Indian Literature – Art and Culture Notes

The literature produced on the Indian subcontinent is referred to as Indian literature. The earliest works of Indian literature were passed down orally. The Rig Veda is the foundation of Sanskrit literature. The Sanskrit epics Ramayana and Mahabharata first appeared at the end of the first millennium BCE. Classical Sanskrit literature, Tamil Sangam literature, and Pali literature flourished in the first millennium CE. Kannada and Telugu literature first appeared in the 9th and 11th centuries, respectively. Later, literature in Marathi, Bengali, Hindi, Persian, and Urdu appeared.

The Gupta period, which lasted from 3 to 6 CE, is regarded as the golden age of Indian literature. Later, with the invasion of Muslim invaders and the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate, Mughal empire, Indian literature was enriched with various currents of thought. During the colonial period, a new type of literature known as nationalist literature emerged, which influenced and motivated the people of India to fight for Indian independence.

In this article, we will learn about various forms of Indian Literature which will be helpful for UPSC IAS Exam preparation.

Hindu Literature in Ancient India

• Contrary to popular belief, the Hindu literature in ancient Indian was not limited to sacred texts such as the Vedas and Upanishads.
• There is a lot of literature in Prakrit that is full of realism and moral values but does not have religious connotations.
• The Vedas, which are sacred texts used in religious rituals as well as in everyday situations, are the most popular set of works from the ancient period.
• However, the literature in this period also includes epics and lyrical works written in two major ancient languages: Sanskrit and Prakrit.

*For detailed notes of this topic, check this linkHindu Literature in Ancient India

Vedic Literature

• The Vedas are India's oldest known works of literature.
• The Vedas were written in Sanskrit and passed down orally from generation to generation.
• Vedic literature consists of four Vedas: the Rig Veda, the Yajur Veda, the Sama Veda, and the Atharva Veda.
• Each Veda is made up of the Brahmanas, Upanishads, and Arayankas. Traji is the collective name for the Rig Veda, Sama Veda, and Yajur Veda.
• Later, the Atharava Veda was included in this group.

*For detailed notes of this topic, check this linkVedic Literature

Pali and Prakrit Literature

• Pali and Prakrit literature was written during the post-Vedic period, in addition to Sanskrit.
• Prakrit is a term that refers to any language other than the standard one, Sanskrit.
• Pali is a term that refers to an archaic or old form of Prakrit that combines several existing dialects.
• These languages rose to prominence when Buddhist and Jain religious literature was written in them.

*For detailed notes of this topic, check this linkPali and Prakrit Literature

Jain Literature

• Apart from Prakrit and Ardha Magadhi, Jain Literature was also written in a variety of other languages, depending on the era, region, and patrons who supported them.
• During the Sangam Age in south India, they wrote in Tamil. They also wrote in Sanskrit, Shauraseni, Gujarati, and Marathi, among other languages.
• Since Mahavira's time, the Jain sacred literatures have been preserved orally.
• The Jain council systematically organised these literatures from time to time.
• The first systematization of Jain’s canonical literature occurred in a council at Pataliputra (Patna) by the end of the 4th century B.C., followed by two more councils in the early 3rd century B.C. in Mathura and Valabhi.
• The fourth and final Jain council met in 454 or 467 A.D. at Valabhi.
• The Svetambara Jain scripture is said to have come from this council.

*For detailed notes of this topic, check this linkJain Literature

Sikh Literature

• Sikhism is a relatively new religion that was founded in the 15th century and is based on Guru Nanak's teachings.
• The Sikh Literature comprises of sacred scripture, Guru Granth Sahib, which contains the beliefs and philosophies of Sikhism.
• Gurbani is a collection of hymns and compositions by Sikh Gurus and the Guru Granth Sahib.
• The Punjabi language evolved from Savraseni Prakrit, also known as Sauraseni Apabhransa, a broken form of Sanskrit.
• Punjabi, like Brajabhasa and Rajasthani, has the same grammatical foundation.
• However, there is no written record of Punjabi literature prior to Guru Nanak (1469-1 538).
• The earliest text is the 'Adi Granth,' which was completed in 1604 by Guru Arjun Dev.

*For detailed notes of this topic, check this line Sikh Literature

Dravidian Literature

• Dravidian Literature contains works in four major Dravidian languages: Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, and Malayalam.
• Tamil is thought to be the oldest of these four languages, and it is said to be very close to Sanskrit, particularly in terms of grammar and word borrowing.
• The classical works, or Sangam literature, are the most well-known in Tamil.

*For detailed notes of this topic, check this linkDravidian Literature

Medieval Literature

• Medieval literature has emerged from different trends during the medieval period, influencing the languages and dialects that arose.
• Local differences in Prakrit became more pronounced around 1000 A.D., which later became known as Apabhramsa, and this resulted in the modern Indian languages taking shape and being born.
• These languages took on different linguistic characteristics as a result of their regional, linguistic, and ethnic environments.
• The introduction of Persian as the language of the Delhi Sultanate and Mughal courts was a significant change.
• During this time, Hindi alsoevolved from the ancient apabhramsa language.

