Influence of Colonialism on Postcolonial Indian English Literature

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Introduction: Postcolonial Indian English Literature is a Literary Expression 

Postcolonial Indian English literature is a literary expression of the cultural and political complexities that resulted from the British colonial presence in India. The colonial influence is evident in various aspects of Indian English literature both in pre colonial as well as post colonial era, including language, themes, and styles. Moreover, the impact of colonialism on postcolonial Indian English literature is intricate and diverse.

There is no doubt that British colonization had a profound influence on the development of Indian culture and society, which is evident in the literature of that era. Many postcolonial Indian writers navigates through the themes such as cultural identity, displacement, and resistance to colonialism.

However, the utilization of English as a literary language also provided Indian writers with a fresh platform to express themselves and connect with a broader audience. This paved the way for a new generation of Indian writers who utilized their writings to challenge the established colonial order and articulate a fresh vision for India's future. Dennis Walder in his  "Post-colonial literatures in English : History, Language, Theory" has asserted the Right to Write in English as the pivotal  Language of Indo-Anglian Literature.

Colonialism and Indian English Literature


The British colonial presence in India left a lasting impact on Indian English literature. The language of the colonizers was imposed on the colonized, resulting in the hybridization of Indian languages and English. This hybridization is evident in the use of Indian words, idioms, and syntax in English literature produced in India. Moreover, the themes and subjects of postcolonial Indian English literature are shaped by the colonial experience. The literature reflects the political and social realities of the colonial period and its aftermath, such as the struggle for independence and the emergence of a new Indian identity.

Influence of Colonialism on Postcolonial Indian English Literature 

Language: Indian English literature often reflects a hybridization of Indian languages and English. For example, the use of Hindi or Urdu words in English sentences is common in Indian English literature.

Themes: The themes of postcolonial Indian English literature often reflect the political and social realities of the colonial period and its aftermath. For example, the struggle for independence, the clash of cultures, and the emergence of a new Indian identity are common themes in Indian English literature.

Literary Expression: The colonial experience has also influenced the literary expression of postcolonial Indian English literature. The literary styles of the colonizers were imitated and adapted by Indian writers. The use of literary devices such as irony, satire, and humor in Indian English literature is a direct result of the influence of British literature. However, Indian writers have also created their unique styles and forms, and is evident in the use of literary devices such as irony, satire, and humor in Indian English literature. For example, Salman Rushdie's "Midnight's Children" uses magic realism to create a distinct literary expression that blends the magical and the real.

Identity: The representation of Indian characters, their struggles, and their triumphs in postcolonial Indian English literature reflects the attempt to create a new identity that is rooted in Indian culture and values. For example, Arundhati Roy's "The God of Small Things" explores the complexities of Indian identity through the lives of its characters.

Some examples of postcolonial Indian English literature include:

"A Suitable Boy" by Vikram Seth
"The God of Small Things" by Arundhati Roy
"Midnight's Children" by Salman Rushdie
"The Inheritance of Loss" by Kiran Desai
"The White Tiger" by Aravind Adiga

These novels all explore the complex and often contradictory legacies of colonialism in India. They offer powerful insights into the lives of ordinary Indians, and they challenge readers to think critically about the impact of colonialism on Indian society.

In addition to these novels, there are also a number of postcolonial Indian poets, playwrights, and short story writers who have made significant contributions to Indian English literature. Some of the most notable include:

R.K. Narayan
Girish Karnad
Nayantara Sahgal
Anita Desai
Jhumpa Lahiri

These writers have used their work to explore a wide range of themes, including the clash of cultures, the struggle for independence, and the search for identity. Their work has helped to shape the way that India is seen by the world, and it has also given a voice to the millions of Indians who have been marginalized by colonialism.

The influence of colonialism on postcolonial Indian English literature is a rich and complex one. It is a literature that is full of contradictions, but it is also a literature that is full of hope. It is a literature that is constantly evolving, and it is a literature that is still finding its voice.

Conclusion:

Colonialism has left a lasting impact on postcolonial Indian English literature. The hybridization of Indian languages and English, the themes and subjects, the literary expression, and the identity of Indian English literature are all influenced by the colonial experience. However, postcolonial Indian English literature has also emerged as a unique literary expression that reflects the complexities and richness of the Indian subcontinent.

Ardhendu De

References

1. Post-colonial literatures in English : history, language, theory (1997): Walder, Dennis : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive. (n.d.). Internet Archive. https://archive.org/details/postcoloniallite0000wald

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