Reclaiming Identity: A Postcolonial Analysis of Indian English Literature
Author : Dr. Gajanan Malviya
Abstract :
This paper explores the postcolonial identity formation in Indian English literature, analysing the ways in which authors reclaim cultural, historical, and personal identities through their literary works. Focusing on the period post-1947, the study examines how Indian writers address the complexities of colonial legacies, nationalism, and modernity through various narrative strategies, including language hybridization, non-linear storytelling, and engagement with indigenous mythologies. It discusses the significant influence of historical events such as colonialism, independence, and Partition on the development of postcolonial literature, highlighting how these events shape the characters, themes, and conflicts in works by authors like Salman Rushdie, Arundhati Roy, and Amitav Ghosh. The paper also emphasizes the intersectionality of gender, caste, and class within the postcolonial context, illustrating how marginalized voices find expression through literature. Additionally, the analysis delves into the evolving narrative techniques, such as magical realism and fragmented narratives, that reflect the hybrid nature of postcolonial identity. Through these discussions, the paper aims to underscore the continuing relevance of Indian English literature as a powerful tool for examining and negotiating postcolonial identity in contemporary times.
Keywords :
Postcolonial identity, Indian English literature, hybrid language, narrative techniques, colonialism, nationalism, Partition, gender, caste, magical realism.
