The Pioneering 'Rajmohans Wife' and the Early Days of Indian English Literature

Indian writing in English has a relatively short but illustrious history. One of the earliest novels in English, 'Rajmohans Wife,' was written by renowned Bengali author Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in 1864. This piece not only marked the beginning of a new genre in colonial literature but also paved the way for a rich legacy of Indian authors and their works.

The Emergence of 'Rajmohans Wife'

Rajmohans Wife, published in 1864, is generally regarded as the first Indian novel in English. Written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay (1838–1894), the novel stands out due to its significant author and its early date of publication. Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay was not only the greatest Bengali novelist of the 19th century but also a key figure in the Bengali Renaissance. The novel itself explores themes of social reform, gender, and tradition, reflecting the emerging movement for social change in colonial India.

Precursors to 'Rajmohans Wife'

While 'Rajmohans Wife' is a significant milestone, it is worth noting that Indian writing in English traces back even further. In 1793, Sake Dean Mahomed wrote The Travels of Dean Mahomed, arguably the first book by an Indian in English. However, much of the early literature was non-fictional works such as biographies and political essays. The late 1800s saw a significant shift as renowned authors from India began to experiment with fiction in English. For instance, Rabindranath Tagore started translating works from Bengali to English, marking another turning point in the evolution of Indian literature in the English language.

Novels by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay

Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay's novel 'Durgeshnandini' [in Bengali] was published in 1865, just one year after 'Rajmohans Wife.' Both novels are integral to the early history of Indian literature in English and demonstrate the evolving nature of storytelling within the context of colonial India. These works not only reflected the cultural and social changes of the time but also introduced English-language readers to a distinctly Indian perspective.

The Evolution of Indian Writing in English

The early 1900s saw a gradual shift in the landscape of Indian writing in English. Authors began to write more extensively in the English language, and their works started to resonate with a growing readership. During this period, Rabindranath Tagore, for example, began to translate his work from Bengali to English, contributing to the growing body of literature in this language.

One of the most significant moments occurred in 1917 when Dhan Gopal Mukerji began writing children's stories set in India. He was awarded the Newbery Medal in 1928 for his work "Gay Neck, the Story of a Pigeon." This recognition marked a turning point in the acceptance and appreciation of Indian literature in English.

In the early 1930s, a new generation of authors emerged, writing almost exclusively in English. Renowned authors such as R.K. Narayan and Mulk Raj Anand began to garner international recognition for their works. 'Swami and Friends,' published in 1935, and 'Untouchable,' in 1936, were among the first major works by these authors. Raja Rao's 'Kanthapura,' published in 1938, further enriched the cultural tapestry of English literature with its unique blend of Indian themes and storytelling techniques.

What made the works by Narayan, Anand, and Rao stand out was their focus on modern, everyday life in India. Their narratives were filled with the rich, nuanced details that captured the essence of contemporary Indian society. This period marked the beginning of a rich and diverse tradition in Indian literature, which continues to thrive today. The legacy of 'Rajmohans Wife' and the pioneering work of other early Indian authors played a crucial role in shaping the direction of Indian literature in English.