A lot can be written ‘About Us’ … However we only intend to write about and portray the rare gems hoarded in the coffer of Indian English Literature. For a long time the integrity of Indian writing in English was questioned and it was treated as marginal to the mainstream of English literature. Tagged as “Commonwealth Literature” or enmeshed by the post-colonial cobweb – Indian writing in English was largely pushed to the precincts by Indians and Others alike. While Indian scoffed at Indian English literature accusing it of frivolity or elitism, the world outside derided it as an insignificant fringe-ling. It was definitely a challenge for the Indian writers to write about their experiences and to create sense of reality and intensity of Indian life in the medium of English language - a language which developed in a very different cultural setting. But with the passage of time Indian writing in English has become assimilated and is today a dynamic element of the Indian culture. Although English writing has been there in India since the early nineteenth century – it is only recently that the Indian English Writers are making ripples in the International literary circle. For decades after Independence, Indian writers in English were scruffily published, seldom reviewed and sold hardly any copies. Until the late 1980s, barely 10 Indian writers were published internationally. Now there seem to be 10 new ones emerging every year. This surely indicates the prestige and draw that Indian writers have started enjoying now. But skepticisms still prevails. Often there is the apprehension that the boisterous bubble of popularity might just burst and the hype and hullabaloo would desert Indian English writing. Our efforts are directed towards proving this apprehension as baseless and false. Indian English Literature is not just a tender leaf to be blown away by a whiff of wind or to grow pale and yellow with time. It is a vibrant and dynamic part of Indian Culture that grows and breathes stronger with each and every passing moment.

This surely is an ambitious venture on our part. However showcasing Indian English Literary culture couldn’t have been possible with lesser motivation. We intend to uphold this vibrant side of India and provide a platform for all enthusiastic literary voices to speak up. Indian English Literature is the new voice of India and we strive to enhance its audibility.

E-mail: iel@indianenglishliterature.com