The Indian novel refers to a part of Indian literature that is usually considered to have a unique style and traditional value. The Indian novel originated at the end of the 19th century, and as time went by, it had developed into a huge literary system that covered many different schools and styles.
The main subjects of Indian novels include history, mythology, religion, society, politics, and economics. Some of the famous Indian novels include Hallid, Mohenjodaro, Shiva, Ramayana, etc. These novels were widely translated into many languages and had a wide readership around the world.
Indian novels are famous for their rich subject matter, profound thinking, and unique literary style. They often explored human nature, society, and politics, emphasizing the importance of morality, faith, and values. Indian novels have become an important part of Indian culture and have a profound influence on world literature.
Indian novels often have rich cultural settings. They might be set in a particular region like Rajasthan or Tamil Nadu, and the local traditions, languages, and customs are vividly depicted.
One of the notable novels in Indian literature is 'The God of Small Things' by Arundhati Roy. It beautifully weaves together themes of family, caste, and love in a Kerala - based setting. Another great one is 'Midnight's Children' by Salman Rushdie. It's a complex and magical realist work that explores India's post - independence era through the lives of those born at midnight on the day of India's independence. And 'Train to Pakistan' by Khushwant Singh is also a significant work, dealing with the partition of India and Pakistan and the human tragedies that ensued.
In terms of character development, Indian tribal novels have set new standards. The complex and multi - faceted characters in these novels, with their deep connection to their tribal roots, have influenced how other writers create characters. The tribal characters' relationship with nature, family, and community has provided a new model for exploring human relationships in literature. This has led to a more nuanced and holistic portrayal of human nature in modern Indian literature.
These novels influence society in multiple ways. They are a form of social commentary. They expose the inequalities that women face in areas such as inheritance rights and access to public spaces. This exposure leads to discussions and debates, which can ultimately lead to change. Moreover, they contribute to the changing perception of women in the media. As more people read these novels, they start to see women as more than just homemakers, but as individuals with their own dreams and capabilities. They also encourage male readers to be more empathetic towards the female experience.
One common theme is family. Indian novels often depict complex family dynamics, like in 'The God of Small Things' where family secrets and relationships play a crucial role. Another theme is caste. Novels such as 'Untouchable' by Mulk Raj Anand explore the harsh realities of the caste system. Also, the idea of identity, especially in the context of a changing India, is common, as seen in 'Midnight's Children' which looks at how individuals are shaped by the nation's history.
Arundhati Roy's 'The God of Small Things' is very popular. It tells a poignant story set in Kerala, exploring themes like caste, family, and love. The story is beautifully written with vivid descriptions of the characters and the place.
Indian romance novels usually involved cross-cultural love and the exchange and integration of different ethnic groups. Such novels often depicted plots such as a girl from northern India meeting a boy from the south. They were attracted to each other but could not express their feelings due to cultural background and language barriers. Such novels often involved conflicts of race, religion, and social status and attempted to reveal the impact of these barriers on cross-cultural love. Indian romance novels often explored the complexity of human nature, including love, desire, loyalty, and betrayal.
Many Indian romance novels also deal with the concept of arranged marriages and how love can develop within that framework. They show the struggle between modern ideas of love and the age - old traditions. For instance, in novels like 'A Suitable Boy', the characters are navigating through the expectations of their families and society while also trying to find true love.
Indian fiction novels often have rich cultural elements. They might include detailed descriptions of Indian festivals, traditions, and family structures. For example, in many novels, you can find the significance of Diwali or the complex caste - based relationships within families.