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 diverse genres, themes, and voices.
The earliest known form of Indian literature dates back to the Vedic period, around 1,500 BCE, with the composition of the sacred hymns known as the Vedas. These hymns, written in Sanskrit, were recited during religious ceremonies and rituals.
The origin
The four Vedas – Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda form the basis of Hinduism. The Rig Veda, the oldest of the Vedas, contains a collection of 1,028 hymns known as suktas, ten books known as mandalas and more than ten thousand verses. It is dedicated to various deities and natural forces, embodying the reverence and awe of the contemporary civilisation towards the divine.
The Samaveda, a collection of melodious chants, has the earliest reference to singing and is considered to be the origin of Indian classical music. It dates back to 1,200 – 800 BCE and comprises two Upanishads, namely Chandogya Upanishad and Kena Upanishad.
Corresponding to the time of Samaveda is Yajurveda which is a compilation of prayers. The prayers or the chants are spoken by the priests while performing rituals and traditional ceremonies. And, lastly, Atharvaveda, which has twenty books, elaborates the practices and procedures of day-to-day life. It comprises over 700 hymns with about six thousand mantras compiled in the twenty books.
As time progressed, so did literary tradition, with the epic poems of Ramayan and Mahabharat emerging as monumental works of Indian literature. Composed around 500 BCE, they narrate timeless tales of heroism, love, and ethical dilemmas, embodying the moral and philosophical ideals of ancient Indian society.
The medieval period witnessed the flourishing of regional languages and literature in India, with Persian and Urdu literature gaining prominence under the patronage of Mughal rulers. Concurrently, regional languages such as Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Bengali (Bangla) began to develop and produce notable works of poetry, prose, and drama.
The Bhakti movement, which swept across India during this period, gave rise to a new form of devotional literature, characterised by the heartfelt expressions of love and devotion towards the divine. Poets such as Kabir and Mirabai composed timeless verses that continue to resonate with spiritual seekers to this day. Later, writers like Rabindranath Tagore, Premchand, Aurobindo, etc., bridged the gap between India and the West.
Transforming literary landscape
The 20th century marked a significant turning point in the trajectory of Indian literature with the emergence of pioneering writers who brought the complexities of Indian society to the forefront of literary discourse. Among these were R.K. Narayan, Mulk Raj Anand, and Raja Rao, whose works garnered international acclaim.
R.K. Narayan, often hailed as one of the greatest Indian novelists writing in English, is best known for his evocative portrayal of Indian life in the fictional town of Malgudi. Through ‘Malgudi’ series, comprising novels such as ‘Swami and Friends’, ‘The Bachelor of Arts’, and ‘The Guide’, Narayan captured the essence of Indian small-town life with unparalleled authenticity and depth.
Set against the backdrop of British colonial rule and post-independence India, Narayan’s novels depict the everyday struggles, aspirations, and dilemmas of ordinary individuals navigating the complexities of life in a rapidly changing society. With his keen insight into human nature and his masterful storytelling, he created a vivid and enduring portrait of Indian society that continues to interest readers worldwide.
Another luminary of Indian English fiction, Mulk Raj Anand, used his literary prowess to hilight the social injustices and inequalities plaguing contemporary society. In, ‘Untouchable’, Anand exposed the impact of caste discrimination on the lives of Dalits. Through the character of Bakha, a young sweeper struggling to escape the confines of his social status, Anand confronted readers with the harsh realities of untouchability.
Raja Rao, on the other hand, utilised his novels as a vehicle to delve into profound themes of spirituality, identity, and cultural heritage against the backdrop of colonial India. His debut novel ‘Kanthapura’ captures the tumultuous period of India’s struggle for independence and delves into the intricate fabric of Indian society through a fictional South Indian village.
At the heart of the novel is the character of Moorthy, a young and idealistic villager deeply inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violent resistance. Through Moorthy’s journey, Rao offers a poignant exploration of the transformative power of Gandhian ideals and their impact on the collective consciousness of the village.
One of the novel’s most striking features is its portrayal of the symbiotic relationship between spirituality and political activism, as embodied by Moorthy and his fellow villagers. Drawing upon the rich spiritual traditions of India, Rao infuses the narrative with themes of dharma (duty), karma (action), and ahimsa (nonviolence), highlighting the moral and ethical underpinnings of the freedom struggle.
Visionary women writers
The feminist movement in India has not only been a social and political force but has also found a powerful expression in literature through the works of visionary women writers such as Mahasweta Devi, Ismat Chughtai, etc. These writers challenged patriarchal norms and gave voice to the weak through their insightful works.
Often regarded as one of India’s foremost feminist writers, Mahasweta Devi used her writings to shine a light on the plight of the tribal and indigenous people. Through her powerful tales of tribal life, Devi exposed the systemic injustices and social inequalities faced by these communities, shedding light on issues such as land rights, displacement, and exploitation.
Her works, such as ‘Mother of 1084’ (Hajar Churashir Maa) and ‘Chotti Munda and His Arrow’ (Chotti Munda Ebong Tar Tir), are characterised by their raw realism, vivid characterisations, and unflinching portrayal of social injustice. Hajar Churashir Maa, written in 1974, focussed on the Naxalite movement in the country.
Ismat Chughtai, another iconic figure in Indian literature, challenged societal taboos and norms through her bold exploration of female sexuality and empowerment. In her ground-breaking stories, she fearlessly tackled taboo subjects such as female desire, sexual autonomy, etc. Some of her trailblazing works include ‘Lihaaf’, ‘Amar Bail’, etc.
Another renowned figure of modern Indian literature is Chitra Mudgal who writes in Hindi. She is a recipient of the prestigious Sahitya Akademi – India’s highest literary award – for her novel ‘Post Box No. 203, Naalasopara’. She became the first Indian woman to receive Vyas Samman for her novel ‘Avaan’. This novel showcased the trade union movement focussing on Datta Samant leading lakhs of workers of Mumbai’s textile mills.
Their enduring legacy serves as a beacon of inspiration for future generations of writers and activists, reminding us of the transformative power of literature to effect social change and foster empathy, understanding, and solidarity.
Today, Indian literature continues to thrive 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.