top 10 autobiography books in india

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10 Must-Read Biographies of Indians Who Transformed The Nation

Here’s a list of 10 biographies of pioneering Indians -- from Dr Ambedkar and Satyajit Ray to APJ Abdul Kalam and Kapil Dev -- that will leave you inspired.

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1. Dilip Kumar: The Definitive Biography by Bunny Reuban

2. Satyajit Ray: The Inner Eye by Andrew Robinson

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3. The Man Who Knew Infinity (Srinivasa Ramanujan) by Robert Kanigel

4. Sir C V Raman by Uma Parameswaran

5. Beyond the Last Blue Mountain (JRD Tata) by R M Lala

6. Gandhi Before India (M K Gandhi) by Ramachandra Guha

7. Waiting for a Visa – BR Ambedkar

8. Wings of Fire – An Autobiography by APJ Abdul Kalam and Arun Tiwari

9. Straight from the Heart: An Autobiography – Kapil Dev

10. The Race of My Life by Milkha Singh

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16 Autobiography Books By Famous Indian Personality That Should Definitely Be On Your Bookshelf

10 Must-Read Biographies On Inspirational People From India

Biographies always end up becoming a source of inspiration and many authors have compiled accounts on impactful Indians whose lives are worth sharing. We’ve shortlisted the 10 best biographies you should read.

Outlaw: india’s bandit queen and me by roy moxham.

Roy Moxham’s biography of spine-chilling events that occurred in Phoolan Mallah’s life was a result of his journey and friendship with her in the later years of her life. Known as ‘bandit queen’ in India, Phoolan hailed from a poor rural family in Uttar Pradesh. She was gang-raped and abused many times before she became a gang leader and then a Member of the Parliament in India. Roy’s biography is a gripping story of the incredible woman who was gunned down in 2001.

Akhada: The Authorized Biography of Mahavir Singh Phogat by Saurabh Duggal

Sir C V Raman by A. Krishna Bhatt

This biography by A. Krishna Bhatt gives an intimate account of Nobel Prize winner C. V. Raman’s life . Bhatt’s research reveals how Raman was a jovial person, always curious and a great teacher. The book makes C. V. Raman more human, going beyond the image of a worshipped physicist. Raman’s humble beginnings and great achievements are a source of inspiration.

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The Man Who Knew Infinity: A Life of The Genius Ramanujan by Robert Kanigel

Robert Kanigel paints a picture of Srinivasa Ramanujan’s life since childhood in Tamil Nadu, India. His family couldn’t send him to school after a point but that didn’t stop Ramanujan from studying pure mathematics and working under the British mathematician G. H. Hardy. In his biography , Robert delves into Ramanujan’s struggle to be taken seriously and eventually being recognised for his contributions in mathematics.

Beyond the Last Blue Mountain by R. M. Lala

Beyond The Last Blue Mountain is one of the best biographies written about an Indian. The book is divided into four parts, taking the readers through the details of Jehangir Ratanji Dadabhoy Tata’s childhood and milestones. J.R.D Tata’s interest in aviation that led to the beginning of the aviation industry in India and his contributions as an industrialist, are discussed comprehensively. The last part of the book talks about his friendships, personal life and how he kept it away from the public eye.

Spy Princess: The Life of Noor Inayat Khan by Shrabani Basu

Shrabani Basu’s detailed chronicle of Noor Inayat Khan makes the biography a riveting read. Noor was an Indian-origin Briton from an affluent family. As a shy, sensitive girl, she chose the most unlikely work for herself, in the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force during the Second World War. She lived a life of danger and adventure before being killed in a concentration camp in Dachau. Basu’s book is heartwarming and inspirational.

Husain: Portrait of an Artist by Ila Pal

The late Maqbool Fida Husain, better known as M.F. Husain , was a peculiar but charming figure of the 20th-century. No one knows much about the man, except that he was an internationally acclaimed modern painter who always walked barefoot with a paintbrush in his hand. The image almost became his brand statement. Ila Pal goes deep into M.F. Husain’s life and reveals his wit and thought process. Ila met the painter in 1961 and made him her case study for 50 years and the biography is a beautiful culmination of that association.

Gandhi Before India by Ramachandra Guha

Gandhi Before India is a deviation from what is usually written about M.K. Gandhi who is revered as ‘father of the nation’ for his mammoth contributions to India’s independence movement. Ramachandra Guha’s detailed research spans across four continents. He writes about Gandhi’s formative years in South Africa and personal details of his life as a father and husband. Ramachandra’s beautifully written biography paints Gandhi in a different light and tells us why M. K. Gandhi was an inspirational figure.

Helen: The Life and Times of an H-Bomb by Jerry Pinto

Jerry Pinto is probably one of the best Indian authors of the 21st-century and his biography on Helen tells everything we ever wanted to know about the French-Burmese actress. An icon in Bollywood , Helen came to the country as a refugee from Burma. To support her widowed mother and two brothers she worked as a chorus dancer in Hindi films. At her career’s peak she was called the ‘H-Bomb’.

Lilavati’s Daughters by Indian Academy of Sciences

The collection of biographical essays on women scientists of the 19th and 20th-century is nothing but inspirational. The book tells us about botanist E. K. Janaki Ammal, chemist Asmita Chatterjee, physician Anandibai Joshi, anthropologist Iravati Karve, biochemist Kamala Sohonie, medical researcher Kamal Ranadive and a few others who pioneered women’s education in India at a time when women were hardly allowed to finish high school.

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Women’s autobiographies are tools of self-representation of their personal histories. Women from the margins have used them to represent their realities and their feminist concerns. Their autobiographies have defied the set norms of language and aesthetics and have instead moulded them to speak of lives that have broken out of the ordinary.  Almost all the autobiographies on this list have been translated to English from their original languages, thereby highlighting the importance of translations in bringing marginalised voices in literature to readers.

As the world celebrates Women’s History Month throughout March, it is time we took a closer look at some of the personal histories that highlight the contribution of women in shaping history, culture and society.

Rhea has completed her Masters in English at SNDT Women’s University. Her key research interests are post-colonial studies, mainly focussing on women’s narratives and their experience of citizenship.  Her other interests are Dalit literature in translation. She also sings in a choir. 

Rhea is the social media manager at The Curious Reader. Read her articles here .

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10 Must Read Biographies of Inspirational People from India

by Pratiti Nath September 27, 2021

Don’t know where life is going?

1. The Man Who Knew Infinity (Srinivasa Ramanujan) by Robert Kanigel

2. Sir C.V. Raman by Uma Parameswaran

3. Helen: The life and times of H-Bomb by Jerry Pinto

4. Outlaw (Phoolan Devi) by Roy Moxham

5. Spy Princess (Noor Inayat Khan) by Shrabani Basu

6. Dilip Kumar: The Definitive Biography by Bunny Reuban

7. Satyajit Ray: The Inner Eye by Andrew Robinson

8. Beyond the Last Blue Mountain (JRD Tata) by R.M. Lala

9. Husain: Portrait of an Artist by Ila Pal

10. Gandhi Before India (M.K. Gandhi) by Ramachandra Guha

Written by Pratiti Nath

A heritage and travel enthusiast with a penchant for sustainable living and travel, Pratiti writes on key issues governing health, environment, travel and culture. A microbiologist by vocation and a writer/editor by profession Pratiti brings science and innovation in her pursuits of life. When not traveling she can be found addressing key issues on her blog at https://agantukthestrangersdesk.wordpress.com/

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• 16 Apr 2021

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10 best inspirational biographies you must read.

Inspirational biographies can help people identify their passions and determine what to do to pursue them, even in difficult times. To help you find the best inspirational biographies, read this article.

Best Inspirational Biographies to Read

Steve jobs by walter isaacson.

Wings of Fire: Autobiography of APJ Abdul Kalam

WINGS OF FIRE - AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF ABDUL KALAM

The diary of a young girl by anne frank.

The Diary of a Young Girl

Gandhi before india by ramachandra guha.

Husain: Portrait of an Artist by Ila Pal

Husain- Portrait of an Artist by Ila Pal

Beyond the last blue mountain: a life of jrd tata by r m lala.

Beyond the Last Blue Mountain - A Life of J.R.D. Tata

Man who knew infinity by robert kanigel.

MAN WHO KNEW INFINITY

Sir c v raman by uma parmeshwaram.

C V Raman- A biography by Uma Parmeshwaran

Outlaw: india’s bandit queen and me by roy moxham.

Outlaw - India’s Bandit Queen and Me by Roy Moxham

Spy princess: the life of noor inayat khan by sharbani basu.

Spy Pincess - The Life of Noor Inayat Khan by Sharbani Basu

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22 Famous Indian Authors (And Their Best Books)

Once upon a time, I spent a few months living in the north of India. This constituted one of the greatest adventures of my life. And on this journey, I picked up a few books that captured my attention.

I realized India has a rich literary tradition  and is home to some of the best and most imaginative authors out there. More  people should read  these books. The sun goes down in a different way in India. And you can feel the same warm, exotic glow by sitting back and opening a book through which monsoons and smells of spices will flow. Of course, I haven’t read all the authors from this list (I intend to). But this is to serve as a reference for anyone interested in  Indian literature  who wants to go deeper and learn about its most distinguished literati, both classic and contemporary.

22 Famous Indian Authors And Their Notable Works:

1. rabindranath tagore.

