Indian Novels and Colonial Dominant

Indian English literature emerged as a distinct genre during the colonial period, in the context of British colonial rule in India. As a result, the themes and concerns of Indian English literature were often shaped by the dominant colonial ideology of the 19th century, which sought to justify and legitimize British imperialism in India.

One of the key concerns of Indian English literature during this period was the tension between Indian cultural identity and British colonialism. Many Indian writers sought to resist the cultural and linguistic hegemony of British colonialism, and to assert their own sense of cultural identity and pride. This is particularly evident in the works of writers such as Bankim Chandra Chatterjee and Rabindranath Tagore, who sought to create a distinctly Indian literary tradition that could serve as a source of cultural and political resistance.

Another important theme of Indian English literature during the colonial period was the impact of colonialism on Indian society and culture. Many writers, such as Mulk Raj Anand and R.K. Narayan, sought to document and critique the ways in which British colonialism perpetuated social inequality and exploitation in India. These writers often focused on the lives of ordinary people, particularly those from lower castes and economic classes, and highlighted the ways in which they were denied basic human rights and dignity under colonialism.

At the same time, Indian English literature of the colonial period was also shaped by the dominant cultural and aesthetic trends of the time. Many writers sought to emulate the styles and forms of British literature, and often incorporated elements of European literary traditions into their own work. This led to a rich and complex interplay between Indian and European literary traditions, and contributed to the development of a distinct Indian English literary style.

Overall, the dominant colonial ideology of the 19th century played a significant role in shaping the themes and concerns of Indian English literature during the colonial period. However, Indian writers also sought to resist and critique this dominant ideology, and to assert their own sense of cultural and political identity in the face of British colonialism. This tension between resistance and assimilation, between Indian and European literary traditions, has continued to shape Indian English literature up to the present day.