Thursday | 16 January 2025 | Reg No- 06
বাংলা
   
Thursday | 16 January 2025 | Epaper

How Indian books affecting our publishing industry

Published : Tuesday, 5 March, 2024 at 12:00 AM  Count : 1192
Rajeev Ahmed
In the contemporary literary landscape, where globalization has ostensibly bridged gaps between cultures and narratives, the dissemination of Indian English literature through Western publishing houses has cast a long shadow, particularly over countries like Bangladesh. Lets dive into the complex labyrinth  of this literary exchange, focusing on how Western-backed Indian writers books, including non-fiction, are reshaping the bookstore shelves in Bangladesh, to the detriment of local literary culture.

The Intricacies of Representation and Authenticity: At the heart of this discourse lies the issue of representation and authenticity. Books like Aravind Adigas "The White Tiger" have garnered international acclaim for their portrayal of so called  Indias underbelly. However, these narratives often cater to a Western palate, hungry for exoticized portrayals of Eastern societies. This not only simplifies the rich tapestry of Indian life but also sets a problematic precedent for what constitutes a "sellable" narrative about South Asia.

The global success of books like "Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert, though not by an Indian author, reflects how Western audiences consume the exotic cultures of the East. This has encouraged a trend where narratives about India often emphasize spirituality or exoticism, potentially at the expense of other stories that do not fit this mold.

Jhumpa Lahiris work, including "Interpreter of Maladies," is celebrated for its nuanced portrayal of the Indian diaspora. However, discussions around her work sometimes question the extent to which the narratives are shaped to meet Western expectations of diasporic literature, highlighting the balance authors must strike between authenticity and marketability.

Indian authors writing in English, like Amitav Ghosh and Chetan Bhagat, have gained international acclaim. However, this spotlight often misses regional language authors who may offer equally compelling, if not more authentic, narratives. This disparity raises questions about whose voices are amplified and why.

Vikram Seths "A Suitable Boy," while widely acclaimed, has also been critiqued for its reception among Western audiences as an all-encompassing portrayal of Indian culture, despite being a snapshot of a particular time and community. This underscores the risk of cultural misinterpretation when narratives are read outside their cultural context.

The reception of Chitra Banerjee Divakarunis "The Palace of Illusions" varied widely, with some praising its feminist retelling of the Mahabharata, while others critiqued it for playing into Western stereotypes of Indian mysticism and patriarchy.

Through these examples, its clear that while Western publication of Indian English literature has brought Indian voices to a global audience, it also raises critical questions about representation, authenticity, and the dynamics of cultural exchange. These insights underscore the importance of approaching such literature with a critical eye, recognizing the broader context in which these works are produced and consumed.

The Commercialization of Culture: Western publishings influence extends beyond just the narratives. Its about the commercialization of culture, where narratives about India, and by extension South Asia, are often selected for their marketability to Western audiences. This trend sidelines authentic stories that might not align with these commercial interests, creating a skewed representation of Indian and South Asian cultures.

Subsequently,  authors face pressure to alter their narratives or writing styles to suit Western tastes, which could compromise the integrity of their work. Its crucial to consider how much of the final published work reflects the authors vision and how much is shaped by the publishing houses expectations.

Besides, theres an inherent power dynamic at play when Western publishers control the access to global markets. This can affect which authors get published and whose stories are heard on the international stage. It raises questions about equity, diversity, and inclusivity within the literary world.

The Impact on Bangladeshs Literary Scene: The repercussions of this trend are acutely felt in Bangladeshs book industry. The preference for Indian printed books, both Indian and Western titles, in Bangladeshi bookstores is not just a matter of literary taste but a significant economic issue. These imported books, sold at higher prices, offer bookstores higher margins compared to local publications. Consequently, local publishers, who already operate on thin margins, are squeezed further, receiving lower commissions and facing dwindling shelf space for Bangladeshi authors.

This influx of imported literature stifles the local literary ecosystem, limiting the opportunities for Bangladeshi writers to be published and read in their own country. The narrative diversity and the richness of Bangladeshs own stories risk being overshadowed by the dominant Indian and Western narratives, creating a literary monoculture on the bookstore shelves.

The Cultural and Economic Dichotomy: The situation is further complicated by the economic realities of publishing. The costs involved in printing and distributing books locally are often higher due to economies of scale, which imported books from India, benefitting from larger print runs and lower costs, do not face. This economic dichotomy puts local publishers at a disadvantage, unable to compete on price and reach.

Moreover, the preference for these imported books reflects a broader cultural colonisation, where Western and Western-backed narratives are given precedence, undermining the local literary culture and the appreciation for homegrown stories. This not only impacts the economic viability of local authors and publishers but also affects the cultural narrative, shaping what stories are told and who gets to tell them.

A Call for Equitable Literary Exchange: The current scenario calls for a critical reevaluation of the literary exchange between the West, India, and countries like Bangladesh. While the globalization of literature opens up avenues for cross-cultural dialogue, it should not come at the expense of local literary ecosystems. There is a need for more equitable practices that ensure the sustainability of local book industries and the diversity of narratives.

Encouraging policies that support local publishers, creating platforms for local authors, and fostering a culture that values homegrown literature are steps toward redressing this imbalance. Equally important is the role of readers in recognizing and supporting the wealth of stories within their own borders, challenging the narrative hegemony of imported literature.

While the local distribution of foreign English literature by Western and Indian publishers is often seen as enriching the local perspective on South Asian stories, it has simultaneously inflicted significant damage on Bangladeshs literary culture. This influence extends far beyond mere economics, striking at the very heart of the nations intellectual security and cultural identity, akin to a psychological operation undermining the foundational aspects of its literary and intellectual landscape. Addressing these challenges requires a concerted effort from publishers, policymakers, and readers alike, aiming for a literary exchange that enriches rather than diminishes the diverse fabric of South Asian stories.

The writer is a  Geopolitical Analyst, Strategic Thinker and Editor at geopolits.com



LATEST NEWS
MOST READ
Also read
This is right time to dismantle RAB
Beware of fireworks on the eve of new year 
Peace in Myanmar, region depends on lasting solution to Rohingya issue
What to do for physical and mental health 
Goodbye 2024: A year marked by new escalated conflicts
Accountability is a must-but how?
Comrade Moni Singh: A legend of sacrifice in politics
A better tomorrow with the awakening of 2024
Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury
Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Online: 41053014; Advertisement: 41053012.
E-mail: district@dailyobserverbd.com, news©dailyobserverbd.com, advertisement©dailyobserverbd.com, For Online Edition: mailobserverbd©gmail.com
🔝
close