Bridging the Gulf: A Critique Rajiv Khandelwals,’ Conch Shells And Cowries Reference: Love Poem, ‘Word’

Abstract

As an unconventional and innovative poet in contemporary modern Indian Writings in English, Khandelwal’s Conch Shells and Cowries, his first Anthology, holds him apart from other present-day writers.  In appending such a title to his anthology of love poems, Khandelwal has rationally developed a unique style of his own. His poem ‘Word’, and others in the anthology are not only cloaked in numerous symbols and other figures of speech but are also innovative in their unique structure, form and content. In this manner, he has paved the path for a new concept of writing in expressing his ‘love thoughts,’ pertinently in singular pounding words that nail him as an innovative poet of the 21st century. Khandelwal has thus, effectively established the trend for post-modernist, futuristic poetry in the realm of Indian Writings in English for which he deserves recognition as an eminent poet.