There are many excellent books for Indian stories. 'Midnight's Children' by Salman Rushdie is a famous one. It tells the story of India's transition to independence through the lives of those born at midnight on the day of independence. 'Train to Pakistan' by Khushwant Singh gives a heart - rending account of the partition of India. And don't forget 'The Jungle Book' by Rudyard Kipling, which, although written by a British author, is set in India and contains many Indian - inspired stories.
The Panchatantra stories are great. They are a collection of fables that teach moral lessons. Another good one is the Jataka Tales which are related to the previous lives of the Buddha. These stories are full of wisdom and interesting characters.
Well, 'The Inheritance of Loss' by Kiran Desai is also a must - read. It explores themes of identity, globalization, and the clash between different cultures through the story of an old judge and his granddaughter in the Himalayas.
The 'Midnight's Children' by Salman Rushdie is also among the top. This novel weaves a magical realist tale around the children born at the stroke of midnight on India's independence. It's full of symbolism and Rushdie's unique writing style makes it a classic.
You might also enjoy 'A Suitable Boy' by Vikram Seth. It's a long and immersive read that gives a detailed picture of post - independence India. The story focuses on the search for a suitable boy for a young woman, but in the process, it showcases the diverse cultures, traditions, and values of the country.
The novel 'The Association of Small Bombs' by Karan Mahajan is also a notable one from 2015. It delves deep into the aftermath of a terrorist attack in Delhi and how it affects the lives of different characters. It gives a profound look at the human psyche in the face of such tragedies. There are complex characters and the writing is both poignant and thought - provoking.
One of the best Indian travel novels is 'The God of Small Things' by Arundhati Roy. It beautifully weaves the story of a family in Kerala, India, and through it, the reader gets a vivid sense of the local culture, the backwaters, and the complex social fabric of the region. The descriptions are so immersive that it feels like you are traveling through the small towns and villages of Kerala.
One of the best is 'The Palace of Illusions' by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni. It retells the Mahabharata from Draupadi's perspective. Another great one is 'Midnight's Children' by Salman Rushdie, which is set against the backdrop of India's independence and partition. And 'The Far Pavilions' by M.M. Kaye also offers a rich look into India's past with a story of love and adventure.
The characters in these books are also very relatable. In 'Ghachar Ghochar', the characters are ordinary middle - class people with their own dreams, insecurities, and family dramas. You can see a bit of yourself or people you know in them, which makes the stories so engaging.
One of the best Indian fiction books is 'The God of Small Things' by Arundhati Roy. It beautifully weaves a story of family, love, and caste in Kerala. Another great one is 'Midnight's Children' by Salman Rushdie. It tells the story of India's transition to independence through the lives of children born at midnight on the day of independence. Also, 'A Suitable Boy' by Vikram Seth is a masterpiece that portrays Indian society in post - independence era through the search for a suitable boy for a young woman.
The Shiva Trilogy by Amish Tripathi is also highly regarded. It delves into the story of Shiva, presenting him in a new light and weaving a complex and exciting fictional narrative around his character and the mythology associated with him.