Podcast Summary: Episode 695 - "Ten Indian Classics (with Sharmila Sen)" | My Last Book with Adam Smyth

Release Date: April 14, 2025
Host: Jacke Wilson
Guest: Dr. Sharmila Sen, Editorial Director at Harvard University Press

Introduction

In Episode 695 of The History of Literature, host Jacke Wilson delves into the rich tapestry of Indian literary heritage alongside Dr. Sharmila Sen, the Editorial Director of Harvard University Press. The episode, titled "Ten Indian Classics," celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Murti Classical Library of India, a project aimed at making Indian classics as accessible as the renowned Loeb Classical Library of Greek and Latin texts.

The Murti Classical Library of India

Foundation and Purpose

Dr. Sharmila Sen introduces listeners to the Murti Classical Library of India, established in 2010 through a generous gift from Rohan Murthy to Harvard University Press. Modeled after the Loeb Classical Library, the Murti series seeks to present original Indian texts alongside English translations, making them accessible to general readers rather than just specialists.

Dr. Sharmila Sen [08:07]: "Our real ambition, it continues to be that as we enter the 10th anniversary of publication, is that this is a series we hope outlasts us all and is around for at least 100 years."

Progress and Goals

By 2025, the series has ambitiously published 50 volumes, adhering to a target of five books per year to reach 500 volumes over a century. The current anthology, Ten Indian Classics, marks a decade of the project's existence and showcases a curated selection from the extensive catalog.

Selecting the Ten Indian Classics

Criteria for Selection

Dr. Sen emphasizes the multifaceted approach in selecting the ten classics, focusing on:

• Linguistic Diversity: Representing over 14 languages, with nine languages featured in the anthology.
• Chronological Range: Spanning 2,500 years, from the 3rd century BCE to the 17th century.
• Genre and Regional Representation: Incorporating poetry, prose, historical chronicles, and diverse regional voices from across the Indian subcontinent.

Dr. Sharmila Sen [13:14]: "I began with an attempt to show the range. Right, yeah. Because, you know, while it's easy to say, hey, the Murthy Classics is like Loeb but for the Indian subcontinent. Right."

Inclusion of Women Translators

A noteworthy aspect of the selection process is the conscious effort to include women translators, addressing the historical gender imbalance in literary translation.

Dr. Sharmila Sen [35:40]: "I wanted to make sure that for the Murthy series that we had a little less of this kind of gender disbalance when it comes to who the translators are."

Highlights from the Anthology

1. Songs of the First Buddhist Women (3rd Century BCE)

The anthology opens with the Songs of the First Buddhist Women, recognized as the oldest extant women's writing globally. These poems, translated by Charlie Hallisi, offer a glimpse into the lives of women who renounced worldly ties, presenting themes of sexuality, body autonomy, and communal support among nuns.

Jack Wilson [24:19]: "They are women who have voices, who are doing this for themselves."

2. Arjuna and the Hunter (6th Century CE)

An excerpt from the epic Mahabharata, "Arjuna and the Hunter," showcases Arjuna's spiritual quest where he encounters Shiva in disguise. Translated by Indira Peterson, this piece highlights themes of self-discipline, power, and the intertwining of divine and heroic narratives.

Dr. Sharmila Sen [37:20]: "These are not dead classics. This is one way of accessing it."

3. Harishchandra’s Commitment to Truth (13th Century CE)

Translated by Vanamala Viswanatha, this Kannada poem narrates King Harishchandra's unwavering commitment to truthfulness, depicting his and his family's trials. The vivid descriptions of cremation grounds and moral dilemmas resonate deeply, emphasizing integrity and sacrifice.

Jack Wilson [44:15]: "The idea of truthfulness in a leader, you know, what a concept."

Broader Themes and Cultural Significance

Diverse Literary Traditions

Dr. Sen discusses the challenge of representing India's myriad languages and literary traditions within a single anthology. The selection aims to bridge regional divides, encouraging readers to explore literature beyond their native languages and regions.

Dr. Sharmila Sen [48:52]: "We have so many different languages. So literary languages that one of the goals of this series from the very beginning is we wanted young readers in India to discover their own heritage and their literary traditions."

Intermingling of Cultures and Philosophies

Highlighting works like Abu Fazl's Chronicle of the Third Mughal Emperor Akbar and Guru Nanak’s hymns, the anthology showcases the seamless blend of Indic and Islamic literary traditions, challenging contemporary notions of linguistic and cultural separation.

Dr. Sharmila Sen [53:05]: "One of the great sort of audacious things that this series has tried to do is to put languages next to each other that have often been seen as separate in contemporary times."

Educational and Cultural Impact

The series not only serves as a literary collection but also as an educational tool, promoting multilingualism and cultural appreciation among young Indians. Dr. Sen envisions the anthology as a gateway for future generations to engage with their rich literary heritage.

Dr. Sharmila Sen [52:35]: "We are making also these books for the next generation... to make sure that we weren't becoming an English only population."

Conclusion

Episode 695 of The History of Literature offers an enlightening exploration of Indian literary classics through the lens of Dr. Sharmila Sen. The Ten Indian Classics anthology stands as a testament to the enduring and diverse literary traditions of the Indian subcontinent, fostering greater accessibility and appreciation for these timeless works.

Jack Wilson [55:09]: "It's just wonderful. Eye opening book that belongs on everyone's shelf in my opinion."

Listeners are encouraged to explore these selected classics to deepen their understanding of India's rich literary landscape and to discover new favorites within the Murti Classical Library of India.

Notable Quotes:

• Dr. Sharmila Sen [08:07]: "Our real ambition...is that this is a series we hope outlasts us all and is around for at least 100 years."

• Jack Wilson [24:19]: "They are women who have voices, who are doing this for themselves."

• Dr. Sharmila Sen [37:20]: "These are not dead classics. This is one way of accessing it."

• Dr. Sharmila Sen [53:05]: "One of the great sort of audacious things that this series has tried to do is to put languages next to each other that have often been seen as separate in contemporary times."

For more information on the Murti Classical Library of India and to support the project, visit historyofliterature.com or patreon.com/literature.