INDIAN ENGLISH LITERATURE
Indian English literature also known as Indo-Anglian literature is the umbrella term for the works written by Indian writers in English language. India is a vast country and has many languages. Many writers write in English as well as in their native languages. Some works are often translated into English and get immense popularity worldwide. It is two centuries old. The first Indian writer who wrote in English was Sake Dean Mahomed. He wrote a travel narrative The Travels of Dean Mahomet which was first published in 1794.
In earlier stage Indian English Literature had a huge impact of western Novels. In these early publications, writers have used many Indian words to give a vent to their emotions. The first novel which was written by an Indian in English language was Rajmohan’s Wife by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and was published in 1864.
Toru Dutt was the first Indian woman who wrote in English and published her novel in 1878 under the title Bianca popularly known as The Young Spanish Maiden. The non-fictional works and political speeches of 19th century and earlier twentieth century have varied impact of Indian English literature. Some works can also be counted under the genre of post-Colonial literature. It is also related to the themes of Indian Diaspora.
Raja Rao and R.K. Narayan are the most acknowledged writers of Indian English literature. The impact of Indian languages and milieu can easily be observed in their writings. Kanthapura and The Serpent and the Rope are the famous works of Raja Rao. Swami and Friends, Malgudi Days are the famous works of R.K. Narayan. After these two legends Mulk Raj Anand and Kamala Markandeya also joined the popularity by their brilliant works.
Later Salman Rushdie, Amitav Ghosh, Bhisham Sahni, Arundhati Roy and many other great writers of India brought the genre on the higher position by acclaiming worldwide popularity for their writings.