*For detailed notes of this topic, check this linkMedieval Literature

Modern Literature

• The phase of Modern literature is also known as Adhunik kaal. It is a term mostly used in Hindi.
• Although Hindi became one of the major languages in Northern India, several other languages, such as Bengali, Odia, Assamese, Rajasthani, Gujarati and so on also made their mark.

*For detailed notes of this topic, check this linkModern Literature

Conclusion

Indian literature is a jumble of works that includes religious works, chronicles of various kings, works in ancient philosophy, and so on. These literary works evolved alongside the development of various religions in ancient India, during the reigns of various kings who patronised literary works in their kingdom.

FAQs

MCQs

1. Which of the following is an example of a classical Sanskrit literary work?

A. Tirukkural
B. Mahabharata
C. Akbarnama
D. Gitanjali

2. Which language is associated with early Buddhist literature in India?

A. Sanskrit
B. Pali
C. Persian
D. Telugu

3. Who among the following was a prominent Persian poet in medieval India?

A. Kalidasa
B. Mirza Ghalib
C. Tulsidas
D. Kabir

4. Which of the following writers is known for their contributions to Indian literature in English?

A. Kuvempu
B. Premchand
C. R.K. Narayan
D. Kamban

5. The Sangam literature is associated with which language?

A. Hindi
B. Sanskrit
C. Tamil
D. Bengali

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

1. Discuss the significance of Sanskrit literature in shaping India’s cultural and philosophical heritage.

Answer: Sanskrit literature has played a foundational role in shaping India’s cultural and philosophical heritage. It includes some of the most revered religious and philosophical texts, such as the Vedas, Upanishads, Ramayana, and Mahabharata, which continue to influence Indian thought and traditions. Sanskrit literature also produced important works of drama and poetry, such as Kalidasa’s Shakuntala and Bhasa’s plays, that are celebrated for their literary excellence.
Philosophical treatises like the Bhagavad Gita explore profound themes of duty, morality, and spirituality, while the Puranas provide a rich account of Indian mythology. Together, these works form the backbone of India’s intellectual and spiritual traditions, and their influence extends beyond India’s borders.

2. Analyze the role of the Bhakti and Sufi movements in the development of vernacular literature in India.

Answer: The Bhakti and Sufi movements played a significant role in the development of vernacular literature in India, particularly during the medieval period. These movements focused on personal devotion to God and emphasized equality and love, transcending caste and religious barriers. Poets like Kabir, Tulsidas, Mirabai, and Guru Nanak composed devotional songs and poetry in local languages, making spiritual teachings accessible to the masses.
In the north, the Sufi movement contributed to the growth of Persian and regional literature, particularly through the works of poets like Amir Khusrau. The Bhakti movement in southern India encouraged the development of literature in Tamil, Kannada, and Telugu, with devotional compositions by Alvars and Nayanars. These movements democratized literature and contributed to the growth of regional languages and literary traditions.

3. Evaluate the influence of Persian literature on Indian culture during the Mughal period.

Answer: Persian literature had a profound influence on Indian culture during the Mughal period. Persian became the language of the court, administration, and intellectual discourse under the Mughals. The Mughal emperors, particularly Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan, patronized Persian poets and scholars, leading to a flourishing of Persian literary culture in India.
Works like Abul Fazl’s Akbarnama and the poetry of Mirza Ghalib are exemplary of the Indo-Persian literary tradition. Persian also influenced the development of Urdu literature, which emerged as a syncretic language blending Persian, Arabic, and local Indian dialects. The aesthetic and cultural values of Persian literature left a lasting legacy on Indian poetry, art, and architecture during the Mughal era.

Previous Year Questions on Indian Literature

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2020

Question: Which of the following is a classical work in Tamil literature?
A. Ramcharitmanas
B. Sangam poetry
C. Gitanjali
D. Arthashastra

Answer: B

Explanation: Sangam poetry is a classical literary work in Tamil, composed during the Sangam period, reflecting the early culture and society of Tamil Nadu.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2018 (GS Paper 1)

Question: "The Bhakti and Sufi movements played an important role in the development of vernacular languages and literature in India." Discuss.

Answer: The Bhakti and Sufi movements were instrumental in the development of vernacular languages and literature in India. These movements emphasized personal devotion and the universality of spiritual experiences, rejecting rigid religious orthodoxy. Bhakti poets like Kabir, Tulsidas, Mirabai, and Guru Nanak composed works in Hindi, Punjabi, and other regional languages, making spiritual teachings accessible to common people.
Similarly, the Sufi movement fostered a syncretic culture that blended Persian and local dialects, contributing to the growth of Urdu literature. Sufi poets like Amir Khusrau and Bulleh Shah wrote mystical poetry that resonated with both Hindus and Muslims. The contributions of these movements helped vernacular languages gain literary prominence and contributed to the rich diversity of Indian literature.