A Short History of Indian Drama in English offers the first comprehensive historical account of how English-language theatre emerged, evolved, and thrives in contemporary India. From its origins in the colonial encounter to today’s experimental and multilingual productions, the book captures two centuries of dramatic evolution.

Blending literary analysis with stage history, the volume maps the dynamic world of plays, stage practices and audiences. It explores the dialogue between English and regional language traditions, the lasting imprint of Shakespeare, the rise of social-reform theatre, and the post-Independence revival of indigenous roots. Punctuated by interviews with leading theatre practitioners and playwrights, the text provides lucid introductions to major works, while exploring the underlying processes of mobility and change within changing contexts.

Authoritative and highly readable, this book is an essential resource for students, scholars, and readers interested in Indian literature, theatre history and performance studies.