This was the first Indian author I’ve ever read. I remember sitting on a bus going to my office in Chandigarh and reading Gitanjali and Stray Birds in an old paperback version. These poems changed my life and opened me up to something I’ve never experienced before. Tagore was born in 1861 and during his life, he wrote hundreds of poems, books, and articles. His father knew Persian and could recite the poetry of Hafiz by heart. You can see that many of these Sufi mysteries are also detectable in the great author’s work. It is always related to The Power of Love and the closeness to God. Later in life, Tagore visited the tombs of Saadi and Hafiz in Shiraz and admired these poets greatly. He was also deeply influenced by Baul mysticism, Sahaja Buddhism, Vedanta Philosophy, and the Upanishads. He was knighted by the British Empire in 1915, but within a couple of years, he resigned the title as a protest against British policies in India (especially the massacre in Amritsar in 1919, which grounds I walked during my stay in Punjab). Tagore was the first non-European to win the Nobel Prize in Literature (1913).

Notable works:

• Heart of God
• Stray Birds

Quote from the author:

“The small wisdom is like water in a glass: clear, transparent, pure. The great wisdom is like the water in the sea: dark, mysterious, impenetrable.”

2. Jiddu Krishnamurti

Krishnamurti was a great Indian writer and philosopher  who later in life moved  to the USA. You can still find many recordings of his talks and lectures on YouTube (highly recommended). His interests were wide-ranging and included psychological revolution, the nature of the mind, meditation, societal change, and human relationships. I’ve learned a lot about meditation and the nature of consciousness from him. This includes the principle of non-grasping and non-judgment which serve me well to this day. He was one of the first people to bring Eastern thought to the West. His thesis was that a revolution in society can only be brought about at the level of an individual. By changing ourselves for the better we can change society as a whole. He pledged no allegiance to a nationality, caste, or religion and spent the later years of his life traveling around the world and giving lectures to large and small groups.

• Freedom From The Known
• Awakening of Intelligence

“You must understand the whole of life, not just one little part of it. That is why you must read, that is why you must look at the skies, that is why you must sing, and dance, and  write poems , and suffer, and understand, for all that is life.”

3. Chetan Bhagat

Chetan Bhagat is a modern author, columnist, screenwriter, and television personality, especially known for his  books geared toward young readers from the Indian middle class. He’s  one of the most popular writers  in the country and his books sold over 7 million copies all over the world (he writes primarily in English). The New York Times called him “the biggest-selling English language novelist in India’s history”. Interestingly, instead of literature, he studied mechanical engineering and business management. At some point, he even applied to work in investment banking for Goldman Sachs. He wrote his first books while still working for the company but later quit his full-time job and focused on writing . Many of his books  served as an inspiration for Bollywood films  and Time magazine named him one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2010. However, in 2017 he was accused of plagiarism (regarding two of his books) and is now involved in a legal trial.

• 2 States: The Story of My Marriage
• Half Girlfriend

“Pretty girls behave best when you ignore them. Of course, they have to know you are ignoring them, for otherwise, they may not even know you exist.”

4. Aravind Adiga

Adiga, born in 1974 in Chennai (Madras) is a modern Indian writer whose book “The White Tiger” won the 2008 Man Booker Prize. After growing up in Mangalore, he emigrated to Sydney, Australia with his family. Later on, he studied English literature at Columbia University in New York under the famous English historian, Simon Schama. After his studies, he began his career as a journalist, traveling the world and writing for publications such as Financial Times and TIME. He finally went freelance and then wrote his first big book The White Tiger, which portrays Balram, a lead character coming from crushing rural poverty but witnessing the rise of India as a modern global economy. The book sold over 200,000 copies of the hardcover edition. Now the author is back in India, living in Mumbai, where he  writes and releases a new book  every other year.

• Last Man in Tower
• The White Tiger

“Go to Old Delhi, and look at the way they keep chickens there in the market. Hundreds of pale hens and brightly colored roosters stuffed tightly into wire-mesh cages. They see the organs of their brothers lying around them. They know they are next, yet they cannot rebel. They do not try to get out of the coop. The very same thing is done with humans in this country.”

5. Shashi Tharoor

Tharoor is not only famous for his writings. He’s one of the most influential Indians by any measure because of his involvement in politics and media. He’s been  writing since 1981 and authored  18 best-selling works of fiction and non-fiction. All of them are centered around the history, culture, film, and politics of his native country. Moreover, he wrote hundreds of columns for prestigious publications such as the New York Times, the Washington Post, and The Times of India. He’s a controversial figure in India known for his polarizing stances on many social and political issues. It’s almost too much to digest (he even got charged with abetment to the suicide of his wife in 2018).

• An Era of Darkness: The British Empire in India
• The Great Indian Novel

“India is not, as people keep calling it, an underdeveloped country, but rather, in the context of its history and cultural heritage, a highly developed one in an advanced state of decay.”

6. Amrita Pritam

Pritam, born in 1919 was a novelist, essayist, and poet who, unlike many of the authors on this list wrote in Punjabi and Hindi. She is known as the most prominent Punjabi poet who is loved both by Indians and Pakistanis. She lived a long life during which she produced over 100 books of poetry , fiction, and biographies, as well as a collection of beautiful Punjabi folk songs. Her works have been translated into many Indian and foreign languages. Her book Pinjar (The Skeleton) was groundbreaking and ultimately got adapted into an award-winning movie in 2003. She has been often compared to Mohan Singh and Shiv Kumar Batlavi and was the most prominent voice for the liberation of women in Punjabi literature.

• Raseedi Ticket

“Warish Shah I call out to you, Rise from your grave, speak out and turn, Another page of the Book of Love”

7. Kamala Markandaya

Another widely known female author from India, Kamala Markandaya, was born in Mysore in 1924. She was an acclaimed novelist and journalist known for writing about the conflict between different strata of Indian society (rural vs. urban), as well as the adoption of Western values in her country. Her book “Nectar in a Sieve” is a classic of Indian literature and has been in print continuously since 1955. After the Declaration of Independence, she moved to Britain but she always remained loyal to her native country and labeled herself an expatriate.

• Nectar in a Sieve
• A Handful of Rice

“For where shall a man turn who has no money? Where can he go? Wide, wide world, but as narrow as the coins in your hand. Like a tethered goat, so far and no farther. Only money can make the rope stretch, only money.”

8. Khushwant Singh

This list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Khushwant Singh, a Punjabi author, lawyer, diplomat, journalist, and politician. He lived through the partition of India in 1947 and this inspired him to write “Train to Pakistan”, which became his most famous novel (also made into a film in 1998). He fought fiercely for the independence of India from the British Empire and in the ’50s worked for All India Radio and UNESCO. Unlike many Indian authors, he abhorred spirituality and treated life with wit, humor, sarcasm, and an unending love for poetry.

• Train to Pakistan
• Delhi: A Novel

“Not forever does the bulbul sing In balmy shades of bowers, Not forever lasts the spring Nor ever blossom the flowers. Not forever reigneth joy, Sets the sun on days of bliss, Friendships not forever last, They know not life, who know not this.”

9. R.K. Narayan

Rasipuram Krishnaswami Iyer Narayanaswami is mostly known for his fiction works related to the South Indian town of Malgudi. He was a leading English language author in India along with Mulk Raj Anand and Raja Rao. It might come as a surprise, but he was a close friend of Graham Greene, who helped him to get publishers for his first books . The  fictional town Malgudi was first introduced in his book  “Swami and Friends”. The made-up town had a pristine historical record dating back to the times of Ramayana and Buddha. He loved to show the humor of everyday life and has been often compared to William Faulkner. He wrote for over sixty years and lived to be 94.

• The Guide: A Novel
• Malgudi Days

“Friendship was another illusion like love, though it did not reach the same mad heights. People pretended that they were friends when the fact was they were brought together by the force of circumstances.”

10. Salman Rushdie

This author should not require an introduction. Rushdie first came on the map with his novel “Midnight’s Children” (1981) for which he won the Booker Prize. His works are a great combination of magical realism and historical fiction and are often set on the Indian subcontinent. His novel “The Satanic Verses”, put him in mortal danger from assassins who haunted him for many years on orders from Ayatollah Khomeini, who issued a fatwa, condemning the author to death, for his “blasphemous” novel which ostensibly offended the Prophet. He wrote many novels afterward and has been ranked 13th on the list of the best British writers since 1945.

• The Satanic Verses
• Midnight’s Children

“I am the total of everything that went before me, of all I have been seen done, of everything done to me. I am everyone everything whose being in the world affected was affected by mine. I am anything that happens after I’m gone which would not have happened if I had not come.”

11. Arundhati Roy

Roy is mostly known for her novel the “God of Small Things” for which she received a Man Booker Prize for fiction in 1997. This book became a huge bestseller and sold more copies than any other non-expatriate Indian novel. Her novel “The Ministry of Utmost Happiness” also won many awards and found its way to the Man Booker Prize 2017 long list. She’s also a political activist and a fighter for environmental causes. She’s a polarizing figure in India, known for her scathing comments about Narendra Modi, the Indian prime minister. Roy was featured in Time’s 100 Most Influential People in the World list in 2014.

• The God of Small Things
• The Ministry of Utmost Happiness

“To love. To be loved. Never forget your insignificance. To never get used to the unspeakable violence and the vulgar disparity of life around you. To seek joy in the saddest places. To pursue beauty in its lair. Never simplify what is complicated or complicate what is simple. To respect strength, never power. Above all, to watch. To try and understand. To never look away. And never, never to forget.”

