If you enjoy reading books by Premchand then you might also like the following authors:
R.K. Narayan is known for his simple yet powerful storytelling, often set in the fictional South Indian town of Malgudi. His writing brings everyday lives and ordinary people into focus, creating deeply relatable tales.
One of his books, “The Financial Expert,” tells the story of Margayya, a man with big dreams and the ambition to climb the social ladder. Margayya starts off helping villagers with financial advice under the shade of a banyan tree.
His quest for success leads him into unexpected paths that change his life. Narayan’s ability to capture human emotions and the quirks of small-town life makes his characters feel very real.
Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay was a Bengali writer whose stories often focus on rural life, social issues, and human emotions. His novel “Devdas” tells the story of a man who grows up with his childhood friend, Paro, and falls in love with her.
Their love, however, is thwarted by societal pressures and family pride. As their paths separate, Devdas struggles with heartbreak, alcohol, and his inability to move on. The story captures the flaws and vulnerabilities of its characters in a way that feels deeply real.
Fans of Premchand might enjoy how Sarat Chandra paints vivid pictures of ordinary lives and their struggles.
Rabindranath Tagore, an Indian writer, poet, and thinker, is known for his deep understanding of human emotions and social issues. One of his famous works, “The Home and the World,” explores the personal and political tensions in early 20th-century India.
The story follows three characters: Nikhil, a thoughtful and kind-hearted landlord; his wife Bimala; and Sandip, a fiery nationalist leader.
As Bimala becomes drawn to Sandip’s revolutionary ideas, the relationships between the three unravel, showing the clash between idealism and self-interest. The book captures the challenges of loyalty, love, and the pressures of a changing society.
Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay was an Indian author known for his storytelling that brings everyday life alive with warmth and depth.
His novel “Pather Panchali” follows the struggles of a poor family in rural Bengal, highlighting the bond between siblings Apu and Durga as they explore their world.
The book paints quiet but vivid scenes of village life, where small joys, harsh realities, and dreams blend together. Moments like Apu’s fascination with the train or Durga’s playful spirit stay with you long after you close the book.
If you enjoy Premchand’s grounded stories about rural life, Bibhutibhushan’s works might open up another world for you.
Kamala Markandaya was an Indian novelist known for her deep exploration of rural life and social struggles. Her novel “Nectar in a Sieve” tells the story of a woman named Rukmani, who marries a poor farmer and learns the harsh realities of life in a village.
The book focuses on her perseverance through poverty, natural disasters, and societal change. Set during a time when industrialization begins to take over traditional farming practices, it paints a vivid picture of the toll it takes on simple lives.
Readers who appreciate Premchand’s focus on rural society may connect with Markandaya’s heartfelt storytelling.
Munshi Sadeed Haidar was a talented storyteller who focused on the lives of ordinary people and their struggles. His book “The Weaver’s Loom” captures the life of a poor weaver caught in a cycle of poverty and debt.
The story gives readers a closer look at the relationship between tradition and change. As tensions rise within the weaver’s family, their craft becomes both a source of pride and a burden.
Haidar’s simple yet evocative writing draws you into the heart of a community trying to hold on to its identity in a changing world. If you enjoy Premchand’s realistic tales, Haidar’s work feels familiar and is deeply moving.
Mahasweta Devi was an Indian writer known for her powerful stories that bring out the lives of marginalized communities. If you enjoy Premchand’s focus on rural struggles, you might find her work fascinating too.
One of her celebrated books, “Hajar Churashir Ma,” explores the pain of a mother after her son gets killed as a Naxalite. The story shifts between her memories of him as a boy and the harsh reality of how he died.
It’s a deeply human tale that looks at love and loss in a time of political unrest.
Tarashankar Bandopadhyay was an Indian writer known for capturing the lives of rural people in Bengal with sharp detail and compassion. His novel “Hansuli Banker Upakatha” paints a vivid picture of a small tribal community living on the banks of a river.
