Mulk Raj Anand was an influential Indian novelist known for his realistic portrayal of society's lower classes. His notable works include Untouchable and Coolie, which focus on social injustices.
If you enjoy reading books by Mulk Raj Anand then you might also like the following authors:
R.K. Narayan writes with gentle humor and keen observation of everyday life in small-town India. His straightforward storytelling highlights subtle ironies and human relationships. His fictional town of Malgudi is full of relatable characters and simple yet meaningful events.
In The Guide, Narayan shows how ordinary lives can become extraordinary through unexpected turns of fate.
Raja Rao blends traditional Indian philosophy with modern narrative techniques. His novels often explore spirituality, national identity, and the struggle against colonial rule. He writes in rhythmic and lyrical prose, deeply influenced by Indian folklore and mythology.
His famous novel, Kanthapura, vividly depicts a rural community drawn into the freedom movement.
Khushwant Singh writes sharply observed, satirical portrayals of society with bold, frank expression. He tackles issues of identity, religion, and politics, often with humor and sometimes bluntness.
His memorable novel, Train to Pakistan, powerfully captures the tense period of India's partition, showing its effects through individual stories.
Bhabani Bhattacharya writes novels exploring social inequalities, poverty, and the impact of historical events on everyday people. His style combines realistic detail with empathy, highlighting ordinary people's struggles and dreams.
In So Many Hungers!, he vividly portrays India's Bengal famine of 1943, focusing on human courage and endurance amid tragedy.
Munshi Premchand writes in a realistic style, reflecting the emotional depth of ordinary lives in rural India. Through straightforward narratives and relatable characters, he challenges prevailing social injustices and class barriers.
In his classic novel Godaan, Premchand compassionately portrays one family's struggle against poverty and oppression in a conservative society.
Saadat Hasan Manto wrote powerful short stories portraying society honestly, often exploring taboo topics. His stories reveal truths about human behavior, poverty, and the devastating impact of partition.
Toba Tek Singh stands out as one of Manto's most famous works, depicting the senseless tragedy of partition through the eyes of a mentally ill man stuck between two countries.
Ismat Chughtai boldly tackled social issues and gender inequalities in her writing. She had a sharp wit and vivid style, capturing everyday life with honesty and compassion.
Her story Lihaaf (The Quilt) caused controversy by addressing female sexuality and societal taboos around relationships openly and candidly.
Rohinton Mistry's novels portray the lives of ordinary people with empathy and subtle detail. Often set against the backdrop of India's social and political turmoil, his stories examine hardship, family relationships, migration, and survival.
His acclaimed novel A Fine Balance portrays the resilience and friendship of individuals struggling to maintain their humanity amid injustice and chaos.
Aravind Adiga writes sharp, satirical fiction highlighting India's economic inequalities and social struggles. His novels vividly capture corruption, ambition, and the struggle between tradition and modernity.
His novel The White Tiger follows the life of Balram Halwai as he rises from poverty through ambition, cunning, and questionable morality, providing keen insights on contemporary Indian society.
Mahasweta Devi wrote passionately about marginalized people, tribal communities, and social injustice. Her storytelling exposed oppression while conveying dignity and resilience in simple, direct prose.
Her powerful story collection Breast Stories addresses gender exploitation and oppression through deeply moving portrayals of affected women.
U.R. Ananthamurthy explores deep questions about traditional Indian society and its conflicts with modernity. His writing is sensitive and thought-provoking, reflecting complexities in societal traditions and morality.
His novel, Samskara, offers a critical view of caste, tradition, and individual duty through the story of a village priest facing challenging ethical dilemmas.
Anita Desai writes beautifully crafted novels filled with psychological depth. She often examines the inner lives of her characters as they navigate personal conflicts, family pressures, and cross-cultural tensions.
In Clear Light of Day, Desai portrays the complexities and emotional tensions within an Indian family's relationships against the backdrop of India's historical changes.
Bapsi Sidhwa writes engaging, lively narratives that reflect vividly on South Asian history, social issues, and the impact of partition. Her work is accessible and emotionally resonant.
In novels such as Ice Candy Man (also published as Cracking India), Sidhwa illustrates the trauma and turmoil faced by ordinary people during India's partition through the eyes of a young girl.
Attia Hosain uses rich and lyrical prose to capture the atmosphere and culture of pre-independence India. Her stories explore themes of tradition, class struggle, and the shifting tides of India's independence movement.
Her notable novel, Sunlight on a Broken Column, portrays the coming-of-age journey of a young Muslim woman caught between the traditional values of her family and the growing forces of freedom and change.
Ahmed Ali offers readers vivid portraits of Indian life, society, and cultural upheaval during colonial times. His storytelling style is precise yet poetic, capturing the atmosphere of his time with realism and sensitivity.
His groundbreaking novel, Twilight in Delhi, powerfully depicts the decline of traditional Muslim society in Delhi under British colonial rule and modernization.