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Encyclopaedia of Indian Literature

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About this book

A Major Activity Of The Sahitya Akademi Is The Preparation Of An Encyclopaedia Of Indian Literature. The Venture, Covering Twenty-Two Languages Of India, Is The First Of Its Kind. Written In English, The Encyclopaedia Gives A Comprehensive Idea Of The Growth And Development Of Indian Literature. The Entries On Authors, Books And General Topics Have Been Tabulated By The Concerned Advisory Boards And Finalised By A Steering Committee. Hundreds Of Writers All Over The Country Contributed Articles On Various Topics. The Encyclopaedia, Planned As A Six-Volume Project, Has Been Brought Out. The Sahitya Akademi Embarked Upon This Project In Right Earnest In 1984. The Efforts Of The Highly Skilled And Professional Editorial Staff Started Showing Results And The First Volume Was Brought Out In 1987. The Second Volume Was Brought Out In 1988, The Third In 1989, The Fourth In 1991, The Fifth In 1992, And The Sixth Volume In 1994. All The Six Volumes Together Include Approximately 7500 Entries On Various Topics, Literary Trends And Movements, Eminent Authors And Significant Works. The First Three Volume Were Edited By Prof. Amaresh Datta, Fourth And Fifth Volume By Mohan Lal And Sixth Volume By Shri K.C.Dutt.
Language
English
Publisher
Sahitya Akademi
Release date
January 1, 1987
Downloads
2

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A clearer way to understand Encyclopaedia of Indian Literature through themes, characters, and key ideas

This reading guide highlights what stands out in Encyclopaedia of Indian Literature through 3 core themes. It is meant to help readers decide whether the book fits their taste and deepen the reading once they begin.

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What the book is doing

Amaresh Datta's 'Encyclopaedia of Indian Literature' is a monumental multi-volume reference work compiled by the Sahitya Akademi, India's National Academy of Letters. It meticulously documents the vast and diverse literary traditions across India's numerous languages and dialects. This encyclopedic endeavor provides detailed entries on authors, works, movements, genres, and critical concepts, spanning ancient to modern periods. It serves as an indispensable resource for scholars, students, and enthusiasts seeking to navigate the rich tapestry of Indian literary heritage, celebrating its linguistic pluralism and cultural depth.

Key Themes

Linguistic Pluralism and Diversity

The encyclopaedia's most striking theme is its unwavering commitment to showcasing the immense linguistic diversity of India. It meticulously documents literature from dozens of languages, from ancient Sanskrit and classical Tamil to modern regional languages and Indian English, emphasizing that 'Indian Literature' is not monolithic but a rich tapestry woven from countless linguistic threads. This theme challenges any singular definition of national literature, celebrating the unique contributions of each linguistic tradition while also highlighting their interconnectedness.

The Making of a National Literary Canon

This encyclopaedia, by its very act of compilation, engages with the complex process of canon formation. It implicitly raises questions about which authors, works, and movements are deemed 'significant' enough for inclusion, and by extension, for national recognition. While striving for comprehensiveness, any such project inherently shapes the perception of what constitutes 'Indian Literature,' reflecting the academic and cultural politics of its time. It represents a deliberate attempt to forge a unified literary identity for a diverse nation.

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The Encyclopaedia of Indian Literature is a testament to the vibrant and multi-faceted literary traditions that define the soul of India.
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What are the inherent challenges in compiling a comprehensive literary encyclopaedia for a country as linguistically and culturally diverse as India?

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