Top 10 Indian Authors You Should Read

India boasts a rich and storied literary tradition that dates back over 3,000 years. While Indian English literature may have a shorter history, it is still home to many award-winning and critically acclaimed works that any reader should not miss. To help you embark on your literary journey, we’ve compiled a list of Top 10 Indian authors you should read. They are from different genres and backgrounds and everyone is unique in there own field.

Rabindranath Tagore

When we talk about Indian authors the first author that comes to our mind is the Nobel prize winner Rabindranath Tagore. He was a talented poet, philosopher, and multi-faceted artist from Bengal. Born in Calcutta (now Kolkata) on May 7, 1861, he is considered one of India’s most notable literary figures. As a prolific writer, he created an array of works including poems, songs, plays, novels, and essays in both Bengali and English. In 1913, Tagore became the first non-European to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature for his collection of poems “Gitanjali.” Some of his other well-known works include “The Home and the World,” “Gora,” and “The Post Office.” An advocate for Indian independence, Tagore utilized his writing to raise awareness about social and political issues in India. To this day, he continues to be a significant influence in Indian literature and culture.

Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay

Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay was a famous Indian Bengali novelist and playwright of the early 20th century. He was born in 1876 in Bengal Presidency, British India and died in 1938. He was known for his socially conscious writing and his works often explored themes of poverty, oppression, and the struggles of the working class. Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay’s writing style was simple, yet powerful and evocative, which made his works widely popular in India and abroad. He is considered one of the greatest Bengali novelists of all time and continues to be widely read and appreciated to this day.

Ruskin Bond

He is known for his writing in the English language, which often reflects the culture, lifestyle, and landscapes of rural India. Bond has written numerous novels, short stories, essays, and children’s books and is widely regarded as one of India’s finest writers of English fiction. Some of his most famous works include “The Room on the Roof,” “A Flight of Pigeons,” “Susanna’s Seven Husbands,” and “Rain in the Mountains.” Bond has received several awards for his writing, including the Sahitya Akademi Award, the Padma Shri, and the Padma Vibhushan.

R. K. Narayan

R.K. Narayan was one of the leading figures of Indian English literature. He was born on October 10, 1906 in Madras, British India and died on May 13, 2001. He was known for his humorous and contemplative writing, which often explored the lives of ordinary people in the small South Indian town of Malgudi. Narayan’s writing style was simple and elegant, and he is considered one of India’s greatest writers of the 20th century. Some of his most famous works include “Swami and Friends,” “The Guide,” “The Financial Expert,” and “The Vendor of Sweets.” Narayan received several awards for his writing, including the Padma Vibhushan, the third highest civilian award in India, and the Sahitya Akademi Award.

Preeti Shenoy

She is a bestselling author in India and has published several books in English, including “Life is What You Make It,” “The Secret Wish List,” “It’s All in the Planets,” and “Tea for Two and a Piece of Cake.” She was born on June 7, 1974, in India. Shenoy’s writing style is light-hearted and relatable, and her books often explore themes of relationships, family, and self-discovery. She has been widely praised for her writing and has won several awards, including the Crossword Book Award for “Life is What You Make It.” Preeti Shenoy is known for her engaging writing style and her ability to connect with readers on a deep emotional level.

Shashi Tharoor

Shashi Tharoor is an Indian politician and writer. He was born on March 9, 1956 in London, England. He is also a writer and has written several books on India and its history, culture, and politics. Tharoor is known for his articulate and well-informed speeches, both in the Parliament and outside, and his writing style is often described as witty and engaging. Some of his most famous books include “The Great Indian Novel,” “India: From Midnight to the Millennium,” and “An Era of Darkness: The British Empire in India.” Shashi Tharoor has recently released a book titled “Tharoorosaurus,” which features 53 of his unique vocabulary words and accompanying captivating tales of their origin.

Khushwant Singh

Khushwant Singh was an author, lawyer, and journalist. He was born on February 2, 1915 in Hadali, Punjab, British India and died on March 20, 2014. Singh was one of India’s best-known writers and is widely regarded as one of the country’s most prominent public intellectuals. He wrote several novels, short stories, and non-fiction works and was known for his wit, sarcasm, and irreverent humor. Some of his most famous works include “Train to Pakistan,” “The Company of Women,” “The End of India,” and “A History of the Sikhs.” Singh was a prolific writer and was widely respected for his writing, which often tackled controversial political and social issues. He received several awards for his writing, including the Padma Vibhushan, the second highest civilian award in India.

Chetan Bhagat

Chetan Bhagat was born on April 22, 1974 in New Delhi, India. Bhagat is one of India’s best-selling authors and is known for his books that deal with young urban middle-class Indian life. Some of his most famous works include “Five Point Someone,” “One Night @ the Call Center,” “The 3 Mistakes of My Life,” and “Half Girlfriend.” Bhagat’s writing style is simple and direct, and his books often address social and cultural issues in India. He has been widely praised for his writing and has won several awards, including the Society Young Achievers Award and the MTV Youth Icon of the Year Award. Chetan Bhagat is considered one of India’s most popular writers and his works have been adapted into several successful Bollywood films.

Amrita Pritam

Amrita Pritam was an author, novelist, and essayist. She was born on August 31, 1916 in Gujranwala, Punjab, British India and died on October 31, 2015. Pritam was one of India’s most prominent and pioneering female writers and is widely regarded as one of the country’s greatest feminist writers. She wrote over 100 books, including novels, short stories, and essays, and was known for her bold and frank portrayal of women and their struggles. Some of her most famous works include “Amar Jaleel,” ” Ajj Aakhaan Waris Shah Nu,” “The Heart Has Its Own Reasons,” and “The Yoni.” Pritam was the first woman to receive the Sahitya Akademi Award for her novel “Amar Jaleel.” She was also the recipient of several other awards and honors, including the Padma Vibhushan, the second highest civilian award in India.

Kiran Desai

Kiran Desai is the daughter of celebrated Indian author, Anita Desai. She was born on September 3, 1971 in Delhi, India. Desai is best known for her novel “The Inheritance of Loss,” which was published in 2006 and won the Man Booker Prize that same year. The novel is set in India and explores themes of identity, loss, and the impact of globalization on traditional cultures. Desai’s writing style is lyrical and evocative, and she is known for her ability to blend humor and pathos in her storytelling. She has received several awards for her writing, including the Hemingway Foundation/PEN Award, the Betty Trask Prize, and the National Book Critics Circle Fiction Award.

Also Read: Role of Bookstores in Promoting Local Authors