The Indian English novel has developed in various ways. Initially, it was more about portraying the social fabric of India. But as time passed, it also became a means of political expression. Writers like Arundhati Roy in 'The God of Small Things' not only showed the family and social structures but also the underlying political and power dynamics in Kerala. The development also saw the emergence of different genres within the Indian English novel, from realistic portrayals to more experimental and magical realist works.
The European novel has a long and complex history. It began to take shape in the Middle Ages with works like 'The Canterbury Tales' by Chaucer, which had elements of storytelling and character sketches. Then in the 18th century, the novel really started to develop with the rise of the middle class. Novels like 'Robinson Crusoe' became popular, focusing on individual experiences. In the 19th century, it reached new heights with the works of Dickens, Tolstoy, etc., exploring social issues deeply.
Science fiction's development has been greatly influenced by historical events. For example, during the space race, many science fiction stories focused on space exploration. Writers like Isaac Asimov contributed to its growth with his 'Three Laws of Robotics', which became a cornerstone in the genre. Also, the development of new technologies such as the internet has inspired new sub - genres and themes in science fiction.
The origin of the Indian English novel can be traced back to the colonial period. As Indians came into contact with English education and Western literary forms. The development was gradual. Early works often dealt with the clash of cultures. Later, it diversified to cover various aspects of Indian society like caste, class, and gender.
The emergence of female voices was a crucial milestone. Writers like Anita Desai brought a different perspective. Her novels often explored the inner lives of women in Indian society, their struggles, and their dreams. This added a new dimension to the development of the Indian English novel, which was previously dominated by male voices.
The major periods include the 18th - century rise with Defoe and Richardson. Then the 19th - century Victorian era with Dickens and the Brontë sisters. And the 20th - century modernist and post - modernist periods with Woolf and Joyce.
The 20th - century Indian English novel is a rich and diverse genre. Writers like Rabindranath Tagore were early influencers. His works often combined Indian philosophy and Western literary forms. Another important figure was R. K. Narayan. His novels, such as 'Swami and Friends', depicted the simple yet profound lives of ordinary Indians in a fictional South Indian town. These novels not only entertained but also gave the world a peek into the complex Indian society, its traditions, and the changes it was undergoing during the 20th century.
Contemporary Indian English novels are significant in many ways. They not only represent the voices of Indian writers in the global literary arena but also serve as a medium to understand the complex and evolving Indian society. Many of these novels incorporate multiple languages, dialects, and cultural references within the English language framework, making them a unique and fascinating area of study.
Love and family are likely themes. Tales of how families supported each other through tough times, like during a harsh winter or a famine.
The origin was due to British influence in India. The development saw a growth in the number of Indian writers using English. They started writing about Indian life, traditions, and modern issues in English.
She has contributed by bringing new perspectives. Her works might have introduced different ways of looking at the Indian experience, whether it's through the lens of gender, class, or cultural hybridity.