In what ways was the novel in colonial india useful for both the c olonizers as well as the nationalists
Answers
Colonial administrators found ‘vernacular’ novels a valuable source of information on native life and customs. This information was useful for them in governing the Indian society, where there was a large variety of communities and castes.
The new novels in Indian languages had descriptions of domestic life of the people. They portrayed the culture, dress code, habits, religious beliefs and practises of the people of that particular region. Some books were translated into English, by British administrators or Christian missionaries.
Nationalists used novels to criticise the defects in the society and suggest remedies. Writers used novel to propagate their ideas about society among a wider readership.
Novels were used to establish a link with the past. Thrilling stories of adventures and intrigues of the past were retold in these novels. This created a sense of pride in the minds of the Indians.
In colonial India, novelists were anxious about the society. They were disturbed about colonial rule and the way Indians were treated by the British. Colonial rulers regarded the contemporary culture of India as inferior.
Indian novelists tried to produce a sense of national belonging and cultural equality with their colonial masters, through their writings. So in this way we can say that novel in colonial India was useful for both the colonisers as well as the nationalists.