History of Indian Literature by Riddhima Sen

Indian literature is a varied body of literary works. Starting off with Sanskrit literature, the literary works in modern times are quite different in nature. Sanskrit plays had an epic at the centre. Plays like ‘Malvika Agnimitra’ and ‘Meghdut’ talk about how substructures of mythological stories are significant in the literary world. Sanskrit plays were divided into ten variations, often referred to as the Dasarupaka. Each type has its own particular characteristic, setting it apar from the other segments or divisions. While Nataka deals with an epic, Prahasana mocks the nobility and the society. Prahasan developed in Bengal with the introduction by none other than Michael Madhusudan Dutta.
In the beginning of the nineteenth century, European literature slowly began to influence Indian literature. With the grasp of the invader gradually increasing, the egging on started to reach a cultural and literary level too. The first Bengali historical novel was written by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay. He explored social and historical themes in almost all of his works. While ‘The Poison Tree’ or ‘Bishbrikkho’ takes a closer look at the complicity of illicit relationships, ‘Durgesh Nandini’ portrays heroic chivalry in its truest essence. A warrior hero protecting a woman.