Indian literature is one of the oldest and richest in the world, originating from oral traditions and spanning numerous languages. It began with Vedic hymns orally composed in Sanskrit, the primary sacred language of Hinduism. Over time, Indian literature evolved through distinct periods and was influenced by religion, foreign conquests, and colonial rule, combining classical styles with European influences. Indian literary works are characterized by their focus on piety and religion as well as their composition in epic form.

2. oIndian Literature is one of the oldest
and richest literatures around the
world.
oThe Indian Constitution recognizes
22 official languages. Each language
has its regional literature

4. Oral
Literature
The first Indian literary
work was a collection of
Sanskrit hymns that was
orally transmitted

5. The so-called Vedas which
were either sung, recited
and thought by the
Indians.

6. Sanskrit
Literature
•Sanskrit- is the primary sacred language
of Hinduism, a philosophical language in
Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism
- Literally means refined, adorned
and/or highly decorated

7. •Aryans, nomadic cattle herders
produced a literature written in a
language.

8. •Sanskrit literature is divided into:
 Religious text
-The Vedas
- Brahmanas-prose text about
sacrificial rituals
- Aryanakas -discussion and
interpretation of dangerous rituals

9. Heroic Texts
- Ramayana -an epic by Valmiki about a
perfect prince, perfect wife
- Mahabharata- an extremely long epic
of Vyasal

10. Classical Sanskrit
Literature
•Started with the flowering of the
Gupta dynasty
•Reflected values of Hinduism

11. •Languages used were Sanskrit
and Prakrit
•Influenced by the Caste system
•Motifs were largely based on
religion, mythology and heroism

12. Medieval
Literature
•Unique version of local myths,
legends, romances and epics
emerged
•Islamic dynasties conquered many
territories

13. Colonial Period To
Independence
•The era wherein European traders
reached and colonized the Indian
subcontinent
•The Literature in this time combined the
classical Indian literature with the
European style of writing

15. Indian literature is based on
piety, a deeply religious
[CHARACTERISTICS OF INDIAN LITERATURE]

16. [CHARACTERISTICS OF INDIAN LITERATURE]
Indian literary masterpieces are
written in epic form.