Comparative Literature and Indian Perspective



Comparative Literature and Indian Perspective

The concept of world literature, while seemingly appealing to the ideals of humanism, has become entangled in discussions of cultural asymmetries and power relations in recent decades. The dominant paradigm, often centered around the metropolis and the periphery, has resulted in a focus on "worlding" the periphery, often through translation into English. The idea of ‘worlding’ itself is the beginning point of power asymmetries. This raises questions about the role of translation, power dynamics, and the representation of diverse literatures. To explore an alternative perspective, this project proposes to examine Sanskrit poetics and its understanding of the purpose of Kavya. By doing so, we aim to contribute to a more nuanced and equitable discourse in world literature, one that challenges the prevailing power dynamics and offers a new framework for understanding and appreciating diverse literary traditions.