Literature of India

Indian Literature is one of the oldest in the world. Indian literature started from scriptures essentially Hinduism was the fountainhead of those scriptures. Hinduism appears a strange amalgam of literature with god and goddess, rituals and festivals, ceremonies and celebrations. Earlier form of Hindu literature was primarily of verses, transmitted from generations through songs or recitations. However, vedic tradition of India is the most significant part of Indian literature. According to vedic tradition, vedas are absolute and self- authoritative. Rig Veda is oldest one, followed by Yujur Veda, Sama Veda, Atharva Veda. History of Indian literature is complex and old. it started from Vedic age that extends from the date of the origin of the Vedas to the time of Bhagwat Gita. During this tenure Vedic literature diffused its mystic charm not only in India but also to the outsiders. The Vedas are mainly hymns chanted by priests in praise of god, the important message it conveyed that every being is divine. The main theme of Vedas was creation is infinite and eternal so as knowledge of god. Importance is given to the truth discovered than the discoverers. Amazingly, Vedas were believed as the integral part of science and the stalwarts in the fields of mathematics, chemistry, physics, astronomy, medicines referred the Vedic literature was the source of knowledge and inspiration.

Other than Vedas, epics such as Ramayana and Mahabharata, treatises such as Vastu Shastra in the field of architecture and Arthashastra in economics were some major literary treasures. Songs and drama were also essentially a part of Indian literature. Among the best known work was from Kalidasa. Its noteworthy that in most of the ancient literature, the authors often remain anonymous also biography of most of Indian authors came into light in much later creations.

Earlier Indian literature dominated by the Bhakti Tradition where most of the pieces were written on the tale of blooming romance of Radha and Lord Krishna. Bhakti tradition was not only confined to one part of India, it broadened its horizon to almost all the channel of Indian intellectual and religious life. Work of Tulsi Das renowned for his devotion towards Lord Rama and created Ramcharitmanas. The sacred scriptures of the Sikhs that was first compiled by Arjun composed of Bhakti hymns devoted to different deities. Mira Bai devotional lyrical verses to Lord Krishna is still famous.

Ancient Indian literature was not only derived its theme from Sanskrit but also from Buddhist, Jain texts. After continued invasions of Muslim Invaders in the beginning of 14th century, India soon enriched with Islamic culture. After 1817, new era of Urdu literature originated in India that remain dominant today. Urdu poetry and ghazals(songs) were in the Persian form. Islamic form of Bhakti (devotion) gained appreciation in Delhi and Lucknow were of two types, the masnavi for narrative verse, and the marsiya for elegies. the lyrical poetry of Mirja Galib is still famous for its sheer romanticism. Urdu poetry marked highest achievement during the Mughal tenure and were considered most sophisticated of all.

During 19th century, literature was influenced by colonists as the result of contact with western thoughts. During mid 19th century proses were gaining popularity, embracing novels, short stories, essays and literary drama. Campaigning for scientific education in India and work of Swami Vivekananda were good example of English literature in early India. During last 150 years, many writers contributed to the development of Indian modern literature. India’s greatest pride in literature is Rabindra Nath Tagore who won the prestigious Nobel Prize for literature in 1913. In the modern times many Indian authors have carved their niche in the world of literature. R.K Narayan for his Swami character and modest village called Malgudi, Booker award winner Arundhuty Roy, Amitava Ghosh, Upamanyu Chatterjee, Vikaram Seth and many others.