Best Indian Literature Books of 2025

Wilson Cook Avatar
Wilson Cook
Last Updated: May 9, 2023

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Indian literature is a treasure trove of diverse cultural and literary traditions. From ancient epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata to contemporary works by authors like Arundhati Roy and Salman Rushdie, Indian literature has something for every reader. The works of Rabindranath Tagore, Vikram Seth, and Jhumpa Lahiri are also popular among readers worldwide. Indian literature offers a window into the country's rich history, mythology, and philosophy. Whether you're looking for romance, adventure, or social commentary, Indian literature has it all.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

The God of Small Things: A Novel Cover #TOP 1
The God of Small Things: A Novel
ftb score rating icon 9.8
The Rāmāyaṇa of Vālmīki: The Complete English Translation (Princeton Library of Asian Translations, 160) Cover #TOP 2
The Rāmāyaṇa of Vālmīki: The Complete English Translation (Princeton Library of Asian Translations, 160)
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Tales of India: Folk Tales from Bengal, Punjab, and Tamil Nadu (Traditional Tales) Cover #TOP 3
Tales of India: Folk Tales from Bengal, Punjab, and Tamil Nadu (Traditional Tales)
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Indian Literature Books

The God of Small Things: A Novel

Roy, Arundhati
Random House Trade Paperbacks
Dec 16, 2008
The God of Small Things: A Novel Cover
The God of Small Things: A Novel

The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy is a captivating coming-of-age novel that tells the story of an affluent Indian family and the events that changed their lives forever in 1969. The book explores a forbidden love story, political drama, and a powerful family saga that exposes hidden secrets and tragedies. Roy's writing style is both lyrical and haunting, leaving readers enthralled until the very end. The novel won the Man Booker Prize and became an instant New York Times bestseller. Overall, The God of Small Things is a must-read for those who enjoy beautifully written, thought-provoking literature.

#TOP 2

The Rāmāyaṇa of Vālmīki: The Complete English Translation (Princeton Library of Asian Translations, 160)

Goldman, Robert P.
Goldman, Robert P.
Goldman, Sally J. Sutherland
Jan 18, 2022
The Rāmāyaṇa of Vālmīki: The Complete English Translation (Princeton Library of Asian Translations, 160) Cover
The Rāmāyaṇa of Vālmīki: The Complete English Translation (Princeton Library of Asian Translations, 160)

The Rāmāyaṇa of Vālmīki: The Complete English Translation is an exceptional work of world literature that has profoundly influenced art, religion, and culture in South and Southeast Asia. Filled with thrilling battles, flying monkeys, and ten-headed demons, the epic poem recounts Prince Rama's exile and his odyssey to recover his abducted wife, Sita, and establish a utopian kingdom. Based on the authoritative seven-volume translation, this one-volume paperback edition presents the unabridged translated text in contemporary English, revised and reformatted into paragraph form. It also includes a new introduction, glossary, pronunciation guide, and index. This book is a masterpiece of scholarship and is an ideal read for students and general readers alike.

#TOP 3

Tales of India: Folk Tales from Bengal, Punjab, and Tamil Nadu (Traditional Tales)

Kohli, Svabhu
Singh, Viplov
Chronicle Books
Feb 27, 2018
Tales of India: Folk Tales from Bengal, Punjab, and Tamil Nadu (Traditional Tales) Cover
Tales of India: Folk Tales from Bengal, Punjab, and Tamil Nadu (Traditional Tales)

Tales of India: Folk Tales from Bengal, Punjab, and Tamil Nadu is a delightful collection of 16 traditional Indian folk tales. The stories are filled with wit, magic, talking animals, epic quests, and inspiring heroines. The book is beautifully presented with an embossed, textured case and exquisite artwork by contemporary Indian artists. It is recommended for libraries looking for tales from India and robust folktale collections. Svabhu Kohli and Viplov Singh, the visual artists and frequent collaborators based in Velha Goa, India, have done an excellent job in bringing these age-old stories to life.

#TOP 4

Sri Rama Koti

Ahi, Sva
Oct 9, 2021

This book titled Sri Rama Koti is a Likhita Japam writing book, which involves writing the name of Lord Sri Rama one crore times. This practice is a form of mantra meditation and is considered one of the most potent forms of sadhana as it engages many of our senses simultaneously. The book cover is printed in Telugu but can be used to write in any language. The book offers 100,000 Likhita Japam boxes. This book is a must-read for those seeking to take up the Yajnya of writing Rama Koti and revel in the bliss of Sri Rama Namam.

#TOP 5

Pregnancy Notes: Before, During & After

Diwekar, Rujuta
Westland
Jul 1, 2017
Pregnancy Notes: Before, During & After Cover
Pregnancy Notes: Before, During & After

Pregnancy Notes: Before, During & After by Rujuta Diwekar is a comprehensive guide for women preparing for pregnancy, pregnant women, and new mothers. The book includes tips on food, exercise, and recovery for each stage, along with heritage recipes from across the country. The author, a renowned nutritionist, provides important knowledge on local food according to trimesters of pregnancy, sleep importance, and exercise information. The book received positive feedback from readers who found it informative and helpful. Overall, Pregnancy Notes is a must-have guide for every woman, providing valuable insights into the journey of pregnancy and motherhood.

