Arvind Krishna Mehrotra
Biography
Arvind Krishna Mehrotra (born 1947) is a leading Indian English poet, translator, and literary critic, known for his innovative poetry, translations, and editorial work. He is considered one of the most influential voices in post-independence Indian English poetry, blending modern sensibilities with traditional Indian literary influences.
🌿 Early Life and Education
Arvind Krishna Mehrotra was born in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh. He studied English literature at the University of Allahabad and developed an early interest in poetry, translation, and literary scholarship. His exposure to both Indian classical literature and Western literary traditions shaped his versatile approach to poetry.
✍️ Literary Career
Mehrotra is known for his poetic innovation, editorial rigor, and translations. His poetry often explores memory, time, consciousness, and cultural identity.
Major Poetry Collections:
Nine Enclosures (1971) — his first collection, marking his emergence as a modern Indian English poet
The Transfigured Word (1976)
Collected Poems (1999) — a comprehensive volume reflecting his poetic evolution
Natural Habits (2011) — including themes of nature, urban life, and human experience
Other Contributions:
Editor of Anthologies of Contemporary Indian Poetry, including the influential The Oxford India Anthology of Twelve Modern Indian Poets
Translator of classical and regional Indian poetry, including works from Hindi, Urdu, and Sanskrit into English
Noted essayist and literary critic, contributing to journals and literary discourse
🌺 Themes and Style
Mehrotra’s poetry is marked by:
Precision of language and imagery
Exploration of urban and natural landscapes
Interrogation of memory, history, and identity
Concise and lyrical
He often employs modernist techniques, balancing intellectual depth with emotional resonance and blending the local with the universal.
🏅 Recognition
Widely anthologized in Indian and international collections of English poetry
Recognized for his contributions as a poet, translator, and editor
His work is studied in universities across India and abroad
🕊️ Legacy
Arvind Krishna Mehrotra has significantly shaped Indian English poetry through his poetic craft, translations, and editorial work. He represents a bridge between traditional Indian literary sensibilities and modernist experimentation, influencing generations of poets and scholars.
His concise yet profound poetry continues to inspire readers and writers, emphasizing the interplay of language, memory, and cultural consciousness in contemporary literature.