100 Best Indian books to read in a lifetime challenge
I had to make this list.
I am a reader and an Indian. And I feel proud to say that not only has the book reading community in India been growing exponentially but also Indian Literature has undergone a sea change not only in terms of quality but also volume.
Readers are now spoilt for choice as to what Indian Books to read. And I found myself in a similar situation when deciding on what Best Books by Indian authors do I read. So I began making a list of all the books by Indian authors or Indian origin authors or books based in India that I must read.
And I came up with 100 titles. But this isn’t an exhaustive list because Indian literature every year adds thousands if not more books to an ever-growing reading space. So the list may grow over the years.
But these for now are the 100 books I found the best in terms of the content, ratings, and overall likeability in the market. So I’m going to read each one of these as a challenge to myself. Not in this one year of course. But maybe in the next five years. Up to say 2027 or 2030, who’s counting?
So I published this list for two reasons. Once I read books on this list I will add my reviews of these books here so I’m accountable for my self-challenge before all my readers. And the second reason obviously is for my readers who like me are looking for the best of Indian literature to read.
Note: majority of his books are available for FREE on Kindle Unlimited Subscription by Amazon in India and those books that are paid (a handful few) are available for a very small fee.
Some of these books are also available for free on Audible.
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Top History Books by Indian authors
Historical Fiction by Indian Writers
Regional literature in India is equally significant and has its own unique flavor. We are fortunate enough to have a rich canon of literature in our regional languages.
Regional literature includes novels, poetry, short stories, folk tales. Also the regional adaptations of the great epics such as the Mahabharata and Ramayana.
Many regional writers have pushed the boundaries of Indian fiction. They have introduced new perspectives and themes that reflect the variety of the country.
The works of regional authors such as Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay, Munshi Premchand, and Saadat Hasan Manto have become classics of Indian writing. These regional books offer a unique look into the cultural and social aspects of diverse India.
A day in the life of a latrine cleaner. This book is eye-opening at the same time it’s heart-breaking. Why can an honest, hard-working man not have a decent day at work?
You’ll find many books written on India-Pakistan partition story. But this continues to be the best of the best. Nothing can be more terrifying to a village of simple minded people seeing a train loaded with mutilated corpses of their brethren, docking at their village.
Best Mythology Books in Indian Literature
Retelling of the Mahabharata through the perspective of the most important woman to the epic – Draupadi aka Panchali. The wife of the Pandavas, the daughter of King Drupada and a sister and devotee to Lord Krishna. The story is known and yet completely unknown.
Learn about India's favorite and most widely known epic, the Ramayana, through the eyes of its heroine Sita. Sita met many small but noteworthy women, during her journey, from princess to queen, queen to an exiled woman, back to the queen, and then a mother. These women unknowingly inspired Sita to the decision that is said to have changed the course of history. And that is said to have taken her away from her beloveds, King Rama and their sons.
It is these women presented in feminist thought that you will find in this memorable book.
10 best Indian Translated Books you must read
Top Indian Autobiographies/Memoirs
The transformation behind Gautama into Siddhartha or Gautam Buddha. Inspiring story of what is it that we exactly seek in life.
The most shocking murder in Indian History. M.K.Gandhi was shot at after his prayer meeting by Nathuram Godse. Why did Godse do what he did? A shocking and absolutely believable revelation.
Imagine a day in your life where you were driven out of your house. If you protested you were killed and the Government could do nothing about it. And all because you were a Kashmiri Pandit.
An eye-opening and gut-wrenching memoir that brings forth the ugly face of Indian history.
13 brilliant non-fiction books I read in 2022 and you should read too
First memoir written by a Dalit woman from Kerala. Her story of how despite hardships and no basic government infrastructure the woman went on to pursue education with a vengeance is more than brave and courageous.
A bold woman and her bold story.
Kamala Das belonged to the Upper Middle Class. But her quest for something meaningful and passionate led her through many territories not meant for an Indian woman of that era.
"Baluta" is a powerful autobiographical account of Daya Pawar's life as a Dalit in Maharashtra, India. The book exposes the harsh realities of caste discrimination and oppression faced by Dalits in Indian society.
Pawar's narrative is raw and honest, depicting his struggles, experiences, and eventual resistance against caste-based discrimination.
"Baluta" is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding caste dynamics in India and the Dalit experience.
Best Indian Books - Romance and LGBT books
"Those Pricey Thakur Girls" is a delightful novel set in 1980s Delhi, India, revolving around the lives of the five Thakur sisters.
The story is narrated by the youngest sister, Debjani, as she navigates the complexities of her family, love, and societal expectations. Amidst the backdrop of political turmoil and family drama, the sisters' unique personalities and relationships shine through, making for a heartwarming and entertaining read.
If you enjoy heartwarming family dramas with a touch of humor and romance, "Those Pricey Thakur Girls" is a perfect pick. Pride and Prejudice fans will also love this book.
I loved the suspense building that happened throughout the story. So it begins with Tanay’s narrative who tells us that although the paying guest (his name and identity is never revealed) and he has a physical relationship and Tanay felt that they were in love with each other. Despite that, the paying guest has eloped with Tanay’s sister Anjali. Initially, Tanay is shocked, heartbroken, and then disgusted by the feeling of being used.
Overall I think it was a captivating story that was very well translated from Marathi by Jerry Pinto and I look forward to watching its recently launched adaptation on the screen.
