Top 10 Famous Writers in India
Indian Writers have a tremendous talent for writing stories that attract and align with readers across the globe. Whether these are old epics or contemporary writings, they have had a substantial influence on international literature. The one thing that makes Indian writers unique is that they discover beauty in simple things, which capture the essence of simple life in small areas of the country. Current Indian writers are thriving by bringing out new ideas and compositions. In this blog, we will look at some of the famous writers in India who have inspired people through their fascinating stories.
Top 10 Famous Indian Writers
List of Top 10 Famous Writers in India
Here is the list of the top 10 famous Indian writers who shaped society’s mindset through their exceptional writings of novels, poems, short stories, and more.
1. Rabindra Nath Tagore
Rabindra Nath Tagore is known to be one of the most prominent figures in Indian literature. Born in the beautiful city of Calcutta, his skills were not just that of a writer but also a poet, musician, educator, and painter. One of his must-read books includes Gitanjali which is recognized for its simplicity and depth of 103 poems that touch the soul. Moreover, he was the first non-European individual to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1931.
| Writer Name | Rabindra Nath Tagore |
| Date & Place of Birth | 7 May 1861, Calcutta (Now Kolkata), India |
| Genres | Poetry, Music |
| Major Themes | Nationalism, Spirituality, Humanism |
| Notable Contributions | First Non-European Nobel Laureate |
| Awards | Nobel Prize in Literature (1913), Bharat Ratna |
2. Arundhati Roy
Arundhati Roy is a famous writer in India. She is also an essayist and political activist. She became internationally known with her first novel, “The God of Small Things,” which won the Booker Prize in 1997. Besides writing novels, she has authored many essays on social and political issues. Books like Roy are known for speaking out on important issues, which makes her one of India’s top authors and a leading voice in modern literature.
| Writer Name | Arundhati Roy |
| Date & Place of Birth | 24 November 1961, Shillong, Meghalaya, India |
| Genres | Fiction, Essays |
| Major Themes | Social Inequality, Politics, Post-Colonialism |
| Notable Contributions | The First Novel Won the Booker Prize |
| Awards | Booker Prize (1997), Sydney Peace Prize (2004) |
3. R.K. Narayan
R.K. Narayan was born in Chennai and spent much of his childhood roaming around the country due to his father’s job. After finishing his studies, he chose to become a full-time writer. His recognition came with the famous novel “The Dark Room” which brought him immense appreciation. Later, he went on to write many popular novels which are known for their clear and insightful style. He remains an impactful entity in Indian literature.
| Writer Name | R.K. Narayan |
| Date & Place of Birth | 10 October 1906, Chennai (formerly Madras), India |
| Genres | Fiction, Short Stories |
| Major Themes | Indian Middle-Class Life, Nostalgia |
| Notable Contributions | Creator of Malgudi |
| Awards | Padma Bhushan (1969), Sahitya Akademi Award |
4. Chetan Bhagat
Chetan Bhagat is one of India’s best-selling English authors who is known for his relatable stories about young, urban, middle-class Indians. His novels, such as “Five Point Someone”, “2 States”, “Half Girlfriend”, and “One Indian Girl”, deal with love, relationships, and the challenges faced by modern youth relationships. Bhagat is also a screenwriter, columnist, and TV personality which makes him a popular figure in Indian pop culture.
| Writer Name | Chetan Bhagat |
| Date & Place of Birth | 22 April 1974, New Delhi, India |
| Genres | Fiction, Essays |
| Major Themes | Youth, Urban Life, Relationships |
| Notable Contributions | Popularizing Indian Youth Fiction |
| Awards | MTV Youth Icon Award, Bestseller Awards |
5. Mulk Raj Anand
Mulk Raj Anand is known for his early contributions to Indian English literature. His first novel, Untouchable was published in 1935 and was one of the first to focus on the lives of marginalized groups in Indian society. Anand’s works, such as “The Village”, “Coolie”, and “The Private Life of an Indian Prince” tells about the themes like caste, poverty, and social injustice. His books are highly recognized for offering deep insights into Indian society.
| Writer Name | Mulk Raj Anand |
| Date & Place of Birth | 12 December 1905, Peshawar, British India (Now in Pakistan) |
| Genres | Fiction, Social Issues |
| Major Themes | Caste, Poverty, Social Injustice |
| Notable Contributions | Pioneer of Indian English Fiction |
| Awards | Padma Bhushan (1969), Sahitya Akademi Award (1955 |
6. Vikram Seth
Vikram Seth was born in Calcutt. His academic journey transformed into a unique literacy career. After finishing high school, he went for his higher academics in philosophy, politics, and economics at Oxford. After getting his B.A. degree in the year 1975, he indulged in doctoral studies at Stanford University in California, USA. Such scholarly strengths helped him in many ways and later became the foundation for his accomplishments.