The story follows the struggles of the Kahar community as they face upheaval when modernity starts encroaching on their age-old traditions.
Through characters like the stubborn leader, Baghini, and the young, questioning Gafur, Bandopadhyay explores themes of identity, change, and survival. The emotional depth and focus on rural life may remind readers of Premchand’s works.
Mulk Raj Anand was a significant voice in Indian literature, known for writing stories that explore the lives of ordinary people with dignity and depth.
One of his most famous works, “Untouchable,” follows a single day in the life of Bakha, a young man from the lowest caste in Indian society.
Bakha’s experiences reflect the injustices and prejudices he faces, whether it’s the humiliation of being shunned or his longing for better opportunities. Through Bakha’s journey, Anand paints a vivid picture of human struggles and aspirations in a rigid social system.
If you enjoy the grounded realism of Premchand’s work, Anand’s portrayal of societal issues may resonate with you.
Arundhati Roy is an Indian author known for her rich storytelling and focus on societal issues, often exploring the struggles and beauty of ordinary lives.
Her novel, “The God of Small Things,” is set in a small village in Kerala and tells the story of two twins, Estha and Rahel, whose lives are changed by a series of tragic events. The book paints a vivid picture of family bonds, caste injustices, and forbidden love.
Its lush descriptions of the village and its people make the world feel alive, full of both joy and sorrow. Fans of Premchand, who masterfully portrayed human emotions and class struggles, might enjoy Roy’s ability to weave similar themes with emotional depth.
Ismat Chughtai is known for her bold and honest storytelling, often exploring the lives of women in Indian society. If you’re a fan of Premchand, you might enjoy her work, which also captures everyday struggles and intimacy with unflinching clarity.
One of her notable books, “The Crooked Line,” follows the journey of Shaman, a middle-class woman navigating her childhood, education, and relationships.
The story paints a vivid picture of Shaman’s life, from her bonds with her siblings to her search for independence in a society where women’s roles are tightly defined. It’s a story of growth, freedom, and the obstacles faced along the way.
Saadat Hasan Manto was a master of storytelling, known for his bold and honest approach to human struggles and emotions. If you’ve read Premchand, you might enjoy how Manto takes a deep look into society’s flaws.
One of his most famous works, “Thanda Gosht,” unfolds a story shaped by rising tension and shocking cruelty during the Partition of India. The layered questions about morality and guilt leave a lasting impact.
His writing doesn’t shy away from the darkest corners of human nature, offering a raw, unflinching view of life.
Bhisham Sahni was an Indian author known for his clear, heartfelt storytelling rooted in everyday life. If you enjoy Premchand’s ability to capture the struggles of ordinary people, you might appreciate Sahni’s work too.
His novel, “Tamas,” paints a vivid picture of the partition of India and its impact on people’s lives. The book opens with an incident where a pig is killed and left outside a mosque, sparking chaos in a fragile community.
Through the eyes of characters from different faiths and social classes, Sahni explores how fear and prejudice unravel relationships and daily routines. The story doesn’t shy away from showing the human cost of hatred.
Anita Desai is an Indian author known for her deep exploration of human emotions and relationships. Her novel “The Village by the Sea” tells the story of two siblings, Lila and Hari, who live in a small village by the coast.
Struggling with poverty and their parents’ difficulties, the children must find ways to support their family. When Hari ventures to Bombay, he discovers a life very different from his quiet village.
Meanwhile, Lila stays behind, caring for her younger sisters and their sick mother. The book paints a vivid picture of rural India and the challenges faced by ordinary people in changing times.
Jhumpa Lahiri is an author known for her heartfelt stories about Indian families, identity, and the immigrant experience. Her book, “The Namesake,” follows the life of Gogol Ganguli, a boy born to Bengali parents who move to the United States.
The story captures his struggle to balance his parents’ traditions with his own desire for independence. A key thread in the story is Gogol’s relationship with his unusual name, which holds deep meaning in his family’s past.
This novel paints a vivid picture of cultural conflict, family bonds, and the search for belonging.