Indian Classical Literature in English Translations
Quote from Rohan on August 28, 2025, 3:52 pmI have noticed that our syllabuses now include many ancient, epic, and religious texts, primarily from Hindu literature, in English translation. How can one study them efficiently? BA students, when they enrol in the English Major course, have to study these ancient Sanskrit texts in English translation at the very beginning of the course. I believe, based on my experience, that it must be difficult for them because they seldom have a substantial understanding of concepts like genre, technical terms like plot, protagonist, antagonist, reversal, and many more. Any suggestions, guys?
Thanks!
I have noticed that our syllabuses now include many ancient, epic, and religious texts, primarily from Hindu literature, in English translation. How can one study them efficiently? BA students, when they enrol in the English Major course, have to study these ancient Sanskrit texts in English translation at the very beginning of the course. I believe, based on my experience, that it must be difficult for them because they seldom have a substantial understanding of concepts like genre, technical terms like plot, protagonist, antagonist, reversal, and many more. Any suggestions, guys?
Thanks!
Quote from MehtaSamridhi on August 28, 2025, 4:10 pmWith the new education policy, the NEP, being rolled out and new syllabi being adopted, it is natural to face such instances. I agree with @RohanKumarEng, and he raises some serious concerns. How can we expect a BA 1st semester student to understand Kalidasa or Sudraka or even Homer and Virgil if they don’t have any idea about the fundamental concepts of technical and operative terms that dominate literature? Catharsis, motif, plot, storyline, agonise, metaphor, irony, imagery... these are some of the terms that come to mind instantly as soon as I think of literature. Professors will have to come to terms with the fact that they must first explain these terms to students before introducing them to the great works of literature in English translation. I hope to receive other opinions from members and experts in this field.
With the new education policy, the NEP, being rolled out and new syllabi being adopted, it is natural to face such instances. I agree with @RohanKumarEng, and he raises some serious concerns. How can we expect a BA 1st semester student to understand Kalidasa or Sudraka or even Homer and Virgil if they don’t have any idea about the fundamental concepts of technical and operative terms that dominate literature? Catharsis, motif, plot, storyline, agonise, metaphor, irony, imagery... these are some of the terms that come to mind instantly as soon as I think of literature. Professors will have to come to terms with the fact that they must first explain these terms to students before introducing them to the great works of literature in English translation. I hope to receive other opinions from members and experts in this field.
Quote from Dr Alok Mishra on August 29, 2025, 3:15 pmGood one, @RohanKumarEng!
I do understand your perspective. Thanks to @MehtaSamridhi for her valuable inputs! It is an essential aspect of studying and teaching literature at various levels, and we all need to understand it. While I understand the intent to introduce Indian students to the classics of our ancient literature and find it a noble idea, we may need to ensure participation from the young students first. To call forth and induce that participation, we have to raise their interest and enthusiasm about literature, first of all. And that is only possible by making them understand the nuances, terms, as Samridhi suggested, and many other introductory ideas, so that the mesmerising maze does not become an unscalable labyrinth for them.
I will post a detailed analysis on this.
Thanks
Good one, @RohanKumarEng!
I do understand your perspective. Thanks to @MehtaSamridhi for her valuable inputs! It is an essential aspect of studying and teaching literature at various levels, and we all need to understand it. While I understand the intent to introduce Indian students to the classics of our ancient literature and find it a noble idea, we may need to ensure participation from the young students first. To call forth and induce that participation, we have to raise their interest and enthusiasm about literature, first of all. And that is only possible by making them understand the nuances, terms, as Samridhi suggested, and many other introductory ideas, so that the mesmerising maze does not become an unscalable labyrinth for them.
I will post a detailed analysis on this.
Thanks