South Asian Literature

AY2014/2015 Semester 1

This course will trace the historical development of South Asian literature in English from the colonial period to the present day, exploring, among other things, the impact of British colonial policy on the formation of South Asian literature, the ongoing debate surrounding its use of an 'imperial' language, and the reasons behind its current global prominence. The subject will also attend to the social and political issues with which this literature engages, whether it be the caste system, communal violence, or the vagaries of the postcolonial nation-state. Although literature will be the primary focus, the subject will introduce students to a number of important theoretical concepts, particularly those relating to postcolonial studies and Indian historiography.