Major 9(Translation)
Class Assignments
Name: Jhankhanaba Gohil
Course: S.Y B.A (Sem-4 , English literature)
1. Translation in mediaeval and morden india?
Introduction
Translation means changing a text from one language into another language. In India, translation has played a very important role in connecting different cultures, religions and regions. India is a country of many languages, so translation became necessary for communication and understanding.
From medieval times to modern India, translation helped in spreading knowledge, religious ideas, literature, science and political thoughts. It also helped in creating unity among people of different communities. In this assignment, I will explain the historical growth and role of translation in medieval and modern India.
Translation in Medieval India
Medieval India (8th to 18th century) was a period of cultural mixing. During this time Sanskrit, Persian, Arabic and regional languages were used widely. Translation became a bridge between Hindu and Islamic cultures.
1. Early Medieval Period (8th–12th Century)
During this time, Sanskrit was the main language of scholars and religious texts. At the same time, regional languages like Tamil, Kannada, Telugu and Bengali were also developing.
With the arrival of Islamic rulers and traders, cultural contact increased. Many Sanskrit scientific and philosophical texts were translated into Arabic.
For example:
Indian mathematics and astronomy were translated into Arabic.
Indian numerals later became known as “Arabic numerals”.
Ayurveda and philosophy spread outside India.
Impact:
Translation helped Indian knowledge reach the Islamic world. It increased intellectual exchange between civilizations.
2. Delhi Sultanate Period (13th–15th Century)
During the Delhi Sultanate, Persian became the official court language. Sanskrit and regional languages continued to exist. Early Urdu (Hindavi) also developed during this time.
Many Sanskrit texts were translated into Persian. Persian and Arabic works were also translated into local languages. Sufi saints translated spiritual ideas into simple language so that common people could understand them.
This period helped in creating a mixed culture called Ganga-Jamuni Tehzeeb (a cultural harmony of Hindu and Muslim traditions).
Impact:
Cultural unity increased.
Religious ideas reached common people.
Growth of composite Indo-Islamic culture.
3. Mughal Period (16th–18th Century) – Golden Age of Translation
The Mughal period was the most important period for translation in medieval India.
Emperor Akbar and Maktab Khana
Akbar established a translation department called Maktab Khana at Fatehpur Sikri. His aim was to promote understanding between different religions.
Major translations during his rule:
Mahabharata translated into Persian as Razmnama
Ramayana translated into Persian
Atharva Veda translated into Persian
Later, Dara Shikoh translated the Upanishads into Persian under the title Sirr-i-Akbar.
Impact:
Promoted religious tolerance
Encouraged dialogue between Hinduism and Islam
Persian scholars understood Indian philosophy
Translation became a tool for peace and understanding.
4. Bhakti and Sufi Movements
During medieval India, Bhakti and Sufi saints played a big role in translation.
Important figures:
Kabir
Guru Nanak
They used local languages instead of Sanskrit or Persian. They translated complex religious ideas into simple words.
Impact:
Religion became accessible to common people
Growth of regional literature
Social reform and unity increased
Overall Importance of Translation in Medieval India
Translation in medieval India helped in:
Religious understanding
Development of literature
Spread of science and knowledge
Better administration
Creation of Indo-Islamic culture
So, translation was not just about language. It was about cultural integration and unity.
Translation in Modern India
Modern India (18th century onwards) saw many political and social changes. Translation became more important during British rule and after independence.
1. Colonial Period (18th–19th Century)
During British rule, many English scholars translated Indian texts into English.
For example:
William Jones translated Sanskrit texts.
Raja Rammohan Roy translated religious texts like Upanishads.
Institutions like Fort William College supported translation work.
Impact:
Indian literature became known in Europe
Western ideas entered India
Social reform movements started
2. Indian Renaissance (19th Century)
Writers like:
Bankim Chandra Chatterjee
Rabindranath Tagore
translated works and spread ideas of nationalism and reform.
Western writers like Shakespeare were translated into Indian languages. Indian epics were translated into English.
Translation helped in creating modern Indian literature and national feeling.
3. Translation in Freedom Movement
During the freedom struggle:
Mahatma Gandhi wrote and translated in Gujarati, Hindi and English.
Nationalist speeches and pamphlets were translated into many languages.
This helped people from different regions understand the idea of swaraj (self-rule).
Translation became a powerful political tool for unity.
4. Post-Independence Period
After 1947, translation became institutionalized.
Sahitya Akademi promotes translation among Indian languages.
National Book Trust publishes translated books at affordable prices.
The Constitution of India is available in many official languages.
Role:
Promotes national integration
Preserves linguistic diversity
Expands education
5. Contemporary Era (Digital Age)
Today translation plays a role in:
Multilingual governance
Judiciary system
OTT platforms (subtitles and dubbing)
Digital and AI tools
Indian literature is translated into global languages, and foreign books are translated into Indian languages.
Translation supports:
Cultural exchange
Knowledge sharing
National unity
Conclusion
In conclusion, translation has played a very important role in both medieval and modern India. In medieval times, it helped in religious dialogue, cultural harmony and intellectual exchange. During modern India, translation supported reform movements, nationalism and education.
From the time of Akbar to the digital age, translation has connected people across languages and cultures. It has helped India remain united despite its diversity.
Therefore, translation is not just a linguistic activity. It is a powerful tool of cultural exchange, national unity and intellectual growth.
Home Assignment
2. Translation Types?
Introduction
Translation is the process of changing a text or message from one language into another language. The main aim of translation is to keep the meaning of the original text while making it understandable for new readers. Translation is not only about changing words, but it is also about transferring ideas, emotions, culture and context.
