post colonialism and indian english novel

Colonialism has had a profound influence on post - colonial Indian English novels. It has left behind a complex legacy. The language itself, English, was introduced during colonial rule. This has led to a unique blend of English with Indian languages in these novels, in terms of vocabulary and syntax.

Well, post - colonialism has made Indian English novels more self - reflective. They now question the power dynamics that were established during colonial rule. Indian writers in English use their novels to show how colonialism affected language, social hierarchies, and family structures. These novels often aim to break free from the Western - imposed ways of seeing India. They present an alternative view of India that is based on the experiences and perspectives of the Indian people, not just as seen through the colonial lens.

The Indian English novel in the post - colonial context has several key characteristics. Firstly, there is a focus on the marginalized voices. Writers give a voice to those who were silenced during colonial times, such as the lower castes or women. They tell their stories and struggles. Secondly, there is a negotiation of identity. Characters are constantly trying to figure out who they are in relation to the colonial past and the globalized present. And finally, there is a subversion of the colonial gaze. Instead of presenting India as the 'exotic other' as the colonizers did, these novels show the real, complex India with all its contradictions.

In terms of characters, post - colonial Indian novels may feature characters who are caught between two worlds - the traditional Indian world and the Western - influenced world brought by colonialism. These characters struggle to find their place, representing the broader struggle of the Indian society to come to terms with its colonial past and build a new post - colonial identity.

Indian art forms like dance and music also influence post - modern Indian English novels. For instance, the rhythm and grace of classical Indian dance forms might be reflected in the prose style of the novels. The use of colors, which are very significant in Indian art and culture, can be used metaphorically in the novels to describe characters or settings. In this way, Indian culture enriches the post - modern Indian English novel and makes it distinct from other post - modern literatures.

These novels have a great significance in that they introduced the world to the post - colonial Indian experience. English being a global language, these works could be read by a wide international audience. They presented a different side of India than what was often portrayed during the colonial era. For instance, they showed the internal struggles and hopes of the Indian people rather than just the exotic aspects that were usually highlighted by colonial literature.

These novels typically question and subvert established norms. In post - modern Indian English novels, there is often a deconstruction of traditional social hierarchies and cultural expectations. Authors may use satire or irony to expose the flaws in society. For instance, they could satirize the caste system or the way modernity has affected traditional Indian values. Moreover, the characters in these novels are often complex and multi - faceted, not conforming to the typical hero - villain dichotomy.

One important aspect of post - independence Indian English novels is their exploration of the new national identity. Writers often delved into the complex mix of cultures, traditions, and modernity in the newly independent India. For example, in some novels, characters struggle to balance their age - old family values with the new opportunities and ideas brought by independence. These novels also played a role in documenting the social changes that were taking place, such as the changes in the caste system and the status of women.

These novels are significant as they give a voice to the Indian experience post - colonization. They can be a medium to preserve and revive Indian culture. Many writers use English, which was once the language of the colonizers, but they infuse it with Indian idioms, stories, and sensibilities, thus creating a unique form of literature.

They often show it through the characters' disrupted family structures. For example, a father figure might be absent or weakened due to the economic and social upheaval caused by colonialism. This can be seen in many post - colonial short stories where families are trying to hold themselves together in the aftermath of colonial rule.