LIT 470 · Course

Introduction to Indian Literature

Indian literature plays a crucial role in the South Asian cultural landscape and world literature. Its diversity, philosophical depth, and historical richness offer valuable insights into the human experience. In today’s multipolar world, understanding India’s literary heritage has become more important than ever, especially within the discipline of Comparative Literature.

Ibn Haldun University & UARAJointly organized
Dr. Rahmi Oruç & Rajeev KumarInstructors
14 LecturesWeekly lecture series
Mondays, 1:30 PMIstanbul time

Why Our Course

Students in the West—and, unfortunately, by extension, in the Western-style university system here in Turkey—are primarily introduced to Western literature across its various epochs, eras, and languages. Even if they are acquainted with some excerpts of the Western canon, foundational civilizations like India and China are often neglected. This is a gap we’re passionate about filling.

In our increasingly multipolar world, with India’s growing and diverse population and the shifting geopolitics between China and the US, it’s more important than ever for students to engage with the rich literary traditions of these cultures.

We understand that concepts like “India,” “Indian,” and “Indian literature” are contested terms—constantly being negotiated, politically and socially enforced. That’s why we need to enrich our perspective on these matters.

You Will

Enjoy various literary forms, including sutras, classical Sanskrit epics like the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Tamil epics like Silappadikaram, and drama like Shakuntala, Sufi and Bhakti poetry, Indian films, ghazals, and qawwalis by literary icons such as Amir Khusrau, Mirza Ghalib, and Mir Taqi Mir.
Examine themes such as the caste system, the struggle that led to Dalit literature, the interplay between Buddhist and Vedic traditions, and the role of Islam in South Asian literature and culture.

Lecture Schedule

Weekly lectures by scholars from India, Turkey and the USA

Week1
Orientation

Introduction of the Course

Rajeev Kumar & Rahmi Oruç

30 Sept, Monday · 1:30 PM (Istanbul)

Week2
Buddhist Literature

Dhammapada

Dr. Deepak K. Nair

7 Oct, Monday · 1:30 PM (Istanbul)

Week3
Buddhist Literature

Jatakas (Dasratha Jataka)

Dr. Deepak K. Nair

14 Oct, Monday · 1:30 PM (Istanbul)

Week4
Vedic Literature

Rigveda

Dr. Mritunjay Kumar

21 Oct, Monday · 1:30 PM (Istanbul)

Week5
Vedic Literature

Valmiki Ramayana

Dr. Rakesh Thakur

28 Oct, Monday · 1:30 PM (Istanbul)

Week6
Dravidian Literature

Silappadikaram

Dr. Kannan Prasad

4 Nov, Monday · 1:30 PM (Istanbul)

Week7
Travelogues

Alberuni’s India

Professor Bruce B. Lawrence

11 Nov, Monday · 1:30 PM (Istanbul)

Week8
Vernacular Literature

The Bijak of Kabir

Rajeev Kumar & Dr. Purnendu Ranjan

18 Nov, Monday · 1:30 PM (Istanbul)

Week9
Vernacular Literature

Tulsidas Ramayana

Rajeev Kumar & Dr. Purnendu Ranjan

25 Nov, Monday · 1:30 PM (Istanbul)

Week10
Mughal Literature (Arabic

Persian, Urdu Literature)

Professor Suraiya Faruqui

2 Dec, Monday · 1:30 PM (Istanbul)

Week11
Colonial Literature

Discovery of India

Rajeev Kumar

9 Dec, Monday · 1:30 PM (Istanbul)

Week12
Dalit Literature

Sachi Ramayana

Rajeev Kumar

16 Dec, Monday · 1:30 PM (Istanbul)

Week13
Post-Colonial Literature

Saadat Hasan Manto

Dr. Insha Qayoom Shah

23 Dec, Monday · 1:30 PM (Istanbul)

Week14
Post-Colonial Literature

Amitav Ghosh

Dr. Amina Hussain

30 Dec, Monday · 1:30 PM (Istanbul)

“Indian Literature Lecture Series,” is jointly organized by Comparative Literature Department, Ibn Haldun University, Turkey and the Umran Academic Research Association, India. This lecture series is part of our LIT 470 course, “Introduction to Indian Literature,” taught by Dr. Rahmi Oruç and Rajeev Kumar.