I.

Introduction

Brief overview of Indian writings in English

Importance of Indian writers in English

Aim and scope of these notes

Indian writings in English have a rich literary

history that spans over a century. It all started in
the late 19th century with writers like Henry
Derozio and Toru Dutt, who paved the way for
Indian writers to express themselves in English.
Over the years, Indian writers in English have
made a significant contribution to the global
literary landscape. They have given voice to the
unique Indian experience and challenged the
dominance of English literature from the West.
Indian writers in English have explored themes
such as identity, postcolonialism, globalization,
and cultural conflict, which have resonated with
readers across the world.
The aim of these notes is to provide a
comprehensive overview of Indian writings in
English and highlight the works of some of the
most significant writers in this genre. The book
will cover a range of genres, including fiction,
poetry, drama, and non-fiction. The scope of the
book will cover the major years of Indian writing
in English, from the late 19th century to the
present day.
We will explore the works of writers like
Rabindranath Tagore, who won the Nobel Prize in
Literature in 1913 for his collection of poems,
Gitanjali. It will also cover the works of modern
writers like Arundhati Roy, who won the Booker
Prize in 1997 for her novel, The God of Small
Things.
We will delve into the themes explored by Indian
writers in English, such as the postcolonial
experience, cultural hybridity, and the search for
identity. It will also explore the contribution of
women writers to the genre, including Kamala
Das, Meena Kandasamy, and Shobha De.
In conclusion, Indian writings in English have
made a significant impact on the global literary
landscape, and this book aims to provide readers
with a comprehensive overview of the genre. By
exploring the works of some of the most
significant Indian writers in English, this book will
provide readers with a deeper understanding of the
unique Indian experience and the contribution of
Indian writers to the global literary canon.
II. Early Indian Writers in English

Henry Derozio

Toru Dutt

Rabindranath Tagore

Mahatma Gandhi

Sri Aurobindo

Nirad C. Chaudhary

Indian writing in English has a rich history that

dates back to the late 19th century. During this
time, several writers emerged who paved the way
for the development of Indian writing in English.
This essay will explore the works of some of the
earliest Indian writers in English, including Henry
Derozio, Toru Dutt, Rabindranath Tagore,
Mahatma Gandhi, Sri Aurobindo, and Nirad C.
Chaudhary.
Henry Derozio was a poet, teacher, and thinker
who played a significant role in the Bengal
Renaissance. His poetry reflected his belief in
social and political reform and addressed issues
such as freedom, equality, and democracy. He also
founded the Young Bengal Movement, which
aimed to challenge orthodox Hinduism and
promote the ideals of the Enlightenment.
Toru Dutt was a poet and novelist who wrote in
both English and French. Her works reflected her
fascination with the rich cultural heritage of India
and explored themes such as love, loss, and
nostalgia. Her most significant works include A
Sheaf Gleaned in French Fields and Ancient
Ballads and Legends of Hindustan.
Rabindranath Tagore was a polymath who excelled
in several fields, including literature, music, and
art. He was the first Indian to win the Nobel Prize
in Literature in 1913 for his collection of poems,
Gitanjali. His works reflected his belief in the
power of spirituality and celebrated the beauty of
nature.
Mahatma Gandhi was a political and spiritual
leader who fought for India's independence from
British rule. He was also a prolific writer and
wrote extensively on a wide range of topics,
including politics, economics, and social justice.
His most significant works include Hind Swaraj
and The Story of My Experiments with Truth.
Sri Aurobindo was a philosopher, poet, and
spiritual guru who wrote extensively on Indian
spirituality and philosophy. His works reflected his
belief in the power of human consciousness and
the evolution of humanity towards a higher level of
consciousness. His most significant works include
The Life Divine and The Synthesis of Yoga.
Nirad C. Chaudhary was a writer and scholar who
wrote extensively on Indian culture and history.
His works reflected his fascination with the
complexities of Indian society and explored
themes such as nationalism, colonialism, and
cultural identity. His most significant works
include The Autobiography of an Unknown Indian
and A Passage to England.
In conclusion, the works of these early Indian
writers in English laid the foundation for the
development of Indian writing in English. Their
works reflected their fascination with Indian
culture, their belief in social and political reform,
and their exploration of spiritual and philosophical
themes. Their contributions to the genre have been
significant, and their legacy continues to inspire
writers and readers alike.
III. Indian Poetry in English

