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19 Dec 2023
GS Paper 1
Indian Heritage & Culture
Day 26 : Discuss the role of literature in reflecting the social realities of their time with suitable examples. (150 words)
- Introduce with respect to the role of literature in the Indian context.
- Discuss the contribution of literature in reflecting the social realities in India.
- Conclude Suitably.
Introduction
The role of literature in the Indian context has been instrumental in reflecting the social realities of their respective times across various historical periods. From ancient to medieval to modern India, literature has served as a mirror that captures the ethos, values, and challenges of each era.
Body
Ancient India:
- Literature primarily consisted of the Vedas, including the Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda.
- Reflects the socio-religious practices, rituals, and philosophical ideas of the time.
- Ashoka's inscriptions serve as an early form of literature, providing insights into moral and ethical principles.
- Examples include Ashoka's Edicts, which emphasise social welfare and religious tolerance.
- Gupta Period:
- It witnessed the flourishing of Sanskrit drama. Kalidasa's plays, especially "Shakuntala" and "Malavikagnimitram," are exemplary in this regard.
- Aryabhata a renowned mathematician and astronomer, lived during the Gupta period. His works, particularly the "Aryabhatiya," made significant contributions to mathematical and astronomical knowledge.
Medieval India:
- Delhi Sultanate (1206 CE - 1526 CE):
- Amir Khusrau, a prominent Sufi poet, wrote in Persian and contributed to the synthesis of Indian and Persian cultural elements.
- His works include "Qiran-us-Sa’dain" and "Khazain-ul-Futuh."
- Amir Khusrau, a prominent Sufi poet, wrote in Persian and contributed to the synthesis of Indian and Persian cultural elements.
- Mughal Period:
- Akbar's court saw the development of Akbari and Ain-i-Akbari by Abu'l-Fazl, reflecting the administration and social structure.
Bhakti Movement:
- Kabir's poems challenged social hierarchies and religious orthodoxy.
- Guru Nanak's compositions emphasized equality and unity.
- Alvars and Nayanars were groups of poet-saints in South India who composed devotional hymns praising Vishnu (Alvars) and Shiva (Nayanars). Their compositions are collected in the Divya Prabandham (Tamil) and Tevaram (Tamil), respectively.
Socio Reform Movement:
- Raja Ram Mohan Roy's treatises like "Gift to Monotheists" criticized superstitions and advocated social reform.
- Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay's "Anandamath" highlighted the struggle against colonial rule.
Post-Independence:
- Premchand's works, like "Godan," portrayed the challenges faced by rural India post-independence.
- Salman Rushdie's "Midnight's Children" captures the socio-political changes in post-colonial India.
Conclusion
Indian literature has played a pivotal role in reflecting the diverse social realities of each historical period. Writers and their works have acted as chroniclers, providing valuable insights into the cultural, political, and economic aspects of their times. The evolution of literature mirrors the dynamic nature of Indian society, contributing to a deeper understanding of its historical trajectory.
