Multiculturalism in Indian English Literature

Abstract

Role of English in Indian literature is a curious cultural phenomenon, but English is not an Indian language. It is the language of England, Ireland, Australia, Canada, and the USA. India has several sophisticated literary languages. The languages have long –standing literary traditions. Many students of other Countries think that India has no literature other than that written in English. It is assumed English is the main literary language in India because it has been given the status of “official language” by the Indian Constitution. In reality, Indian English literature is the newest developed branch of Indian literature. For an Indian writing in English involves a conflict between the mother tongue and English, this other tongue which has been our intimate enemy during the last two centuries.