South Asian Literature

Modern South Asian Literature: Main Focus

• The main focus of Modern South Asian literature is to give voice to previously marginalized narratives.
• Authors explore themes of colonialism, postcolonialism, migration, gender politics, and religious identity.
• There’s an emphasis on personal experiences and social realities, using the literary form to challenge social norms and political structures.
• Authors are also exploring intergenerational trauma and examining the effects of globalization and modernization on South Asian societies.

Countries Linked to South Asian Literature

• India
• Pakistan
• Bangladesh
• Sri Lanka
• Nepal
• Bhutan
• Maldives

Language Families in South Asia

• Indo-Aryan
• Dravidian
• Sino-Tibetan
• Austroasiatic
• Austronesian

South Asia: Linguistically Diverse

• The historical migration of various ethnic groups coupled with centuries of invasions contributed to linguistic diversity in South Asia.
• The area has been a crossroads of linguistic, cultural, and religious influences.
• This makes South Asia one of the most linguistically diverse regions on the planet.

South Asian Literature in English

• The legacy of British colonialism resulted in the widespread use of English in South Asia.
• English became the primary language of education, administration, and commerce after colonization.
• English provides a platform for reaching a wider audience globally, allowing South Asian authors to connect with readers worldwide.

Test your knowledge of the extensive history and diverse languages of South Asian literature, composed by authors in the Indian subcontinent and its diaspora.