12 Best-Selling Indian Novels You Should Read

1. The Unproposed Guy by Bhavik Sarkhedi
   A contemporary romantic comedy that explores the life of Kevin, a bachelor struggling with the societal pressure of marriage. This novel blends humor and heart, providing a relatable narrative for anyone facing similar life challenges.
2. Victory City by Salman Rushdie
   This novel is a fantastical tale set in the fictional city of Bisnaga. It follows the life of Kampana, a young girl granted the power to build an extraordinary city. Rushdie’s rich storytelling weaves mythology, magic, and history, creating a captivating narrative​ (TrendyPopCulture)​​ (Theopinionatedindian)​.
3. The Bandit Queens by Parini Shroff
   Shroff’s debut novel tells the story of a woman who gains notoriety as her husband’s murderer, leveraging this dark reputation to help other women deal with their troublesome husbands. This witty and humorous tale explores themes of female empowerment and societal expectations​ (TrendyPopCulture)​​ (Theopinionatedindian)​.
4. Homeless: Growing Up Lesbian and Dyslexic in India by K. Vaishali
   This autobiographical account reveals Vaishali’s journey of self-discovery, detailing her struggles with dyslexia and coming out as a lesbian. It offers a poignant look at identity and acceptance in a prejudiced society​ (TrendyPopCulture)​​ (Theopinionatedindian)​.
5. I Hear You by Nidhi Upadhyay
   A psychological thriller about Mihika, who is carrying a genetically altered foetus. The story unfolds with gripping suspense as the foetus begins to exhibit superpowers, leading to an unpredictable and thrilling conclusion​ (TrendyPopCulture)​.
6. Aryaa by Shivakumar GV
   A collection of ten short stories featuring strong-willed women from the Vedic age. These narratives delve into their lives, showcasing their wisdom, bravery, and unconventional choices, thus demystifying their often misunderstood existences​ (TrendyPopCulture)​.
7. A Dark and Shiny Place by Pragati Deshmukh
   This suspense thriller centers on a woman named Maya, whose life unravels during the pandemic. Confined at home, she starts experiencing paranormal activities, leading to a gripping exploration of reality and mental health​ (TrendyPopCulture)​.
8. Sahela Re: A Novel by Mrinal Pande
   This novel is an ode to Hindustani classical music, following a music teacher as she traverses the world, uncovering the rich musical traditions of the past. It’s a beautifully translated piece that immerses readers in the world of mehfils and ghazals​ (TrendyPopCulture)​.
9. Nala Damayanti by Anand Neelakantan
   Based on a legendary love story from the Mahabharata, this novel narrates the epic journey of a swan tasked with uniting the tribal king Nala and the beautiful Damayanti, despite numerous obstacles and lurking evil​ (TrendyPopCulture)​.
10. The Indian Metropolis by Varun Gandhi
    This thought-provoking book critiques the urban development models in India, questioning their lack of human touch. Gandhi provides a critical analysis and potential solutions, making it a significant read on urban policies and societal impact​ (TrendyPopCulture)​.
11. Hurda by Atharva Pandit
    A debut novel blending reportage and commentary, it investigates the disappearance of three girls from a village in Maharashtra. The story is told through various perspectives, offering a profound look at societal issues with dark humor​ (Hammock )​.
12. Quarterlife by Devika Rege
    This character-driven novel interweaves the lives of three protagonists, tackling themes of modern India’s perceptions, politics, and personal dilemmas. It has quickly become a notable release, praised for its insightful storytelling​ (Hammock )​.

FAQs with one question for each book/author and their respective answers:

1. The Unproposed Guy by Bhavik Sarkhedi
   • Q: What is the main theme of “The Unproposed Guy”?
   • A: The main theme of “The Unproposed Guy” is the societal pressure of marriage. It humorously explores the life of Kevin, a bachelor navigating through the expectations and pressures of getting married. The novel blends comedy and romance, making it a relatable read for many facing similar life situations.
2. Victory City by Salman Rushdie
   • Q: What historical elements does “Victory City” incorporate?
   • A: “Victory City” incorporates elements of ancient Indian mythology and history, particularly focusing on the fictional city of Bisnaga. Salman Rushdie intertwines mythological themes with historical contexts, creating a rich tapestry that reflects both the magical and the real. This fusion enhances the novel’s depth and provides a captivating backdrop for the story.
3. The Bandit Queens by Parini Shroff
   • Q: How does “The Bandit Queens” portray female empowerment?
   • A: “The Bandit Queens” portrays female empowerment through the protagonist who leverages her notorious reputation to aid other women. This narrative highlights the protagonist’s transformation from a feared figure to a savior for women seeking liberation from their oppressive circumstances. Parini Shroff uses humor and wit to address serious social issues, making the story both engaging and thought-provoking.
4. Homeless: Growing Up Lesbian and Dyslexic in India by K. Vaishali
   • Q: What challenges does K. Vaishali discuss in her autobiography?
   • A: In her autobiography, K. Vaishali discusses the dual challenges of growing up as a lesbian and dealing with dyslexia in India. She delves into her personal journey of self-acceptance and the societal prejudices she faced. The narrative is a bold and honest exploration of identity and resilience.
5. I Hear You by Nidhi Upadhyay
   • Q: What makes “I Hear You” a unique psychological thriller?
   • A: “I Hear You” stands out as a psychological thriller due to its unique plot involving a genetically altered foetus with superpowers. The story follows Mihika, who discovers the foetus’s abilities, leading to suspenseful and unpredictable twists. Nidhi Upadhyay’s storytelling keeps readers on the edge of their seats, blending science fiction with psychological tension.
6. Aryaa by Shivakumar GV
   • Q: What era do the stories in “Aryaa” focus on?
   • A: The stories in “Aryaa” focus on the Vedic age, highlighting the lives of strong-willed women from that era. Shivakumar GV provides a closer look at these women’s wisdom, bravery, and unconventional choices. The narratives aim to demystify the often misunderstood and mythical portrayals of women in ancient texts.
7. A Dark and Shiny Place by Pragati Deshmukh
   • Q: What is the central conflict in “A Dark and Shiny Place”?
   • A: The central conflict in “A Dark and Shiny Place” revolves around Maya, who experiences paranormal activities during the pandemic lockdown. Confined to her home, Maya begins to lose her grip on reality, leading to a suspenseful exploration of her mental state. Pragati Deshmukh crafts a gripping thriller that delves into themes of isolation and psychological distress.
8. Sahela Re: A Novel by Mrinal Pande
   • Q: How does “Sahela Re” celebrate Hindustani classical music?
   • A: “Sahela Re” celebrates Hindustani classical music by following a music teacher’s journey through various musical traditions. The novel provides a rich depiction of historical mehfils and ghazals, highlighting the cultural significance of these traditions. Mrinal Pande’s storytelling immerses readers in the world of classical music and its enduring legacy.
9. Nala Damayanti by Anand Neelakantan
   • Q: What is the source material for “Nala Damayanti”?
   • A: “Nala Damayanti” is based on an epic love story from the Mahabharata, an ancient Indian epic. The novel narrates the journey of a swan tasked with uniting the tribal king Nala and the beautiful Damayanti. Anand Neelakantan retells this classic tale, emphasizing themes of love, destiny, and resilience.
10. The Indian Metropolis by Varun Gandhi
    • Q: What issues does “The Indian Metropolis” address?
    • A: “The Indian Metropolis” addresses the issues of urban development and its impact on society in India. Varun Gandhi critiques the Western-influenced development models, highlighting their lack of consideration for human elements. The book provides a thoughtful analysis and suggests solutions for more humane urban policies.
11. Hurda by Atharva Pandit
    • Q: What is the premise of “Hurda”?
    • A: “Hurda” investigates the mysterious disappearance of three girls from a village in Maharashtra. The novel blends reportage and commentary, offering a multifaceted view through the perspectives of various characters. Atharva Pandit’s debut work addresses heavy themes with dark humor and an inventive narrative approach.
12. Quarterlife by Devika Rege
    • Q: What themes does “Quarterlife” explore?
    • A: “Quarterlife” explores themes of modern India’s perceptions, politics, and personal dilemmas through the lives of three protagonists. Devika Rege’s character-driven narrative connects their experiences, reflecting the complexities of contemporary Indian society. The novel has gained attention for its insightful and powerful storytelling.