Different texts need different types of translation. For example, translating a poem is very different from translating a legal document. Because of this, translation studies explain many types of translation based on purpose and method. In this assignment, I will explain the important types of translation in simple words
1. Intralingual Translation
Intralingual translation means translation within the same language. It does not change the language, but it changes the form or style.
For example: If a difficult English sentence is rewritten in simple English, it is intralingual translation.
Summarizing a long paragraph into short points is also intralingual translation.
This type is useful in:
Paraphrasing
Simplifying textbooks
Explaining difficult concepts
It helps readers understand complex ideas in an easier way.
2. Interlingual Translation
Interlingual translation means translation between two different languages. This is the most common type of translation.
For example: Translating a Hindi poem into English.
Translating an English novel into Gujarati.
This type is important for:
Literature
Legal documents
Science and technology
International communication
Interlingual translation helps in communication between different cultures and countries.
3. Intersemiotic Translation
Intersemiotic translation means translation between different sign systems. It means changing a message from text to image, sound, or action.
Example: Turning a novel into a movie.
Converting a poem into a song.
In this type, words are translated into visual or audio form. The meaning remains same but the medium changes.
It is mostly used in:
Films
Drama
Advertisements
Multimedia
This type of translation shows that translation is not limited to language only.
4. Word-for-Word Translation
Word-for-word translation means translating each word directly into the target language while keeping the same word order.
Example: “He plays.”
Each word is translated exactly.
This type is useful in:
Language learning
Grammar comparison
Legal documents
Ancient texts
Many people think this type sounds unnatural. But it is useful when accuracy is more important than style.
5. Literal Translation
Literal translation is similar to word-for-word translation but slightly flexible. In this type, every word is translated but grammar may be adjusted to make it correct.
It is mostly used in:
Scientific texts
Technical documents
Legal content
Literal translation focuses on accuracy and clarity. It is best when the purpose is to give information, not emotion.
6. Free Translation
Free translation focuses on meaning rather than exact words. The translator changes sentence structure to make it natural in the target language.
It is mostly used in:
Poetry
Novels
Stories
Advertisements
In this type, the translator tries to keep the feeling and tone of the original text. It may not follow exact wording but keeps the main idea.
Free translation is creative and flexible.
7. Conceptual Translation
Conceptual translation focuses on the main idea or concept instead of exact words.
For example: A cultural expression may not make sense if translated directly. So the translator explains the meaning instead of translating word by word.
It is useful in:
Idioms
Cultural references
Marketing
Creative writing
The aim is to make sure the reader understands the message clearly.
8. Elaborate Translation
Elaborate translation makes the translated text longer than the original. Sometimes extra explanation is needed because cultural ideas may not be understood easily.
For example: The word “sari” may need explanation in English.
This type is useful when:
Cultural explanation is required
The reader does not know background context
Elaborate translation helps in better understanding but should not be unnecessarily long.
Conclusion
3. Essay
Two Friends
Introduction
Two Friends is a famous short story written by Guy de Maupassant. He was a great French writer known for his realistic and emotional stories. This story is set during the Franco-Prussian War. Through a simple story of two ordinary men, the writer shows the horror of war and the value of friendship.
The story is short but very powerful. It shows how war destroys peace and innocent lives.
Summary of the Story
The story takes place in Paris during the war. Two friends, Monsieur Morissot and Monsieur Sauvage, were very fond of fishing. Before the war, they used to meet every Sunday and go fishing together. Fishing was their favourite hobby and it made them happy.
Because of the war, Paris was surrounded by enemies and life became very difficult. There was hunger and fear everywhere. One day, Morissot met his friend Sauvage by chance. They were very happy to see each other. They decided to go fishing again like old times.
They crossed the river and started fishing peacefully. For some time, they forgot about the war and enjoyed nature. However, suddenly they were caught by Prussian soldiers. The soldiers suspected them of being spies.
The officer asked them to give the password that would allow them to return safely. If they told the password, they would be saved. But both friends refused to betray their country. They chose to remain silent.
In the end, they were shot dead and their bodies were thrown into the river. Their fish were cooked by the soldiers.
Theme of the Story
1. Friendship
The main theme of the story is true friendship. Morissot and Sauvage trusted each other and stood together until death. They did not blame each other or show fear. Their friendship was strong and pure.
2. Horror of War
The story clearly shows that war is cruel and meaningless. Two innocent men lost their lives because of war. The peaceful act of fishing turned into tragedy.
3. Patriotism
Both friends refused to give the password. They preferred death instead of betraying their country. This shows their loyalty and courage.
4. Contrast Between Peace and War
The writer beautifully describes the peaceful nature — river, sunshine, fish — and suddenly shows the violence of war. This contrast makes the story more emotional.
Character Sketch
Monsieur Morissot
He was a watchmaker by profession. He was simple and patriotic. He loved fishing and valued friendship. He showed courage at the time of death.
Monsieur Sauvage
He was calm and loyal. He supported his friend and did not betray his country. He also accepted death bravely.
Both characters represent ordinary people who become victims of war.
Message of the Story
Through this story, Maupassant wants to show that war destroys humanity. Simple people who only want peace suffer the most. The story also teaches us that true friendship and loyalty are greater than fear.
Conclusions
In conclusion, Two Friends is a very touching and tragic story. Though it is short, it leaves a deep impact on readers. The story teaches us about friendship, patriotism and the cruelty of war.
Guy de Maupassant successfully shows how war affects common people. The story remains meaningful even today because war and violence still exist in the world.