12. Vikram Seth

Born in 1952 in Calcutta, Seth is a part novelist, and part travel writer known mostly for his first novel “The Golden Gate” and the epic novel “A Suitable Boy”. The author was raised in London and graduated from Oxford, and Stanford where he studied economics. It took him a long time to get the attention of the public and some of his first volumes did not attract critical attention. The first book that conquered the hearts of readers was a humorous travelogue “From Heaven Lake.” His books are most often written in verse but his book of prose “A Suitable Boy”, which has 1349 pages, is often compared to the works of Leo Tolstoy and Charles Dickens.

• A Suitable Boy
• The Golden Gate

“But I too hate long books: the better, the worse. If they’re bad they merely make me pant with the effort of holding them up for a few minutes. But if they’re good, I turn into a social moron for days, refusing to go out of my room, scowling and growling at interruptions, ignoring weddings and funerals, and making enemies out of friends. I still bear the scars of Middlemarch.”

13. Anita Desai

Anita Desai is the author of many widely acclaimed children’s books written in the English language. She was born to a German mother and a Bengali father and grew up speaking German, Hindi, and English. Except for children’s books, she wrote many novels on the theme of women’s oppression in India. Her writing style is poetic and does not shy away from tragedy and high drama. She received many awards, including the Sahitya Akademi Award, and the British Guardian Prize for her work. In 1993, her novel “In Custody” was made into a film that won the 1994 President of India Gold Medal for Best Picture.

• Clear Light of Day
• Fasting, Feasting

“Isn’t it strange how life won’t flow, like a river, but moves in jumps, as if it were held back by locks that are opened now and then to let it jump forwards in a kind of flood?”

14. Jhumpa Lahiri

Although she was born in London, and now has American citizenship, her background is ethnically Indian (her parents come from West Bengal). Her work often explores the Indian immigrant experience in America. Her book “Interpreter of Maladies” won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction and the PEN/Hemingway award. Moreover, her second novel “The Namesake” was made into a popular movie of the same name. In 2011 she moved to Rome and since then she has translated a few Italian books into English. Her forthcoming book is going to be written in Italian as well.

• Interpreter of Maladies
• The Namesake

“You are still young, free.. Do yourself a favor. Before it’s too late, without thinking too much about it first, pack a pillow and a blanket and see as much of the world as you can. You will not regret it. One day it will be too late.”

15. Amitav Ghosh

Ghosh is mostly known for his English works of fiction. He’s also the winner of the prestigious Jnanpith Award for his outstanding contribution to literature. He was born in Calcutta in 1956 but later moved with his family to New York, USA, where he joined The Queen’s College as a distinguished professor of comparative literature. He’s also been a visiting professor in the English department at Harvard University He later returned to India where he began working on his Ibis Trilogy. He wrote eight novels (the most famous one being the “Sea of Poppies”), as well as 6 works of nonfiction including many notable collections of essays. In his works, he often deals with epic themes of history, memory of political struggle, and communal violence which include elements of anthropology as well as art.

• Sea of Poppies
• The Glass Palace: A Novel

“What would it be like if I had something to defend – a home, a country, a family – and I found myself attacked by these ghostly men, these trusting boys? How do you fight an enemy who fights with neither enmity nor anger, but in submission to orders from superiors, without protest and conscience?”

16. Ruskin Bond

Bond is an Indian author of British descent. He’s known for his contributions to the children’s literature genre and he received many literary awards including Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan. Many of his works are inspired by the hill stations at the foothills of the Himalayas. The author spent most of his childhood there. I also visited these places, including Dharamshala, and attest – they are truly breathtaking. His most famous children’s book is called “The Angry River.” He once said: “I had a pretty lonely childhood and it [writing] helps me to understand a child better.” He’s been writing for over 50 years, and he lived through many societal and political changes in India. This is reflected in many of his works.

• The Room on The Roof
• The Blue Umbrella

“How evanescent those loves and friendships seem at this distance in time… We move on and make new attachments. We grow old. But sometimes, we hanker for old friendships, the old loves. Sometimes I wish I was young again. Or that I could travel back in time and pick up the threads. Absent so long, I may have stopped loving you, friends; but I will never stop loving the Day I loved you.”

17. Kiran Desai

Kiran is the daughter of Anita Desai, already mentioned in this list. Her novel “Inheritance of Loss” which took her seven years to complete won the Man Booker Award in 2006. She received many other accolades (including praise from Salman Rushdie) for her works and has been named as one of the 20 most influential Indian women. She was born in Delhi but later on, she moved to India and then to the United States where she studied creative writing  at Bennington College, Hollins University, and Columbia University. Despite publishing just two books, she’s still one of the most  widely-known English language writers from India

• The Inheritance of Loss
• Hullabaloo in the Guava Orchard

“Could fulfillment ever be felt as deeply as loss? Romantically she decided that love must surely reside in the gap between desire and fulfillment, in the lack, not the contentment. Love was the ache, the anticipation, the retreat, everything around it but the emotion itself.”

18. Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni

Chitra is an author and poet who was born in Kolkata but now holds American citizenship as well. She received many awards and many of her books are currently turned into movies and TV shows. Her works are set both in India and the United States and often depict the life of immigrants. What’s quite distinctive about her work is that she writes in many genres and for many audiences including adults and children. She penned a dozen books of fiction, a couple of books for young adults and children, and many books of poetry.

• The Palace of Illusions: A Novel
• Sister of My Heart: A Novel

“Looking back, I could not point to one special time and say, There! That’s what is amazing. We can change completely and not recognize it. We think terrible events have made us into stone. But love slips in like a chisel – and suddenly it is an ax, breaking us into pieces from the inside.”

19. Nirad C. Chaudhuri

Chaudhuri lived to be 101 years old, and he almost lived in three different centuries. He was born in 1897 still in British India and died in 1999 in Oxford, England. He wrote both in English and Bengali. His books often touch upon the themes of the history and cultural changes in India, especially in the context of the British Empire. His magnum opus “The Autobiography of an Unknown Indian” attracted many admirers over the years, including Winston Churchill. It’s an autobiography of Chaudhuri from his birth to the age of 50. The book brought about much controversy and was a great account of how colonial rule worked.

• The Autobiography of an Unknown Indian
• A Passage to England

“I understood the life around me better, not from love, which everybody acknowledges being a great teacher, but from estrangement, to which nobody has attributed the power of reinforcing insight”.

20. Mahatma Gandhi

This man doesn’t need any introduction. He played a huge role in a political movement that ultimately led to the liberation of India from the British Empire. Most people know him for his political activism and service to his country. But he was also an avid writer who left behind many interesting books that chronicled his fight for independence and his philosophy. His book “The Story of my experiments with Truth” is a collection of 105 essays covering different aspects of his life and the development of his philosophy. Another book called “Hind Swaraj” was written in 1909 but already sketched out a dream of a free India.

Notable Works:

• The Story of My Experiments with Truth
• India of My Dreams

“When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they can seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall. Think of it–always.”

21. Dilip Hiro

Hiro’s career spans many years and unlike other authors mentioned in this article, he’s known mostly for his works of non-fiction, on the theme of war and politics. He’s a fierce political commentator who to this day contributes to publications such as The Guardian. His latest book is called “The Cold War in the Islamic World” and it’s about the rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran. Now he’s based in England where he continues with his analysis of the current political landscape (including the rivalry between India and Pakistan).

• The Longest War
• Inside Central Asia:  A Political and Cultural History of Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkey, and Iran

“When asked about the extent to which the British decision to quit India was influenced by Mahatma Gandhi’s 1942 movement, Attlee’s lips widened in the smile of disdain and he uttered, slowly, “Minimal.”

22. Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay

Chatterji could be as well in the first place on this list as he is the most popular, and the most translated Indian author of all time. He was born in Bengal at the end of the 19th century and remains the most widely known novelist in the Bengali language. His works mostly deal with the day, often tragic life of the villagers of his native land. He received little formal schooling but was endowed with a love of literature from his father. He later improved his writing skills  under the tutelage of Kishorimohan Mukherjee. From then on, he was involved in the fight for independence and established himself as one of India’s most famous writers.

“They’ll have the sweet, intimate memories of a lost paradise, and beside it a sea of sorrow… People looking on from the outside think all is lost… What remains when everything is lost can be held in the palm, like a jewel. It can’t be flaunted in a pageant, so the lookers-on are disappointed and jeer as they return home..”

You can’t overestimate the value that Indian literature played in the  world literary tradition.  I hope that this quick list of the most notable Indian authors will inspire you to grab some of their books. This is going to be a valuable experience, especially if you come from a Western tradition. You will learn so much more about a world you never truly experienced. And this newfound knowledge will bring you to a new plane of understanding, and perhaps, inspire you to explore the literary traditions of other countries. Next up, you may want to check the list of the top Indian book publishing companies .

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15 Best Indian Books of 2023 That You Must Read

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The best thing about books is the more you read them the more you learn to look at things from a completely new perspective. For, every book is a transformative journey where we put ourselves in the shoes of its characters and experience life as they do.  Over the years, you must’ve read great books by English authors, but reading the latest Indian books written by Indian authors is an altogether different experience. Some of the best Indian books of 2023 brings you stories, narratives and ideas from the perspective of this diverse nation. 

For one, their topics are more relatable and based on local and national topics which touch us directly or indirectly.   These books play an important role by either challenging our set beliefs or giving us reasons to accept them. And sometimes show us some of the most interesting but otherwise ignored slices of history that played a significant role in shaping our present.

