Indian Literature is one of the oldest and richest literatures around the

world. The Indian Constitution recognizes 22 official languages. Each

language has its regional literature
Oral Literature The first Indian literary work was a collection of Sanskrit
hymns that was orally transmitted
The so-called Vedas which were either sung, recited and thought by the
Indians.
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
Aryans, nomadic cattle herders produced a literature written in a
language.
Sanskrit literature is divided into: Religious text -The Vedas - Brahmanas-
prose text about sacrificial rituals - Aryanakas -discussion and
interpretation of dangerous rituals
Heroic Texts - Ramayana -an epic by Valmiki about a perfect prince,
perfect wife - Mahabharata- an extremely long epic of Vyasal
Classical Sanskrit Literature Started with the flowering of the Gupta
dynasty Reflected values of Hinduism
Languages used were Sanskrit and Prakrit Influenced by the Caste
system Motifs were largely based on religion, mythology and heroism
Medieval Literature Unique version of local myths, legends, romances
and epics emerged Islamic dynasties conquered many territories
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
Indian literature is based on piety, a deeply religious [CHARACTERISTICS OF
INDIAN LITERATURE]
[CHARACTERISTICS OF INDIAN LITERATURE] Indian literary masterpieces are
written in epic form.