William Dalrymple Slams Western Media Over 'Irritating and Ignorant' Claims on India's Reading Habits
Noted historian and author William Dalrymple has launched a scathing critique against Western media, particularly targeting The Guardian for an article that questioned India's passion for books. The report suggested that India hosts over 100 literature festivals despite allegedly low readership and limited reading-for-pleasure habits, a claim Dalrymple vehemently disputes.
Dalrymple's Strong Rebuttal on Social Media
In a viral post on X, Dalrymple, who co-founded the Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF), labeled the article as "irritating and ignorant." He emphasized that JLF's literary sessions are massively crowded with enthusiastic young readers, and authors often report the longest signing queues of their careers at the event. Specifically, he highlighted that over 44,000 books were sold in just five days during the last festival, underscoring the vibrant literary engagement in India.
Diverse Audience and Literary Richness at JLF
Dalrymple further elaborated that JLF attracts a wide-ranging audience, not limited to students and schoolteachers but including rickshaw drivers and others from various backgrounds. The festival showcases an extensive array of books and authors, from Nobel and Booker Prize winners to Dalit poets and Rajasthani folk singers, reflecting India's deep and diverse literary traditions.
Public Backlash and Support for India's Book Culture
The post has sparked widespread discussion online, with many users defending India's thriving book culture. Key points raised include:
- India's rich oral storytelling and musical traditions complement its literary wealth.
- The presence of vibrant street bookstalls and a huge second-hand book market across the country.
- Comparisons to other nations, such as the United States, where reading-for-pleasure habits are also questioned by some.
- Specific examples like the Patna Book Fair, where enthusiasm for books reportedly beats all odds, showcasing local passion.
This backlash highlights a broader sentiment that Western media may overlook or misunderstand the depth of India's literary engagement, fueled by festivals, markets, and a longstanding cultural appreciation for books.