So, without further ado, we present to you some of the best Indian books of 2023 in the list below:

Also Read:  15 Best Books Of 2023 So Far You Should Read

1. Energize Your Mind – Gaur Gopal Das

It is an established fact that amidst the hustle- bustle of our daily life our internal peace is fleeting. The popular Indian Guru, in his latest offering, comes with solutions that’ll help us manage our chaotic life better and live stress free by using meditation and other mind tools. You can use it to understand your mind better and work with it in a way that will help you live a productive, stress-free, and calm life. Energize Your Mind is a book you should definitely read and is one of the best Indian books of 2023

2. The Kargil Story – Deepak Surana

As the name goes, the book is a comprehensive compilation of Kargil war stories. It covers the five crucial Indian assaults of the war, namely, Battle of Khalubar, Capturing pt. 4875, Battle of Tololing, Three Pimples and Tiger Hill.  In this intriguing book, you’ll get to read never heard before stories of the Kargil war. They were collected from over hundred jawans who were a part of the war. The Kargil story is undoubtedly one of the best books of 2023 especially for those who love history and stories of wars. 

3. Bipin: The Man Behind the Uniform – Rachna Bisht Rawat

General Bipin Rawat is one of the most brave and audacious army officers that our country has seen. Although controversies surrounded him through out his military career, his accomplishments outshine them. And as a nation, when we lost him to a tragic copter crash in 2021, our grief was insurmountable. 

This book is a tribute to him and follows his life story. The best selling author of the defense segment, Rachna Bisht Rawat, brings to us this book with details of his life by interviewing his friends and family members. It covers his not-so-smooth journey to the top in the armed forces. And then there are bitter-sweet yet interesting anecdotes from his life to inspire every Indian who cherishes to be in the Army.

4. Smoke and Ashes – Amitav Ghosh

This book is like a treasure trove hidden at the bottom of an ocean. As Amitav Ghosh pens down the history of Opium in the Indian subcontinent, and the world, we open our eyes to an alternate history that was hidden for so long. We get to know how Opium was and still is, the driving force behind some of the biggest empires, conglomerates and families. But, that is not all, he also makes a shocking discovery that if it were not for the Opium trade, the Britishers would not have been able to rule us that long.

5. Victory City – Salman Rushdie

The Booker Prize winning author is back with a novel that stirs our imagination with adventure, mythology and magic. The story follows a nine- year-old-Kampana, who has been granted a boon to create one of the best cities of the ancient world. But, Kampana’s excessive obsession with the city, even decades later, turns her boon to bane and causes the city to perish. 

6. The Bandit Queens – Parini Shroff

Parini Shroff’s debut novel, The Bandit Queens, is so good that it restores our faith in the beginner’s luck. A woman lives up to the rumour of being her husband’s killer and makes full use of it. However, when other women approach her for solutions to get rid of their useless husbands, the problem starts. The funny, witty and unusual feel-good story is hard to forget, and you must read it, or you’ll be losing out on one of the best Indian books of 2023. 

7. Homeless: Growing Homosexual and Dyslexic in India – K Vaishali

This book is K Vaishali’s autobiography where she opens up about herself, her life and choices. Being completely honest, this is her bold attempt to open up to a prejudiced world. She discloses about her being a homosexual and problems with learning. And despite all the surmounting challenges, she finds courage to leave her house, breathe free and live life on her own terms.

8. I Hear You- Nidhi Upadhyay

Nidhi Upadhyay’s latest psychological thriller is unlike anything you’ve read before. The gripping tale is about Mihika carrying the world’s first genetically altered foetus to save her marriage. But little does she realize it has superpowers, and unlike other unborn, can respond to her. The gripping suspense novel and its unpredictable ending will take you by surprise, that we can promise.

9. R.A.W. Hitman – Hussian S Zaidi

Like most of his previous works, Zaidi’s latest novel is based on actual events too. It revolves around a mysterious R.A.W. Agent Lima, who was behind the death of dreaded gangsters Raju Pargai and Amit Arya. But, what does N.S.G. commando Lakshman “Lucky” Bisht, personal security officer of LK Advani and then CM Narendra Modi, have to do with the case?

10. Aryaa –  Shivakumar GV

Shivakumar’s thought-provoking novel has ten short stories based on strong-willed women from the Vedic age. T his book is a closer and deeper look at the lives of these women as it demystifies the mystery surrounding them. While we’ve often read about different aspects of their lives in various mythologies, there was nothing concrete about them until now. The book depicts their  eternal wisdom, bravery and unconventional choices that seem almost unreal.

11. A Dark and Shiny Place –  Pragati Deshmukh

Pragati Deshmukh’s suspense thriller is about a happily married woman whose life turns upside down as the pandemic hits her. Confined within the four walls of her home, she’s experiencing the paranormal as she loses a sense of reality. The edge-of-seat thriller will immerse you in Maya’s dark and broken world. With only her sister Meera in her support, will Maya gain a grip on her reality, or will she succumb to her darkness? Don’t miss out on this gem. Read it.

12. Sahela Re: A Novel – Mrinal Pande

One of the benefits of reading the best Indian books is that they connect us with the glorious aspects of our culture. Sahela Re  is an ode to one such treasure, Hindustani classical music. It follows a music teacher’s journey as she unravels the beautiful musical traditions of the past. We get to know of  glimpses of its glorious mehfils and ghazals as she keeps travelling around the world and meeting people who’ve still kept the tradition alive through their performances. Though the book was originally in Marathi, Priyanka Sarkar has beautifully translated it in English.

13. Nala Damayanti – Anand Neelakantan

This novel is based on an epic love story straight out of the timeless mythology Mahabharat. When Brahma had second thoughts about creating humans and decided to end them, a Swan intervened. Brahma gives him the most difficult task of uniting tribal King, Nala and eternal beauty, Damayanti. Read the enchanting story about how love emerged despite many hostile situations and evil lurking in the shadow.

​​14. The Indian Metropolis – Varun Gandhi

The thought provoking book is like an open debate about the real scenes bugging the urban India. As a politician and an Indian, Varun Gandhi, aptly questions our development models that simply ape the West but have no human touch to it. He shows us that there are downsides to it and provides solutions as well.

15. The Invisible Enemy – Girish Kuber

The book traces the origin of bio-chemical weapons and how they’ve been used over time by warring nations. The Invisible Enemy is an eye-opener that warns us about how these dangerous weapons are a threat to humanity a large. After having lived through the pandemic, whose origin is still debatable, this book is what we need to read to know more about what goes behind the scenes.  The book was initially published in Marathi and translated into English by Subha Pande. 

  The best Indian books of 2023  in the above list range from spy and suspense thrillers, non-fiction(including self-help) and romance novels. You can easily find these on Amazon, Kindle or in bookstores near you. 

I am a film-maker by heart and soul. Love to read anything and everything, from cheap comics to classic novels.

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100 Best Books and Novels by Indian Authors

In a country as large and diverse as India, there is always a story waiting to be told. Which is why, we’ve saved you the trouble and put together some of the timeless gems that are available in Indian English writing today. Here are our top 100 picks, written by critically-acclaimed Indian authors, or authors of Indian origin.

In this brilliant retelling of the Ramayana, Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni places Sita at the centre of the novel: this is Sita’s version. The Forest of Enchantments is also a very human story of some of the other women in the epic, often misunderstood and relegated to the margins: Kaikeyi, Surpanakha, Mandodari. A powerful comment on duty, betrayal, infidelity, and honour, it is also about women’s struggle to retain autonomy in a world that privileges men, as Chitra transforms an ancient story into a gripping, contemporary battle of wills.

Get your copy here!

The Far Field by  Madhuri Vijay 

Latitudes of Longing by  Shubhangi Swarup

An astounding exploration of intense longings, Shubhangi Swarup’s novel begins in the depths of the Andaman Sea, and follows geological and emotional faultlines through the Irrawaddy delta and the tourist-trap of Thamel, to end amidst the highest glaciers and passes of the Karakorams. The story sweeps through worlds and times that are inhabited by: a scientist who studies trees and a clairvoyant who talks to them; Lord Goodenough who travels around the furthest reaches of the Raj, giving names to nameless places; a geologist working towards ending futile wars over a glacier; octogenarian lovers; a superstitious dictator and a mother struggling to get her revolutionary son released; a yeti who seeks human companionship; a turtle who turns first into a boat and then a woman; and the ghost of an evaporated ocean as restless as the continents.

Paper Moon by  Rehana Munir 

When her estranged father passes away, Fiza, fresh out of college, discovers that he has left her a tidy sum in the hope that she will open a bookshop… Overnight, Fiza’s placid life is thrown into a whirl of decor decisions and book-buying sprees, unconventional staff and colourful patrons, small pleasures and little heartbreaks, as the store — Paper Moon — begins to take shape in a charming, old Bandra mansion. To top it all, she is being wooed by Iqbal, a mysterious customer who frequents the shop, and Dhruv, her ex-boyfriend, her feelings for whom are still confused.

