What are the best Indian historical fiction novels?

One of the best Indian historical novels is 'The Palace of Illusions' by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni. It retells the Indian epic, the Mahabharata, from the perspective of Draupadi. Another great one is 'Midnight's Children' by Salman Rushdie. It is set against the backdrop of India's independence and partition. Also, 'A Suitable Boy' by Vikram Seth is a remarkable historical novel that gives a detailed picture of post - independence India.

One of the best is 'The Palace of Illusions' by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni. It retells the Mahabharata from Draupadi's perspective. Another great one is 'Midnight's Children' by Salman Rushdie, which is set against the backdrop of India's independence and partition. And 'The Far Pavilions' by M.M. Kaye also offers a rich look into India's past with a story of love and adventure.

Most of the best ones blend historical events seamlessly with the romantic plot. For instance, a novel set during the partition of India will not only show the heartbreak of the nation but also the personal heartbreaks of the lovers caught in that chaos. The language used is also very evocative of the time, with traditional Indian words and phrases that add to the authenticity.

One of the best is 'The God of Small Things' by Arundhati Roy. It beautifully portrays the complex relationships within a family against the backdrop of Kerala. Another great one is 'Midnight's Children' by Salman Rushdie. It weaves a magical and historical narrative around the children born at the stroke of midnight on India's independence. And 'A Suitable Boy' by Vikram Seth is also a classic, exploring themes of love, family and society in post - independence India.

One of the 10 best could be 'Train to Pakistan' by Khushwant Singh. It shows the harrowing events during the partition of India. Then there is 'The Guide' by R. K. Narayan. It's a story about a tour guide whose life takes many unexpected turns. Also, 'The White Tiger' by Aravind Adiga is a thought - provoking novel that gives a different perspective on the class divide in India.

Arundhati Roy's 'The God of Small Things' can also be considered in this category. It delves into the history of a family in Kerala, India, exploring themes like caste, love, and the social fabric of the time. The story is set against the backdrop of political and social changes in Kerala, giving readers a vivid picture of the region's history.

A good beginner - friendly option is 'The Far Pavilions' by M. M. Kaye. It is set during the British Raj in India. It has elements of adventure, love, and historical details. The story is very immersive, and it can draw you into the world of 19th - century India without being too overwhelming in terms of historical complexity.

Among the 50 best historical fiction novels, 'Gone with the Wind' is a classic. It vividly depicts the American South during the Civil War and Reconstruction era. Margaret Mitchell brings to life the complex characters like Scarlett O'Hara. 'A Tale of Two Cities' by Charles Dickens is also notable. Set during the French Revolution, it shows the contrast between London and Paris at that time.

One of the best historical fiction novels is 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel. It offers a vivid portrayal of Tudor England, especially the court of Henry VIII, through the eyes of Thomas Cromwell. The detailed descriptions of the political intrigue and the complex characters make it a remarkable read.

One of the best is 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel. It offers a vivid portrayal of Thomas Cromwell's life during the Tudor period. The detailed descriptions of the court intrigue and power struggles are fascinating.