Exploring Indian English Literature: A Cultural and Literary Odyssey

Abstract

English Literature is a linking agent. Looking at the splendid fabric of English Literature, we realize in it a ‘coat of many colors’, reflecting the world’s varied cultures, traditions, and modes of thought. Literature imparts values and creates an awareness of the culture of one’s individuality. Literature as an articulation of life has an intense value. This necessitates the view that literature which does not arouse poignant feelings in humans is not literature. It is unimaginable for true lovers of literature that life without literature would be like salt, the most essential ingredient in cooking which would be incomplete, and tasteless. So human beings will be depriving themselves of the ‘aesthetics of literature’ if they do not read and enjoy the works of literary art. All forms of art and media project life as it truly and really exists. Similarly, every era is a representation of the Zeitgeist spirit in which the literary writers and artists depict the social, historical, cultural, religious, economic, political and linguistic background of that epoch. Hence, every writer becomes one with the existing social group. Their writings are a mirror of society and certainly there is an enormous impact of the prevailing conditions of contemporary life on the writers of that age. Literature has captured the attention of human hearts through its passionate portrayal of themes and subjects applicable to human life. Today we have literature from almost all continents of the globe. Literary Writers from across the globe have proved their caliber by producing mind-blowing artistic pieces of enduring value. World literature is an example to display the lofty ideals and innate talents possessed by the writers. Through their works, the writers have painted life as experienced by people and lay bare to the readers various glimpses of life which cannot be evaded by human beings. Subsequently today these world literatures-American Literature, African Literature, Canadian Literature, New Zealand Literature and South Asian Literature-which encompasses Indian English Literature, have acquired immense value. The article attempts to make a comprehensive evolution of Indian English Literature from a a Cultural and Literary perspective.