Indian authors have carved a niche for themselves, weaving tales that resonate globally. What adds an extra layer of brilliance to their storytelling is the recognition bestowed upon them through prestigious awards.
Here are 10 award-winning books by Indian authors that deserve a prime spot on your reading list. This collection, featuring literary masterpieces that have won various awards from the Sahitya Akademi Award to the Booker Prize, is by no means exhaustive. But it is sure to introduce you to different works across genres, offering varied perspectives on life and living.
These serve as portals to worlds that captivate, challenge, and resonate, offering a profound encounter with the complexities of the human condition.
Get ready to experience the richness of Indian literature with these titles:
Award: Man Booker Prize (2008)
Author: Aravind Adiga
Aravind Adiga’s prize-winning work delves into the dark underbelly of India, offering a gripping tale of ambition and corruption. Its unflinching portrayal of societal disparities and the pursuit of freedom makes it a must-read, challenging readers to question the status quo.
Award: Man Booker Prize (1997)
Author: Arundhati Roy
Arundhati Roy became the first Indian citizen to win Booker Prize with this seminal work that intricately weaves forbidden love and societal norms in Kerala. The novel’s lyrical prose and exploration of the caste system make it a captivating read, providing a poignant commentary on the complexities of human relationships.
Award: DSC Prize for South Asian Literature (2013)
Author: Jeet Thayil
Shortlisted for the 2012 Man Booker Prize, Narcopolis paints a vivid picture of Mumbai’s opium dens, exploring addiction amid socio-political upheaval. Its evocative narrative and exploration of personal journeys against the city’s backdrop make it a compelling and immersive reading experience.
Award: Man Booker Prize (2006)
Author: Kiran Desai
This novel is a poignant exploration of identity and globalisation. The characters face various dilemmas that illuminate the consequences of colonialism. The novel’s rich narrative and examination of personal conflicts against the Himalayan backdrop make it a thought-provoking and enriching read.
Award: Notable Book of the Year (The New York Times, 2021)
Author: Jhumpa Lahiri
Whereabouts offers a unique perspective on modern existence through spare prose. Told from the perspective of an unnamed middle-aged woman in an unknown city, the book’s contemplative exploration of solitude and self-discovery makes it a quietly powerful and introspective read.
Award: JCB Prize for Literature (2023)
Author: Perumal Murugan
Translated from Tamil by Janani Kannan, the powerful novel follows Muthu, who after a disproportionate split of a family’s land, sets off in pursuit of new land and hope. With a vivid depiction of societal norms and personal struggles, it resonates emotionally with readers.
Award: International Booker Prize (2022)
Author: Geetanjali Shree
The first Hindi novel to win the International Booker Prize, Geetanjali Shree’s Tomb of Sand intricately examines societal complexities in contemporary India. The novel, translated into English by Daisy Rockwell, explores of relationships and individual identity against a rich cultural backdrop.
Award: Encore Award (2014)
Author: Neel Mukherjee
Neel Mukherjee’s historical fiction offers a nuanced portrait of a family in 1960s Bengal amidst political turmoil. Its exploration of politics, class, and familial bonds against a backdrop of societal change makes it a compelling and enlightening read.
Award: Giller Prize (1995)
Author: Rohinton Mistry
Rohinton Mistry’s popular work navigates the lives of characters from varied backgrounds in 1970s India. Set in an unnamed city, the book is a saga of resilience and friendship, exploring the human spirit in the face of adversity.
Award: Sahitya Akademi Award (1960)
Author: R.K. Narayan
This timeless classic explores love, destiny, and self-discovery through the journey of Raju. Set in the fictional town of Malgudi, the story traces Raju’s transformation from a corrupt tour guide to one of the greatest holy men of India.
