Literary “Leftism” and The Indian Progressive Writers Association

Abstract

The ideological underpinnings of leftist politics in India can be traced back to a deep societal consciousness regarding long-standing inequities and deprivations. The implementation of a hierarchical system of exploitation, coupled with the imposition of political dominance by imperial forces, created fertile ground for the emergence of a novel political ideology in India. This ideology was rooted in the principles of equity, socialism, and Marxism. During a particular period, when a significant faction within the Indian National Congress began to favour an advanced capitalist framework, there arose a necessity for the development of a socialist and Marxist perspective rooted in the marginalised segments of Indian society. The emergence of contemporary leftist politics, drawing inspiration from the Bolshevik Revolution in Russia in 1917, has given rise to a form of resistance that incorporates intersectionality in challenging the prevailing power structure. This manifestation of political resistance in India was unparalleled in its historical context, as it effectively coordinated opposition to various forms of discrimination based on class, caste, and gender. Consequently, it engaged in a comprehensive examination of social justice within the framework of contemporary society. This development was additionally facilitated by the cohesion within the trade union movement, the establishment of the All-India Kisan Sabha, the emergence of the All-India Students’ Federation, the ascent of a progressive literary and cultural movement, and the collective endeavours of the leftist groups. Thus, the formation of the Indian Progressive Writers Association, which convened its inaugural annual conference in Lucknow in April 1936, was contextualised. Sajjad Zaheer, Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Mulk Raj Anand, Hiren Mukherji, Hasrat Mohani, and other notable individuals played pivotal roles as founding members of the newly established organisation. The establishment of this association led to a clearer delineation of both the societal progression of literature and the author’s position within it. The writer’s role transformed from a passive observer of life’s drama to an engaged participant aligned with the resilient human spirit. This article endeavours to analyse the emergence of leftist politics in India and its influence on the development of novel literary and artistic awareness among the intellectual elite in the country.