oIndian Literature is one of the oldest

and richest literatures around the

world.

oThe Indian Constitution recognizes

22 official languages. Each language
has its regional literature
 Oral
Literature
The first Indian literary
work was a collection of
Sanskrit hymns that was
orally transmitted
The so-called Vedas which
were either sung, recited
and thought by the
Indians.
 Sanskrit
Literature
•Sanskrit- is the primary sacred language
of Hinduism, a philosophical language in
Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism
- Literally means refined, adorned
and/or highly decorated
•Aryans, nomadic cattle herders
produced a literature written in a
language.
•Sanskrit literature is divided into:
 Religious text
-The Vedas
- Brahmanas-prose text about
sacrificial rituals
- Aryanakas -discussion and
interpretation of dangerous rituals
Heroic Texts
- Ramayana -an epic by Valmiki about a
perfect prince, perfect wife
- Mahabharata- an extremely long epic
of Vyasal
 Classical Sanskrit
Literature

•Started with the flowering of the

Gupta dynasty
•Reflected values of Hinduism
•Languages used were Sanskrit
and Prakrit
•Influenced by the Caste system
•Motifs were largely based on
religion, mythology and heroism
 Medieval
Literature
•Unique version of local myths,
legends, romances and epics
emerged
•Islamic dynasties conquered many
territories
 Colonial Period To
Independence

•The era wherein European traders

reached and colonized the Indian
subcontinent
•The Literature in this time combined the
classical Indian literature with the
European style of writing
 [CHARACTERISTICS OF INDIAN LITERATURE]

Indian literature is based on

piety, a deeply religious
 [CHARACTERISTICS OF INDIAN LITERATURE]

Indian literary masterpieces are

written in epic form.