Abstract
This study examines the transformation of literary culture in India after the economic liberalization of 1991, focusing on the shift from print-based literary engagement to platform-based public discourse. Before liberalization, literature in India was primarily circulated through books, journals, and academic institutions, which limited participation to a relatively small and educated audience. With the expansion of media industries, publishing markets, and digital technologies, literature began to move into public platforms such as literary festivals, televised discussions, and online spaces. The paper argues that literary festivals have played a central role in this transition by creating accessible and interactive spaces for literary dialogue. The Jaipur Literature Festival, established in 2006, serves as a key example of how literature has expanded into large-scale public engagement, attracting tens of thousands of participants and global audiences through digital streaming. Similarly, the Banaras Lit Fest demonstrates how regional platforms contribute to the inclusion of local languages, cultural traditions, and diverse readerships. By analyzing author participation, public discussions, and the integration of digital media, this study shows that literature in post-liberalization India has become more accessible, participatory, and socially relevant. At the same time, it acknowledges the influence of market forces and media visibility in shaping literary discourse. The paper concludes that the rise of literary festivals reflects a broader global shift toward platform-based cultural engagement, marking the emergence of a new literary public culture.
Keywords
Literary Public Culture; Literary Festivals; Post-Liberalization India; Print Culture; Platformization; Cultural Globalization
Citations
IRE Journals:
Gyanchand "From Print to Platform: The Rise of Literary Public Culture in Post-Liberalization India" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 9 Issue 10 2026 Page 229-236 https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I10-1715887
IEEE:
Gyanchand
"From Print to Platform: The Rise of Literary Public Culture in Post-Liberalization India" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 9(10) https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I10-1715887
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