The Unlikely Adventures of the Shergill Sisters  by  Balli Kaur Jaswal 

The Shergill sisters never needed each other–until they did. Rajni, Jezmeen, and Shirina Shergill have never been close but when their mother dies, she has only one request: that they take a pilgrimage across India to carry out her final rites. While an extended family holiday is the last thing they want, each sister has her own reasons to run away from her life. Rajni is the archetypal know-it-all eldest but her son dropped a bombshell before she left and, for the first time, she doesn’t know what the future holds. Middle sister Jezmeen, always a loudmouth, has translated her need for attention into life as a struggling actress. But her career is on the skids after an incident went viral and now she’s desperate to find her voice again. Shirina, the golden child, has confounded expectations by having an arranged marriage and moving to the other side of the world. But her perfect life isn’t what it seems and time is running out to make the right choice. As the miles rack up on their jaunt across India, the secrets of the past and present are sure to spill out.

Adulting by  Neharika Gupta 

Social media manager and popular blogger Aisha is flirty and flamboyant … even as she battles personal demons that tell her she must stop eating if she wants to stay pretty.

Ruhi couldn’t be more different from her friend Aisha. Working at Literacy Publishing, she feels grossly underappreciated by the editor-in-chief, who happens to be her mother. What keeps her going are her own ambitions – and her handsome author Tejas.

Bestselling novelist Tejas has a bad case of writer’s block. He leans on Ruhi for emotional support before getting enamored by Aisha as he struggles to live up to everyone’s expectations, including his own.

The Swap by  Shuma Raha

There is nothing really wrong with Priya Bakshi and Akash Srivastav’s six-year-old marriage … except that Priya is having an affair. And Akash, too, seems to be on the lookout for sexual adventure. When Tarun, their richer, older, and manipulative friend, tells them about Delhi’s couple-swapping parties, Akash wants to jump right in. With some reluctance, Priya agrees to give him company. Soon, Priya and Akash find themselves in a world of swinging couples and sexual abandon, joined by friends who are equally keen to test the waters. But as the clothes come off and the secrets begin to tumble out, it seems that none of them will emerge unscathed.Witty and racy, The Swap is a sparkling social novel about sex, marriage, and morality.

Bhaunri by  Anukrti Upadhyay

Can too much love be a dangerous thing? Bhaunri is married, as is the custom in her tribe of nomadic blacksmiths when she is still a child. When she is finally sent away to her husband’s home as a young woman, she finds herself drawn deeply and powerfully towards the gruff and handsome Bheema. Bheema, however, is far from the ideal husband, and when he strays one time too many, Bhaunri’s love for him begins to fester and grow into something dark and fearsome.

The Twentieth Wife by  Indu Sundaresan 

Mehrunnisa – the Sun of Women – one of India’s most legendary and controversial empresses … a woman who overcame insurmountable obstacles through sheer brilliance and determination … whose love shaped the course of the Mughal Empire. She is the twentieth wife. The daughter of refugees from Persia, growing up on the fringes of Emperor Akbar’s opulent palace grounds, Mehrunnisa first encounters Prince Salim on his wedding day. Eight years old at the time, she decides that she too will one day become Salim’s wife – unaware of the great price she and her family will pay for this dream.

Those Pricey Thakur Girls by  Anuja Chauhan

From the bestselling author of The Zoya Factor and Battle for Bittora …

Spot-on funny and toe-curlingly sexy, Those Pricey Thakur Girls is rom-com specialist Anuja Chauhan writing at her sparkling best.

Baaz by  Anuja Chauhan

The USSR-backed India-Mukti Bahini alliance is on the brink of war against the America-aided Pakistani forces. As the Cold War threatens to turn red hot, handsome, laughing Ishaan Faujdaar, a farm boy from Chakkahera, Haryana, is elated to be in the IAF, flying the Gnat, a tiny fighter plane nicknamed ‘Sabre Slayer’ for the devastation it has wreaked in the ranks of Pakistan’s F-86 Sabre Squadrons. Flanked by his buddies Raks, a MiG-21 Fighter, Maddy, a transport pilot who flies a Caribou, and fellow Gnatties Jana, Gana, and Mana, Shaanu has nothing on his mind but glory and adventure – until he encounters Tehmina Dadyseth, famed bathing beauty and sister of a dead fauji, who makes him question the very concept of nationalism and whose eyes fill with disillusioned scorn whenever people wax eloquent about patriotism and war…Pulsating with love, laughter, and courage, Baaz is Anuja Chauhan’s tribute to our men in uniform.

The Radiance of a Thousand Sons by  Manreet Sodhi Someshwar 

Niki’s determination to complete her dead father’s unfinished book, his life’s work, takes her from India to New York City where her pursuit of a mysterious immigrant woman turns into an obsession that begins to imperil her daughter, her marriage, and, eventually, Niki herself. When a blizzard blankets NYC, Niki finds herself on a path where the present and past collide violently. Propulsive and poetic, this elegant literary thriller melds the fervour of Punjab with the frenzy of New York. Spanning the cataclysms of Partition and 9/11, via the brutality of Emergency and the pogrom of 1984, the novel explores the impossible choices women are forced to make in the face of violence, the ties that connect them across ages, and the secrets they store.

Jorasanko by  Aruna Chakravarti 

A sensitive portrayal of the hopes and fears, triumphs and defeats experienced by the women of the Tagore household. in a sprawling novel that spans a unique phase in the history of Bengal and India, Aruna Chakravarti provides a fascinating account of how the Tagore women influenced and were in turn influenced by their illustrious male counterparts, the times they lived in and the family they belonged to. Jorasanko mirrors the hopes and fears, triumphs and defeats that the women of the Tagore household experienced in their intricate interpersonal relationships, as well as the adjustments they were continually called upon to make as daughters and daughters-in-law of one of the most eminent families of the land.

The Mountain of Light by  Indu Sundaresan 

The much-awaited novel from the author of the bestselling Taj trilogy! Told in her inimitable trademark style, Indu Sundaresan’s The Mountain of Light is a wondrous and historically rich tale, as clear and as dazzling as a diamond itself.

Koi Good News? by  Zarreen Khan 

When Mona Mathur of Dehradun had married her college sweetheart Ramit Deol of Amritsar, there were two things she wasn’t prepared for:1. The size of the Deol family – it put any Sooraj Barjatiya movie to shame2. The fertility of the Deol family – they reproduce faster than any other species are known to mankind for four years now, Mona and Ramit have done the unthinkable and remained childless. Of course, that also means that they’ve battled that one question day in and day out: ‘Koi Good News?’ It doesn’t matter that they have been happy to be child-free – they are married; they are expected to make babies. After all, there are grandparents, great-grandparents, uncles, aunts, and even colony aunties in waiting.

The Gypsy Goddess by  Meena Kandasamy

Village landlords force peasants to break their backs in the paddy fields or suffer beatings as punishment. So it is little wonder that the communist party begins to gain traction, a small spark of defiance spreading from villager to villager. As communities across the region begin to take a stand against the landlords, the landlords vow to break them: party organizers suffer grisly deaths and the flow of marketplace food dries up. But intimidation only serves to make the villagers’ resistance burn more fiercely. Finally, the landlords descend on one village to set an example to the others.

Nobody Killed Her by  Sabyn Javeri 

The nation sinks deep into mourning as news of former Prime Minister Rani Shah’s assassination arrives. Intelligence agencies, opposition leaders, the army top brass, her closest relatives – all seem to be shifting in their chairs even as special investigative teams gear up to file a report. Conspiracy theories abound for there were many who stood to gain if she pulled out of the imminent elections. The needle of suspicion points most immediately to Madam Shah’s close confidante Nazneen Khan, who was seen sitting right beside her in the convoy and, oddly, escaped the bomb blast unscathed. Sabyn Javeri’s tale of intense friendship between two ambitious women unfolds in a country steeped in fanaticism and patriarchy. Set against a backdrop of intrigue and political machinations, this is a novel about love, loyalty, obsession, and deception.

Daura by  Anukrti Upadhyay

A journey into the dark heart of the desert. A young District Collector is posted to one of the furthest outposts of rural Rajasthan and finds himself drawn deeper and deeper into the lives and troubles of the common people there. Then one day, with the help of a mysterious musician, the Sarangiya, he has an encounter with beauty in its purest, most absolute form – an encounter that precipitates a dangerous descent. The pages from the journal he keeps are combined with the narratives of various people around him to create a compelling account of his slide away from reality.

Ghachar Ghochar by  Vivek Shanbhag ,  Srinath Perur

Cuckold by  Kiran Nagarkar 

The time is the early 16th century. The Rajput kingdom of Mewar is at the height of its power. It is locked in a war with the Sultanates of Delhi, Gujarat, and Malwa. But there is another deadly battle being waged within Mewar itself. who will inherit the throne after the death of the Maharana? The course of history, not just of Mewar but of the whole of India, is about to be changed forever

The White Tiger by  Aravind Adiga

Winner of the 2008 Booker Prize, now a major Netflix film starring Priyanka Chopra and Rajkumar RaoMeet Balram Halwai, the ‘white tiger’: servant, philosopher, entrepreneur, murderer…

The White Tiger  is a tale of two Indias. Balram’s journey from the darkness of village life to the light of entrepreneurial success is utterly amoral, brilliantly irreverent, deeply endearing, and altogether unforgettable.

Selection Day by  Aravind Adiga 

Serious Men by  Manu Joseph

The Illicit Happiness Of Other People by  Manu Joseph 

Rumi: A New Translation by  Farrukh Dhondy 

Marked by the lyrical beauty and spiritual insight, a deep understanding of human suffering that coexists with rapturous abandon, the poems of Jalaluddin Rumi continue to be relevant almost eight centuries after they were composed, with contemporary audiences finding new meanings in them. Rumi’s poems bring together the divine and the human, the mystical and the corporeal to create a vivid kaleidoscope of poetic images.

