ABSTRACT
The importance of criticism is by no means uniform in different parts of the world. Some societies value criticism by individual citizens, some constructive action; others disallow both. In India, our infrastructure may be terrible, living conditions tough, the quality of life horrendous, but there’s no limit to complaining and criticism. India is so obviously a criticism surplus society: though we are hyper-critical about most things, rarely is this criticism positive or constructive. Is there a way to turn this around, to turn carping into real criticism? At least in the world of literary and cultural criticism, how might we act responsibly and constructively? One way to do so is by invoking the idea of criticism as addressing a crisis, as was hinted at in a previous chapter. That brings us to the heart of the problematic of modernity. The modern age, it would seem, is in a state of never-ending crises. It is so both in the sense that many of us are living in a time of great danger and uncertainty, as also at the cusp of a decisive, crucial, turning point. Three questions raise themselves at this point: do we need a modern Indian tradition in criticism to face these multiple crises? If so, do we have the makings of such an Indian tradition in criticism? If not, what should be the shape of a contemporary critical tradition ? The chapter tries to confront, if not answer, such questions.
