By EFTeam India with its rich history and diverse culture has given the world many great writers and some unforgettable books that have deeply touched readers everywhere. Indian authors have explored mythology, history to contemporary issues and human emotions. Their works show India’s rich traditions and its growing modern identity. These books cover different genres, from ancient stories to modern works, giving readers a glimpse of Indian society, culture, and ideas.
Whether you are looking for a spiritual wisdom, history or exciting fiction, these books offer an unforgettable journey through India’s stories.Whether you love reading or are just starting, these books are a great way to enjoy India’s amazing literature.
This list includes classic and modern books showing the amazing creativity of Indian authors. Let’s find out the top 10 famous books and their authors in India.
1. The White Tiger(Adiga novel)
Aravind Adiga’s The white tiger is a gripping novel that won the man booker prize in 2008. The story follows Balaram Halwai, a poor villager who becomes a successful entrepreneur in modern India. The book is written as a series of letters and talks about class, corruption and ambition in a fast changing society. Through Balram’s Story Adiga gives a mix of dark humour and a touching look at India’s social and economical gaps. The white tiger remains one of the most thought provoking novels of Indian literature.
Author: Aravind Adiga is an acclaimed Indian Author known for his Debut novel The White tiger which won the prestigious booker prize. His works explore class, ambition, and social inequalities in India.
2. In Custody by Anita Desai
In Custody (1984) is a novel by Indian American author Anita Desai which was shortlisted for booker prize in same year which showcase its literally excellence.
It is a powerful novel which narrates the story of Deven, a struggling Hindi teacher who loves Urdu poetry. Once he is invited by his friend Murad to interview Nur, a once- famous Urdu poet for a magazine.
Excited Deven visits Nur in Old Delhi but is disheartened by the poet’s poor living condition and his pessimism about Urdu’s future. With Murad’s encouragement Deven gets a second hand tape recorder to record Nur’s poetry. However he faces many challenges including Nur’s demanding wife and technical issues. Despite borrowing money from his college for his expenses, Deven’s recording attempt fails. Burdened by debts and failures he feels defeated.
About Anita Desai: She is a renowned Indian American Author known for her insightful emotions, cultural identity and social issues. Her works include In Custody and Clear light of Day.
3. Gitanjali by Rabindranath Tagore
Gitanjali a collection of 157 poems by Rabindranath Tagore was originally written in Bengali and published on 4th August 1910. Many poems became the famous Rabindrasangeet. In November 1912 the India Society of London published the English translation Gitanjali : Song Offerings featuring 53 poems. This translation earned him the most prestigious Nobel Prize making his Asia’s first laureate.
About Author Rabindranath Tagore: Rabindranath Tagore is a legendary Bengali poet, writer; philosopher was the first Asian to win Nobel Prize for literature. His works blend of spirituality, nature and humanity.
4. Train to Pakistan by Khushwant Singh
Train to Pakistan (1956) By Khushwant Singh is a powerful historical Novel set during India’s partition in August 1947. Set in the fictional village of Mano Majra near the border, the novel shows the human suffering and communal tensions of the time.
Instead of focusing on politics, Singh tells a personal story showing chaos, horror, and tragedy of partition. This powerful work brings to life the emotional realities of ordinary people caught in the turmoil, making it a timeless reflection on humanity during a period of great turmoil.
Author Bio: Khushwant Singh was an Indian author, journalist, editor known for his bold writings. Apart from Train to Pakistan other great novel was The Company of Women.
5. The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy
Arundhati Roy’s debut Novel The God of Small Things won the booker prize in1997. Set in Kerala it follows twins Rahel and Estha as they navigate love, loss and social injustices.
Roy’s poetic writing explores the caste system, family secrets and forbidden love blending personal and political theme.
This powerful book shows the emotions of ordinary people during the chaos making it a timeless story about humanity in trouble times.
Author Bio : Arundhati Roy is an Indian author and activist best known for her debut novel The God Of small things.
6. A Suitable Boy by Vikram Seth
A Suitable Boy by Vikram Seth is one of the longest single volume novel ever published. It is a vast story set in post independent India following four families and their connected lives.The story focuses on Lata Mehra’s search for a husband while exploring politics, religion and social change.
Seth’s story telling is rich in detail, bringing the characters, and their worlds to life. A suitable boy gives a wide view of India’s traditions and changes making it a significant work in literature.
7. Malgudi Days by R.K. Narayan
Malgudi Days by R.K. Narayan is a delightful collection of short stories
Set in the fictional town of Malgudi. The book portrays everyday life in India with warmth, humor, and simplicity. Each story introduces memorable characters and explores universal themes like love, ambition, and human struggles. Narayan’s writing style is simple yet deep, showing Indian culture and the charm of small town life.
8. Midnight’s Children By Salman Rushdie
Salman Rushdie’s Midnight’s Children is a magical story that won the booker prize in 1981. The novel follows Saleem Sinai born when India became independent as he learns about his telepathic powers and their link to India’s history. The novel’s creative language, complex story, and mix of history and fantasy make it a groundbreaking work.
9. Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri
Jhumpa Lahiri’s Interpreter of Maladies is a Pulitzer award winning collection of short stories about Indian immigrants and their struggles with identity, relationships and belongings. Each story is heartfelt, exploring themes of love, loss. And feeling disconnected from culture. Lahiri’s graceful writing and sharp observations bring her characters into life making their experiences relatable to readers everywhere.
10. Amitav Ghosh – The Glass Palace
Amitav Ghosh – The Glass Palace is a historical novel that spans multiple generations, exploring the impact of British colonialism On Burma, India and Malaysia. The story starts with the fall of Burmese monarchy in 1885. It follows the lives of key characters, including the royal family and their servants. The glass Palace won the Frankfurt eBook Award 2001.
Conclusion
From epic novels to modern classics, Indian authors continue to engage readers worldwide exploring deep human emotions, political challenges offering valuable insight into life and society.