Question

What is the difference between Indian literature and literature

Answer 1

The main difference between Indian literature and literature in general is the cultural, historical, and linguistic context from which the works originate. Indian literature has unique qualities such as narrative depth and complex storylines, often influenced by ancient texts like the Mahabharata and reflected in modern mediums like Bollywood films. Literature at large is a diverse body of written and sometimes oral works, with value judgments often influencing what is considered 'Big L' Literature versus 'little l' literature.

Step-by-step explanation:

Defining Literature and Indian Literature

Literature, in the broadest sense, includes any written work, evolving from the Latin term litaritura/litteratura. However, when we consider literature with literary merit, we're often speaking of well-regarded, traditionally 'high' forms of writing—which can be subjective. Categories of literature are determined by form, such as fiction or non-fiction, and can include poetry, prose, novels, short stories, and drama. They can also be grouped by historical periods or by specific aesthetic qualities, corresponding to their genre.

In contrast, when we consider Indian literature, we're looking at works that originate from the cultural, historical, and linguistic context of India. Diverse in form and content, Indian literature includes ancient texts like the Mahabharata as well as modern works that continue to be shaped by traditional narrative forms and reflect societal nuances, such as those seen in contemporary Indian films. Indian literature is distinctive in its complexity, rich in narrative technics such as side-stories and elaborate plots, characteristics that are often mirrored in Bollywood's filmmaking.

When discussions arise about what constitutes 'Big L' Literature versus 'little l' literature, such debates can reflect cultural biases and different definitions over time. Literature like life poses questions, influences societal values, and reflects the fabric of a society, thereby guiding the creation of new works and intellectual discourse. Meanwhile, factors influencing a writer can include personal experience, societal concerns, and the culture within their contexts.

Answer 2

Indian English Literature refers to works written by Indian authors in English. Although English language was a colonial implementation in India, authors like Raja Rao, R. K. Narayan, Arundhati Roy, and Mahesh Dattani have used an independent and naturalized Indian English language to lucidly describe Indian characters and settings. Thus, all poetry, drama, fiction and non-fiction penned by Indians and having Indian issues as their subject fall under the umbrella term ‘Indian English Literature’.

Indian literature translated into English is exactly what it says- a vernacular text that has been translated by either the same author or by a different translator(s). Indian texts in translation are slightly tricky as there are two opinions about it. One section believes in the old saying that a translator is a traitor and hence look at any translation as tainted and inferior to the original. The other section champions translation of vernacular texts into English as, let’s face it, English is the lingua-franca in today’s globalised era and translation can only promote extension of knowledge. Whatever the stand is, it is undeniable that a bad translation can do as much damage as a good translation can do good.

This is a summary of a topic that has generated chapters, books, discourses, and entire departments in Indian universities. If you want to know more you may read some books like—

a) A History of Indian English Literature - M. K. Naik.

b) The Twice Born Fiction - Meenakshi Mukherjee.

Step-by-step explanation: