Comparative Literature in India : An Overview of Its History by Subha Chakraborty Dasgupta, Jadavpur University

1. Presented on: - 12/01/2024
Presented at:- Department of English, MKBU

2. Presenters
Gayatri Nimavat
Roll No: 06
Sem: 4 [M.A.]
Enrolment Number:
4069206420220019
Batch: 2022-2024
Drashti Joshi
Roll No: 05
Sem: 4 [M.A.]
Enrolment Number:
4069206420220016
Batch: 2022-2024

3. Points to Ponder
- Introduction about Writer
- Abstract
- Key Points
- Key Arguments and Analysis
of Arguments
- Conclusion
- References

4. - Visiting Professor, Department of Modern Indian Languages and Literary Studies,
University of Delhi
- Previously Professor at Department of Comparative Literature, Jadavpur University
- Co-ordinator of Special Assistance Programme at Jadavpur University - undertook
projects in Comparative Literature and Translation
- Editor of Jadavpur Journal of Comparative Literature (2007-2012)
- Also taught at Tokyo University of Foreign Studies
- Secretary of Comparative Literature Association of India for two terms
- Part of Research Team on Mapping Multilingualism in World Literature of the
International Comparative Literature Association
Introduction about Author

5. Abstract
The essay gives an overview of the trajectory of Comparative Literature in India,
focusing primarily on the department at Jadavpur University, where it began, and to
some extent the department of Modern Indian Languages and Literary Studies in the
University of Delhi, where it later had a new beginning in its engagement with Indian
literatures. The department at Jadavpur began with the legacy of Rabindranath
Tagore’s speech on World Literature and with a modern poet-translator as its
founder While British legacies in the study of literature were evident in the early
years, there were also subtle efforts towards a decolonizing process and an overall
attempt to enhance and nurture creativity. Gradually Indian literature began to
receive prominence along with literatures from the Southern part of the globe.
Paradigms of approaches in comparative literary studies also shifted from influence
and analogy studies to cross-cultural literary relations, to the focus on reception and
transformation. In the last few years Comparative Literature has taken on new
perspectives, engaging with different areas of culture and knowledge, particularly
those related to marginalized spaces, along with the focus on recovering new areas
of non-hierarchical literary relations.

6. Key Points:-
● The article provides an overview of the history and development of
comparative literature as an academic discipline in India.
● It traces the beginnings of comparative literature in India back to the early
20th century, with figures like Rabindranath Tagore giving talks on "world
literature" and making comparisons between Indian and Western literature.
● The first department of comparative literature was established at Jadavpur
University in 1956. Early approaches focused on comparing Indian
literature, especially Sanskrit, with Greek and Latin classics.
● In the 1970s, there was a shift to studying Indian literature more
comprehensively, looking at literatures in different Indian languages in
relation to each other. The idea of "Indian literature as comparative
literature" emerged.

7. ● Over time, the scope expanded to include comparisons with literatures
from Latin America, Africa, and other parts of the world beyond the West.
Area studies components were introduced.
● Key developments included a focus on reception studies rather than just
"influence", studying translation, interdisciplinary approaches, and
connections between comparative literature and fields like cultural studies.
● Today, comparative literature in India engages with issues of
marginalization, inter-Asian literary relations, translation, and the role of
literature as a knowledge system. The article emphasizes discovering "new
links and lines of non-hierarchical connectivity."
● The main goals are seen as constructing literary histories, nurturing
creativity, and enhancing "civilizational gestures" against divisive forces.
Much work remains to be done in systematically studying Indian and inter-
Asian literary relations.

