The term ‘Resistance Literature’ evokes images of writings about the struggles that individuals, groups, or even entire societies mount to resist various forms of oppression or deprivation of rights. Though the term is most often associated with political resistance—sometimes contentious—the struggles could span a wide range of social, economic or religious issues. In India, such struggles against unjust practices go back almost to the times of the Buddha and Mahavira, and continue to the present, traversing the anti-colonial movement, partition and post-independence periods. Since liberation, with increased awareness of individual rights and freedom, struggles have been put up for various social causes, including the fight of Dalits and subalterns to gain respectability and a dignified life, and feminist movements against patriarchy, domestic violence, gender inequality, and for personal freedom. Contemporary social struggles include those against trafficking, sexual exploitation at workplaces, child labour, displacements due to development, ecological issues and many others. Over the last seven decades and more, since Indian independence, there has been substantial social transformation across the country, with increased literacy, economic development, and the upliftment of the underprivileged. There has been a noteworthy improvement in the overall status of women and the progress they have achieved in various fields today. However, much more needs to be done to meet the aspirations of all sections of the nation.

A significant amount of writing on these struggles has been undertaken, collectively referred to as Resistance Literature or by similar nomenclature. A single feature in a journal cannot do justice to such a vast body of writings or issues. There was a paucity of time, too. Thus, the feature in this issue provides limited coverage, restricted to South India, and offers only some perspectives on the literature of dissent and struggle. There are several other perspectives as well. We will consider covering related themes and expanding the scope to other regions of the country in future issues of Muse India. The views presented in the feature are those of the authors and may not necessarily reflect those of Muse India.

When I approached Dr Syam Sudhakar to do a feature, the notice was rather too short, but it is to his credit, and that of his research student, Suthara S Lal, that they took up the challenge and have done a remarkable job within 5 to 6 weeks. This was possible mainly due to their reach among academicians, writers and translators, and the respect Dr Syam Sudhakar holds in these circles. I am greatly indebted to both of them. I profusely thank all the writers who have shared their work, and all the translators for doing a splendid job at short notice and extending timely help. Without the gracious support of a large number of writers, it would not have been possible to put together this feature.