For "Indian Literature":
* Vastness and Diversity: India has a vast and diverse cultural landscape, with numerous languages, religions, and historical experiences. This makes it hard to define a unifying "Indianness" in literature.
* Colonial Influence: The legacy of British colonialism has significantly shaped Indian literature, making it difficult to separate "Indian" from "Western" influences.
* Modernity and Globalization: In the contemporary world, boundaries are increasingly blurred. Indian writers are influenced by global trends, and the categorization of their work becomes even more complex.
* The "National" vs. the "Regional": There's a tension between the idea of a national literature and the rich variety of regional literatures in India.
For "Western Literature":
* Historical and Geographical Scope: The "West" encompasses a vast geographical area, from Europe to the Americas, with diverse literary traditions that span centuries.
* Constant Evolution: Western literature is constantly evolving, incorporating new ideas and styles. Defining it at any given point risks becoming outdated.
* Interconnectedness: Western literature has interacted with other cultures throughout history, blurring the lines of what is "Western" and what is "other."
* Subjectivity: The definition of "Western Literature" can be influenced by personal biases and perspectives, making it inherently subjective.
Instead of rigid definitions, we can use broader frameworks:
* Focus on themes and concerns: What common threads run through the literature of a specific region or culture?
* Explore the historical context: How has literature been shaped by social, political, and economic forces?
* Recognize individual voices: Each writer, regardless of origin, offers unique perspectives and contributes to the wider literary landscape.
In conclusion, focusing on specific characteristics, historical contexts, and individual voices provides a more nuanced and meaningful understanding of literature, rather than relying on rigid and often problematic definitions.