Postcolonial Indian City-Literature: Policy, Politics and Evolution

This book explores how Indian cities are represented in literature from the post-colonies, focusing on India from independence to the millennia. It examines how the urban space and literature depict a dialogue, how Indian cities have grown, and how the city-lit departs from organic realism to dissonant themes of "reclamation." It is divided into four temporal phases and includes critical theories, sociological data, urban studies, and literary works by Indian authors. The book offers elements of critical discussion for researchers, emerging university disciplines, and curious readers.

Format: Hardback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 31 March 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The representation of cities in post-colonial literature is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that reflects the diverse experiences and perspectives of writers from different regions and cultures. This book explores the city through the lens of literature from India,spanning from the post-independence era to the present day. It seeks to understand how urban space and literature interact,forming a dialogue that reflects the changing social,economic,and political landscapes of India.

Over the past six decades,Indian cities have undergone significant growth and transformation,driven by factors such as industrialization,urbanization,and globalization. This growth has been mirrored in the literature focused on these cities,which has explored a range of themes and issues related to urban life.

One notable trend in city-lit is the departure from organic realism to dissonant themes of "reclamation." Writers have begun to challenge traditional narratives of urban development and explore the darker side of urban life,including poverty,marginalization,and environmental degradation. This shift can be seen in works such as Anita Desai's "The Clear Light of Day," which portrays the struggles of a working-class family in Mumbai,and Arundhati Roy's "The God of Small Things," which explores the complexities of caste and class relations in a small town in Kerala.

Another important aspect of city-lit is the question of who the city belongs to. Writers have explored the diverse experiences and perspectives of urban residents,including migrants,refugees,and marginalized communities. This has led to a richer and more nuanced understanding of the city as a site of cultural and social diversity.

The book is organized into four temporal phases: the nation-building of the 50-60s,the dictatorial 70s,the neoliberalization of the 80-90s,and the early 2000s. Each section covers the dominant socio-political themes of the time and their impact on urbanism,along with historical data from various resources. An analysis of contemporaneously significant literary works,including novels,short stories,plays,poetry,and graphic novels,follows each section. The chapters comment on how literature frames real and imagined constructs and experiences of cities,and how it contributes to our understanding of the complex nature of urban life.

To provide a broader perspective on city-lit,the book includes examples from both Indian Writings in English and vernacular literature,with suitable translations. This approach allows readers to appreciate the diversity of urban experiences and the rich literary traditions of India.

In conclusion,this book offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of the city through the lens of literature from India. It provides insights into the changing social,economic,and political landscapes of India,and the diverse experiences and perspectives of urban residents. It also highlights the departure from organic realism to dissonant themes of "reclamation" and the question of who the city belongs to. By engaging with critical theories,sociological data,urban studies,and a unique canon of literature,this book offers elements of critical discussion to researchers,emergent university disciplines,and curious readers alike.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367763008