However, some commonly cited pioneers include:
* Michael Madhusudan Dutt (1824-1873): Often considered a founding figure, he wrote the first Indian epic poem in English, "Meghnad Badh Kavya."
* Rabindranath Tagore (1861-1941): While best known for his Bengali writing, he also wrote in English, including the Nobel Prize-winning "Gitanjali."
* Bankim Chandra Chatterjee (1838-1894): Although primarily known for his Bengali works, his English writings contributed to the development of the genre.
* Toru Dutt (1856-1877): A poet who wrote in both English and Bengali, she gained recognition for her collection "A Sheaf Gathered in India."
* Sarojini Naidu (1879-1949): A poet and political activist known for her lyrical and evocative style, she played a significant role in the Indian independence movement.
It's important to remember that Indian English literature is a collaborative and evolving field, with many writers and their works contributing to its rich history and ongoing development.