The 18th century Indian novels were influenced by the political situation of that time. With the presence of colonial powers, the novels might either subtly resist the foreign influence or show the changing cultural landscape. Some of these novels were written in regional languages, which helped in the preservation and spread of local cultures. They also had a role in shaping the literary traditions that followed in India.
The 20th century Indian novel often dealt with themes of caste and class. Many novels, like Mulk Raj Anand's works, exposed the harsh realities of the caste system. His 'Untouchable' gives a heart - rending account of the life of a sweeper, highlighting the discrimination and social inequality faced by the lower castes.
Another notable novel is 'The God of Small Things' by Arundhati Roy. This novel delves into themes of love, caste, and family secrets in Kerala. It has a very lyrical writing style that draws the reader in, exploring the intricacies of relationships against the backdrop of Indian society. For example, the relationship between the twins Estha and Rahel is beautifully and poignantly depicted.
One of the most famous 20th - century Indian novels is 'Midnight's Children' by Salman Rushdie. It weaves a complex tapestry of India's post - independence history through the lives of its characters. Another notable one is 'The God of Small Things' by Arundhati Roy. It delves deep into themes of caste, love, and family in Kerala. 'Train to Pakistan' by Khushwant Singh is also important as it portrays the Partition of India in a very poignant way.
Caste and class differences are also significant themes. Novels like 'Untouchable' by Mulk Raj Anand highlight the plight of the lower castes in India. These works aim to create awareness and bring about social change. They show how the caste system affects every aspect of people's lives, from their opportunities to their relationships. In addition, the theme of love often intersects with caste, creating complex and often tragic storylines.
R. K. Narayan is a major writer. His stories set in the fictional town of Malgudi offered a microcosm of Indian life. Then there is Mulk Raj Anand who wrote about the downtrodden in society. His works like 'Untouchable' exposed the social inequalities in India. Also, Raja Rao was significant. His novels incorporated elements of Indian mythology and spirituality into the English - language narrative.
The 20th - century Indian English novel is a rich and diverse genre. Writers like Rabindranath Tagore were early influencers. His works often combined Indian philosophy and Western literary forms. Another important figure was R. K. Narayan. His novels, such as 'Swami and Friends', depicted the simple yet profound lives of ordinary Indians in a fictional South Indian town. These novels not only entertained but also gave the world a peek into the complex Indian society, its traditions, and the changes it was undergoing during the 20th century.
The spread of education also influenced these novels. As more people became literate, the demand for novels increased. This led to a wider range of voices being heard in the literary world. Novels started to cover topics from rural to urban life, from the poor to the wealthy, reflecting the changing social fabric.
Many 20th - century Indian novels are deeply rooted in the country's rich cultural heritage. They often incorporate elements such as caste systems, religious beliefs, and traditional family structures. For instance, in 'The God of Small Things', the caste system plays a major role in the characters' lives and relationships.