Backtrack to Future ::: Indian writing in English and western influence :::: When Mulk Raj Anand said -- "I and R K Narayan were influenced by E M Foster ….because I stayed in UK I was also touched by Charles Dickens"

"I and R K Narayan were influenced by E M Foster….In my case, because I stayed in UK for 25 years, I was also touched by Charles Dickens. There’s nothing wrong in being influenced by western writers," Mulk Raj Anand had said in 2001 in Mumbai.  

This interview was done in 2001 for Press Trust of India when I was posted in Mumbai.

The story was run in usual PTI-news story format and published in many papers including in regional languages. 

Mulk Raj Anand 

My Question to him was : 

What about the beginning of English writing in India by Indians, we started with that. Moreover, the political and social influence on you particularly in pre-Independence days?

Mulk Raj Anand: 

Yes, I love to talk on these subjects and may miss my trip to Khandala.

‘Untouchable’ could appear a socio-political work, but it was based on certain experience. Published in 1935 the story was based on my aunt's experience when she had a meal with a Muslim woman and was treated as an outcast. 

Bakha is a protagonist I created then – a sweeper. But things have hardly changed for Bakha in all these years ! 

People often talk about our writers getting influenced by western writers and their style. 

To begin with, I and R K Narayan were influenced by E M Foster….In my case, because I stayed in UK for 25 years, I was also touched by Charles Dickens. 

There’s nothing wrong in being influenced by western writers." 

Khushwant Singh 

I interviewed legend Khushwant Singh more than once between 1998 and 1999.

In early 1999, I spoke to him for a special write up for PTI Golden Jubiliee Souvinir.

One of my questions was -- 

# Tell us about your impression on Indian writing in English in the 20th century?

Khushwant responded: 

Well for the first time I think India has emerged on the world writing map. The tremendous contribution made by our writers in English has made it possible for writers outside English speaking countries to earn a niche for themselves. 

We have produced a stream of first rate writers. 

They are not only Indian writers but also writers in their own right. Two-three names I can take are Raja Rao, R K Narayan, Mulk Raj Anand and of course Nirad babu (Nirad C Chaudhuri) .... then comes Salman Rushdie, Vikram Seth, Ruskin Bond…another name Amitava Ghosh.  

PTI-  Souvinir  Cover Page - published 1999 

# Question:

Do works of Indian writers in English really reflect the realities of Indian societies? Are they alive to social awakening?

Khushwant Singh: 

Usually this is the complaint against English writers. But this is never true. Such criticism stems from jealousy than anything else. 

Because, generally themes of all their works are based in India. And they handle both the plot and the theme with greater sensitivity and skill than the writers in other Indian languages – like Urdu, Punjabi and Bengali, of which I mostly read translation works.

 

I will also say that English writers display a sharper eye and taste for depth and details. 

They also cover a wider landscape than other Indian languages. ‘Arey yaar’ in Indian languages there is no equivalent for many English phrases and words. To Indian writers birds can only fly in neela asmaan (blue sky). 

English writers put a lot of research and specify the wide-ranging varieties of birds and animals. Have you seen that ‘Everest Hotel’ by Allen Sealy.

Nirad C Chaudhuri 

See 2015 blog on extracts of interview with Khushwant Singh 

Link

Just to name a few greats .... 

Ruth Prawer Jhabvala 

...was a significant figure in Indian Writing in English, known for her unique perspective as an "American-British-German turned Indian" writer.

Many said she primarily wrote for a Western audience. 

Her work, which often focused on the nuances of Indian social life and culture, is a prominent subject of critical analysis in studies of the genre. 

R K Narayan was always a favourite and a great. 

He received numerous honors, including the Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan, India's third and second highest awards.  

R.K. Narayan is famous for his work as a key figure in early Indian English literature, celebrated for his fictional town of Malgudi and his simple, yet profound, storytelling.

His style captured the essence of everyday Indian life with humor and compassion. His works, like Malgudi Days and The Guide, gained international acclaim.

R K Narayan 

 

ends