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.
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
Lecture Schedule
Weekly lectures by scholars from India, Turkey and the USA
The Bijak of Kabir
Rajeev Kumar & Dr. Purnendu Ranjan
18 Nov, Monday · 1:30 PM (Istanbul)
Tulsidas Ramayana
Rajeev Kumar & Dr. Purnendu Ranjan
25 Nov, Monday · 1:30 PM (Istanbul)
Persian, Urdu Literature)
Professor Suraiya Faruqui
2 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.
