Celebrating India's Best Novels: A Literary Journey Through the Country's Iconic Books
From Ancient Epics to Modern Classics: Discover the Richness of Indian Literature in These Must-Read Novels.
India has a robust literary tradition that has given rise to some of the most renowned novels in history. Indian literature has long captivated readers, from the ancient epics to the modern classics.
Let’s explore some of the most recognisable novels that have shaped the literary landscape of India and celebrate the best of Indian literature.
Ancient Epics: The Ramayana and Mahabharata
The Mahabharata and the Ramayana are two of the most significant Indian epics. These epics are more than just stories; they are ingrained in the Indian psyche and have influenced the development of the nation’s culture. Lord Rama, who is thought to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, is the subject of Valmiki’s book, The Ramayana.
The epic tale of a dynastic conflict between the Pandava and Kaurava families, The Mahabharata, was written by Vyasa. These epics teach us valuable moral lessons besides being tales of adventure and bravery.
Modern Classics: Midnight’s Children and The God of Small Things
Two of the most popular novels in contemporary India are Salman Rushdie’s Midnight’s Children and Arundhati Roy’s The God of Small Things. The novel Midnight’s Children chronicles the life of Saleem Sinai, who was born on August 15, 1947, at the stroke of midnight, the day India gained independence from British colonial rule.
In postcolonial India, the novel examines issues of identity, history, and nation-building. A moving tale of love, loss, and Keralan social hierarchies is found in The God of Small Things. The Booker Prize-winning novel in 1997 made Roy one of India’s most significant literary figures.
The White Tiger and The Namesake
Aravind Adiga’s The White Tiger and Jhumpa Lahiri’s The Namesake are two modern novels that have achieved both critical and commercial success. The White Tiger is the tale of Balram Halwai, a driver who overcomes adversity to become a prosperous business executive. The book examines social inequality and corruption in contemporary India.
Gogol Ganguli, a young man who struggles to reconcile his Indian ancestry with his American identity, is the main character of The Namesake, a story that follows his journey. The novel is a moving examination of the experience of immigrants and the quest for identity in a globalized society.
The Guide and A Suitable Boy
A Suitable Boy by Vikram Seth and The Guide by R.K. Narayan are two books that represent Indian literature. Raju, a tour guide who transforms into a spiritual guru, is the subject of the story The Guide. The book is a light satire on the influence of religion and people’s gullibility.
A Suitable Boy is a massive family saga that takes place in India after independence. The book examines issues of politics, religion, and love in a society that is undergoing rapid change.
