Socialism And Literature In India In The Twentieth Century

Module description

This module introduces participants to the study of political radicalism and literature in India during the 20^th century. The primary texts range from short stories and novels, to poetry and literary manifestos.

This module thinks about the diverse ways in which Indian artists on the left in the twentieth century have confronted questions of how to represent and reach out to “the people” and how to create support for radical political projects. We will look at the forms and content of literary radicalism in India, with a focus on the Indian Progressive Writers’ Association, founded in 1936. How did these writers represent the intersections between caste, class, race, and gender? How did they represent religion? We will also consider Marx’s engagement with India and AIPWA’s relationship with politically radical ideas. The course considers the complex relationship between literature and political radicalism in India as one that is locally generated and globally informed, but nationalistically problematic.

 

Assessment details

1 x 3000 word essay (100%) 

Educational aims & objectives

Students will gain knowledge and expertise in the history and politics of the All-India Progressive Writers’ Movement. They will become familiar with the key writings of its important figures from the 1930s to the 1950s. They will come to understand the main themes, issues, and formative influences in this radical literary movement, and they will acquire an understanding of how this movement dealt with issues of sexuality, caste, class, and religion.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course, students will be able to demonstrate intellectual, transferable and practicable skills appropriate to a Level 5 (or 6) module and in particular will be able to:

• Develop the knowledge and critical skills to analyse the relationship between politics and literature.
• Develop critical analytical skills for understanding the modes, techniques, and politics of representation in radical literary texts.
• Comprehend the different genres that went into the making of a radical literature in India in the 20^th
• Have an understanding of the institutions, networks, tensions, and key debates within 20^th century progressive literary movements in India.

Teaching pattern

1 hour lecture and 1 hour seminar, weekly

Suggested reading list

• Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, The Communist Manifesto (1848)
• Karl Marx, Capital (Excerpts)
• All India Progressive Writers’ Movement Manifestos
• Sajjad Zaheer ed. Angarey (1932)
• Ismat Chughtai, Selected Short Stories
• Sadaat Hasan Manto, Selected Short Stories
• Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Selected Poems
• Mulk Raj Anand, Untouchable (1935)

Module description disclaimer

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Please note that the module descriptions above are related to the current academic year and are subject to change.