IGNOU MEG-14 Block 1 Summary | Background Studies
- Last Updated On October 15, 2025
Table of Contents
Here you will get the detailed summary of IGNOU MEG 14 Block 1 – Background Studies.
We have provided the summary of all units starting from unit 1 to unit 4.
Introduction
Block 1 of IGNOU MEG-14, titled “Background Studies”, introduces the foundational ideas necessary to understand Indian literature in translation. It explores how the concept of Indian literature has evolved through history, the shaping forces of the modern period, the role of comparative studies across different Indian languages, and the importance of English translation in disseminating regional literatures. This block lays the theoretical groundwork for studying the diversity and unity of Indian literary traditions, emphasizing how translation and comparative approaches help in comprehending India’s vast multilingual literary landscape.
Unit 1 – The Concept of Indian Literature
This unit examines the meaning and scope of “Indian Literature” as a concept. It questions whether a single unified Indian literature exists or if it is a collection of many distinct regional literatures bound by shared cultural and historical experiences. The unit discusses the interplay of unity and diversity among various linguistic and literary traditions in India, emphasizing interconnections through themes, influences, and historical continuities. It highlights how religious, social, and cultural movements such as Bhakti and Sufi traditions created a shared literary ethos across regions. It also acknowledges the challenges of defining Indian literature without ignoring linguistic diversity and the risk of homogenization. Ultimately, the unit positions Indian literature as a plural, dialogic entity that reflects India’s composite culture.
Unit 2 – The Concept of Indian Literature: Modern Period
This unit traces the transformation of Indian literature during the modern period, focusing on the effects of colonialism, print culture, and nationalism. It explores how the 19th and early 20th centuries brought new literary forms such as the novel, short story, and modern poetry, alongside the decline of classical traditions. The introduction of the printing press, Western education, and exposure to European literary models influenced regional languages, leading to literary modernization. The rise of nationalism and reform movements inspired writers to address social, political, and moral issues. Literature became a means of cultural resistance and identity formation, fostering a sense of shared Indian consciousness despite linguistic boundaries. The unit thus portrays the modern period as a time of transition when Indian literatures began to redefine themselves in the face of colonial modernity and national awakening.
Unit 3 – Comparative Studies in Indian Literature
This unit introduces the methods and objectives of comparative studies within Indian literature. It argues that comparative literature is essential in a multilingual country like India, where different regional literatures share similar themes, histories, and social realities. The unit explains that comparative study helps reveal both common patterns and unique expressions among Indian literatures, encouraging a broader understanding of cultural interrelations. It discusses various comparative approaches, such as thematic, generic, and structural comparison, and emphasizes the importance of studying texts in their historical and linguistic contexts. The unit also cautions against superficial comparisons that overlook cultural specificity or reinforce linguistic hierarchies. In essence, it promotes comparative study as a means to appreciate India’s literary unity in diversity, viewing different literatures as parts of an interconnected whole.
Unit 4 – English Translation of Indian Literature
This unit focuses on the significance and challenges of translating Indian literatures into English. It explains that translation is a crucial bridge in a multilingual nation, enabling readers from different linguistic backgrounds to access regional works. The unit distinguishes between literal and free translation, highlighting the translator’s role as both interpreter and mediator of culture. It discusses issues of loss, gain, and untranslatability, emphasizing that translation is not merely linguistic but also cultural. The translator must balance faithfulness to the original with the readability of the target text. The unit also reflects on how power dynamics influence translation, as English often dominates as the medium through which Indian works gain national or international recognition. Ultimately, it presents translation as an act of creative interpretation that both preserves and transforms literary meaning, making it central to the study of Indian literature in English.