Indian Novel in English

Hello, I am Himanshi Parmar. This blog I have written as a part of teaching. The blog is written to provide study materials to my students. In this blog, I am going to discuss 'Indian Novel in English' in details.

Origin of the Indian Novel in English

The novel as a literary form was introduced to India through British colonial influence. Before the British arrived, Indian literature was predominantly oral and written in various regional languages, with forms such as epics, poetry, and plays. The novel, a relatively new genre even in Europe, began to take root in India during the 19th century when English education was institutionalised as part of the colonial project.

The earliest Indian novels in English were heavily influenced by Western literary traditions. Indian authors who had received English education began to experiment with this new form of storytelling, blending it with indigenous themes, narratives, and concerns. The first known novel in English by an Indian author is *Rajmohan's Wife* (1864) by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee, a figure who later became famous for his Bengali novels. Although 'Rajmohan’s Wife' was not widely recognized at the time, it set a precedent for the development of the Indian novel in English.

Development of the Indian Novel in English

Early Period (Late 19th to Early 20th Century)

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Indian novel in English was in its infancy. This period was characterised by a focus on social issues, often reflecting the influence of the Indian reform movements of the time. The early novels often dealt with the conflict between traditional Indian society and the modernising influences of British rule.

1] Bankim Chandra Chatterjee: ‘Rajmohan’s Wife’ (1864) is a social novel set in rural Bengal. It explores themes of domesticity, honour, and social change.

2] Toru Dutt: Though more famous for her poetry, Dutt’s ‘Bianca, or The Young Spanish Maiden’ (1878) is an early attempt at novel writing, showing the influence of Western romanticism.

Pre-Independence Era (Early to Mid-20th Century)

As the Indian independence movement gained momentum, the Indian novel in English began to reflect the political and social upheavals of the time. This period saw the emergence of what is often called the “trinity” of early Indian English novelists: Mulk Raj Anand, R.K. Narayan, and Raja Rao.

1] Mulk Raj Anand: Anand’s novels are known for their strong social realism. ‘Untouchable’ (1935) is a groundbreaking work that gives voice to the oppressed Dalits, critiquing the caste system and the social hierarchies of colonial India. ‘Coolie’ (1936) continues this theme, focusing on the exploitation of labour in colonial India.

  

2] R.K. Narayan: Narayan’s novels are noted for their simplicity and humour, capturing the everyday life of ordinary Indians. His fictional town of Malgudi is the setting for many of his novels, including ‘Swami and Friends’ (1935), which offers a child's perspective on the changes sweeping through Indian society. ‘The Guide’ (1958), one of his best-known works, won the Sahitya Akademi Award and was adapted into a successful film.

3] Raja Rao: ‘Kanthapura’ (1938) is one of Rao’s most significant contributions to Indian Writing in English. The novel presents the Gandhian movement through the lens of a small South Indian village, blending myth, folklore, and oral tradition with the modern novel form.

These writers, along with others like Khushwant Singh, whose ‘Train to Pakistan’ (1956) vividly depicts the horrors of Partition, which were instrumental in shaping the Indian novel in English during this period. They tackled issues of caste, colonialism, tradition versus modernity, and the struggle for independence.

Post-Independence Era (Mid-20th Century to 1980s)

After India gained independence in 1947, the focus of Indian novels in English shifted to the challenges of nation-building, the trauma of Partition, and the search for a new identity in a rapidly changing world. This period also saw the rise of women writers who began to explore gender issues more explicitly.

1] Anita Desai: Desai’s novels are known for their deep psychological insight and exploration of the inner lives of her characters, particularly women. In ‘Cry, the Peacock’ (1963) and ‘Clear Light of Day’ (1980), Desai explores themes of loneliness, identity, and the complexities of family relationships in postcolonial India.

2] Kamala Markandaya: ‘Nectar in a Sieve’ (1954) is one of her most famous works, depicting the struggles of a rural Indian woman against the backdrop of poverty and the encroachment of modernity. Markandaya’s work often focuses on the tension between rural and urban life, tradition and change.

3] Ruth Prawer Jhabvala: An expatriate writer who lived in India for many years, Jhabvala’s ‘Heat and Dust’ (1975) explores the contrasts and continuities between the colonial and postcolonial periods in India. The novel won the Booker Prize and is noted for its nuanced portrayal of cultural encounters and conflicts.

Modern and Contemporary Period (1980s to Present)

The 1980s marked a turning point for Indian Writing in English, with the publication of Salman Rushdie’s ‘Midnight’s Children’ (1981). This novel, which won the Booker Prize, introduced a new narrative style that blended magical realism with historical fiction. It also marked the beginning of a new wave of Indian writers who would gain international recognition and transform Indian literature.

1] Salman Rushdie: ‘Midnight's Children’ is a landmark in Indian literature. It uses the technique of magical realism to narrate the story of India’s transition from British colonialism to independence and the subsequent partition. Rushdie’s work is known for its playful use of language, complex narrative structure, and exploration of postcolonial identity.

2] Arundhati Roy: ‘The God of Small Things’ (1997), which won the Booker Prize, is a powerful exploration of caste, family dynamics, and social injustice in Kerala. Roy’s lyrical prose and intricate narrative structure have made the novel a significant contribution to contemporary Indian literature.

