In recent years, there has been a notable tendency among Indian readers selecting novels by foreign authors over those by Indian writers. While various circumstances influence this choice, it also reflects broader concerns about literary preferences, cultural perceptions, and the evolving interplay between global and local narratives. This development has ramifications not just for Indian writers and the local publishing sector but also for the way consumers connect with literature and their own cultural identity. In this article, we will investigate the numerous reasons for this choice, the issues it causes for Indian writers, and the possible strategies to bridge the gap between foreign and Indian literature.
One of the key reasons why Indian readers generally gravitate toward foreign writers is the worldwide appeal of international literature. Many readers in India are attracted to Western literary titans, such as J.K. Rowling, George Orwell, Paulo Coelho, or Haruki Murakami, whose books earn worldwide recognition and are considered as establishing literary standards. These writers create tales that represent universal themes like love, struggle, identity, and freedom, which appeal with readers across cultures. Additionally, award-winning publications like those recognized by the Nobel Prize or Booker Prize have a certain reputation, prompting Indian readers to prefer them.
Language plays a vital role in shaping literary interests. As a global language, English allows international authors, especially those from English-speaking countries like the U.S. and the U.K., to reach larger audiences, including Indian readers. Publishers promote their works with greater worldwide visibility, making them widely accessible in bookstores, libraries, and online venues. In contrast, many Indian authors, particularly those writing in regional languages like Hindi, Tamil, or Bengali, struggle with limited visibility. Even Indian authors who write in English often find it difficult to compete with the polished narratives of Western writers, as readers typically perceive their works as lacking the same level of complexity or refinement.
Foreign vs. Indian Authors: A Reader’s Dilemma : Another significant aspect driving the attraction to foreign literature is the sense of ambition and escape that these novels convey. For many readers, foreign literature provides a glimpse into faraway countries and lifestyles that feel intriguing or different from their everyday experiences. This curiosity about the “exotic” often leads readers to explore foreign stories, whether through novels set in bustling New York streets or historical tales unfolding in the English countryside. In contrast, novels by Indian authors—especially those addressing familiar societal themes like caste, poverty, or family drama—can feel too close to home for readers seeking to escape into the realm of fiction.
Marketing and book publishing techniques can strongly affect reader preferences. International publishing firms sometimes have higher expenditures for marketing international writers and distributing their works in India. Bestseller lists, book fairs, and social media influencers prefer to spotlight foreign publications, further reinforcing the perception that these are the books worth reading. In contrast, Indian writers typically have obstacles in acquiring the same amount of visibility, and their works may struggle to reach bigger audiences. Even prominent Indian writers like Chetan Bhagat and Arundhati Roy often find themselves regarded as anomalies rather than the norm, while the range of regional literary talent remains widely unappreciated.
The school system in India has an equally vital influence in developing reading interests. Many students grow up reading works by Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, or Robert Frost as part of their education. They have minimal exposure to Indian writers, usually limited to a few compulsory classics. As a result, readers become more familiar with Western literary traditions. They may develop a natural preference for foreign literature as they grow older. In contrast, modern Indian literature often lacks representation in school curricula. This creates a gap between readers and their own literary legacy.
Also read: Piracy vs. Publishing: Who Pays the Price?
Foreign authors enjoy popularity among Indian readers, but this trend creates obstacles for Indian writers. Many new Indian writers struggle to gain attention, despite producing important and high-quality work. This conflict intensifies because readers often see Indian writing as limited to specific genres. These include mythology and social realism. In contrast, they view foreign writers as offering a broader range of genres. These genres include fantasy, science fiction, and literary fiction. As a result, Indian authors frequently feel pressured to conform to certain standards or imitate foreign styles to attract readers.
However, it is important to recognize that the preference for international writers does not mean Indian readers lack respect for native writing. Many Indian writers have built dedicated readerships over the years. Writers like Ruskin Bond, R.K. Narayan, and Jhumpa Lahiri have carved out their space with stories rooted in Indian realities. Their work also appeals to a global audience. Additionally, the rise of literary events like the Jaipur Literature Festival shows a growing interest in Indian literature. The increasing popularity of Indian writing on online platforms indicates that Indian literature is reclaiming its position in the spotlight.
Foreign vs. Indian Authors: A Reader’s Dilemma: To rectify the disparity between foreign and Indian writers, we need to implement numerous initiatives. Publishers can play a significant role by investing more in promoting Indian writers. They should also expand the range of genres they publish. Schools and colleges can include more modern Indian literature in their curricula. This inclusion can help students develop a greater respect for their literary heritage. Readers can make a deliberate effort to explore Indian writers. They can discover the wealth of stories within their own culture. Digital platforms like Kindle, Storytel, and Audible make it easier for readers to access regional and contemporary Indian literature. These platforms provide opportunities to explore diverse perspectives.
Related Blog: The Challenges Of Cross Genre Publishing
In conclusion, the preference for foreign authors over Indian writers reflects a complex phenomenon. This preference is shaped by global appeal, language, marketing strategies, and cultural attitudes. Foreign literature offers readers an escape and exposure to diverse realms. However, it is equally important to recognize the value of local stories. Indian writers bring unique perspectives and cultural richness to the literary scene. Supporting them is essential for fostering a diverse and dynamic literary culture. As readers recognize the need to balance global and local writing, optimism grows. Indian writers may finally gain the acclaim they deserve. The goal should be to create a literary ecosystem. In this ecosystem, both foreign and Indian writers can thrive and enhance the reading experience for everyone.
