Cultural Hybridization in Modern Indian Writing English Literature

Abstract Cultural hybridization is a central feature of modern Indian English literature, reflecting the dynamic interaction between indigenous traditions and global influences. Emerging from the historical context of colonialism and evolving through postcolonial and globalized realities, Indian English literature demonstrates how cultural identities are continuously negotiated and redefined. This research article examines the role of cultural hybridization in shaping literary expression, thematic concerns, and narrative strategies in contemporary Indian English writing. It explores how authors creatively merge Indian cultural elements with Western literary forms to produce a distinctive and multifaceted literary tradition. The study focuses on key dimensions of hybridization, including linguistic innovation, diasporic identity, narrative experimentation, and the interplay between tradition and modernity. Writers such as Salman Rushdie, Arundhati Roy, Jhumpa Lahiri, Amitav Ghosh, and Kiran Desai illustrate how hybridization operates both as a thematic concern and as a stylistic device. Their works depict characters navigating multiple cultural spaces, often reflecting tensions between inherited traditions and modern global influences. Language itself becomes a site of hybridity, as English is infused with vernacular expressions, regional idioms, and cultural references, thereby challenging the dominance of Standard English. Drawing upon postcolonial theoretical frameworks, particularly the concept of hybridity as articulated by Homi K. Bhabha, the article argues that cultural hybridization is not merely a consequence of cultural contact but a productive and transformative process. It enables writers to resist cultural homogenization and assert unique identities within a global context. The findings reveal that hybridization enriches literary creativity, fosters cross-cultural understanding, and redefines the boundaries of Indian English literature. Ultimately, this study highlights the significance of cultural hybridization as a powerful force that shapes the evolving landscape of modern Indian English literature in an increasingly interconnected world.