The Interplay of Indian and Western Interpretative Traditions in Hindu Literary Thought
Abstract
The Interplay of Indian and Western Interpretative Traditions in Hindu Literary Thought
Vishal Dubey
This article examines the interplay between Indian and Western interpretive traditions in Hindu literary thought, focusing on texts like the Ṛgveda, Upaniṣads, Bhagavad Gītā, Rāmāyana, and Śrīmadbhāgavata. It explores Indian hermeneutics through the folk tradition of kathā and ākhyāyikās, which popularize philosophical ideas via oral narratives, and the scholarly tradition of ṭīkā, including vārttikas and bhāṣya, which offer systematic exegesis. These approaches root Hindu texts in dharma and ṛta, sustaining them as dynamic cultural entities. The article critiques Western literary theories—structuralism, poststructuralism, postcolonialism, and feminism—introduced during colonial times, which provide analytical rigor but often impose alien frameworks, obscuring concepts like darśana and rasa. It highlights Western biases, such as orientalism and Eurocentrism, which misinterpret texts like the Ṛgveda and Bhagavad Gītā, marginalizing their spiritual depth. Advocating a dialogic approach, the article integrates Indian hermeneutics (mīmāṃsā, dhvani) with Western methods to enrich understanding while preserving indigenous essence. Through textual analysis with deep insight, the study underscores the need to counter external distortions, ensuring Hindu literary thought remains vibrant and relevant across diverse global contexts.
Keywords: katha, mīmāṃsā, dhvani, structuralism, poststructuralism, postcolonialism, feminism.