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 LiteratureThe 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.

SanskritLiterature

•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

MedievalLiterature

•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

Indian literature is based on piety, a deeply

religious spirit.

[CHARACTERISTICS OF INDIAN LITERATURE]

[CHARACTERISTICS OF INDIAN LITERATURE]

Indian literary masterpieces are written in epic form.