India, since 300 B.C., has been renowned for its significant contributions to literature penned in numerous Indian languages, all originating from a shared root language known as Sanskrit. The earliest recorded Indian literature is an assembly of orally passed down traditions commonly called the Vedas. These primarily consist of hymns venerating different deities in Indian mythology and narratives about these celestial beings. This collection is frequently classified as Sanskrit literature.
Sanskrit, a term denoting refinement, is deeply rooted in Hindu literature which offers an insightful exploration into the remarkable internal and external universe of a distinctive civilization stretching from antiquity to contemporary times. Centered in India, this ancient society extended its reach towards east and south. It significantly shaped both the language and cultural landscape of Europe and Asia. Moreover, Indian colonies were
...established across former Persia, Greece, Rome as well as Spain, England, and France. These countries belong to the Indo-European race that originally resided in central Asia communicating through a shared dialect. The various languages now spoken in these Indo-European countries are merely adaptations of this initial language - an aspect largely evident in familial expressions like father, mother, daughter, and sister.
The word 'daughter,' originating from a Sanskrit term related to milk extraction, reflects an era in primitive Indo-European family structures where the youngest female usually assumed the duty of a milkmaid. India, akin to the Philippines, is home to a myriad of languages. Regardless of this linguistic variety, there exists a shared cultural heritage within Indian literature that has prospered under stable socio-political and literary circumstances since its inception. Furthermore, Indian civilization possesses an ancient history surpassin
even those of the bygone Greek and Roman civilizations.
Long before adventurers navigated through the dense forests of England, France, Italy and Germany, Indians had already developed an advanced civilization characterized by noteworthy achievements in various creative fields. The richness of Indian culture is vividly exhibited through its profound short stories and poems, which often explore themes such as tragedy, love or friendship. In addition to this, numerous Indian films are based on these extraordinary tales from India; for example, the film "3 Idiots" was influenced by a captivating story centered around education, camaraderie and love. These films have impacted us significantly in several ways. Thus we underline some remarkable short narratives presented by India over time; although they may appear simple upon initial observation these stories possess considerable depth regarding their significance – shaping readers' values while providing a glimpse into Indian traditions, practices and way of life.
Eighteen Months By: Gitanjali Maria
The concise story is about a young woman who relocated to Mumbai for job opportunities. She developed a profound friendship with a companion in her hostel, which became her comfort. Her friend's struggle with cancer deeply affected her due to their intimate relationship, prompting her to shoulder the responsibility of looking after her sick friend.
Cultural elements present in the narrative include: * Hostel accommodations. “As I packed my bags, ready to vacate the hostel room for good, thoughts of the previous one and a half years I had lived there filled my mind.” * Shared dining facilities. “The option of getting meals from the shared mess/restaurant situated on the basement level was available.” * Utilization
of local train services. “I hastened to board the local train so as to arrive at my workplace well before the stipulated joining time.” * Access to stationary supplies.
* They possess stores. "From a store close to the station, I picked up some stationery and other essentials for my room." * They boast of beaches. "On weekends, Chowpati, Marine Drive, or Juhu Beach were often the choice of hangout spots with Prima and a few other girls.” * They own beds. "She sat on the brink of her bed and inquired about the issue.” * They have access to scan and X-ray results. Prime revealed "that medical professionals diagnosed her with cancer, supported by her scan and x-ray reports reflecting the same.” * One affliction they suffer from is brain cancer. "The odds of surviving beyond six months were low, especially since this type of brain cancer seldom reacts to treatment."
* They run an orphanage. "I learned that she was an orphan who grew up in an orphanage." * They bring flowers for the sick. "On work trips, these young women always ensure to carry flowers, as seen when "she acquired some flowers and presented them to her." * They manage a government hospital. "She had been admitted to the local public health center a few days prior, and its administration notified the dormitory of her demise, including specific details regarding time and date." * They honor those who have passed away. "I mourned her departure, pondering on how significant she was in my life and the wisdom she shared throughout her existence."
The Torment of Victory By: Malavika
Roy Singh
The story centers around a woman who fell in love with a man bound by the ties of matrimony.
