Modern Indian Writing in Translation Course | IIT Madras Humanities
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 326 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Elective |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Categories | Humanities and Social Sciences |
| Credit Points | 3 |
| Level | Undergraduate/Postgraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 20 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 18 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Discover the Polyphony of Modern India Through Its Translated Literature
It is often said that the soul of India resides in its many languages. For every reader captivated by the works of contemporary Indian authors writing in English, there exists a parallel, vibrant universe of literary genius in India's regional languages. The course Modern Indian Writing in Translation, offered by the Indian Institute of Technology Madras, serves as your essential guide to this magnificent world. Designed and instructed by Prof. A. Divya, this 12-week journey unravels the complex tapestry of modern Indian history, society, and identity through seminal works translated into English.
About the Course Instructor: Prof. A. Divya
Prof. A. Divya, an Assistant Professor in English Literature at IIT Madras, brings a unique scholarly perspective to this course. With a Master of Studies from the University of Oxford and a PhD in Nineteenth-Century English Fiction, her research expertise spans gender, domesticity, spatiality, and visual culture. Her current project on British colonial visual culture in 19th-century India informs her nuanced understanding of representation and translation, making her exceptionally qualified to guide students through the cross-cultural negotiations inherent in translated texts.
Course Philosophy: Beyond the "Melting Pot" to a "Salad Bowl"
This course moves beyond a simplistic narrative of Indian literature. Instead, it adopts cultural theorist Ashis Nandy's concept of India as a "salad bowl"—where distinct identities coexist while retaining their unique flavors. Through a careful selection of translated works, the course presents a microcosm of this idea, showcasing how different linguistic and regional traditions contribute to the multifaceted whole of modern Indian literature. Students are encouraged to probe critical concepts like modernism, regionalism, and the contemporary, and to analyze representations of history, class, and gender.
Who Is This Course For?
While the intended audience includes engineering students at IIT Madras, seeking a rich humanities elective, the course is perfectly suited for a wider audience:
- Undergraduate & Postgraduate Students in humanities and social sciences.
- Literature Enthusiasts looking to deepen their knowledge of Indian writing beyond the Anglophone sphere.
- Readers and Book Clubs interested in structured exploration of Indian regional literature.
- Anyone curious about the cultural and historical diversity of India through its literary landmarks.
What You Will Learn: Course Objectives
- Gain an introduction to the polyphonic voices of modern Indian writing in translation.
- Understand the construction of cultural identities through indigenous literary traditions.
- Compare texts from across India to identify shared themes and distinct regional perspectives.
- Analyze literary imagery that expresses a writer's sense of their society.
- Where possible, engage in comparative study of original and translated texts to understand the translation process.
- Be inspired to explore the vast treasure trove of translated Indian works beyond the syllabus.
Your 12-Week Literary Journey: Course Layout
| Week | Author & Work | Language (Original) |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | Introduction; Rabindranath Tagore, “The Hunger of Stones” | Bengali |
| Week 2 | Vaikom Muhammad Basheer, “The Blue Light” | Malayalam |
| Week 3 | Anna Bhau Sathe, “Gold from the Grave” | Marathi |
| Week 4 | Saadat Hasan Manto, “Toba Tek Singh” | Urdu |
| Week 5 | Gulzar, “Crossing the Ravi” | Hindi |
| Week 6 | Amrita Pritam, “Stench of Kerosene” | Punjabi |
| Week 7 | Perumal Murugan, “The Man Who Could Not Sleep” | Tamil |
| Weeks 8-9 | Girish Karnad, Nagamandala (Play) | Kannada |
| Weeks 10-11 | Sundara Ramaswamy, Tamarind History | Tamil |
| Week 12 | Indian Poetry in Translation | Multiple Languages |
Essential Reading & Resources
The course draws from a curated list of anthologies and critical texts, providing a solid foundation for study:
- Modern Indian Writing in Translation, Edited by Dhananjay Kapse (2016)
- Short Fiction from South India, Edited by Subashree Krishnaswamy and K. Srilata (2007)
- A Clutch of Indian Masterpieces, Edited by David Davidar (2016)
- Changing the Terms: Translating in the Postcolonial Era, Edited by Sherry Simon and Paul St. Pierre (2000)
- 100 Great Indian Poems by Abhay K., Bloomsbury (2019)
Why Enroll in This Course?
This is more than a literature course; it's a cultural expedition. You will encounter the haunting partition through Manto's eyes, feel the struggles of gender and tradition with Amrita Pritam and Perumal Murugan, explore folk mythology with Girish Karnad, and experience the lyrical beauty of Indian poetry. Under the expert guidance of Prof. Divya, you will not just read stories—you will engage with the very fabric of modern India, understanding how translation acts as a vital bridge connecting us to the nation's profound and diverse literary heart.
Category: Humanities and Social Sciences
Level: Undergraduate/Postgraduate
Duration: 12 Weeks
Support Industry: English Department, IIT Madras