Explore Indian Poetry in English | Online Course by IIT Roorkee Prof.
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 175 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Elective |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 8 weeks |
| Categories | Humanities and Social Sciences |
| Credit Points | 2 |
| Level | Undergraduate/Postgraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 13 Mar 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 16 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 28 Mar 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Discover the Rhythmic Soul of India: A Guide to the Indian Poetry in English Course
Poetry has forever served as a sanctuary, a recuperative medium to soothe the complexities of human existence. India, with its profound cultural and philosophical heritage, has given rise to a unique and powerful tradition of poetry in the English language. If you've ever wished to dive deep into this rich literary ocean, a remarkable opportunity awaits.
We are thrilled to introduce a comprehensive 8-week MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) on Indian Poetry in English, expertly led by Prof. Binod Mishra of IIT Roorkee. This course is designed to unravel the journey, struggles, and triumphs of Indian poetic voices, from foundational figures to contemporary talents.
Meet Your Instructor: Prof. Binod Mishra
Learning from an experienced guide is pivotal. Prof. Binod Mishra brings over two decades of teaching expertise at IIT Roorkee's Department of Humanities and Social Sciences. An accomplished academic with 25 books and over a hundred publications, he is also a passionate poet and a respected voice in English studies.
His distinguished roles include:
- Vice Chairman of the Association for English Teachers of India (AETI).
- Former Editor-in-Chief of the Indian Journal of English Studies.
- A celebrated instructor whose previous MOOCs on Soft Skills and Effective Writing have been widely acclaimed by learners nationwide.
His dual perspective as a scholar and a poet ensures that this course is both academically rigorous and creatively inspiring.
Course Overview: What Will You Learn?
This undergraduate/postgraduate level course is structured to provide a panoramic yet detailed view of Indian Poetry in English. It moves beyond a simple chronological list to explore thematic clusters and diverse poetic movements.
The 8-week curriculum is thoughtfully laid out:
| Week | Theme/Topic |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Introduction to Indian Poetry in English |
| Week 2 | Experimental Poets |
| Week 3 | Existential Poets |
| Week 4 | Indian Diasporic Poetry |
| Week 5 | Post-modern Poets |
| Week 6 | Impressionistic Poets |
| Week 7 | Haiku in Indian English Poetry; Ethnographic Voices |
| Week 8 | Voices from the Margin |
The course promises to familiarize you with the quintessential ethos of Indianness—its musicality, philosophy, aesthetics, and cultural depth—through valuable discussions on selected poems.
Who Should Enroll?
This course casts a wide net, welcoming anyone with a curiosity for poetry and Indian culture.
- Intended Audience: Graduate, Post-graduate, and Ph.D. students, teachers, researchers, and all poetry enthusiasts.
- Pre-requisite: Simply a passion for literature! The course is open to anyone who has passed 12th grade and is interested in the development of Indian English Poetry.
- Industry Support: Ideal for students of literature, cultural studies, and anyone seeking to understand Indian culture through its artistic expressions and gain aesthetic pleasure.
Essential Reading & Resources
To enrich your learning experience, the course references several key texts. Having access to these will deepen your understanding:
- A Concise History of Indian Literature in English edited by Arvind Krishna Mehrotra
- Modern Indian Poetry in English by Bruce King
- I, Lalla: The Poems of Lal Ded translated by Ranjit Hoskote
- Indian Poetry in English edited by Hari Mohan Prasad
- Indian Writing in English by K.R. Srinivasa Iyengar
- A History of Indian English Literature by M.K. Naik
- Rainbow Redemption: New Bearings in Indian English Poetry edited by Prof. Binod Mishra
Why Take This Course?
In a world where nuanced voices can be overshadowed, this course serves a vital purpose. It not only covers poets commonly prescribed in university syllabi but also sheds light on contemporary and marginalized voices that deserve greater attention.
Through interactive lectures, assignments, and evaluations, you will:
- Trace the evolution and major trends of Indian English poetry.
- Appreciate the diversity of themes from existentialism to diaspora experiences.
- Develop critical tools to analyze and enjoy poetry.
- Connect with a community of fellow learners and poetry lovers.
Embark on this 8-week journey to explore the magnetic voices that have shaped, and continue to shape, the landscape of Indian Poetry in English. Enroll today and let the ripples of this poetic ocean transform your understanding of literature and culture.
Enroll Now →