This is a landmark graphic novel in Indian Literature. The story is dark and gripping and the illustrations are brilliantly created.
Best Indian Books to read in Short Stories
I didn’t quite get why a short story writer could be so popular until I actually read her stories. From Bombay to Boston the characters in the stories could be you and me. But the little details Lahiri catches in their expressions and dialogues is simply superb.
These are stories of people separated from their homeland and longing for a taste of it.
Another bold Indian writer who writes without any inhibitions is Manto. You’ll find stories of India’s freedom struggles here as well as stories of coming of age of boys who grow up among a woman dominated household. The writing is unputdownable.
Everyone in India knows Ruskin Bond. He is as popular with kids as much as he is with adults. The Room on the roof is one of his oldest and most popular stories.
A beautifully simple story with an equally beautiful moral. The virtue of giving more than taking is illustrated wonderfully through the story of a little girl who is fascinated by a frilly blue umbrella.
Charming stories set in a fictional town Malgudi, somewhere in the south of India, where the author belongs. My favorite had to be the story of the Astrologer. Narayan is famous for her stories with twisted endings and catching the readers with a surprise element.
Sudha Murthy is a household name in urban India. She is a businesswoman, a wife, a mother and a brilliant speaker and author. Her stories are drawn from her own firsthand experiences.
My favorite of them has to be the titular three thousand stitches where as a token of gratitude she was presented with a quilt with three thousand stitches woven by the women she helped earn a livelihood and an independent life.
Perumal Murugan writes primarily in Tamil and this is a translated version of his original story I read. I became an instant fan. The story will absolutely break your heart. I cried at the end of it.
Why can’t a newly married couple just live their life normally although they belong to different castes? I don’t know the answer to this monumental question. But it deserves your attention.
Stories from North-East India set in the time before they were liberated and given the status of independent states.
Bestsellers in Contemporary Fiction by Indian Authors
Contemporary Indian authors are making great contributions to the writing world. They are gaining recognition globally.
Many of these authors have explored new subjects. They have experimented with different styles of writing. This makes their works stand out and makes it welcoming.
Arundhati Roy, Jhumpa Lahiri, and Amitav Ghosh are some of the most famous contemporary Indian authors. They have gained international recognition.
The younger generation of Indian authors is also making a mark with their thoughtful works. They are gaining popularity for their fresh perspectives. The variety and complexity of books by Indian authors make them a valuable addition to any reader's collection.
A village boy turns into being a criminal, all for the sake of climbing up the ladder of success and wealth. But what compels him to take these extreme measures. Is it the society, the people like us who live in it or is it entirely his fault? Written in the form of letters to a certain aristocrat the white tiger shows you the underbelly of the Indian society.
Another translated gem from Kannada literature. This is the story of what happens when a poor family overnight becomes rich and doesn’t understand how to handle the societal norms that go along with it. Being rich doesn’t solve all problems, it simply creates more.
The story of a typical Indian woman who has been sacrificing her likes, career choices and friends for the sake of her family especially her husband and kids.
A family of four – the narrator, his sister, father and mother trying to create a life of normality around their mentally unstable mother. The story was written in times when madness was considered like a disease and no one knew how to handle a mental patient at home.
A fascinating story written in beautiful prose.
"The Far Field" is a compelling novel that follows the journey of Shalini, a young woman from Bangalore, as she travels to a remote village in Kashmir in search of a man from her mother's past.
Vijay's writing is evocative and beautifully captures the lush landscapes of Kashmir. The story explores themes of identity, loss, and the complexities of human relationships, against the backdrop of Kashmir's political turmoil.
If you enjoy literary fiction with a strong sense of place and complex characters, "The Far Field" is a captivating read.
A son’s death is reduced to a number labelled to his body – 1084. The mother believes the son could never do wrong, then why was he killed. The father believes it was the mother’s encouragement and undue favoritism that encouraged the son’s wrongful activities and his involvement in banned groups.
Giving all the hype surrounding the book and its adaptation I was a little disappointed by the writing. I felt disconnected with the story.
Must-Read Poetry by Indian Authors
Award-winning poetry collection by India’s award winning and most beloved writer.
Best Non-fiction Indian Books
Two cousins are found hanging by a tree in the dead of the night. Earlier they were spotted with a boy from the upper caste. Everyone believes the boy raped them and killed them. But the truth is stranger than fiction.
Quite a shocking story told through eloquent and chronicled writing.
"Annihilation of Caste" is a powerful speech by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, a champion of social justice in India.
In this speech, Ambedkar fiercely criticizes the caste system, calling for its complete abolition. He argues that caste divides people and perpetuates inequality and injustice, urging society to embrace equality and fraternity.
"Annihilation of Caste" is a must-read for anyone interested in social justice and Indian history.
Indian literature is very diverse and rich.
So it offers a unique perspective on life, society, and human emotions. It covers everything from ancient epics to contemporary novels.
Books by Indian authors show the huge cultural legacy of my country.
Indian English literature, although relatively new, has produced many award-winning texts. In addition to critically lauded masterpieces that have become popular worldwide. These books set in India offer a glimpse into the diversity of the country and what it's like to live here.
The essence of Indian writing lies in its ability to capture the heart of Indian culture and tradition. At the same time also exploring universal themes that go beyond borders and cultures.
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For More Indian Books To Read Check out this post by BookGeeks -
121 Best Indian Books Written in English: A List of Must-Read Novels by Indian Authors (2020)
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