Great Indian love novels often feature complex characters. These characters are not just one - dimensional lovers but are shaped by their family, culture, and personal experiences. In 'Two States', the protagonists have to navigate their different cultural backgrounds which makes them more relatable and interesting. The language used in these novels is also a characteristic. It can range from highly literary and poetic in works like 'The Palace of Illusions' to more contemporary and accessible in novels like 'Those Pricey Thakur Girls'. Moreover, the themes of sacrifice and duty are common. Love is not always the only consideration, and characters may have to sacrifice their love for the sake of family honor or social obligations, as seen in many traditional Indian love stories.
Sure. 'Malgudi Days' by R.K. Narayan, while not strictly a love novel, has some beautiful stories that touch on love in the context of small - town India. Then there is 'Love in the Time of Cholera' by Gabriel García Márquez which has an Indian - influenced setting in parts and portrays a long - lasting and complex love. 'The Palace of Illusions' by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni retells the Mahabharata from Draupadi's perspective, including her love and relationships.
One of the great Indian love stories is the tale of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal. Shah Jahan was so in love with Mumtaz that after her death, he built the Taj Mahal in her memory. It stands as a symbol of eternal love.
The story of Heer - Ranjha is also a great Indian love story. Heer, a beautiful and headstrong girl, and Ranjha, a carefree young man, fall in love. However, their families oppose their relationship. Their love endures through many trials and tribulations, and their story has been passed down through generations in Punjab.
Another theme is sacrifice. One or both of the lovers may sacrifice their own desires for the well - being of the other or for the sake of family honor. This self - less aspect is quite prominent in many great Indian love stories.
Well, it could be the rich cultural backdrop. India has a diverse range of traditions, languages, and customs. In a great Indian love story, these elements often play a significant role. For example, the concept of arranged marriages and how love might develop within that framework can be really interesting. Also, the family dynamics in Indian society, which are usually very strong, can add a lot of depth to the love story. It might involve the lovers having to navigate through family expectations, caste differences, and social norms to be together.
One famous one is 'Devdas'. It's a tragic love story about a man who is in love with a woman named Paro but due to various social and family reasons, they can't be together. Another is 'Qayamat Se Qayamat Tak', which was a modern take on Romeo - Juliet kind of love story in an Indian context. The couple has to face family feuds and societal pressures.
Many of these stories are intertwined with social and cultural elements. In the case of Nala and Damayanti, the swayamvara is a cultural practice that is part of their love story, which also shows Damayanti's determination in choosing her love.
Perhaps it's the cultural richness in the story. In Indian culture, there are so many unique traditions and values. If the love story is set against this backdrop, it can be really fascinating. For example, the way they express love through traditional music or dance. The story may also show how love can bridge different cultural aspects within India, making it a great love story.
A suitable 'Great Indian Novel' is also 'Train to Pakistan' by Khushwant Singh. It depicts the harrowing partition of India and Pakistan. Through its narrative, it shows the impact on the common people, the chaos, the violence, and the upheaval that this partition brought, which is a crucial part of Indian history.