Nissim Ezekiel

A. K. Ramanujan

Jayanta Mahapatra

Arun Kolatkar

Indian poetry in English has emerged as a

significant genre in the global literary landscape.
Indian poets writing in English have explored a
range of themes, including the Indian experience,
identity, and cultural hybridity. This essay will
explore the works of some of the most significant
Indian poets writing in English, including Nissim
Ezekiel, A. K. Ramanujan, Jayanta Mahapatra, and
Arun Kolatkar.
Nissim Ezekiel was a poet, playwright, and art
critic who was one of the pioneers of modern
Indian poetry in English. His poetry reflected his
fascination with the complexities of Indian society
and explored themes such as identity, cultural
hybridity, and the search for meaning. His most
significant works include The Unfinished Man and
The Exact Name.
A. K. Ramanujan was a poet and translator who
was known for his unique style of combining
Indian and Western literary traditions. His works
reflected his fascination with Indian folklore,
mythology, and culture, and explored themes such
as love, loss, and the transience of life. His most
significant works include The Interior Landscape
and The Striders.
Jayanta Mahapatra is a poet who has made a
significant contribution to the development of
Indian poetry in English. His works reflected his
fascination with the natural world and explored
themes such as the search for identity, the impact
of modernity on traditional Indian life, and the
relationship between humans and the environment.
His most significant works include A Rain of Rites
and A Whiteness of Bone.
Arun Kolatkar was a poet and graphic artist who
was known for his experimental approach to
poetry. His works reflected his fascination with the
city of Bombay and explored themes such as urban
life, cultural hybridity, and the impact of
modernity on traditional Indian life. His most
significant works include Jejuri and Sarpa Satra.
In conclusion, Indian poetry in English has
emerged as a significant genre in the global literary
landscape. The works of poets like Nissim Ezekiel,
A. K. Ramanujan, Jayanta Mahapatra, and Arun
Kolatkar have made a significant contribution to
the development of this genre. Their works reflect
their fascination with the complexities of Indian
society and culture and explore themes that are
relevant to readers across the world.
IV. Indian Fiction in English

