Language and literature, expressed in one’s native tongue, go beyond mere information exchange or entertainment; they embody a culture’s values, beliefs, and traditions. They serve as a vital link, preserving cultural heritage across generations, connecting the past, present, and future. As an Indian, I take pride in our literary landscape, a rich tapestry woven with history, culture, and human experiences. However, it is disheartening to witness some prominent names in contemporary literature today, such as Chetan Bhagat and Durjoy Datta in English and Manoj Muntashir and Dr. Kumar Vishwas in Hindi, aspiring to be like literary giants Leo Tolstoy, Prem Chand, or Nirala but ending up with outcomes akin to KL Rahul in their field.
As we venture further, we encounter the past grandeur of Indian literature, a realm that once drew admirers from far and wide, and yet, the last three decades have been like a tumultuous storm that threatened to extinguish the beacon of brilliance that once shone so brightly.
Once upon a time, Indian literature was the go-to realm for those with a scholarly bent of mind. The epics of Valmiki and the wisdom of Vedvyasa transcended borders and captured the imaginations of countless souls. Kalidas, the poet extraordinaire, left an indelible mark with his eloquence. India’s literary prowess reverberated across the globe, and we basked in the pride of our literary heritage.
However, as the world advanced into the new millennium, something changed. A shadow seemed to fall upon our once-lustrous literary space, and the struggle to reclaim our lost glory commenced.
Where did we go?
Tragically, despite being a nation that gave birth to immortal literary luminaries, the struggle for recognition in the realm of literature, be it fiction or non-fiction, seems to persist. What, then, are the reasons behind this enigmatic decline?
Many factors converge to create this complex tapestry of literary decline, and it is not a single thread but a web of interconnected influences. One such factor lies in the language we choose to express ourselves. The most exceptional literature comes straight from the heart, and our hearts naturally speak in our mother tongues. The attempt to recreate that depth in a foreign language, such as English, can lead to an artificial and imitative narrative.
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Indian literature in English is generally imitative. It wants to be considered among the best works in English and so tries to imitate. Don’t believe us? Then have a careful look at the creation of those Indians who have won the Booker Prize in the past three decades. Forget being a masterpiece, you cannot read “The God of Small Things” without a Merriam Webster’s by your side. The last thing I heard about literature is for it to be complicated. But oh, the colonial hangover.
Speaking of a colonial hangover, have you ever tried to read the travesty of a novel that was “The White Tiger”? Setting aside the stereotypical tropes for an Indian, the societal structure represented in it reeks of the imperialist monotone imposed on our society: evil capitalists exploiting the poor. Yet, some perceive this as the true, authentic representation of India. Sorry, but the truth is that the “Brown Sahib” (or “BHURA SAHIB,” as we would call it in our cherished mother tongue, Hindi) mentality hasn’t dissipated as yet.
Indian literature in English has often attempted to appeal to an international audience while grappling with the burden of expectation. These works may seek to present an idealized or set image of India, catering to a domestic audience that is predominantly urban, young, and college-educated. In doing so, they sometimes overlook the authenticity that captivated the world in the first place.
Is this our best?
Take, for instance, the lauded Booker Prize winners of the past three decades. While some may consider them masterpieces, others cannot help but notice the struggle to understand and connect with the colonial hangover embedded within. Must we always fit our stories into the preconceived notions of the Western world to achieve recognition?
Also, who are our representatives? Chetan Bhagat? The man who can’t possibly write a simple essay without his dose of nonsense. Since he’s an IIT/ IIM grad, he must have written something sensible. Nope, that’s not true at all!
Amidst the struggle to find our literary voice, one must also reflect on the representatives chosen to carry the torch of Indian literature. While popularity may garner attention, it does not necessarily equate to quality. Writers like Chetan Bhagat, with their mass appeal, have amassed a considerable following, yet the question arises: do they truly reflect the brilliance of Indian literary traditions?
We yearn for representatives who are driven by a passion to uplift and enlighten, rather than those who merely seek commercial success. The likes of Devki Nandan Khatri and Munshi Premchand were once celebrated for their contributions to Hindi literature, but in recent times, the creativity and uniqueness of Hindi novels seem to have diminished.
In our era, Chetan Bhagat, Durjoy Datta, Manoj Muntashir, Kumar Vishwas to name a few are popular writers, but stating the fact we must understand the reality that popularity doesn’t define the quality always. Besides, going by the quality of literature they produce, the likes of Chetan Bhagat in English and Dr. Kumar Vishwas in Hindi are simply those, who aimed to be the Leo Tolstoy or Prem Chand or Nirala of their art, but ended up becoming the KL Rahul of the same. That’s not an achievement to be honest, is it?
Speaking of quality writers, who represents our cultural domain? Amish Tirpathi or Devdutt Pattnaik!
Yes, the same guy who spews venom online at the drop of hat? Reason? He can’t stand the c of criticism, if called out for his misrepresentation of facts related to our Sanatani culture.
What is good literature?
This brings us to a critical question: What defines good literature? Should it not be accessible and inclusive, speaking the language of the heart while fostering empathy and understanding? Modern Indian literature seems to struggle with character development and empathy, often rehashing the same limited plotlines, centered around partition, social issues, or mythology.
While these themes undoubtedly hold significance, a balanced literary space should explore a broader spectrum of genres. Fantasy, sci-fi, romance, horror, and mystery genres offer an escape into worlds unexplored, sparking creativity and imagination. Regrettably, these realms remain uncharted territories in Indian literature.
The longing for quality literature finds solace in the depths of regional languages. Writers like SL Bhyrappa and literary works in Marathi, Malayalam, and other languages embrace their cultural roots, preserving the essence of storytelling that India has held dear for centuries.
As we look beyond the confines of mediocrity, we must champion the exploration of our diverse cultural heritage. We should encourage writers to delve into the depths of Indian storytelling, embracing the myriad narratives our country has to offer. Let us embark on a journey of rediscovery, embracing regional languages, and bridging the gap between classical literary traditions and contemporary perspectives.
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Our quest to restore the prestige of Indian literature is not one that can be achieved alone. It requires a collective effort from readers, writers, and critics to elevate the art of storytelling to its former glory. We must nurture and celebrate new voices that have the audacity to break free from the molds of imitation and colonial hangover.
Indian literature has the potential to bloom once again like a resplendent lotus, but for that, we must first revive the essence of creativity, originality, and inclusivity in our works. Let us celebrate the diversity of our cultural tapestry, rekindling the flame of brilliance that once illuminated the world, leaving behind a legacy that will resonate for generations to come.
Dear readers, let us comprehend that language and literature hold the key to capturing the essence of our cultural experiences and emotions, thus establishing a distinctive identity in the world’s vast tapestry. Through language and literature, we can deeply connect with our roots, gain insights from our ancestors, and draw wisdom from history to shape a better future. It is crucial that we recognize the significance of our literature and strive to preserve it for future generations, allowing them to savor the enriching nectar it offers with dedicated effort and support.
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