India is famed for its beautiful literary story, and it has become a hub for Indian writers in English whose works have received name and fame. They tell the true and unfiltered story of the nation by using the voices and viewpoints of all the elements that make the nation. Here are some of the best Indian authors and their must-read books:
R.K. Narayan (1906-2001)
In his stories, set in the mythical town of Malgudi, Narayan paints warm and realistic pictures of everyday life. His literary creations of “The Guide” (dealing with faith and morality), “Malgudi Days” (a collection of short stories depicting simple pleasures), “Swami and Friends” (the coming-of-age story) all bring to life the essence of Indian society.
Rabindranath Tagore (1861-1941)
The first non-European to win the Nobel Prize in Literature, “Gitanjali”, the collection of poems reflecting spiritual yearning, of Tagore, is a must-read. His novels like “Chitra” (feminism) and “The Home and the World” (clash between tradition and modernity) carry the profound meaning.
Mulk Raj Anand (1905-2004)
“Untouchable” written by him is known for its rough presentation of the poverty and social injustice. “Coolie” (showing the daily struggles of Indian laborers) and “Seven Summers” (an autobiographical piece) continue to be important additions.
Arundhati Roy (1961-)
Winner of the Booker Prize for “The God of Small Things” (a tale of forbidden love and social barriers), Roy is famous for her poetic style and evocative storytelling. “The Ministry of Utmost Happiness” (a tapestry of lives amidst political turmoil) and “Capitalism: The essay “A Country” (essays on the issue of global inequality) is an proof of her true voice.
Amitav Ghosh (1956-)
Through deft story telling and by engaging you into historical depth, Ghosh tackles with the intricate themes of colonialism and migration. For example “The Glass Palace” (spanning generations and borders), “The Hungry Tide” (that is environmental concerns and mythical creatures), and “Flood of Fire” (a part of the Ibis trilogy finding the Opium Wars) are his well established fictional works.
Salman Rushdie (1947-)
The Rushdie, famous for his magical realism and themes, Midnight’s Children” that combined personal story with post-independence of India got the Booker Prize. “The Satanic Verses” (dealing with religious issues) and “Haroun and the Sea of Stories” (a magical adventure story) are other writings as well.
MANOHAR MALGONKAR
Manohar Malgonkar (1913-2010) was an Indian writer who wrote both fiction and non-fiction. He is well-known known for his historical novels, which sometimes focused on some issues, like the independence of India and the Partition of the country. His novels has a lot of reputation due to the vast research, characters and creative storylines.
Some of his most famous historical novels include:
- “A Bend in the Ganges” (1964)
- “The Princes” (1963)
- “The Garland Keepers” (1974)
- “The Devil’s Wind” (1972)
Nirad C. Chaudhuri
Nirad C. Chaudhuri (1897-1999), a Bengali writer, scholar, and historian, is well-known for his contentious views regarding Indian history and culture. He was a great author who wrote numerous books, essays, and articles on diverse subjects.
Chaudhuri wrote a number of other books on Indian history and culture, including “The Continent of Circe: “An Essay on the Peoples of Asia” (1965) and “Clive of India” (1975). In addition, he wrote many books about his life in England, including “A Passage to England” (1960) and “Thy Hand, Great Anarch!” (1962).
Aravind Adiga (1974-)
The booker prize laureate “The White Tiger” showing social class through the eyes of a servant has been authored by Adiga which is followed by “Last Man in Tower” exploring corruption and ambition and then “Selection Day” focusing on two cricket-playing brothers.
Kiran Desai (1971-)
Anita Desai’s daughter, Kiran won the coveted Man Booker Prize for her “Inheritance of Loss” (a novel dealing with cultural clashes). Apart from “Hullabaloo in the Guava Orchard” (a family saga) and “The Interpreter of Maladies” (short stories on the themes of migration) are also many other significant works.
Chetan Bhagat (1974)
What distinguishes Bhagat as a writer is his one of the youth-oriented novels, “Five Point Someone” (campus life), “One Night at the Call Center” (workplace romance), and “2 States: The Story of My Marriage” (inter-religious love story). They have not only been bestsellers but also came into films.
Some FAQs
Which Indian classics can I recommend you?
R.K. Narayan (Malgudi Days), Rabindranath Tagore (Gitanjali) and Mulk Raj Anand (Untouchable) generate classic stories and realizations.
What the recent Indian writers in english are doing now?
Some Indian writers in English written by Arundhati Roy (The God of Small Things), Amitav Ghosh (The Glass Palace), and Salman Rushdie (Midnight’s Children) to get a contemporary angle.
Is there any Indian author for lighter reads?
Read Chetan Bhagat’s fast-paced novels (Five Point Someone) or Jhumpa Lahiri’s affecting short stories (Interpreter of Maladies).
Will you please recommend some historical fiction from Indian writers in English?
Manohar Malgonkar (A Bend in the Ganges) and Vikram Chandra (Sacred Games) are those who are very skilled in giving life to history with great stories.
What to read biographies and memoirs by Indian writers in English?
Nirad C. Chaudhuri’s thought-provoking autobiography (The Autobiography of an Unknown Indian) provides remarkable views of Indian culture.
