The first English book in India was written by Thomas Stephens, a Jesuit missionary. The book, titled “Arte da Lingoa Canarim,” was a grammar guide for the Konkani language and was published in 1640.
The first English book in India was written by Thomas Stephens, a Jesuit missionary, and was published in 1640. The book, titled “Arte da Lingoa Canarim,” was a grammar guide for the Konkani language. It was a significant milestone in Indian literature as it marked the beginning of English language publications in the country.
Interesting facts about the first English book in India:
- Thomas Stephens was an English Jesuit missionary who arrived in Goa, India, in 1579. He dedicated his life to the spread of Christianity and the study of the local languages.
- “Arte da Lingoa Canarim” was not only the first English book in India but also the first book ever printed in an Indian language. It played a crucial role in the development of Konkani literature and its recognition as a distinct language.
- The book was primarily intended to aid Portuguese missionaries in learning Konkani and preaching Christianity in the region.
- It was written using the Roman script for Konkani, which was a departure from the prevalent Devanagari script used in Indian languages.
- The book contained not only grammar rules but also vocabularies, dialogues, and explanations of Christian doctrines. It served as a useful tool for both language learning and religious conversion.
- Thomas Stephens’ “Arte da Lingoa Canarim” laid the foundation for future linguistic studies and translations in India. It opened doors for the study of local languages and their inclusion in literary works.
- Despite being a relatively unknown figure, Thomas Stephens’ contribution to Indian literature and language studies is highly significant. His work represents the beginning of English language publications and the cross-cultural exchange of ideas in India.
In the words of poet William Wordsworth, “The best portion of a good man’s life is his little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and love.” Similarly, the first English book in India by Thomas Stephens may not be widely known, but its impact on Indian literature and language studies cannot be disregarded. It exemplifies the power of languages to bridge cultural gaps and facilitate meaningful exchanges.
Below is a simple table highlighting the key details of the first English book in India:
| Title | Author | Year Published | Language |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arte da Lingoa Canarim | Thomas Stephens | 1640 | Konkani |
Please note that the information presented here is for illustrative purposes only and may not reflect the most up-to-date research on the topic.
Response to your question in video format
This video discusses the history of the English language, tracing its roots back to Proto-Germanic and Proto-Indo-European. It explains how English has borrowed words from other languages over the centuries, particularly French and Latin. Finally, it discusses how comparative linguistics can be used to study the history of English and other languages.
Other responses to your question
The first book written by an Indian in English was The Travels of Dean Mahomet, a travel narrative by Sake Dean Mahomed, published in England in 1794.
However, many might not know that the first book in English ever written by an Indian was actually written by a Bihari. Sake Dean Mahomed was born in Patna in 1759. A surgeon, entrepreneur and traveller, his travelogue, ‘The Travels of Dean Mahomet’ was published in 1794 when he was all of 35 years.
In 1793, Sake Dean Mahomed wrote perhaps the first book by an Indian in English, called The Travels of Dean Mahomed.
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Who was the first Indian author to write in English?
As an answer to this: Review: The First Indian Author in English, Dean Mahomed (1759–1851) in India, Ireland and England. Based on: Fisher Michael H., The First Indian Author in English, Dean Mahomed (1759–1851) in India, Ireland and England, OUP India, 1996, pp.
Which is the first book in English by Indian?
As a response to this: The Travels of Dean Mahomed
In 1793, Sake Dean Mahomed wrote perhaps the first book by an Indian in English, called The Travels of Dean Mahomed .
Who is the father of English literature in India?
Response to this: Chaucer is known as the "Father of English literature", and he was the first writer to be buried in Poets’ Corner of Westminster Abbey. He was born in London sometime between 1340 and 1344. On October 25, 1400, English poet Geoffrey Chaucer passed away.
Who is the famous English writer in India?
In reply to that: R. K. Narayan was the first prominent Indian author of English-language literature, but many other authors also tried their hand at the genre and were successful. Arundhati Roy, Kiran Desai, and Aravind Adiga, who won the Booker Prize, are three renowned contemporary authors.
Who wrote the first Indian book in English?
Indian writing in English has a relatively short but highly charged history. In 1793, Sake Dean Mahomed wrote perhaps the first book by an Indian in English, called The Travels of Dean Mahomed . However, most early Indian writing in English was non-fictional work, such as biographies and political essays.
Who is a famous Indian author?
Response: He is one of the first Indian writers in English to have gained international readership with his first novel Untouchable, published in 1935. His other notable works include The Village, Coolie, and The Private Life of an Indian Prince. Mulk Raj is one Indian author whose every book is highly recommended.
Did Indians read English literature?
The answer is: There was also an Indianness to their work, in terms of the words they used and their style of writing. This resonated with the new, but growing ranks of Indians reading English literature.
When did Indian literature become a non-fiction or a travelogue?
The breakthrough in Indian English literature came in 1793 A.D. when a person by the name of Sake Dean Mahomet published a book in London titled Travels of Dean Mahomet. This was essentially Mahomet’s travel narrative that can be put somewhere between a Non-Fiction and a Travelogue. It is relatively not so old, as it is one and half centuries old.
Who wrote the first Indian book in English?
Response will be: Indian writing in English has a relatively short but highly charged history. In 1793, Sake Dean Mahomed wrote perhaps the first book by an Indian in English, called The Travels of Dean Mahomed . However, most early Indian writing in English was non-fictional work, such as biographies and political essays.
Who is a famous Indian author?
Answer will be: He is one of the first Indian writers in English to have gained international readership with his first novel Untouchable, published in 1935. His other notable works include The Village, Coolie, and The Private Life of an Indian Prince. Mulk Raj is one Indian author whose every book is highly recommended.
Did Indians read English literature?
The reply will be: There was also an Indianness to their work, in terms of the words they used and their style of writing. This resonated with the new, but growing ranks of Indians reading English literature.
When did Indian literature become a non-fiction or a travelogue?
Answer to this: The breakthrough in Indian English literature came in 1793 A.D. when a person by the name of Sake Dean Mahomet published a book in London titled Travels of Dean Mahomet. This was essentially Mahomet’s travel narrative that can be put somewhere between a Non-Fiction and a Travelogue. It is relatively not so old, as it is one and half centuries old.
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