8. Key Arguments and Analysis of Arguments
Here are some of the key arguments made by Subha Chakraborty
Dasgupta:
- Subha Chakraborty Dasgupta traces the evolution of comparative
literature in India, noting its historical roots in pre-disciplinary
comparisons of Indian literature. Tagore's 1907 talk laid the
foundation, and by the 1970s, the focus shifted to exploring overlaps
within Indian language literatures. The field expanded to include
Global South perspectives, moving from examining "influence" to
studying reception. Comparative literature in India also integrated
with translation and cultural studies, embracing marginalized voices
and oral traditions. (Dasgupta)

9. - Current goals involve mapping intercultural relations, seeking non-
hierarchical connections, and understanding literature's role in
diverse cultures. In essence, the field has dynamically evolved,
emphasizing contextual engagement with both Indian and non-
Western literatures.
- This Article is divided into seven Parts,
1. The Beginning
2. Indian Literature as Comparative Literature
3. Centres of Comparative Literature Studies
4. Reconfiguration of areas of Comparison
5. Research Directions
6. Interface with translation studies and Cultural studies
7. Non-Hierarchical Connectivity (Dasgupta)

10. 1. The Beginning
- Late 19th century: Concept of world literature gained traction in Bengal, particularly
with a surge in translation activities and poets advocating for connections with global
literatures for "relationships of joy." (Datta)
- 1907: Rabindranath Tagore's talk "Visva Sahitya" (meaning "world literature") at the
National Council of Education laid the foundation for the establishment of the
Comparative Literature department at Jadavpur University in 1956.
- Tagore's use of "visva sahitya" and his declaration that it was commonly referred to
as "comparative literature" influenced the nomenclature of the emerging discipline.
(Tagore)
- Despite differing visions, even critic Buddhadeva Bose, a key figure in modern
Bengali poetry, acknowledged Tagore's ideas. Bose, while advocating for a break
from Tagore's idealism to embrace modernity, referenced Tagore's "visva sahitya"
talk, interpreting it as a means of establishing connections and 'knowing' world
literatures.

11. 2. Indian Literature and Comparative Literature
- In the 1970s, Comparative Literature at Jadavpur University in India saw new
pedagogical perspectives. Focus on Indian literature entered the syllabus, not as a
nationalist assertion but due to shared histories in contiguous spaces.
- Comparative Literature studies in India centered around Indian literary themes,
leading to the introduction of "Comparative Indian Literature" courses. Shift from
exclusive Sanskrit-centric definitions to inclusive examinations of multilingualism and
diverse historical and performative traditions.
- Aijaz Ahmad emphasized tracing the dialectic of unity and difference through
linguistic overlaps and historical contexts. Interdisciplinary approach evident in
comprehensive studies covering language origins, manuscript cultures, performative
traditions, visual arts, print culture, and modernity. (Ahmad,)
- Delhi University's department has students from diverse parts of India, allowing
varied entry points into Indian literary systems and inter-cultural relations across the
nation.

12. 3. Centres of Comparative Studies
- Tamil studies included comparisons of Classical Tamil texts with Greek, Latin, and
Japanese traditions. In the 1980s-1990s, other Comparative Literature centers emerged
across India, either independently or within language departments (e.g., Punjabi University,
Dibrugarh University, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Sambalpur
University, Jawaharlal Nehru University, SNDT Women’s University).
- In 1986, a full-fledged Comparative Literature department at Veer Narmad South Gujarat
University focused on Indian literatures in Western India. In 1999, Dravidian University,
Kuppam, established a department of Dravidian Comparative Literature and Philosophy.
The Visvanatha Kaviraja Institute of Comparative Literature and Aesthetics in Orissa
emphasized comparative poetics, a core research area.
- During this period, national associations of Comparative Literature emerged: Indian
Comparative Literature Association (ICLA) (Jadavpur) and Comparative Indian Literature
Association (CILA) (Delhi). They merged in 1992 to form the Comparative Literature
Association of India (CLAI), boasting over a thousand members.

13. 4. Reconfiguration of areas of Comparison
- 1980s Changes: Jadavpur University added Gabriel Garcia Marquez's "One
Hundred Years of Solitude" and Latin American and African literatures to the
syllabus, emphasizing solidarity, resistance, and addressing colonial impacts.
- 1990s Evolution: Introduced Area Studies on African, Latin American,
Canadian literatures, and Bangladesh. Canadian Studies led to a focus on oral
traditions within the comparative literature space.
- Chinese and Japanese literature components were outlined, with current
research scholars exploring these areas. An Area Studies module for Pakistani
literatures was introduced.
- Today: The department hosts Centers for African, Latin American, and
Canadian studies, organizing research and seminars. The curriculum reflects a
dynamic approach, embracing diverse global literary traditions.

