This collection investigates the evolving landscape of post-independence Indian literature and the linguistic tensions inherent in writing within a multilingual nation. Adil J. Jussawalla, a noted poet and critic, compiles a diverse array of voices to examine how Indian writers navigate the intersection of traditional vernacular forms and the English language. The work serves as a critical survey of the creative output emerging from India during the mid-20th century. It provides a framework for understanding the socio-political pressures that shaped the literary consciousness of the era.

Critics often cite this anthology as a significant document for understanding the development of Indian writing in English. Scholars frequently note the academic rigor and the editorial precision Jussawalla brings to the selection of texts.