India’s Most Haunted by  K. Hari Kumar 

There are places where the past lingers, making shapes in the moonlight and blowing in the curtains even as the air goes suddenly still. K. Hari Kumar, the bestselling author of spine-chilling horror fiction, brings you the terrifying tales of some of India’s most haunted places – including Bhangarh Fort, Malabar Hill’s Tower of Silence, and Jammu and Kashmir’s notorious Khooni Nala. Whether you read them at night or in daylight, these stories will remain with you long after you’ve turned the last page.

Best Indian Short Stories by  Khushwant Singh

Dopehri by  Pankaj Kapur 

The Belated Bachelor Party   by  Ravinder Singh

Parliamental by  Meghnad S.

Raghav Marathe, cynical millennial turned reluctant policy analyst, arrives in Delhi with his boss, Prabhu Srikar of the RJM party, and a first-time MP with a tendency to throw up. As they navigate their way around Parliament, handling backroom deals, nepotistic party heads, and laws that seem to be tailor-made to benefit the ruling party, they learn that politics and idealism don’t always go together. While Srikar tries to adapt to his new avatar and lie low, Raghav uses his Twitter alter ego, @Arnavinator, to vent his frustration and spread chaos.But when a new bill that threatens freedom of expression is bulldozed through with impunity, Srikar and Raghav must make a choice – to compromise on their values or to stand up for what is right. But at what cost? And can they and their unlikely allies – a jaded lawyer, an ambitious journalist and a rising YouTube star – really make a difference?

Best Indian Short Stories: Volume 2 by  Khushwant Singh 

India’s Wars by  Arjun Subramaniam

The Japanese Wife by  Basu Kunal

An Indian man writes to a Japanese woman. She writes back. The pen-friends fall in love and exchange their vows over letters, then live as man and wife without ever setting eyes on each other – their intimacy of words tested finally by life’s miraculous upheavals.The twelve stories in this collection are about the unexpected. An American professor visits India with the purpose of committing suicide, and goes on a desert journey with the daughter of a snake-charmer. A honeymooning Indian couple is caught up in the Tiananmen Square unrest. A Russian prostitute discovers her roots in the company of Calcutta revolutionaries. A holocaust victim stands tall among strangers in a landscape of hate. These are chronicles of memory and dreams born at the crossroads of civilizations. They parade a cast of angels and demons rubbing shoulders with those whose lives are never quite as ordinary as they seem.

14: Stories That Inspired Satyajit Ray by  Bhaskar Chattopadhyay 

Narasimha by  Kevin Missal 

Narasimha, once a brave soldier, has left the war and lies low as a physician in a village. But a familiar face from his past seeks his help to stop the tyranny of the blind usurper Andhaka. If Narasimha refuses, the world might just end. What will he do? And why did he leave the war in the first place? Prahlad, the interim king of Kashyapuri, is torn between the ideals of his unrighteous father and his love for Lord Vishnu. Whom will he choose? Hiranyakashyap, the ruler of the Asura Empire, wants to avenge the death of his wife. To do that, he must go through the Trials and get the ultimate weapon – the Brahmastra. But the Trials have sent so many others to their death. Can Hiranyakashyap survive?

Pather Panchali by  Bibhutibhushan Bandopadhyay

Pather Panchali is a vivid, moving and authentic portrayal of the life of a Brahmin household seen through the eyes of the two young children of the family, Opu and his elder sister Durga. Few authors in any literature can rival Bandhopadhyaya’s understanding of the child mind.

Ivory Throne by  Manu S. Pillai 

In 1498, when Vasco da Gama set foot in Kerala looking for Christians and spices, he unleashed a wave of political fury that would topple local powers like a house of cards. The cosmopolitan fabric of a vibrant trading society – with its Jewish and Arab merchants, Chinese pirate heroes and masterful Hindu Zamorins – was ripped apart, heralding an age of violence and bloodshed. One prince, however, emerged triumphant from this descent into chaos. Shrewdly marrying Western arms to Eastern strategy, Martanda Varma consecrated the dominion of Travancore, destined to become one of the most dutiful pillars of the British Raj. What followed was two centuries of internecine conflict in one of India’s premier princely states, culminating in a dynastic feud between two sisters battling to steer the fortunes of their house on the eve of Independence.

The Twice-born by  Aatish Taseer 

When Aatish Taseer first came to Benares, he was eighteen, the Westernized child of an Indian journalist and a Pakistani politician, raised among the intellectual and cultural elite of New Delhi. Nearly two decades later, Taseer leaves his life in Manhattan to go in search of the Brahmins, wanting to understand his own estrangement from India through their ties to tradition. Known as the twice-born – first into the flesh, and again when initiated into their vocation – the Brahmins are a caste devoted to sacred learning. But what Taseer finds in Benares, the holy city of death, is a window on an India as internally fractured as his own continent-bridging identity. At every turn, the seductive, homogenizing force of modernity collides with the insistent presence of the past. From the narrow streets of the temple town to a Modi rally in Delhi, among the blossoming cotton trees and the bathers and burning corpses of the Ganges, Taseer struggles to reconcile magic with reason, faith in tradition with hope for the future and the brutalities of the caste system, all the while challenging his own myths about himself, his past, and his countries old and new.

Solo by  Rana Dasgupta 

Before the man lost his sight, he read this story in a magazine. A group of explorers came upon a community of parrots speaking the language of a society that had been wiped out in a recent catastrophe. Astonished by this discovery, they put the parrots in cages and sent them home so that linguists might record what remained of the lost language. But the parrots, already traumatised by the devastation they had recently witnessed, died on the way. Wondering if, unlike these hapless parrots, he has any wisdom to leave to the world, one-hundred-year-old Ulrich embarks on an epic armchair journey through the twists and turns of his country’s turbulent century – and through his own century of lost love and failed chemistry – and finds his way to an astonishing epiphany of redemption and enlightenment.

Sex, Scotch & Scholarship by  Khushwant Singh  

In this anthology, which comprises some of Khushwant Singh’s best writing, you can look forward to some talk of sex, a little of scotch and much scholarship. The collection attempts to mirror the author’s concerns and passions-his love of nature, his anguish over the situation in Punjab, his interest in religions of the world, and his scholarly research on the one into which he was born, Sikhism.

Darkness by  Ratnakar Matkari 

A boy who can predict the exact date a person will die… An elderly woman who knows that death is close, but learns how to cheat it… A child with a dangerous friend who happens to be invisible… A ghost who can’t stop reliving his suicide over and over again…People you’ll wish you never have to meet, and stories you’ll never forget.

Accidental Magic by  Keshava Guha 

Dozakhnama by  Rabisankar Bal

Who tells the greatest story God or Manto? Dozakhnama: Conversations in Hell is an extraordinary novel, a biography of Manto and Ghalib and a history of Indian culture rolled into one. Exhumed from dust, Manto’s unpublished novel surfaces in Lucknow. Is it real or is it a fake? In this dastan, Manto and Ghalib converse, entwining their lives in shared dreams. The result is an intellectual journey that takes us into the people and events that shape us as a culture. As one writer describes it, I discovered Rabisankar Bal like a torch in the darkness of the history of this subcontinent. This is the real story of two centuries of our own country.

Shivaji: The Great Maratha  by  Ranjit Desai 

 Young Shivaji reaches Pune, a dying fort city, with his mother Jijabai and lights the first lamp within its ruins. While his father Shahaji Bhosle is away on deputation by the Adil Shah sultanate after having failed in a revolt against it, Shivaji learns how an empire is built from the ground up. Thus begins the life of the Great Maratha. What awaits Shivaji is nothing short of the vast scroll of history, and it takes him from Surat to Thanjavur and all the way to Aurangzeb’s durbar in Agra. He dreams of freeing his land from the clutches of Mughal rule, and though he suffers many defeats and personal losses along the way he never gives up his vision of Hindavi Swaraj. Amidst political intrigue and a chain of skirmishes, Shivaji becomes a leader, a warrior and a tactician par excellence, driven by immense pride and love for his motherland.

Inheritance by  Balli Kaur Jaswal

Fifteen-year-old Amrit disappears from her house in the middle of the night and returns a different person. Over the next two decades, her actions affect three generations of her Sikh family in Singapore. When Narain, her brother, leaves his new life in America to take care of her, he must find his place again in a country and a community that will not accept him for who he is. Gurdev, the eldest, raises his three daughters with fear and caution over what they might become. And Harbeer, whose wife has left him, is the unyielding patriarch who must reconcile his pride and learn to cope with his own demons.

Sugar bread by  Balli Kaur Jaswal 

Ten-year-old Pin knows she must not become like her mother Jini but doesn’t know why. She tries to figure out her mother’s moods through her cooking, even as she fights other battles-being a bursary student in an elite Christian school, facing hateful racial taunts from Bus Uncle and classmates like Abigail Goh.

When her meddlesome Nani ji Kulwant moves in, installing portraits of Sikh gurus whose features seem the change according to the atmosphere in the house, she brings with her a new set of rules. And old secrets begin to tumble out.

Strangers to Ourselves by  Shashi Deshpande

 Set in Mumbai, Shashi Deshpande’s novel tells the story of an unlikely love between two unusual people. Tender and tempestuous by turns, it draws you into the conflicts, languid pleasures and sharp sorrows of falling in love with a stranger who can never entirely be yours.