14. 5. Research Directions
- Late 1990s - Early 2000s: Comparative Literature research expanded across India
with UGC’s Special Assistance Programme.
- Examples: Calcutta University explored 19th-century literary relations between
Europe and India. Saurashtra University focused on Indian Renaissance, translating
authors and studying travelogues.
- Dibrugarh University emphasized translations, rare texts, and folk forms. Jadavpur
University researched East-West Literary Relations, Indian Literature, Translation
Studies, and Third World Literature.
- Notable Translator: Manabendra Bandyopadhyay translated texts from "third-world
countries."
- Support Impact: Publications on genres, themes, literary historiography, and
annotated bibliographies reshaped popular concepts, like Romanticism, offering
diverse readings in the Indian context.

15. 6. Interface with translation studies and Cultural
studies
- 21st Century Comparative Literature: Embraced Translation Studies and Cultural
Studies as integral components.
- Translation Studies: Hyderabad University pioneered translation studies, now a
common focus in Comparative Literature departments. Translation seen as rewriting;
Jadavpur University has a dedicated Center for the Translation of Indian Literatures.
- Interdisciplinary Approaches: Delhi University's course explores city and village
themes in Indian literature, delving into human habitat systems, ecology,
archaeological evidence, and accounts of travelers from different cultures. Jadavpur
University's performance course studies social behavior patterns through ritual and
theater, viewing them in terms of separation and integration.
- Diaspora Studies: Some new Comparative Literature centers, established in recent
universities, engage in diaspora studies.

16. - Comparative Literature isn't just about studying different literatures – it's about
connecting them in meaningful ways. Imagine it like exploring a vast landscape of stories,
where each culture is a mountain peak with its own unique view. Studying Comparative
Literature is like climbing between these peaks, discovering how ideas and themes flow
between them, creating a richer understanding of both the individual cultures and the
larger human landscape.
- This connection isn't about judging who's better – it's about "co-construction,"(Sangari)
sharing histories and building bridges through translation and understanding. We're still
exploring these connections, uncovering new literary relationships and rewriting histories
that didn't just focus on single cultures. In the end, it's about using literature to celebrate
our differences and find common ground, fostering creativity and a more united world.
7.Non-hierarchical connectivity

17. In conclusion, Comparative Literature in India has come a long way from its
early days of comparing Sanskrit epics to Greek classics. Through a
continuous process of decolonization, diversification, and a shift towards
non-hierarchical connections, it has morphed into a vibrant field engaging
with marginalized voices, inter-Asian dialogues, and the transformative power
of translation. With the aim of reconstructing literary histories, nurturing
creativity, and fostering inclusivity, Comparative Literature in India continues
its unique exploration of the vast landscape of stories, both local and global,
forging bridges and building a more connected world through the power of
shared narratives. It stands as a testament to the ever-evolving and enriching
tapestry of human expression, waiting to be further unveiled and celebrated.
Conclusion

18. Ahmad, Aizaz. “Indian Literature.” Theory: Classes, Nations, Literatures. London: Verso. 1992. 243-285. Print.
Dasgupta, Subha Chakraborty. “Comparative Literature in India: An Overview of its History.” Comparative
Literature & World Literature, 4 July 2016,
http://www.cwliterature.org/uploadfile/2016/0711/20160711020042997.pdf. Accessed 11 January 2024.
Datta, Satyendranath. “Samapti.” Satyendranath Kabyagrantha. Ed. Aloke Ray. Kolkata: Sahitya Samsad. 1984.
Print.
R. Radhakrishnan. “Why compare?” New Literary History 40.3, Summer (2009): 453-71. Print.
Sangari, Kumkum. “Aesthetics of Circulation: Thinking Between Regions.” Jadavpur Journal of Comparative
Literature XLVX (2013-14):9-38. Print.
Tagore, Rabindranath. “Visva Sahitya.” Rabindra-Rachanabali Vol. 10. Kolkata: WBSG 1987. 324-333. Print.
References

19. Thank You