His epic novel, “A Suitable Boy” is one of the best contributions to the literature. Beyond his intellectual and literary accomplishments, his influence extends to various genres which makes him a famous writer in India, whose writings resonate with readers internationally.
| Writer Name | Vikram Seth |
| Date & Place of Birth | 20 June 1952, Kolkata, India |
| Genres | Fiction, Poetry |
| Major Themes | Family, Relationships, Social Issues |
| Notable Contributions | A Suitable Boy, Epic Novels |
| Awards | Sahitya Akademi Award (1993), WH Smith Award (1994) |
7. Ruskin Bond
Ruskin Bond was born in Punjab and is known for his writing about life in the hills of India. After studying in Shimla and the UK, he worked as a freelance writer and editor before becoming famous in 1980. His best-known work is “The Blue Umbrella” which is a heartwarming story set in the mountains. Bond’s simple yet profound storytelling continues to touch readers of all ages.
| Writer Name | Ruskin Bond |
| Date & Place of Birth | 19 May 1934, Kasauli, Punjab, British India (Now In Himachal Pradesh, India) |
| Genres | Fiction, Short Stories |
| Major Themes | Nature, Childhood, The Hills of India |
| Notable Contributions | Known For Writing About The Himalayas |
| Awards | Sahitya Akademi Award (1992), Padma Shri (1999) |
8. Jhumpa Lahiri
Jhumpa Lahiri was born in London and raised in the US. She is known for her short stories and novels about the immigrant experience. Her first book, “The Interpreter of Maladies” won the Pulitzer Prize and brought her wide recognition and appreciation. Lahiri’s novels, such as “The Namesake” and “The Lowland” are based on the themes of identity, belonging, and cultural conflict which makes her an important voice in modern literature.
| Writer Name | Jhumpa Lahiri |
| Date & Place of Birth | 11 July 1967, London, England |
| Genres | Fiction, Short Stories |
| Major Themes | Identity, Immigration, Cultural Conflict |
| Notable Contributions | Pulitzer Prize For Fiction (2000) |
| Awards | Pulitzer Prize For Fiction (2000), London Book Award (2003) |
9. Aravind Adiga
Aravind Adiga is a famous writer in India who is best known for his novel “The White Tiger” which won the Booker Prize. His exceptional writing tells about the darker side of Indian society that concentrates on class divisions and the pursuit of success. Adiga’s sharp and bold storytelling challenges readers to face all the unsaid & uncomfortable truths about social inequality.
| Writer Name | Aravind Adiga |
| Date & Place of Birth | 23 October 1974, Madras (Now Chennai), India |
| Genres | Fiction, Social Commentary |
| Major Themes | Class Division, Corruption, Societal Issues |
| Notable Contributions | Booker Prize (2008) |
| Awards | Booker Prize (2008), National Award (2009) |
10. Anita Desai
Anita Desai is a prominent Indian author known for her deep psychological insights and immense contribution to the author’s landscape. Her novels, such as “Clear Light of Day” and “The Village by the Sea” provide deep insights into family, tradition, and the changes brought by modern life. Desai’s writing is well-appreciated for its emotional depth and sensitivity.
| Writer Name | Anita Desai |
| Date & Place of Birth | 24 June 1937, Mussoorie, Uttarakhand, India |
| Genres | Fiction, Psychology |
| Major Themes | Family Dynamics, Human Psychology, Change |
| Notable Contributions | Clear Light Of Day, The Village By The Sea |
| Awards | Sahitya Akademi Award (1978), Booker Prize Shortlisting (1980, 1984) |
Conclusion
Reading the books of these famous writers in India offers a fascinating journey through India’s rich literary tradition. Each writer provides a unique perspective on society, culture, and history that offers stories that resonate globally and continue to shape the landscape of modern literature.
Also read: Four Main Vedas of Indian Culture: Introduction and Importance
