Elaborate Essay Summary of After Amnesia by G.N.
Devy
Introduction: G.N. Devy’s After Amnesia is a seminal work that critiques the trajectory of
Indian literary criticism in the postcolonial era. The central thesis of the book revolves around
the idea that Indian criticism has suffered a historical "amnesia," wherein the rich traditions of
Indian aesthetic and literary thought were interrupted by colonial rule. Devy argues that this
interruption led to an over-reliance on Western critical frameworks, at the expense of the Indian
tradition of literary and philosophical discourse. The book calls for a rediscovery and revival of
indigenous critical traditions to establish a more authentic and grounded approach to Indian
literature and culture.
The Notion of Amnesia: Devy begins by explaining the concept of amnesia in the context of
Indian literary criticism. He suggests that the colonial encounter disrupted the continuity of
indigenous critical thought. The colonial regime introduced Western literary paradigms, which
led Indian critics to adopt these frameworks uncritically. This resulted in a form of "amnesia"
where India’s own critical traditions were forgotten or sidelined. Devy’s use of the term
"amnesia" is a metaphor for the cultural and intellectual dislocation that occurred due to
colonialism.
Colonialism and its Impact on Indian Criticism: The book delves into how colonialism
altered the course of Indian intellectual history. Devy traces the roots of this transformation to
the British colonial education system, which promoted English literature and Western literary
theories. Indian scholars were trained to approach literature from a Eurocentric perspective,
which undervalued the indigenous traditions of literary and cultural criticism. Devy critiques the
blind imitation of Western theories by Indian scholars, noting that it has led to a distorted
understanding of Indian literature and culture.
He particularly critiques the dominant trend of using Western critical frameworks, such as
Marxism, structuralism, and psychoanalysis, to interpret Indian texts. According to Devy, these
frameworks are ill-suited to Indian literary traditions, as they do not adequately account for the
cultural and philosophical contexts in which Indian literature is produced.
Reviving Indian Literary Traditions: One of the central arguments in After Amnesia is the
need for a revival of Indian literary and aesthetic traditions. Devy discusses how India has a long
history of literary criticism, drawing from classical texts like the Natya Shastra, Dhvani
Siddhanta, and other Sanskrit aesthetic treatises. These works offer profound insights into the
nature of literature, art, and aesthetics, but they have been neglected in favor of Western theories.
Devy calls for a return to these indigenous traditions to create a more grounded and authentic
critical practice in India. He suggests that Indian critics should engage with these ancient texts
and reinterpret them in the light of contemporary concerns. This would allow for a more
meaningful understanding of Indian literature, one that is rooted in its own cultural and
philosophical foundations.
Critique of Westernization in Indian Academia: Devy also critiques the dominance of
Western literary criticism in Indian academia. He argues that the reliance on Western theories
has led to a form of intellectual colonization, where Indian scholars are unable to think outside
the frameworks imposed by their colonial past. This has resulted in a situation where Indian
literature is often judged by standards that are alien to its cultural context. Devy calls for an
intellectual decolonization, where Indian scholars reclaim their intellectual autonomy and engage
with their own traditions of thought.
Challenges in Reviving Indigenous Traditions: Despite advocating for the revival of
indigenous traditions, Devy acknowledges the challenges involved in this process. He notes that
Indian society has changed significantly since the classical period, and the context in which
traditional literary criticism was developed may no longer be applicable in its entirety. Thus,
Devy does not argue for a wholesale return to the past but advocates for a critical engagement
with the past, where traditional concepts are reinterpreted and adapted to contemporary realities.
Conclusion: In After Amnesia, G.N. Devy presents a powerful critique of the intellectual
consequences of colonialism on Indian literary criticism. By highlighting the erasure of
indigenous traditions and the uncritical adoption of Western frameworks, Devy calls for a
reassessment of Indian literary practices. He urges Indian critics to reconnect with their own
intellectual heritage and to create a new, decolonized critical tradition that is more attuned to the
cultural and literary realities of India. Through this, Devy seeks to restore the lost continuity of
Indian intellectual thought, ensuring that future generations can engage with literature in a way
that is both authentic and meaningful.
Ultimately, After Amnesia is not just a critique of the past but a call to action for the future,
advocating for a renewed sense of intellectual independence and a rediscovery of the rich critical
traditions that have been overshadowed by colonialism.
