Well, 'Shadow Lines' by Amitav Ghosh is considered among the best Indian historical novels. It deals with the complex relationship between India and Bangladesh. 'Rajmohan's Wife' by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay is an important early work in Indian historical fiction. It was one of the first novels to explore the social and cultural fabric of colonial India. And 'The Inheritance of Loss' by Kiran Desai, which while also exploring modern issues, has elements of India's colonial past intertwined within it.
One of the best Indian historical novels is 'The Palace of Illusions' by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni. It retells the Indian epic, the Mahabharata, from the perspective of Draupadi. Another great one is 'Midnight's Children' by Salman Rushdie. It is set against the backdrop of India's independence and partition. Also, 'A Suitable Boy' by Vikram Seth is a remarkable historical novel that gives a detailed picture of post - independence India.
One characteristic is the portrayal of grand historical events. These novels can describe battles, the rise and fall of kingdoms, and the power struggles among different rulers. They make the past come alive by telling stories of heroes and their deeds in those historical times.
Sure. 'The God of Small Things' by Arundhati Roy. It touches on the caste system and other aspects of Indian society in a historical context. Another one is 'Sea of Poppies' by Amitav Ghosh which is set during the opium trade in colonial India. It gives a great insight into that period of Indian history.
One characteristic is the rich cultural backdrop. Indian historical romance novels often draw on the country's diverse cultures, religions, and traditions. For example, they might feature Hindu or Muslim festivals, traditional clothing like sarees or sherwanis. Another is the complex family dynamics. Families play a huge role in Indian society, and in these novels, family approval or disapproval can greatly impact the romantic relationships. Also, the historical settings, whether it's the Mughal era, the British Raj, or post - independence India, add a layer of depth and context to the love stories.
One of the 12 best could be 'Train to Pakistan' by Khushwant Singh. It tells the story of the partition of India through the eyes of the villagers near the border. 'The Guide' by R.K. Narayan is also a classic. It follows the life of Raju, a tour guide, and his journey through life, love, and self - discovery. And 'Interpreter of Maladies' by Jhumpa Lahiri is a collection of short stories that offer deep insights into the lives of Indian - Americans.
Many of them often have a strong sense of place. For example, they vividly describe the Indian landscapes, cities, and villages as they were in different historical periods.
The unique cultural settings. India has a wide variety of cultures, languages, and traditions across its regions. A historical thriller set in Kerala might have a completely different atmosphere compared to one set in Rajasthan. The different social norms, religious practices, and local folklore all contribute to creating a distinct flavor in the novels. Writers can use these elements to build suspense, introduce unique characters, and create a sense of place that is both exotic and captivating for the readers.
Arundhati Roy's 'The God of Small Things' can also be considered in this category. It delves into the history of a family in Kerala, India, exploring themes like caste, love, and the social fabric of the time. The story is set against the backdrop of political and social changes in Kerala, giving readers a vivid picture of the region's history.
Another theme is the clash between tradition and modernity. As India has a rich history of traditions, when the plot is set during a time of change, like the colonial era or the early days of independence, the characters may struggle between following age - old traditions in love and marriage and embracing new, more modern ideas. For instance, a young woman might be in love with someone not approved by her traditional family.
I'd recommend 'A Suitable Boy' by Vikram Seth. It's a sweeping saga set in post-Independence India, offering a rich portrait of society and characters. The detailed narrative and complex relationships make it a compelling read.
I'd recommend 'A Suitable Boy' by Vikram Seth. It's a sprawling epic that beautifully captures the social and political landscape of post-Independence India. The characters are richly drawn and the story is engaging.