Why translation is critical, explains Rana Dasgupta, director of India’s newest and richest prize for literature.
What defines the pulse of a country? Often, it’s great literature. The undercurrent of Vikram Seth’s A Suitable Boy is the aftermath of Independence, while Ali Smith’s recent Autumn (2016) is as much a chronicle of post-Brexit Britain as it is an unconventional love story. But if that’s the case, India’s narrative is limited—what we call ‘Indian literature’ doesn’t take into consideration the volume of writing in regional languages. As literary director of the JCB Prize for Literature, author Rana Dasgupta looks to make a difference. The country’s newest—and richest, at ₹25 lakh—prize for literature not only accepts translations but encourages them. Of four entries a publisher is allowed, two are reserved for translated works. “What’s going to happen, I think, in the first year is that many will only have two books to enter. In subsequent years they’ll ensure to have at least two translations. Which means it’ll start to create translations where there weren’t before,” he says. Beyond that, Dasgupta has created a diverse jury of people engaged in contemporary society, from different fields and age groups—filmmaker Deepa Mehta, entrepreneur Rohan Murty, theoretical physicist Priyamvada Natarajan, novelist Vivek Shanbag, and translator Arshia Sattar. Here, Dasgupta talks to Bazaar about widening the scope of Indian literature.
Denne historien er fra May 2018-utgaven av Harper's Bazaar India.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra May 2018-utgaven av Harper's Bazaar India.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Unyielding And Unmatched
In an industry where every move is scrutinised, Kareena Kapoor Khan lives passionately, loves her job, and understands that there’s more to her than just box-office numbers.
SEEN AND HEARD
Female authors explore how crucial it is that women write about their personal experiences.
INTO THE WORLD OF JUDY CHICAGO
What makes the feminist trailblazer an icon?
'THE LEGACY OF A SINGER WILL ALWAYS STAY INTACT'
AR Rahman believes AI can be used without compromising on the artistic essence.
THROUGH HER EYES
Indian supermodels remember legendary photographer Prabuddha Dasgupta ahead of his 68th birth anniversary.
THE SHAPE-SHIFTERS
From adorning your body to your mantle piece, jewellery designers are turning to homeware.
WEARABLE ART
Three limited-edition timepieces, inspired by Gaston-Louis Vuitton's love for artistry, is an ode to the Maison's legacy of craftsmanship.
AS LONG AS TIME
Bazaar India delves into the ethos of watch brands.
MILANO MAKEOVER
Sabato De Sarno's reimagination of this classic Gucci bag is is an ode to his Milanese becoming.
A LOVE LETTER TO JAIPUR
Designer Surily Goel reveals the making of her latest collection.