If you enjoy reading books by Bhisham Sahni then you might also like the following authors:
Mulk Raj Anand was one of India's boldest voices in social realism. His stories bring out the struggles of everyday people with honesty and compassion. Anand highlights the painful reality of caste discrimination, poverty, and social injustice without romanticizing it.
A good place to start with his work is Untouchable, a novel that follows one day in the life of Bakha, a young sweeper coping with harsh prejudice.
Premchand writes simply and effectively about ordinary people's lives, highlighting poverty, rural hardship, and moral dilemmas with sensitivity and insight.
His storytelling style is straightforward yet emotionally resonant, capturing daily struggles in a way readers can easily connect with. His novel Godaan masterfully portrays the life and dreams of Hori, a humble farmer caught in debt and hardship.
Saadat Hasan Manto has a distinct narrative voice, sharp and direct, with a willingness to tackle taboo subjects head-on. He excels at capturing human behavior in raw, honest terms, seldom judging his characters.
His short stories about Partition are heartbreaking and thought-provoking, showing the human cost of violence and displacement. Check out Toba Tek Singh, a powerful short story exploring the absurdity and tragedy of partition through the lens of mental asylum inmates.
Ismat Chughtai writes boldly about women's lives, exploring relationships, sexuality, and social taboos with courage and wit. Her style is lively and candid, unapologetically challenging conservative attitudes toward gender and society.
One notable story is Lihaaf ("The Quilt"), which stirred controversy with its daring depiction of female sexuality and desire.
Krishna Sobti has a distinct voice, rich and expressive, tackling complex issues of identity, relationships, and freedom. Her vivid characters and nuanced storytelling bring deep emotions and challenging social dynamics into focus.
In her novel Mitro Marjani, Sobti boldly addresses the desires and independence of its outspoken and fearless protagonist Mitro, pushing boundaries with both humor and insight.
Amrita Pritam explores profound emotions in a simple, poetic style. Her work often highlights strong female characters, struggles of the heart, and deep reflections on Partition trauma.
In her novel Pinjar, Pritam sensitively portrays a woman's courage and resilience during the horrors and aftermath of Partition, blending personal struggles with historical realities.
R. K. Narayan tells warm, gentle stories of ordinary people living in small-town India. His clear, humorous prose sheds light on everyday joys and sorrows, making his characters easy to relate to.
His novel The Guide tells the story of Raju, a man whose fortunes rise and fall in unexpected ways, revealing human flaws and virtues with wit and compassion.
Yashpal uses realistic storytelling to explore social struggles, cultural injustice, and political ideals. He creates vivid characters faced with difficult moral decisions amid oppressive and turbulent times.
In Jhootha Sach, Yashpal gives an unflinching portrayal of Partition, detailing the heavy toll it took on human relationships and society at large.
Khushwant Singh writes with honesty, humor, and clarity. His narrative style openly tackles difficult issues like communalism, religious conflict, and moral dilemmas in Indian society.
His novel Train to Pakistan is especially noteworthy, portraying the harsh realities and pain of Partition through the story of ordinary people caught up in extraordinary violence and chaos.
Qurratulain Hyder writes rich, complex stories that weave history, culture, memory, and identity together. Her narrative style bridges past and present, giving readers insights into the depth and diversity of Indian society.
Her famous novel River of Fire (Aag ka Darya) moves across historical periods, providing a panoramic view of India's evolving identity through interwoven life stories and social change.
Mahasweta Devi writes boldly and simply, addressing social injustice and the struggles of marginalized communities. Her stories often shine a light on oppression, women's issues, and tribal rights in India.
In Mother of 1084, she explores a grieving mother's search for meaning after her son's death, depicting political turmoil and personal loss vividly.
Rajinder Singh Bedi offers deep insights into everyday lives through realistic storytelling. His style is sensitive, humane, and firmly rooted in Indian social realities.
In Ek Chadar Maili Si, Bedi portrays the complicated relationships and emotional resilience within a Punjabi family as they face difficult choices following a loss.
Krishan Chander stands out for his compassionate portrayal of ordinary human struggles and aspirations. He blends realism with heartwarming, often humorous narratives. His short novel Ek Gadhe
Ki Atmakatha cleverly satirizes society through the life and adventures of a donkey, highlighting social issues in a lively, accessible way.
Faiz Ahmed Faiz writes poetry that combines lyrical beauty with powerful political expression. His works confront inequality, love, revolution, and hope.
In his poetry collection Nuskha Hai Wafa, Faiz's heartfelt verses inspire and challenge readers, capturing both personal introspection and the wish for social transformation.
Intizar Husain writes prose rich with nostalgia, symbolism, and cultural memory, capturing the experiences of people uprooted by historical events. His carefully crafted narratives explore identity, displacement, and tradition.
His novel Basti follows the protagonist's journey through memories of a lost homeland and the trauma of Partition with delicacy and emotional depth.