Connecting Literatures

A constellation of ventures dedicated to bridging India's multilingual literary heritage with the world, through translation and publication.

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Translating the Literatures of India for the World

A new chapter in India's literary journey begins today.

Hyphen arrives with vision and conviction to carry the voices of India's many languages across borders, to reveal their brilliance, and to connect them with readers everywhere.

At its heart, Hyphen is a constellation of three landmark ventures. Hyphen: Connecting Literatures, a literary journal in English, in print and digital formats, scheduled for launch in 2026, will present the finest translations, revealing the depth, diversity, and genius of writing in Indian languages. Hyphen Publications, a dedicated publishing house, will bring landmark works from Indian languages into English, produced to international standards. Hyphen Digital Platform will serve as a vibrant hub for conversations on literary traditions, translation resources, a curated bookshop, fellowships, seminars, book clubs, publisher forums, and mentorship programmes.

India's literatures are vast, varied, and dazzling, yet so much of this wealth remains unseen beyond linguistic borders. Only a few voices have found their way into English, and the decline in translations between Indian languages has narrowed the exchange even within the country. Hyphen, based in Bangalore and an initiative of Bahuvachana Trust, sets out to bridge these gaps with the support of writers and translators across Indian languages.

This ambitious project envisions an ecosystem that brings the brilliance of India's literatures to readers across the world. Translation, beyond a deep understanding of Indian languages and cultures, also demands time and strong editorial support. Hyphen distinguishes itself by addressing these needs.

Vivek Shanbhag Author, translator & founding trustee, Bahuvachana Trust

A triumph for Indian literary diversity, connecting readers to voices that have long awaited translation.

Namita Gokhale Celebrated author & festival director

India's true essence, reflected in its varied landscapes and languages, finds its voice in the literatures of its people. The time has come to share these voices with the world. Hyphen has taken up this task with vision, and I believe this pioneering work will bear lasting fruit.

Perumal Murugan Renowned Tamil scholar & author

A project that will not only broaden the reach of important writers but will invigorate world literature itself. This is exactly what readers need.

Christopher Merrill Director, International Writing Program, University of Iowa

About

Bridging linguistic borders through literature

At its heart, Hyphen is a constellation of three landmark ventures. Together, these initiatives form a living ecosystem — one that nurtures translators, supports writers, and opens new possibilities for publishing.

Hyphen is not merely a project but a cultural movement, dedicated to carrying India's multilingual heritage to the world stage.

Our Three Ventures

Hyphen: Connecting Literatures

A literary journal in English, in print and digital formats, presenting the finest translations, revealing the depth, diversity and genius of writing in Indian languages.

Hyphen Publications

A dedicated publishing house bringing landmark works from Indian languages into English, produced to the highest global standards.

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Hyphen Digital Platform

A vibrant hub for translation resources, curated bookshop, fellowships, seminars, book clubs, publisher forums, and mentorship programmes.

Origin