Title: A Text Book of Indian Classical Literature: 1st Semester Major Core Paper English (MJC)
Author: Umar Farooque
ISBN: 978-93-6355-927-1
Publisher: Evincepub Publishing
About the author:
Umar Farooque is a veteran English teacher with over 30 years of experience in teaching and literary research. Renowned for his scholarly insight and passion for classical literature, he has authored more than ten acclaimed books and numerous research articles in reputed journals. His deep engagement with Indian Classical Literature has made him a respected figure among students and academics alike.
Q1: Sir, what inspired you to write this textbook on Indian Classical Literature?
Answer –
I was inspired to write this textbook on Indian Classical Literature to help students understand the rich cultural and literary heritage of India. Many classical texts are difficult to grasp, so I wanted to make them simpler and more accessible. My goal was to support learners in appreciating these timeless works.
Q2: How did you select the texts for this book?
Answer –
I selected the texts based on their literary value, cultural importance, and relevance to the syllabus. I wanted to include a variety of genres like drama, poetry, and prose to give students a broad understanding of Indian classical literature. The chosen texts reflect key themes and styles from ancient Indian traditions.
Q3: Many students fear classical texts because of difficult language. How did you handle that?
Answer –
I understand that classical texts can be challenging, so I used simple and clear language to explain them. I included summaries, annotations, and explanations to help students follow the meaning easily. My aim was to make learning enjoyable and less intimidating for everyone.
Q4: Among all the stories, which one is your favourite and why?
Answer –
Among all the stories, Mrichchhakatika is my favourite because of its rich plot, strong characters, and human emotions. It blends love, humour, and social themes beautifully. The story of Charudatta and Vasantasena shows that classical literature can be both meaningful and entertaining.
Q5: What message do you want to give to the students who are using your book?
Answer –
I want to tell students to read with curiosity and with an open mind. Indian classical literature is full of wisdom, values, and beauty. Don’t be afraid of difficult words—enjoy the stories and learn from them, because they still speak to our lives today.
Q6: What was the biggest challenge you faced while writing this book?
Answer –
The biggest challenge was simplifying the complex ideas and language of classical texts without losing their original meaning. I had to balance accuracy with clarity so that students could understand and enjoy the content. It took a lot of careful reading, research, and thoughtful explanation.
Q7: Any future plans? Will you write more such books?
Answer –
Yes, I do plan to write more books that make literature easier and more interesting for students. I want to cover other areas like modern Indian writing and world literature. My goal is to continue supporting learners with helpful and student-friendly resources.