There are many excellent books for Indian stories. 'Midnight's Children' by Salman Rushdie is a famous one. It tells the story of India's transition to independence through the lives of those born at midnight on the day of independence. 'Train to Pakistan' by Khushwant Singh gives a heart - rending account of the partition of India. And don't forget 'The Jungle Book' by Rudyard Kipling, which, although written by a British author, is set in India and contains many Indian - inspired stories.
Well, 'The Inheritance of Loss' by Kiran Desai is also a must - read. It explores themes of identity, globalization, and the clash between different cultures through the story of an old judge and his granddaughter in the Himalayas.
A must - read is 'The Great Indian Novel' by Shashi Tharoor. It humorously recasts the Indian epic, the Mahabharata, in the context of the Indian independence movement.
One of the must-reads is 'The God of Small Things' by Arundhati Roy. It's a beautifully written tale that explores complex family dynamics and social issues.
Yes, 'The Shadow Lines' by Amitav Ghosh. It's a complex and beautifully written novel that blurs the boundaries between different generations and countries. It's not as well - known as some others but is truly a gem.
One of the best Indian travel novels is 'The God of Small Things' by Arundhati Roy. It beautifully weaves the story of a family in Kerala, India, and through it, the reader gets a vivid sense of the local culture, the backwaters, and the complex social fabric of the region. The descriptions are so immersive that it feels like you are traveling through the small towns and villages of Kerala.
I would recommend 'Albion's Seed' by David Hackett Fischer. It doesn't focus solely on the French and Indian War but gives a lot of context about the colonies during that time which is relevant to understanding the war. It's more of a comprehensive look at the colonial history that led up to the war.
For a more traditional take, 'The Bhagavad Gita' is a fundamental text in Indian philosophy. Reading it can provide insights into Hindu beliefs, values, and the concept of dharma (righteousness). It has influenced Indian thought for centuries.