Anjaniba Jadeja

  Translation in Medieval India: History, Growth, and Role • Historical and Cultural Background      Medieval India was marked by intense cultural interaction. This period witnessed the rise of Islamic rule, the spread of Persian and Arabic culture, and the growth of Bhakti and Sufi movements. Society became more linguistically diverse with the increasing use of Persian, Arabic, Sanskrit, and emerging regional languages.      In this context, translation became a powerful cultural bridge. It was used not only to communicate ideas but also to bring different religious and cultural communities into dialogue. • Nature of Translation in Medieval India    The nature of translation in Medieval India continued the Indian tradition of sense-based and adaptive translation, but with a more systematic and institutional character. Main characteristics : -Focus on meaning rather than literal accuracy -Strong influence of religion and devotion -Translation...

  Translation in Ancient India: History, Growth, and Role • Background of Translation in Ancient India     Translation in Ancient India developed in a unique cultural and linguistic environment. India was never a monolingual society. From the earliest times, people spoke different languages such as Sanskrit, Pali, Prakrit, and later Apabhramsha. Because of this diversity, translation became a natural and continuous process, even though the modern term “translation” did not exist in the same sense.   In Ancient India, translation was not understood as a word-for-word transfer of text. Instead, it was seen as a recreation or reinterpretation of meaning. The main aim was to communicate ideas, philosophy, and moral values to different groups of people according to their linguistic and cultural context. •Nature of Translation in Ancient India The nature of translation in Ancient India was largely interpretative and adaptive rather than literal. Key features include : -Emp...

  Walter Benjamin: Myths About Translation  Walter Benjamin, in “The Task of the Translator” (1923), challenges several traditional beliefs about translation. He argues that translation is not a mechanical reproduction but a creative and philosophical act that gives a text new life. Benjamin exposes the following myths: 1️⃣ Myth: Translation is “Word-for-Word” Transfer •Misconception: A translator should translate each word directly and literally into the target language. •Benjamin’s Response: Word-for-word translation destroys meaning, rhythm, and spirit. Languages have different structures, idioms, and cultural contexts, so literal mapping is impossible. Translation must focus on the intent, tone, and deeper meaning, not only words. The translator should recreate the text with sensitivity to both languages. Therefore, translation is interpretive, not mechanical. 2️⃣ Myth: A Good Translation is Always Literal •Misconception: Literalness = accuracy = good translation. •Benjami...