AD's English Literature

Introduction Sanskrit folktales, passed down through generations, carry the essence of ancient wisdom, cultural traditions, and the collective imagination of the people. These enchanting tales paint vivid pictures of gods, demons, heroes, and ordinary folks, offering valuable life lessons and glimpses into the historical and societal fabric of ancient India. These are worthy studies for Indian English as well as global English literature. Let us immerse ourselves in the magical world of Sanskrit folktales and uncover the hidden treasures they hold.

In an era dominated by modern literature and digital storytelling, it may seem paradoxical to argue for the enduring relevance of epic narratives. Yet, it is precisely in this perceived paradox that we discover a stunning revelation—the timeless power of epic literature to illuminate the human experience. As students of literature, let us embark on a journey to explore why the epic is more relevant than modern texts, armed with original thoughts and a persuasive argument that transcends temporal boundaries. Epic literature, such as Homer's "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey," or the ancient Indian epic "The Mahabharata," has stood the test of millennia. These timeless tales continue to captivate readers across cultures and generations. But what makes the epic more relevant than modern texts, and why should we, as contemporary readers and writers, turn our attention to these ancient narratives?

Introduction Sanskrit literature, with its rich and varied tradition, offers a treasure trove of knowledge, wisdom, and creativity that spans thousands of years. This literary landscape is an intricate tapestry woven by numerous authors, covering a wide range of genres and themes. Needless to say,  Sanskrit literature and English literature are connected through cultural exchange and literary influences. English literature, particularly during the British colonial period, drew inspiration from ancient Sanskrit texts and themes. This cross-cultural interaction has enriched both traditions, contributing to a diverse global literary heritage.   By plunging into the vast ocean of Sanskrit literature, we embark on a captivating journey of discovery, uncovering both striking similarities and intriguing contrasts among its diverse works.

  Love and loss are two themes that have fascinated writers across cultures and time periods. In this essay, we will explore how these themes are portrayed in classic literature from Sanskrit, Greek, and Latin traditions. Through a critical analysis of selected texts, we aim to compare and contrast the ways in which love and loss are depicted in these traditions. I. Introduction Love and loss have been central themes in literature throughout history. These themes are universal, and they have been explored in different ways in various cultures. In this essay, we will focus on classic literature from Sanskrit, Greek, and Latin traditions and examine how love and loss are portrayed in these works.

Mahakavi Kalidas 's "Abhigyan Shakuntalam" or "Abhinjnanasakuntalam" (The Fatal Ring or The Recognition of Sakuntala) , written between 1 B.C. to 400 A.D., is one of the most famous and widely-read Sanskrit works of Indian literature . It is a play that tells the story of King Dushyanta and Shakuntala, who fall in love and then are separated due to a curse. The origin of the story is Adiparva of "Mahabharata" (chapters 67-74). Notably, the Sanskrit dramatist wrote on the mythological or historical themes because the audiences liked this type of plays at that time. The keystone work in Sanskrit literature is Bharata Muni’s "Natyashastra" . Following the same tradition, this seven act play is known for its beautiful language, complex characters, and rich cultural themes. For English literature students who may be unfamiliar with Indian literature , teaching "Abhigyan Shakuntalam" can be a challenging but rewarding experience. In this ...

I ntroduction: John Milton’s Paradise Lost and Tulsidasa's Ramcharitmanas enjoys a magical cast of characters including one mournful king-man, an inarticulate but athletic scarecrow devil, a chattering spiritual, two apprentice enchanters, many headstrong leaders, and a host of others. The Wizard Satan is, of course, one of the major characters, as is the determined Rama hater, who proves by the end of the story to be both his match and his mate. Read More Criticism Myth the fire demon and the Ravana of the far, furlong round out the central foursome, and it is through their intervention that Satan and Rama originally come—and eventually remain—together by the voice of incarnation. Tulsidasa's Ramcharitmanas opens with Rama, the eldest of four brothers. Although gifted with intelligence, diligence, and a supportive nature, Rama constantly denigrates himself because of the expectations surrounding her birth status: In India it is quite a fortune to be born the eldest of ...