R. K. Narayan

Mulk Raj Anand

Khushwant Singh

Ruskin Bond

Anita Desai

Vikram Seth

Amitav Ghosh

Rohinton Mistry

Salman Rushdie

Jhumpa Lahiri

Arundhati Roy

Kiran Desai

Nayantara Sehgal

Shashi Deshpande

Meena Alexander
Indian fiction in English has gained a significant
following in recent years, with writers exploring a
range of themes and subjects. This section will
cover the works of some of the most significant
Indian writers in English, including R.K. Narayan,
Mulk Raj Anand, Khushwant Singh, Ruskin Bond,
Anita Desai, and Vikram Seth.
R.K. Narayan was a novelist and short story writer
who is considered one of the pioneers of Indian
fiction in English. His works explored the
complexities of Indian society and culture and
captured the essence of Indian life in a humorous
and compassionate way. His most significant
works include The Bachelor of Arts, The Guide,
and Malgudi Days.
Mulk Raj Anand was a novelist and social
reformer who wrote extensively on social
inequality and injustice. His works reflected his
belief in the power of literature to bring about
social change and explored themes such as
poverty, caste, and gender. His most significant
works include Untouchable, Coolie, and Two
Leaves and a Bud.
Khushwant Singh was a novelist, journalist, and
historian who wrote on a wide range of subjects,
including Indian history, politics, and culture. His
works reflected his belief in the power of
storytelling and explored themes such as love, loss,
and the search for identity. His most significant
works include Train to Pakistan, I Shall Not Hear
the Nightingale, and Delhi: A Novel.
Ruskin Bond is a prolific writer of fiction and non-
fiction who has won several awards for his works.
His works reflect his fascination with the natural
world and explore themes such as childhood,
nostalgia, and the relationship between humans
and the environment. His most significant works
include The Room on the Roof, Our Trees Still
Grow in Dehra, and A Flight of Pigeons.
Anita Desai is a novelist and short story writer
who is known for her exploration of themes such
as cultural conflict, alienation, and the search for
identity. Her works are often set in the urban
middle class and explore the complexities of
modern Indian society. Her most significant works
include Clear Light of Day, Fire on the Mountain,
and Fasting, Feasting.
Vikram Seth is a novelist, poet, and travel writer
who has won several awards for his works. His
novels reflect his fascination with the complexities
of human relationships and explore themes such as
love, friendship, and family. His most significant
works include A Suitable Boy, An Equal Music,
and Two Lives.
Amitav Ghosh is a novelist and non-fiction writer
who has won several awards for his works. His
novels reflect his fascination with the complexities
of history and explore themes such as migration,
identity, and cultural hybridity. His most
significant works include The Circle of Reason,
The Shadow Lines, and The Ibis Trilogy.
Rohinton Mistry is a novelist and short story writer
who is known for his exploration of themes such
as social injustice, cultural conflict, and the
immigrant experience. His works are often set in
Mumbai and reflect his deep understanding of the
complexities of Indian society. His most
significant works include Such a Long Journey, A
Fine Balance, and Family Matters.
Salman Rushdie is a novelist, essayist, and critic
who is known for his experimental approach to
fiction. His works reflect his fascination with
Indian history and culture and explore themes such
as identity, exile, and cultural hybridity. His most
significant works include Midnight's Children, The
Satanic Verses, and The Enchantress of Florence.
Jhumpa Lahiri is a Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist
and short story writer who is known for her
exploration of the immigrant experience. Her
works reflect her deep understanding of the
complexities of human relationships and explore
themes such as identity, belonging, and cultural
conflict. Her most significant works include
Interpreter of Maladies, The Namesake, and
Unaccustomed Earth.
Arundhati Roy is a novelist, essayist, and activist
who is known for her exploration of social and
political issues in India. Her works reflect her
belief in the power of literature to bring about
social change and explore themes such as gender,
caste, and environmental degradation. Her most
significant works include The God of Small
Things, The Ministry of Utmost Happiness, and
Broken Republic.
Kiran Desai is a novelist who has won several
awards for her works. Her novels reflect her
fascination with the complexities of human
relationships and explore themes such as identity,
belonging, and cultural hybridity. Her most
significant works include Hullabaloo in the Guava
Orchard, The Inheritance of Loss, and The Artist
of Disappearance.
Nayantara Sehgal is a novelist and political
commentator who has written extensively on social
and political issues in India. Her works reflect her
belief in the power of literature to bring about
social change and explore themes such as gender,
caste, and communalism. Her most significant
works include Rich Like Us, A Married Woman,
and The Day in Shadow.
Shashi Deshpande is a novelist and short story
writer who is known for her exploration of the
complexities of women's lives in contemporary
India. Her works reflect her deep understanding of
the challenges faced by women in traditional
Indian society and explore themes such as gender,
identity, and autonomy. Her most significant
works include The Dark Holds No Terrors, That
Long Silence, and Small Remedies.
Meena Alexander was a poet, novelist, and
memoirist who wrote extensively on themes such
as cultural hybridity, exile, and the immigrant
experience. Her works reflect her fascination with
the complexities of identity and explore themes
such as belonging, memory, and trauma. Her most
significant works include Fault Lines, Manhattan
Music, and The Poetics of Dislocation.
In conclusion, the works of these Indian writers in
English have made a significant impact on the
global literary landscape. Their works reflect their
fascination with the complexities of Indian society
and culture and explore themes that are relevant to
contemporary Indian society.
V. Indian Drama in English

Asif Currimbhoy

Girish Karnad

Mahesh Dattani

Indian drama in English has gained significant

recognition in recent years with the works of
several playwrights gaining international acclaim.
This section will cover the works of some of the
most significant Indian playwrights writing in
English, including Asif Currimbhoy, Girish
Karnad, and Mahesh Dattani.
Asif Currimbhoy was a playwright who is
considered one of the pioneers of modern Indian
drama in English. His works reflected his
fascination with the complexities of Indian society
and explored themes such as identity, cultural
hybridity, and the impact of colonialism on Indian
life. His most significant works include The
Refugee, The Doldrummers, and Sonar Bangla.
Girish Karnad was a playwright, actor, and
director who made a significant contribution to the
development of Indian drama in English. His
works reflected his belief in the power of theatre to
bring about social change and explored themes
such as cultural identity, history, and politics. His
most significant works include Tughlaq,
Hayavadana, and Naga-Mandala.
Mahesh Dattani is a playwright, screenwriter, and
director who has won several awards for his
works. His plays reflect his fascination with the
complexities of human relationships and explore
themes such as sexuality, gender, and identity. His
most significant works include Dance Like a Man,
Bravely Fought the Queen, and Tara.
In conclusion, Indian drama in English has
emerged as a significant genre in the global
theatrical landscape. The works of playwrights
such as Asif Currimbhoy, Girish Karnad, and
Mahesh Dattani have made a significant
contribution to the development of this genre.
Their works reflect their fascination with the
complexities of Indian society and culture and
explore themes that are relevant to audiences
across the world.
VI. Indian Non-Fiction in English

