Abstract

The colonial encounter between Britain and India, spanning over two centuries, profoundly transformed the linguistic and literary landscape of the subcontinent. This research article examines the multifaceted impact of colonialism on Indian languages and literature, analyzing the introduction and spread of English, the reshaping of vernacular traditions, the emergence of new literary forms, and the complex negotiations of identity and power. Drawing on historical records, literary criticism, and representative texts, the article explores how colonial policies, educational reforms, and cultural exchanges led to both the marginalization and revitalization of Indian languages and literatures. The discussion highlights the ambivalent legacy of colonialism, which fostered new avenues of expression while also engendering enduring debates about authenticity, hybridity, and resistance.