South Asian literature
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South Asian literature refers to the literature that is composed by authors in the
South Asian literature is written in English as well as the many national and regional languages of the region.
For the literature of South Asian cultures, see:
- Bangladeshi literature
- Indian literature
- Angika literature
- Assamese literature
- Bengali literature
- Bhojpuri literature
- Braj Bhasha literature
- Gujarati literature
- Hindi literature
- Indian English literature
- Kannada literature
- Kashmiri literature
- Konkani literature
- Kokborok literature
- Malayalam literature
- Marathi literature
- Mizo literature
- Nepali literature
- Odia literature
- Punjabi literature
- Rajasthani literature
- Sanskrit literature
- Tamil literature
- Telugu literature
- Urdu literature
- Nepali literature
- Pakistani literature
- Pashto literature
- Kashmiri literature
- Punjabi literature
- Sindhi literature
- Urdu literature
- Sri Lankan literature
History
South Asian literature has a long history, having some of the oldest recorded pieces of literature, dating back to the later stages of the
Modern Literature
Modern South Asian literature has been most heavily impacted by the British colonisation of the subcontinent. The modern era of literature began around 1860, this was prompted after the dissolvement of the
Punjabi literature underwent a transformation after its colonisation, whereby the conventional genres of literature changed adding elements of
Bengali literature, like all other South Asian literature, transformed significantly due to British rule in South Asia. Modern Bengali literature developed quickly and went through many phases. Christian missionaries influenced the writers, prose writing developed quickly and was one of the most common forms of writing.[9] Bengali experienced very high levels of growth after Rabindranath Tagore's literature was recognised with a Nobel Prize, effectively putting Bengali literature on a global scale.[15] After 1947, the partition of India and the split between East and West Bengal, literature developed differently on each side of Bengal predominantly due to differing ideologies and religion.
Notable Literary Figures
Vyasa
Vyasa (also known as Krishna Dvaipayana) is a legendary Indian sage and is the writer of the Hindu epic tale Mahabharata which is considered as one of the most significant writings in south asian literature. Vayasa is not a real figure but is a revered author in the compilation tale Mahabharata, whereby he is still worshipped in Hindu faith in modern times. Vyasa was said to live during 1500 BCE, but is considered as one of the seven Chiranjeevi's (immortal beings) in Hindu faith.[16] Vyasa is so significant in Hindu faith due to his sacredness as the compiler, that there is a holiday known as Guru Purnima in dedication toward him, where he is honoured in temples on the first moon of July.
Tenali Ramakrishna
Shashi Tharoor
Shashi Tharoor is a significant modern Indian writer who wrote very significant pieces of literature about the continuing Indian Postcolonial movement. Tharoor is most known for being a famous international diplomat and Indian politician. In literature, Tharoor is known for his satirical books such as ‘The Great Indian Novel’ and his books on discussions of India's past and present such as ‘India: From Midnight to the Millennium’ a book quoted by Bill Clinton. Shashi Tharoor has been one of the most influential voices in Indian politics as he was the most followed politician until 2013.[18] Tharoor still writes political commentary in books such as ‘The New World Order and the Indian Imperative’.
Rabindranath Tagore
'The time has come when badges of honour make our shame glaring in the incongruous context of humiliation, and I for my part, wish to stand, shorn, of all special distinctions, by the side of those of my countrymen who, for their so called insignificance, are liable to suffer degradation not fit for human beings.'
Mainly done as a protest toward the British Raj, this piece of writing remains as a significant writing in protest literature.
R. K Narayan
Rasipuram Krishnaswami Iyer Narayanaswami (also known as R. K Naranyan) is an Indian literary figure who was most famous for his work Malgudi. Malgudi is a fictional place created by Narayan that he wrote many novels set in. It was significant because it had an accurate historical record and its ongoing evolution, whereby Naranyan expressed his support to the Indian independence movement.[21] Naranyan’s style of literature aimed to depict modern Indian daily life, he did this through his characteristic simplistic, graceful and humorous approach.[22] Narayan is also recognised for allowing Indian literature to a global stage, due to his translations of his novels into English, the Western World was given an insight into the life of the average Indian individual. Narayan received many awards during his career, the most significant being the National Prize of the Indian Literary Academy in 1958 and the Padma Vibushan, the second highest honour for civilians in 2000.[23]
Further reading
Post-Independence Voices in South Asian Writings edited by Alamgir Hashmi et al. Islamabad / New Delhi: Alhamra / Doaba, 2001.
References
- ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2022-05-13.
- ^ Nakassis, Constantine & Annamalai, E. (2020). Linguistic Diversity in South Asia, Reconsidered. University of Chicago. pp. 1–21.
{{cite book}}
: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ Lowe, John (2015). Participles in Rigvedic Sanskrit: The Syntax and Semantics of Adjectival Verb Forms. University of Oxford.
- ^ "South Asian arts - Literature | Britannica". www.britannica.com. Retrieved 2022-05-13.
- ISBN 9780203945315.)
{{cite book}}
: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link - ^ Tariq, Rahman (2007). Punjabi Language during British Rule. p. 27.
- ^ a b c "Punjabi literature | Britannica". www.britannica.com. Retrieved 2022-05-13.
- ^ Chatterji, Suniti Kumar. The Origin and Development of the Bengali Language. p. 80.
- ^ a b c d "Bangla Literature - Banglapedia". en.banglapedia.org. Retrieved 2022-05-30.
- ^ Billah, Abu Musa Mohammad Arif. The Development of Bengali Literature during Muslim Rule. University of Dhaka. pp. 44–54.
- ^ Taylor, Miles (2004). Queen Victoria and India, 1837-61. Indiana University Press. pp. 264–274.
- ^ "South Asian arts - Malayalam | Britannica". www.britannica.com. Retrieved 2022-05-13.
- ^ "Bhai Vir Singh | Indian writer and theologian | Britannica". www.britannica.com. Retrieved 2022-05-30.
- ^ "Bhai Vir Singh: An Overview". 2014-04-04. Archived from the original on 4 April 2014. Retrieved 2022-05-30.
- ^ a b "Rabindranath Tagore was a global phenomenon, so why is he so neglected? | Ian Jack". the Guardian. 2011-05-07. Retrieved 2022-05-30.
- ^ "Vyasa – Manavata". Retrieved 2022-05-13.
- ^ "Tenali Ramakrishna, Biography of Humorous Poet and". India the Destiny. 2016-06-04. Retrieved 2022-05-13.
- ^ "Shashi Tharoor: A man who courts controversy". Gulf News. 14 October 2014. Retrieved 20 April 2022.
- ^ a b Fraser, Bashabi. Rabindranath Tagore. London: Reaktion Books, 2019.
- ^ Bhattacharya, Purusottam (December 26, 2015). "Rabindranath Tagore and the Freedom of India from British Rule". New Dehli. Retrieved May 30, 2022.
- ^ Freeman, Judith (December 11, 1994). "'May You Always Wear Red' : Insights into the nuances of Indian culture". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved May 30, 2022.
- ^ "R.K. Narayan | Biography, Books, & Facts | Britannica". www.britannica.com. Retrieved 2022-05-30.
- ^ "R K Narayan Biography". VEDANTU. Retrieved 2022-05-30.