Social Mirror

 The Anglo-Norman period in English literature, roughly spanning from the Norman Conquest of 1066 to the mid-14th century, represents a pivotal era of transformation in the literary landscape of England. This period, initiated by William the Conqueror’s victory at the Battle of Hastings, brought profound cultural and linguistic changes that reshaped the production and development of literature in England. Below, we explore this dynamic period by examining its historical context, the dominance of French and Latin literature, the persistence and evolution of English literary traditions, and the lasting influence on the trajectory of English literature. Historical and Linguistic Context The Norman Conquest of 1066 marked a significant turning point for England, introducing a new ruling class of Norman French speakers. This event established a linguistic hierarchy : French became the language of the court, administration, and the elite; Latin remained the language of the church and sch...

 The Anglo-Saxon period is a time in history when groups of people from northern Europe, mainly the Angles, Saxons, and Jutes, moved to Britain. This happened around the 5th to 11th centuries AD, after the Romans left Britain. These tribes settled in what is now England and parts of Scotland, bringing their language, culture, and way of life. During this time, they formed small kingdoms, farmed the land, and fought battles with each other and against invaders like the Vikings later on. Their language became what we now call Old English, which is an early form of the English we speak today. The period ended in 1066 when the Normans, led by William the Conqueror, invaded and took over England. Historical Context Timeframe: Roughly 410 AD to 1066 AD . Start: Roman withdrawal from Britain around 410 AD left a power vacuum, enabling Germanic tribes to settle. End: The Norman Conquest in 1066 marked a shift to Norman rule and the transition to Middle English. Migration: The Angles, Saxon...

 It's 22 March Today. It's Bihar Diwas (Bihar Day), a very special day for Bihar and Biharis. It is a day of political and cultural awakening among Biharis. However, instead of just pushing jingoism, let's do a reality check on the present state of Bihar.  Bihar, historically a cradle of civilization with intellectual hubs like Nalanda and Vikramshila, faced economic decline over centuries due to colonial exploitation, natural disasters, and post-independence neglect. By the mid-20th century, the state struggled with poverty, unemployment, and underdevelopment, lagging behind India’s more industrialized or urbanized regions. This economic hardship pushed waves of Bihari laborers to migrate to cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, etc. in search of work, often taking up low-paying manual jobs—rickshaw pullers, construction workers, or street vendors. In these urban centers, they became visible symbols of rural poverty, and their sheer numbers made them an easy targe...