ARABIC AND ASSAMESE NOVELS IN THE LANDSCAPE OF WORLD LITERATURE: A COMPARATIVE INQUIRY

Abstract

The novel has emerged as one of the most influential literary genres in both Arabic and Assamese literature, reflecting the social, cultural, political, and historical realities of their respective societies. This paper explores the development of Arabic and Assamese novels and examines their contributions to world literature through a comparative perspective. It traces the historical evolution of the novel in both literary traditions, highlighting major authors, thematic concerns, and narrative innovations. Arabic novels have gained international recognition through the works of writers such as Naguib Mahfouz, Tayeb Salih, and Ghassan Kanafani, while Assamese fiction has achieved literary distinction through authors such as Lakshminath Bezbaroa, Birendra Kumar Bhattacharyya, Syed Abdul Malik, Indira Goswami, and Homen Borgohain. Despite differences in language, culture, and geographical context, both traditions address universal themes such as identity, social change, human suffering, gender, nationalism, and cultural memory. The study argues that Arabic and Assamese novels have transcended regional boundaries and enriched world literature through their unique artistic expressions and humanistic concerns. By undertaking a comparative inquiry, the paper highlights the global significance of these two literary traditions and their contribution to intercultural literary discourse.