The City Speaks: Urban Spaces in Indian Literature

This book explores the significance and representation of cities in Indian literature, drawing on Western and South Asian thinkers to offer a unique and contentious presentation of Indian literature. It demonstrates how cities give birth to social images, perspectives, and complexities, and how they coexist with characters to form a larger literary framework of interpretations.

Format: Hardback
Length: 314 pages
Publication date: 29 September 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book delves into the profound significance and multifaceted representation of cities in the writings of Indian poets, graphic novelists, and dramatists. It showcases how cities serve as the fertile ground for the emergence of social images, perspectives, and intricate complexities, while also exploring the intricate ways in which cities and the characters in Indian literature coexist to shape a rich and diverse literary framework of interpretations. By drawing upon the theoretical frameworks of Western urban thinkers like Henri Lefebvre, Georg Simmel, Walter Benjamin, Edward Soja, David Harvey, and Diane Levy, as well as South Asian thinkers such as Ashis Nandy, Arjun Appadurai, Vinay Lal, and Ravi Sundaram, the book challenges the prevailing notion of a monolithic and homogeneous Western qualification of urban literatures. Instead, it presents a truly unique and thought-provoking perspective on Indian literature.

The volume serves as a groundbreaking exploration of the urban-literary landscape of India, providing a solid foundation for an urban studies approach to Indian literature. It will captivate scholars and students alike, particularly those interested in Indian writing in English, urban studies, and South Asian studies. Through its comprehensive analysis, the book offers valuable insights into the ways in which cities shape the narratives, characters, and themes of Indian literature, contributing to a deeper understanding of the cultural and social dynamics of the country.

In conclusion, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking to explore the rich tapestry of urban life and its profound impact on the literary imagination of India. It provides a valuable contribution to the field of urban studies and offers a fresh perspective on Indian literature, enriching our understanding of the complex and multifaceted nature of this vibrant nation.

Weight: 770g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032110820