Mahatma Gandhi

Kamala Das

Manohar Malgonkar

K. N. Daruwala

Kamla Bhasin

Shashi Tharoor

Indian non-fiction in English has gained significant

recognition in recent years with writers exploring a
range of themes and subjects. This section will
cover the works of some of the most significant
Indian non-fiction writers in English, including
Mahatma Gandhi, Kamala Das, Manohar
Malgonkar, K.N. Daruwala, Kamla Bhasin, and
Shashi Tharoor.
Mahatma Gandhi was a writer, activist, and
politician who is known for his role in India's
struggle for independence. His writings reflect his
belief in non-violence and the power of collective
action to bring about social change. His most
significant works include Autobiography: The
Story of My Experiments with Truth, Hind Swaraj,
and Satyagraha in South Africa.
Kamala Das was a writer and poet who wrote
extensively on themes such as love, sexuality, and
the complexities of human relationships. Her
works reflected her belief in the power of language
to express complex emotions and experiences and
explored themes that were often considered taboo.
Her most significant works include My Story, The
Alphabet of Lust, and Padmavati the Harlot and
Other Stories.
Manohar Malgonkar was a writer and historian
who wrote extensively on Indian history, culture,
and politics. His works reflected his fascination
with the complexities of Indian society and culture
and explored themes such as colonialism,
nationalism, and the impact of modernity on
traditional Indian life. His most significant works
include A Bend in the Ganges, The Princes, and
The Devil's Wind.
K.N. Daruwala was a writer and poet who wrote
on a range of subjects, including nature,
spirituality, and the human condition. His works
reflected his deep understanding of the
complexities of life and explored themes that were
relevant to readers across the world. His most
significant works include The Moving Finger
Writes, Myriad-minded Man, and Beyond Reason.
Kamla Bhasin is a feminist activist and writer who
has written extensively on issues related to gender,
sexuality, and violence against women. Her works
reflect her belief in the power of collective action
to bring about social change and explore themes
such as women's rights, patriarchy, and feminist
politics. Her most significant works include
Understanding Gender, Gender and Power:
Understanding Sexual Politics, and Voices from
within: Early Personal Narratives of Bengali
Women.
Shashi Tharoor is a writer, diplomat, and politician
who has written extensively on Indian history,
politics, and culture. His works reflect his deep
understanding of the complexities of Indian society
and explore themes such as nationalism, identity,
and the impact of colonialism on Indian life. His
most significant works include The Great Indian
Novel, An Era of Darkness: The British Empire in
India, and Why I am a Hindu.
In conclusion, the works of these Indian non-
fiction writers in English have made a significant
impact on the global literary and political
landscape. Their works reflect their deep
understanding of the complexities of Indian society
and culture and explore themes that are relevant to
readers and audiences across the world.
VII. Indian Women Writers in English

Amrita Pritam

Meena Kandasamy

Manju Kapur

Meenakshi Reddy Madhavan

Kamala Markandaya

Chitra Banerjee Divakurni

Bharati Mukherjee

Ismat Chughtai

Mahasweta Devi

Shobha De

Indian Women Writers in English have contributed

significantly to the world of literature, providing a
unique perspective on Indian culture, society, and
politics. Their works have not only challenged
traditional gender roles but also shed light on
issues such as caste, class, and patriarchy. This
essay will explore the works of ten prominent
Indian Women Writers in English, including
Amrita Pritam, Meena Kandasamy, Manju Kapur,
Meenakshi Reddy Madhavan, Kamala
Markandaya, Chitra Banerjee Divakurni, Bharati
Mukherjee, Ismat Chughtai, Mahasweta Devi, and
Shobha De.

Amrita Pritam
• Pritam was the first woman to receive the
Sahitya Akademi Award for her magnum
opus, Ajj Aakhaan Waris Shah Nu (Today I
Invoke Waris Shah).
• Her works explore themes such as love, loss,
and the partition of India.
• Notable works: Ajj Aakhaan Waris Shah Nu,
Pinjar (The Skeleton), and Raseedi Ticket
(Revenue Stamp).

Meena Kandasamy
• Kandasamy is a poet, translator, and activist
known for her works on caste and gender-
based violence.
• Her debut novel, The Gypsy Goddess, was
shortlisted for the Dylan Thomas Prize.
 • Notable works: The Gypsy Goddess, When I
Hit You: Or, A Portrait of the Writer as a
Young Wife, and Exquisite Cadavers.

