Meenakshi Mukherjee’s essay, “The Anxiety of Indianness,” explores the complex questions surrounding the use of English in Indian literature. The essay is divided into six sections, each addressing different aspects of the debate on whether Indian writers should continue to write in English or shift to their vernacular languages.

The essay begins with a reference to Raja Rao’s concern about the conflict between language and culture in Indian writing in English. Mukherjee discusses how Indian English literature differs from regional literature, emphasizing the challenges of addressing a culturally diverse audience.

Mukherjee argues that Indian English writers do not write in English due to counter-nationalistic feelings or a desire for international fame. Instead, she suggests that these writers use English as a mode of expression because of their literary competence in the language. The essay traces the historical use of English by writers like Mulk Raj Anand, Bhabani Bhattacharya, and Kamala Markandaya to highlight cultural deficiencies in India.

The third section explores the reasons for the delayed development of Indian English literature, citing the historical association of English with power and officialdom. Mukherjee suggests that contemporary writers, influenced by Western literary styles, need to connect with India’s cultural issues for recognition.

Section four discusses the popularity of the Indian English novel, using Salman Rushdie’s “Midnight’s Children” as a turning point. The novel challenges Western literary norms, demonstrating that English is not exclusive to the West.

Section five delves into Timothy Brennan’s concept of “third world cosmopolitans” who emerge from non-western cultures and gain international recognition. Mukherjee explores how these writers highlight colonialism as a theme, contributing to cultural hybridity.

The final section contrasts the attitudes of older and younger generations of Indian English writers. While the older generation aimed to establish a new identity distinct from colonial influences, the younger generation tends to root themselves in Indianness due to international market pressures. The essay concludes by discussing Amitava Ghosh’s “Shadow Lines,” which, according to Mukherjee, represents a total India without anxiety or metaphorization.

In summary, “The Anxiety of Indianness” examines the linguistic and cultural complexities faced by Indian writers using English as a medium and discusses the evolving identity of Indian English literature in the global context.