3] Vikram Seth: ‘A Suitable Boy’ (1993) is one of the longest novels in English literature and is celebrated for its detailed portrayal of post-independence India. The novel’s scope, which includes politics, religion, caste, and the search for personal identity, has made it a modern classic.

4] Jhumpa Lahiri: Although based in the United States, Lahiri’s works like ‘The Namesake’ (2003) and ‘Interpreter of Maladies’ (1999) are significant for their exploration of the Indian diaspora, themes of migration, identity, and the generational divide. Her work has garnered critical acclaim and a Pulitzer Prize.

5] Amitav Ghosh: Ghosh’s works, such as ‘The Shadow Lines’ (1988) and the Ibis Trilogy (2008-2015), are known for their historical depth, intricate narratives, and exploration of the effects of colonialism and globalisation. Ghosh’s novels often weave together personal and historical narratives, reflecting the complex histories of India and the broader world.

Major Themes in the Indian Novel in English

1. Colonialism and Postcolonialism: Many Indian novels explore the impact of British colonialism on India, including the psychological and cultural effects. Postcolonial themes, such as the search for identity in a newly independent nation and the legacies of colonial rule, are central to the works of writers like Salman Rushdie and Amitav Ghosh.

2. Social Reform and Tradition: The tension between tradition and modernity is a recurring theme in Indian novels. Writers often critique traditional practices while also exploring the challenges of embracing modernity. This theme is particularly evident in the works of Mulk Raj Anand and R.K. Narayan.

3. Caste and Class: The rigid social hierarchy of caste and class in India is a central concern in many Indian novels, especially those of Mulk Raj Anand, whose *Untouchable* exposes the brutal realities of the caste system. Arundhati Roy’s ‘The God of Small Things’ also delves into the deeply ingrained caste discrimination in Indian society.

4. Gender and Identity: Feminist perspectives have gained prominence in Indian novels, with writers like Anita Desai, Kamala Markandaya, and more recently, Arundhati Roy and Kiran Desai, exploring the roles and identities of women in Indian society. These novels often address issues of patriarchy, gender inequality, and the complexities of female identity.

5.Diaspora and Migration: The experiences of the Indian diaspora, the complexities of migration, and the search for identity in a foreign land are explored in the works of writers like Jhumpa Lahiri, Rohinton Mistry, and Bharati Mukherjee. These themes reflect the globalised world in which contemporary Indian literature is increasingly situated.

Contemporary Trends and the Future of the Indian Novel in English

The contemporary Indian novel in English explores the effects of globalisation, with stories that cross borders and address how global changes impact people's lives. Themes like urbanisation, modern life, and the clash between tradition and modern values are common, especially in stories set in rapidly changing Indian cities. There's also a focus on voices from marginalised communities, dealing with issues of caste, gender, and class. Writers are experimenting with new storytelling techniques, and there's a rise in popular fiction that appeals to a wide audience.

Looking ahead, the future of the Indian novel in English seems bright, with more diverse voices adding richness to the genre. As writers tackle universal themes and try new ways of storytelling, these novels are likely to gain even more global attention. Issues like environmental and social justice will become more important, and new technology might lead to fresh and interactive ways of telling stories.

As India continues to change, these novels will keep reimagining what it means to be Indian, both in the country and abroad. By responding to the new realities of life in a global world while staying connected to traditional storytelling, Indian Writing in English will remain an important and dynamic part of world literature.

Writers like Kiran Desai and Aravind Adiga have continued to gain critical acclaim for their insightful explorations of contemporary Indian society. 

1] Kiran Desai: Her novel ‘The Inheritance of Loss’ (2006) won the Booker Prize and explores the complex legacies of colonialism, the intersections of global and local cultures, and the challenges faced by people living in a rapidly globalising world. The novel juxtaposes the lives of a retired judge in India and his granddaughter with that of illegal immigrants in the United States, providing a nuanced look at issues of migration, identity, and belonging.

2] Aravind Adiga: ‘The White Tiger’ (2008), which won the Booker Prize, offers a sharp, satirical look at the dark underbelly of India’s economic boom. Through the protagonist’s journey from a village in rural India to becoming a successful entrepreneur in Bangalore, the novel critiques the vast disparities in wealth and power in contemporary India.

These writers, along with others like Jeet Thayil (Narcopolis), Anuradha Roy (An Atlas of Impossible Longing), and Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni (The Palace of Illusions), are contributing to the ongoing evolution of the Indian novel in English. They bring diverse voices and perspectives, enriching the genre with stories that explore the complexities of Indian life in the 21st century.

Conclusion

The novel in Indian Writing in English has come a long way from its modest beginnings in the 19th century. It has evolved through various phases, reflecting the socio-political changes in India and the broader world. Today, Indian novels in English are a vital part of global literature, offering unique insights into the Indian experience while also engaging with universal themes. 

From the early social novels of Bankim Chandra Chatterjee to the global narratives of contemporary writers like Salman Rushdie, Arundhati Roy, and Kiran Desai, the Indian novel in English has developed into a rich and diverse literary tradition. It continues to grow and adapt, reflecting the dynamic realities of a nation that is constantly in flux. As Indian writers continue to innovate and experiment with the form, the future of the Indian novel in English looks promising, with the potential to reach even greater heights in the global literary landscape.