Manju Kapur
• Kapur is a novelist known for her works on
the complexities of family relationships and
the intersection of tradition and modernity.
• Her novel, Difficult Daughters, won the
Commonwealth Writers' Prize.
• Notable works: Difficult Daughters, A
Married Woman, and The Immigrant.

Meenakshi Reddy Madhavan

• Madhavan is a novelist known for her works
on contemporary Indian youth culture.
• Her debut novel, You Are Here, was a
bestseller in India.
• Notable works: You Are Here, Confessions
of a Listmaniac, and The One Who Swam
with the Fishes.

Kamala Markandaya
• Markandaya was a novelist known for her
works on the impact of colonialism and the
struggle for independence in India.
 • Her novel, Nectar in a Sieve, is considered a
classic of Indian literature in English.
• Notable works: Nectar in a Sieve, A Silence
of Desire, and Two Virgins.

Chitra Banerjee Divakurni

• Divakurni is a novelist known for her works
on the immigrant experience and the lives of
South Asian women.
• Her novel, The Mistress of Spices, was
adapted into a film starring Aishwarya Rai.
• Notable works: The Mistress of Spices, Sister
of My Heart, and Palace of Illusions.

Bharati Mukherjee
• Mukherjee was a novelist and essayist known
for her works on immigration and the
experience of diaspora.
• Her novel, Jasmine, was a finalist for the
National Book Award.
• Notable works: Jasmine, Desirable
Daughters, and The Holder of the World.
Ismat Chughtai
• Chughtai was a writer known for her works
on the intersection of gender, class, and
religion in India.
• Her short story, Lihaaf (The Quilt), was
controversial for its depiction of lesbianism.
• Notable works: Lihaaf (The Quilt), The
Crooked Line, and A Chughtai Collection.

Mahasweta Devi
• Devi was a writer and activist known for her
works on the marginalized communities of
India, including Dalits and tribal people.
• Her works also explore the impact of
colonization on Indian society.
• Notable works: Breast Stories, Draupadi, and
The Hunt.

Shobha De
• De is a novelist and journalist known for her
works on contemporary Indian society and
culture.
• Her novels often explore themes such as
sexuality, love, and relationships.
• Notable works: Socialite Evenings, Strange
Obsession, and Second Thoughts.
Conclusion In conclusion, Indian Women Writers
in English have made a significant contribution to
the literary world by providing a unique
perspective on Indian culture, society, and politics.
Their works have challenged traditional gender
roles and have shed light on issues such as caste,
class, and patriarchy. The works of Amrita Pritam,
Meena Kandasamy, Manju Kapur, Meenakshi
Reddy Madhavan, Kamala Markandaya, Chitra
Banerjee Divakurni, Bharati Mukherjee, Ismat
Chughtai, Mahasweta Devi, and Shobha De
continue to inspire readers and writers around the
world.
VIII. Conclusion

Recap of the writers covered in the book

Significance of Indian writings in English

Future of Indian writing in English

Indian Writing in English has emerged as a

significant literary tradition, reflecting the diversity
of Indian culture, society, and politics. From the
early works of Raja Rammohan Roy to the
contemporary writings of Arundhati Roy, Indian
Writing in English has provided a unique
perspective on Indian life and has contributed
significantly to the global literary scene. In this
final chapter, we will examine the significance of
Indian Writing in English and the future of this
literary tradition.
Significance of Indian Writing in English Indian
Writing in English has become a significant
literary tradition that reflects the unique blend of
Indian and Western cultures. It provides a unique
perspective on Indian society, culture, and politics
that is not found in traditional Indian literature. It
has also contributed to the global literary scene,
with Indian writers winning several international
awards and gaining widespread recognition for
their works. Indian Writing in English has also
played a significant role in shaping the Indian
identity and creating a sense of national
consciousness.
Future of Indian Writing in English The future of
Indian Writing in English looks promising, with a
new generation of writers emerging and making
their mark in the literary world. Indian writers are
exploring new themes and experimenting with new
forms of writing, such as graphic novels and
experimental poetry. They are also engaging with
contemporary issues such as globalization,
urbanization, and environmentalism. With the
growth of digital publishing and social media,
Indian writers have also found new platforms to
share their works and reach wider audiences.

Conclusion
In conclusion, Indian Writing in English has
become a significant literary tradition, reflecting
the diversity of Indian society, culture, and
politics. It has provided a unique perspective on
Indian life and has contributed significantly to the
global literary scene. The future of Indian Writing
in English looks promising, with new writers
emerging and exploring new themes and forms of
writing. Indian Writing in English will continue to
shape the Indian identity and create a sense of
national consciousness, while also contributing to
the global literary scene.