INDIAN ENGLISH LITERATURE & NATION: IDENTITY, CULTURE AND POLITICS

We are pleased to present this volume of revised and peer-reviewed papers originally presented at the National Conference on Indian English Literature and the Nation: Identity, Culture, and Politics held at Karnatak Arts, Science and Commerce College, Bidar in Februray 2025. The conference served as a vibrant platform for academicians, researchers, and scholars to critically engage with the evolving contours of Indian English literature in relation to the ever-shifting narratives of nationhood, identity formation, cultural expression, and political discourse. 
This volume captures the intellectual spirit and scholarly rigor of the deliberations held during the conference. The essays included here explore a wide range of topics—from the postcolonial legacy and diasporic identities to gender politics, regional consciousness, and the interplay between literature and socio-political realities in contemporary India. Through diverse methodological approaches and critical frameworks, contributors interrogate how Indian English writers reflect, resist, and reshape notions of the nation and its constituent identities. 
At a time when questions surrounding nationalism, cultural pluralism, and identity politics have gained renewed urgency, this collection offers timely insights into the role of literature as both a mirror and a critique of the nation’s journey. It is our hope that this book will not only contribute to the academic discourse in Indian English literary studies but also inspire new lines of inquiry for future research. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the contributors for their scholarly work, to the organizing committee for their support, and to the peer reviewers for their valuable feedback. Special thanks are due to the editorial team for their dedication in bringing this volume to fruition. 
We invite readers—students, scholars, and general enthusiasts of literature—to engage with the chapters that follow and join the ongoing conversation around literature and nationhood in the Indian context.