The fall of the Bilingual Intellectual: English and Vernacular Divides in Indian Academia

Abstract This article explores the decline of bilingual intellectuals in Indian academia, tracing its historical academia, vernacular foundations and analyzing the contemporary consequences of linguistic bifurcation. Drawing on Ramachandra Guha's seminal insights and broader sociolinguistic studies, the paper argues that the dominance of English in higher education and public discourse has marginalized vernacular traditions, weakened cross- cultural communication, and reinforced socio-economic inequality. Employing historical analysis...