Ravan and Eddie  by  Kiran Nagarkar

An extremely funny novel about two larger-than-life heroes and their bawdy, Rabelaisian adventures in post-colonial urban India. Ravan and Eddie remain one of the finest books written with Mumbai as a backdrop. It’s uproariously funny, outrageously irreverent … [and] reveals the city as a character, an actor, a living being.

The Extras by  Kiran Nagarkar 

Ravan and Eddie are back! They’ve been mortal enemies since birth because of a bizarre family feud. But now Ravan and Eddie’s lives converge as they share an obsession: having grown up in Bombay, the city of dancing movie stars and glitzy glamour, both dream of strutting down the road to superstardom. Can Ravan (a lowly taxi driver) and Eddie (a bouncer-cum-bartender at a speakeasy) rise from their dusty CWD chawls to the glittering heights of international fame?

Home Boy by  H.M. Naqvi 

Rollicking, bittersweet and sharply observed, Home Boy is at once an immigrant’s tale, a mystery, a story of love and loss as well as a unique meditation on Americana and notions of collective identity. It announces the debut of an original, electrifying voice in contemporary fiction.

Girl in White Cotton by   Avni Doshi 

Antara has never understood her mother Tara’s decisions – walking out on her marriage to follow a guru, living on the streets like a beggar, shacking up with an unknown artist, rebelling against society’s expectations … But when Tara starts losing her memory, Antara searches for a way to make peace with their shared past, a past that haunts them both.

As she relives her childhood in Pune in the eighties, the time she spent at a Catholic boarding school in the hills of Maharashtra, and her years as a young artist in Bombay, Antara comes up against her own fears and neuroses, realizing she might not be so different from Tara after all.

The Last Queen by  Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni 

The latest from the bestselling author of The Forest of Enchantments …

While we have all heard tales of Rani Lakshmi Bai and Padmavati, not many of us are familiar with another Indian queen.

Daughter of the royal kennel keeper, the beautiful Jindan Kaur went on to become Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s youngest and last queen; his favorite. She became regent when her son Dalip, barely six years old, unexpectedly inherited the throne. Sharp-eyed, stubborn, passionate, and dedicated to protecting her son’s heritage, Jindan distrusted the British and fought hard to keep them from annexing Punjab. Defying tradition, she stepped out of the zenana, cast aside the veil, and conducted state business in public. Addressing her Khalsa troops herself, she inspired her men in two wars against the ‘firangs’. Her power and influence were so formidable that the British, fearing an uprising, robbed the rebel queen of everything she had, including her son. She was imprisoned and exiled. But that did not crush her indomitable will.

The Householder by Amitabha Bagchi

With uncommon acuity, Amitabha Bagchi writes of a world where favours are currency, where access to power sometimes feels like a prerequisite for survival, where power can be both total and ephemeral. The Householder is a view from within this world, an examination of the moral condition of our times.

Above Average by  Amitabh Bagchi 

Lyrical, spare, and charmingly self-deprecatory Amitabha Bagchi’s debut novel is a deeply funny account of growing up intelligent, sensitive, ambitious, and confused.

What Maya Saw: A Tale of Shadows, Secrets, Clues by  Shabnam Minwalla 

Almost from the moment, Maya steps into St Paul’s College, she is afraid. Everywhere she goes, she encounters questions and secrets. Not to mention the Shadows – a bunch of drop-dead gorgeous students who she realizes will do anything to keep their youth and beauty. Even kill. Maya wants no part in this sinister adventure. She would much rather be shopping for shoes, munching brownies and shedding her geeky image. But the teenager soon finds that she doesn’t have a choice. Only Maya can see the Shadows for what they really are. Only she can unravel the trail of clues laid long ago by a dead priest. This is why both the forces of good and evil need her so badly. Unsure about whom she can trust and believe, Maya launches into a clue hunt across Mumbai – and in the process, learns about love, friendship and growing up.

The Mountain of Light  by  Indu Sundaresan 

Battle For Bittora by  Anuja Chauhan 

Twenty-five-year-old Jinni lives in Mumbai, works in a hip animation studio and is perfectly happy with her carefree life. Until her bossy grandmother shows up and announces that it is Jinni’s ‘duty’ to drop everything and come and contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections from their sleepy hometown, Bittora. Jinni swears she won’t but she soon ends up swathed in cotton saris and frumpy blouses, battling prickly heat, corruption and accusations of nymphomania as candidate Sarojini Pande, a daughter of the illustrious Pande dynasty of Pavit Pradesh. And if life isn’t fun enough already, her main opposition turns out to be Bittora ex-royal, Zain Altaf Khan – an irritatingly idealistic though undeniably lustworthy individual with whom Jinni shares a complicated history.

A Feast Of Roses by  Indu Sundaresan

In this lush and romantic sequel to The Twentieth Wife , Mehrunnisa, the first woman Jahangir marries for love, is now Empress Nur Jahan. As a mark of his love, he transfers his powers of sovereignty to her. This is the story of the strength of character and cunning one woman has to demonstrate to get what she wants, sometimes at great personal cost, even almost losing her daughter’s love. But she never loses the love of the man who bestows this power upon her: Emperor Jahangir.

Shadow Princess by  Indu Sundaresan 

The Mughal Empire is crumbling. With the death of his beloved queen Mumtaz, Emperor Shah Jahan slowly loses interest in everything, while his sons conspire and scheme to gain control of the empire. Princess Jahanara is only seventeen when the weight of the imperial zenana is thrust upon her. Shah Jahan’s favorite daughter is the most important woman in the harem and is forced to remain at the Mughal court all her life, caught up in the intrigues and power politics of her siblings, sacrificing her own desires for the sake of her father.

Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows by   Balli Kaur Jaswal 

Reese Witherspoon’s Book Club Pick! Balli Kaur Jaswal’s sexy, lively book is a thought-provoking East-meets-West story about community, friendship, and women’s lives at all ages—a spicy and alluring mix of  Together Tea  and  Calendar Girls.

The Glass Palace by  Amitav Ghosh 

The Hungry Tide by  Amitav Ghosh 

From the author of The Glass Palace and Jungle Nama , the widely-acclaimed bestseller. The Hungry Tide is a rich, exotic saga set in Calcutta and in the vast archipelago of islands in the Bay of Bengal.

Cut Like Wound by  Anita Nair

Chain of Custody by  Anita Nair

Alphabet Soup for Lovers by  Anita Nair 

Idris: Keeper of the Light by  Anita Nair

The year is 1659. Idris, a Somalian trader, is in Kerala to attend the Mamangam festivities. By a strange twist of fate, he meets his nine-year-old son whose existence he had been unaware of. In an attempt to keep his son close to him, Idris embarks with him on a voyage that ends in the diamond mines of Golconda. Packed with passion, adventure, and fascinating aspects of life in the seventeenth century in southern India, Idris is a page-turner that will intrigue and excite readers everywhere.

The Liberation of Sita by  Volga 

Valmiki’s Ramayana is the story of Rama’s exile and returns to Ayodhya, of a triumphant king who will always do right by his subjects. In Volga’s retelling, it is Sita who, after being abandoned by Purushottam Rama, embarks on an arduous journey towards self-realization. Along the way, she meets extraordinary women who have broken free from all that held them back: husbands, sons, and their notions of desire, beauty, and chastity. The minor women characters of the epic as we know it — Surpanakha, Renuka, Urmila, and Ahalya — steer Sita towards an unexpected resolution. Meanwhile, Rama too must reconsider and weigh his roles as the king of Ayodhya and as a man deeply in love with his wife.

Red Maize by  Danesh Rana

The Golden Pigeon by  Shahid Siddiqui 

The Sibius Knot by  Amrita Tripathi 

The Second Coming by  Shubha Menon 

Mad Girl’s Love Song by   Rukumini Bhaya Nair

The Namesake by  Jhumpa Lahiri 

Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri 

A couple exchange unprecedented confessions during nightly blackouts in their Boston apartment as they struggle to cope with a heartbreaking loss; a student arrives in new lodgings in a mystifying new land and, while he awaits the arrival of his arranged marriage wife from Bengal, he finds his first bearings with the aid of the curious evening rituals that his centenarian landlady orchestrates; a schoolboy looks on while his childminder finds that the smallest dislocation can unbalance her new American life all too easily and send her spiraling into nostalgia for her homeland…

Anita and Me by  Meera Syal 

It’s 1972. Meena is nine years old and lives in the village of Tollington, ‘the jewel of the Black Country’. She is the daughter of Indian parents who have come to England to give her a better life. As one of the few Punjabi inhabitants of her village, her daily struggle for independence is different from most. She wants fishfingers and chips, not chapati and dhal; she wants an English Christmas, not the usual interminable Punjabi festivities – but more than anything, she wants to roam the backyards of working-class Tollington with feisty Anita Rutter and her gang.

Blonde, cool, aloof, outrageous and sassy, Anita is everything Meena thinks she wants to be. Meena wheedles her way into Anita’s life, but the arrival of a baby brother, teenage hormones, impending entrance exams for the posh grammar school and a motorcycling rebel without a future, threaten to turn Anita’s salad days sour.

The Wounds of the Dead by  Vikram Paralkar 

A surgeon working in a dilapidated clinic in the hinterland is visited in the dead of night by a family – a man, his pregnant wife and their eight-year-old son. Victims of a senseless attack, they reveal to the surgeon wounds that they could not possibly have survived. In a narrative that blends medicine and metaphysics, the surgeon is then issued a preposterous task: to mend the wounds of the dead before sunrise so that the family can return to life. But this is not the only challenge laid before him, and it is only as the night unfolds and morning dawns that the surgeon realizes just how intricately his future is tied to that of the dead.