#TOP 6

The Hungry Tide: A Novel

Ghosh, Amitav
Harper Perennial
Jun 7, 2006
The Hungry Tide: A Novel Cover
The Hungry Tide: A Novel

The Hungry Tide by Amitav Ghosh is a captivating tale of adventure, romance, and identity set in the treacherous Sundarbans islands of the Bay of Bengal. Marine biologist Piya Roy, an Indian-American, travels to the region in search of an endangered river dolphin and enlists the help of a local fisherman and translator. As they navigate the waterways, they confront the forces of nature and human folly. Ghosh's vivid descriptions of the lush backdrop and intricate narrative make the book a page-turner. The Hungry Tide is a unique and engrossing read that sheds light on little-known environmental and social issues.

#TOP 7

The Bhagavad Gita

Easwaran, Eknath
Vintage
Apr 1, 2000

The Bhagavad Gita is an ancient Indian epic masterpiece that is considered the most famous poem in all of Hindu literature. This epic poem consists of a dialogue between Lord Krishna and Prince Arjuna on the morning of a climactic battle, where Krishna provides Arjuna with the spiritual means to understand his own nature so that he can take action and prevail. This practical handbook for self-realization and a guide to action offers something to every seeker after God of whatever temperament, by whatever path. Eknath Easwaran's translation of the Gita in easy prose neither panders nor obscures, making it a guide to action, devotional Scripture, a philosophical text, and inspirational reading all in one.

#TOP 8

Roots of Yoga (Penguin Classics)

Mallinson, Sir James
Singleton, Mark
Mallinson, Sir James
Singleton, Mark
Penguin Classics
Apr 11, 2017
Roots of Yoga (Penguin Classics) Cover
Roots of Yoga (Penguin Classics)

The "Roots of Yoga" book is the first reliable and single collection of primary material from the source traditions of yoga that brings together the core teachings of yoga in the words of their authors. It includes key passages from the Upanishads, the Buddhist and Jaina traditions, the yoga sections of the Indian Tantras, and many texts that are being critically translated for the first time. This book is an indispensable resource and a first stop for anyone wishing to learn more about the essential texts of the Indian traditions of yoga. Overall, this book provides a comprehensive and immediate insight into the roots of yoga and is highly recommended for serious yoga practitioners, teachers, and scholars.

#TOP 9

Srimad Bhagavad Gita - Demystified: A Blueprint for a Life of Bliss

Chakrabarti Ph. D., Dr. Sankar
Mar 7, 2023
Srimad Bhagavad Gita - Demystified: A Blueprint for a Life of Bliss Cover
Srimad Bhagavad Gita - Demystified: A Blueprint for a Life of Bliss

The Srimad Bhagavad Gita - Demystified is a new translation and commentary by Dr. Chakrabarti on the revered Hindu text. In this book, the author strips away the mysticism to reveal a story that is both beautiful and incredibly relevant. It provides valuable inspiration to many both within and beyond the Hindu culture. Dr. Chakrabarti's insights are the result of a lifetime spent exploring the Gita and sharing his knowledge with others. For those who have never read the Bhagavad Gita before, this book is an excellent starting point. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in learning about the ancient text and its teachings.

#TOP 10

Sree Rama Koti | శ్రీ రామ కోటి | 1Lakh(1,00,000) (Hindu Books)

Nikku, Lakshmi
Aug 1, 2021
Sree Rama Koti | శ్రీ రామ కోటి | 1Lakh(1,00,000) (Hindu Books) Cover
Sree Rama Koti | శ్రీ రామ కోటి | 1Lakh(1,00,000) (Hindu Books)

The Sree Rama Koti book is a Hindu diary and journal that contains 408 pages with a total of 1,00,000 repetitions of Lord Rama's name. The book provides ample space for writing the name and is blessed by Lord Rama for the reader's family. The book is of good quality and is Prime eligible, making it a great addition to any Hindu devotee's collection.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the most famous Indian literature?

Both the “Mahabharata” and “Ramayana”—the two most famous works of Indian literature and theater— are family epics, featuring cousins, uncles and aunts “struggling and killing each other over land and dharma and then mourning inconsolably." Many American dramas feature tough individuals.

Editor's Notes

During our indian literature book research, we found 1,200+ indian literature book products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 48,933 customer reviews through our big data system to write the indian literature books list. We found that most customers choose indian literature books with an average price of $13.85.

Written by
Wilson Cook Avatar

Wilson Cook is a talented writer who has an MFA in creative writing from Williams College and has published more than 50 books acquired by hundreds of thousands of people from various countries by now. He is an inveterate reading lover as he has read a vast amount of books since childhood.