ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the distinction between major and minor literatures introduced by Deleuze and Guattari in the context of Kafka in the West. It then goes on to show the variance between its claims in the context of minor literature and in reality. In this context, it establishes a close relation between modernity and art and literature in the West, where the latter is sought to reclaim what the modern rejects. It raises a fundamental question regarding pre-modern themes in Renaissance art and literature that is an important aspect of modernity. Without abandoning this relation between minor and major, it seeks to show its relevance in India through Indian national movement and M. K. Gandhi. This chapter, thus, discusses an instance where alien is a better ground for growth and relevance than the origin. Alternatively, the chapter tries to deflate – but not puncture – Deleuze and Guattari in the West before transporting them to India, and then inflating them to be used in India, ensuring that they are manageable as well as useful. This is necessary, as we do not have theories from Indians to understand modern Indian society. The bent and calibrated Deleuze and Guattari are used to understand India.
