Novel: A Genre in the Hands of Capitalist Class

Abstract

The ‘Novel’ as a literary phenomenon is new to India. In comparison to, Epics, lyrics, drama, short stories and fables that have its ancestries which go back to several centuries. In the west, the literary tool 'Novel' was the offshoot of industrialization whereas in India, it was due to the Indian scholars educated in English who introduced it to the literary world. Both the part of the world used it to cater the needs of newly structured society. Industrialization drew rural population in search of jobs towards the cities. This led to the change in the social realities and life styles of the people, eventually resulting into unpredictable consequences and struggle for them. In spite of it, the Capitalist system was able to hold them back. The previous genres were not reflecting the current realities in which people were living. All the new realities created, had a unique demand that led to the formation of Genre ‘Novel’.