature, known for his realistic portrayal of rural life and social inequality. While his stories were grounded in the socio-economic realities of colonial India, Premchand also delved into the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by his characters, drawing inspiration from ancient Indian philosophical texts such as the Panchatantra and the teachings of Buddha. His emphasis on empathy, compassion, and social justice reflected the enduring ethical values espoused by classical Indian literature.
The revival
The Bengal Renaissance stands as a testament to the resilience and dynamism of Indian culture, undergoing a profound transformation during the colonial period. This intellectual and cultural awakening, centred in the Bengal region of eastern India, represented a fervent quest for self-discovery, renewal, and regeneration in the face of colonial domination. The Bengal Renaissance transcended the confines of literature to encompass various spheres of human endeavour, including art, music, philosophy, and social reform, thereby leaving an indelible imprint on the cultural landscape of the country.
At the heart of the Bengal Renaissance were visionary thinkers, writers, and social reformers who sought to revitalise Indian culture and identity by drawing upon the rich legacy of India’s ancient texts and traditions. Foremost among these luminaries was Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, who wrote India’s national song “Vande Mataram.” Bankim Chandra’s literary works, including novels such as ‘Anandamath’ and ‘Devi Chaudhurani,’ served as catalysts for the resurgence of national consciousness and pride. His exploration of themes such as patriotism, spirituality, and social reform reflected a deep engagement with India’s cultural heritage and its potential for renewal in the face of colonial hegemony.
Another pivotal figure of the Bengal Renaissance was Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, a scholar, educator, and social reformer whose contributions spanned multiple disciplines. Vidyasagar’s efforts to reform the Hindu society, particularly in the areas of education, women’s rights, and caste discrimination, were grounded in a profound commitment to the ethical and humanitarian values of India’s ancient texts.
Furthermore, the Bengal Renaissance witnessed the emergence of spiritual leaders and philosophers who played instrumental roles in shaping the cultural and intellectual landscape of India. Swami Vivekananda, a disciple of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, emerged as a global ambassador of Indian spirituality and philosophy, advocating for the universal message of Vedanta and the harmony of religions.
Vivekananda’s teachings, grounded in the Advaita Vedanta tradition, emphasised the inherent divinity of all beings and the pursuit of self-realisation as the ultimate goal of human life. His call for a renaissance of India, rooted in spiritual values and social service, inspired generations of Indians to reclaim their cultural heritage and assert their identity in the face of colonial oppression.