They usually have a strong sense of place. Like novels set in the ancient forts of Rajasthan might use the dark corridors and hidden chambers of the forts to build horror. The settings play a big role in creating the spooky atmosphere.
There is also 'The Cursed Village in Kerala'. It tells the tale of a village in Kerala that seems to be under a curse. People start experiencing terrifying visions and there are unexplained deaths. The writer uses local folklore and superstitions to create a really spooky and engaging horror story.
Some popular Indian novels include 'The Guide' by R.K. Narayan. This novel tells the story of a tour guide named Raju and his journey through different phases of life. 'Train to Pakistan' by Khushwant Singh is also very popular. It shows the harrowing experiences during the partition of India. And 'The White Tiger' by Aravind Adiga, which gives a unique perspective on India's class divide from the point of view of a poor man trying to make his way in the world.
One famous Indian author is Rabindranath Tagore. His novel 'Gora' is quite well - known. It explores themes of identity, nationalism, and cultural clashes in India during the colonial era.
Many Indian novels are rich in cultural details. They often depict the complex caste system, family values, and religious beliefs. For instance, in 'The God of Small Things', the caste system affects the characters' lives deeply. Also, Indian novels can be very diverse in terms of themes, from love stories like in 'A Suitable Boy' to critiques of society as in 'The White Tiger'.
A great Indian horror novel is 'Annihilation' which takes place in a strange, otherworldly setting in India. The sense of isolation and the unknown creates a terrifying atmosphere. Another one is 'It Follows' which has been adapted into a movie. In the book, it has an Indian backdrop and the idea of a menacing entity following the characters is really scary.
Many of them play with the sense of the unknown. For example, they might have settings like abandoned asylums or old, haunted houses where there are things lurking in the shadows that the characters (and readers) don't understand at first.
Many of them would likely play on the psychological fears of the readers. This could include things like the fear of losing one's mind, or the fear of being alone in a menacing situation. They might also use elements of the supernatural in a way that was believable within the context of the story, blurring the lines between the real and the otherworldly. This was a time when horror was exploring different ways to terrify its audience, and these novels from 1976 were part of that exploration.
The language used in these novels can be very descriptive and evocative. Indian writers often use local dialects and idioms to add authenticity to their stories. This makes the novels not only a great read for understanding the stories but also for getting a feel of the diverse Indian languages and cultures.
One characteristic is that they tend to be very emotional. They can make you laugh, cry, and feel a whole range of emotions. Take 'The Palace of Illusions' for instance. Draupadi's story is full of love, jealousy, and heartbreak. Also, Indian romance novels often incorporate elements of Indian mythology or history. This gives them a unique flavor. In 'The Immortals of Meluha', the story is based on a fictionalized version of ancient India's mythology. The romances are deeply intertwined with the characters' destinies and the larger story of the society or the world they live in. There is also a sense of community in these novels, as the characters' relationships are not just isolated love stories but are part of a bigger social fabric.