The narrative incorporates several sociocultural elements, including a revolving chair exemplified by the line, "Amrita slumped on to her revolving chair." Additionally, there's the presence of a coffee machine, illustrated when Sangeeta pours herself coffee during a conversation with Amrita. Women's magazines also feature in the story, evident when Sangeeta is found browsing through one while sipping her coffee. Lastly, the story brings in an expression of frustration through the act of discarding coffee into the sink, which is demonstrated when a character reacts to Amrita's inflexibility by resorting to such an action.
* They possess bags. “In a rush, she grabbed her bag and exited.” * The men indulge in trivial adventures. "The primary face of their cavorting was plainly evident." * They are owners of credit cards.”Amrita was left slightly more than broke due to a credit card scam.” * Their currency is the Rupee. “I am unable to provide you a lakh of rupees.” * They primarily use the telephone for communication. "...Sunil's frustrated voice abruptly addressed her harshly over the phone." * They have sanitary facilities. “Aggravated at herself, she slowly stood and moved towards the washroom.” * Furthermore, they have mirrors installed in the washrooms. “…as she scrutinized her reflection in the mirror, she discovered an illogical but self-considered sophisticated woman gazing back.
More Than Just a Phone Call Away By: Malavika Roy Singh
The story focused on the themes of friendship, self-confidence, and health. It captivated me with its authentic representation of human
life. The predominant lesson drawn from this narrative is the unpredictability of life - we don't have the capacity to ensure that everything will stay okay since foreseeing the future is not within our power.
The narrative indicates certain societal habits, such as: * The occurrence of medical institutions. "He traversed back and forth along the hallway of the hospital" * They support friends going through difficulties. “He gently came near and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, stopping him in his path.” * They organize nocturnal happenings. “He was yet to recover from his friend's unfortunate destiny that resulted from the previous night’s incidents.”
* They indulge in the consumption of alcoholic drinks. "If their intake of alcohol had been more controlled, outcomes may have varied." * They conduct farewell parties. "...it was his last day at work, commemorated by a leaving ceremony." * They own sound systems. "I'll long for our shared moments of joy, friend. I'm uncertain about adjusting to my future student life." * They utilize bandages and tubes. "Rajeev found himself amidst numerous bandages and tubes encircling his head and upper torso." * They execute funeral rituals for their departed ones. "The subsequent day, he participated in the cremation service where he observed his wife approaching him." Conclusion
Indian Literature's themes are relevant for all age groups, particularly for the youth of today, as many of its narratives impart moral teachings. Its culture, rich in spiritual and imaginative ideals, possesses unique and captivating traits. Therefore, it's essential that we grasp the cultural influences apparent in the stories, which aids in a fuller comprehension of the narrative
and allows us to empathize with the characters. This also provides an uncomplicated approach to understanding the customs of this culture. All these points attest to the vitality of Indian Literature and its ability to keep creating exceptional works.
- Book Summary essays
- Metaphor essays
- Reader essays
- Rhyme essays
- Literary devices essays
- Villain essays
- Books essays
- Genre essays
- Literary Criticism essays
- Writer essays
- Protagonist essays
- Simile essays
- Poem essays
- Book Report essays
- Book Review essays
- Greek Mythology essays
- Plot essays
- Tragic Hero essays
- Coming of Age essays
- Play essays
- Rhetoric essays
- Rhetorical Question essays
- Translation essays
- Understanding essays
- Reason essays
- Character essays
- Letter essays
- American Literature essays
- Literature Review essays
- Utopia essays
- Poetry Analysis essays
- Dante's Inferno essays
- Between The World and Me essays
- Incidents in The Life of a Slave Girl essays
- Flowers for Algernon essays
- Myth essays
- Everyday Use essays
- Boo Radley essays
- Genesis essays
- Richard iii essays
- Alice in Wonderland essays
- On the road essays
- Ozymandias essays
- The Nightingale essays
- Holden Caulfield essays
- Animal Farm essays
- 1984 essays
- A Hanging essays
- Shooting An Elephant essays
- A Tale Of Two Cities essays