Moustache by  S. Hareesh

No Presents Please: Mumbai Stories   by  Jayant Kaikini

One Point Two Billion by  Mahesh Rao

Ice Boys In Bell Bottoms by  Krishna Shastri Devulapalli 

A Southern Music by  T.M. Krishna

Farthest Field by  Raghu Karnad 

The photographs of three young men had stood in his grandmother’s house for as long as he could remember, beheld but never fully noticed. They had all fought in the Second World War, a fact that surprised him. Indians had never figured in his idea of the war, nor the war in his idea of India. One of them, Bobby, even looked a bit like him, but Raghu Karnad had not noticed until he was the same age as they were in their photo frames. Then he learned about the Parsi boy from the sleepy south Indian coast, so eager to follow his brothers-in-law into the colonial forces and onto the front line. Manek, dashing and confident, was a pilot with India’s fledgling air force; gentle Ganny became an army doctor in the arid North-West Frontier. Bobby’s pursuit would carry him as far as the deserts of Iraq and the green hell of the Burma battlefront.

The Henna Artist by  Alka Joshi

Think Like a Monk by  Jay Shetty 

In this inspiring, empowering book, Shetty draws on his time as a monk in the Vedic tradition to show us how we can clear the roadblocks to our potential and power. Drawing on ancient wisdom and his own rich experiences in the ashram, “ Think Like a Monk ” reveals how to overcome negative thoughts and habits, and access the calm and purpose that lie within all of us.

The lessons monks learn are profound but often abstract. Shetty transforms them into advice and exercises we can all apply to reduce stress, improve focus, improve relationships, identify our hidden abilities, increase self-discipline and give the gifts we find in ourselves to the world. Shetty proves that everyone can – and should – think like a monk.

Things No One Else Can Teach Us by  Humble the Poet 

Hit Refresh: A Memoir by Microsoft’s CEO   by  Satya Nadella 

Unlearn: 101 Simple Truths for a Better Life by  Humble the Poet 

Inferior by  Angela Saini 

From intelligence to emotion, for centuries science has told us that men and women are fundamentally different. But this is not the whole story.

Shedding light on controversial research and investigating the ferocious gender wars in biology, psychology and anthropology, Angela Saini takes readers on an eye-opening journey to uncover how women are being rediscovered. She explores what these revelations mean for us as individuals and as a society, revealing an alternative view of science in which women are included, rather than excluded.

Quantum Marketing by  Raja Rajamannar

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10 Must-Read Inspiring Indian Biographies & Autobiographies

Needless to say, this carefully chosen list of Best biography & autobiography books of great personalities from India, will help seekers of all ages. Especially young generation students. Young students can learn a few things to lay the foundation for their future. Also, it is said that this kind of motivational and inspiring book also passes on a fraction of the positive energy of these great people to the readers.

How these biographies could help us?

Let’s have a look at the case of M.K. Gandhi.

We might know many things about Mahatma Gandhi, but do you know how this man became a noble soul, his journey in his own words seems to be the words of God himself. Once you read the book – ‘ My Experiment with Truth by M.K. Gandhi’, you will realize that this is altogether a new world, new learning, a new horizon, witnessing the unthinkable. He frankly admits and reveals that while his father was extremely ill and dying on the bed, he was so lustful that even then he was thinking about sexual intimacy. How this lustful MK Gandhi transformed into the person who retaliated against the British cruelty in South Africa for a cause and how he became a powerful source of energy for 32 crores Indian Population.

We only know his extraordinary ethics, values, and principles, we think of a man who must’ve been perfect, without any flaws!

You would see in this book that he had his own flaws and how his determination, discipline, routine, and improvement on small things overcame his flaws.

Similarly, most of the below-mentioned books show that “winners are not born, they are made!”

Why read Biographies and autobiographies?

Each and every biography book will help you become more flexible, determined, visionary, inspirational, and above all a great human being.

The beauty of reading is that you can imagine the story in your own way of fascination. Reading also helps us to become better human beings and smart people .

Best Biography & Autobiography books of Great Personalities of India

If you’re from India and an avid reader of autobiographies, you’ll probably recognize the best and most overwhelming Indian biographies & autobiographies books listed here.

The below mentioned list is the result of my reading habit and a little bit of research, so don’t waste your time verifying the details about these books:

# 1. My experiment with truth by M. K. Gandhi

Irrespective of many controversies we have heard about M. K. Gandhi, “My Experiment with Truth” by Mahatma Gandhi himself is a must-read. In his autobiography, at times, he is brutally honest in describing his experiments and incidents.

Without any doubt, I can say that this book is among the best biography and autobiography books in India.

Also, it provides an invaluable insight into one of the 20th century’s most iconic characters whom Albert Einstein once said “Generations to come will scarce believe that such a person as this ever in flesh and blood walked upon this earth. (said for Mahatma Gandhi)”.

If such are the words of the greatest scientist in the world, then what more do you need to get excited to read this wonderful book?

Amazon India

Amazon.com ( for US/Global)

# 2.  Vivekananda: A Biography – by Swami Nikhilananda

I recommend this ultimate book to energize and rejuvenate yourself, as I think this book carries the part of himself – Swami’s power. Many have already been energized by just reading him. Remember his famous quote:” Arise, awake and stop not, till the goal is reached”.

Many publications have released the biographies & autobiographies of Swami Vivekananda, one of the greatest modern-day yogi of India. Be careful in selecting the books on his life.

Since you have reached here, it means you have come here with a purpose. This one of the best biography books is worthy enough for your all due diligence in searching for such great books. Surely you will get inspired after reading this. This biography book from India is about a man with a clear vision and mind, a brilliant speaker, who has clearly inspired our lives for over a century. His superhuman accomplishments in the 1890’s America with unbelievable odds worked against him. Yet what he did in 1893 in Chicago will be heard for centuries.

Apart from your own read, this is one of the finest biographies to gift your near and dear ones of all age groups and this will surely help students .

Also, check this one:

We Indians have one of the greatest role models from modern Indian saints India has ever produced, Swami Vivekananda. Swami made Indians believe that “strength is life weakness is death” and one should be strong enough (from both perspectives – physically and mentally) to fight any battle. How can we forget his message to goal-seekers “Arise, awake and stop not, till the goal is reached”? But reading Vivekananda is not only any single topic but this is more related to enlightening ourselves, personality development, and knowing the spiritual aspect of life.

Parents or elders wish to make their children – strong and brave enough to fight against any odd situation in life, sensitive enough to feel the pain of deprived classes, intelligent enough to understand and respond brilliantly to any situation or talk, and knowledgeable enough to accept and learn from the world but at the same time never forget the greatness of our own great culture. In order to help your young kids get a part of the energy, Swami Vivekanand’s persona emits, do one thing. G ive them the option to read this set of complete works by Swami Vivekananda, which was written largely by himself.

Apart from Swami Vivekananda’s biography, one should read the complete works of Swami Vivekananda. This set of 9 books was largely written in his own words. This could also be gifted to children in your family, which could also change their lives in a positive manner.

The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda (set of 9 volumes):

Also check this collection in Indian languages – Hindi , Kannada .

# 3. Wings of Fire: An Autobiography of Abdul Kalam

If you are expecting a story about his life, then this is not that. This is more than an autobiography. With very few resources and only dreams, hopes, and aspirations, the man of excellent character changed the defense scenario of India. He later achieved the highest honor in the country and reached the highest position in the country.

APJ Kalaam always wanted to fuel every Indian with the same pride, which he carries. ‘Wings of Fire’ is one of the best-selling biography books of India.

#4. The Man Who Knew Infinity: A Life of the Genius Ramanujan by Robert Kanigel

Born poor in India in 1887, this rigorously orthodox Hindu, exemplary mathematician rose to the heights before he died at the very young age of 32 years. This is a well-researched book and a fascinating account of the short but outstanding life of the enigmatic and extraordinary mathematician Ramanujan.

Ramanujan could be easily compared with the greatest of any subject or he could be described as the mathematical equivalent of a Mozart.

Everyone would surely find Ramanujan fascinating, even if you have no interest in mathematics.

#5. Nani A. Palkhiwala: A life M V Kamath

Mr. Nani Palkhiwala was one of the most admired lawyers in India. A must-read biography book for all young brains, who aspire to become legal professionals or lawyers in India. There are two books on the life of Nani Palkhiwala, truly a legal legend of India, and both books are among the best Indian biographies/autobiographies list. Believe me, you won’t resist reading both. I rate this book on top.

Mr. Nani A. Palkhivala is regarded as one of the best lawyers, India has ever produced. His life is a teacher in itself for all legal professionals. Mr. M. V. Kamath, through this book, made Nani alive by telling the story of his life in an impressive manner. His courage, intellect, brilliance, and knowledge were unmatchable.

Also, I would like to recommend the second book on his life – Nani Palkhivala: The Courtroom Genius   by Soli J. Sorabjee and Arvind P. Datar.

#6. The Z Factor: My Journey as the Wrong Man at the Right Time

This is for sure that you won’t regret spending every single penny. Entrepreneurs would love to read this.

An inspiring story of a 17-year-old boy who decided to turn around the family business, who defeated bankruptcy to become one of the richest people in the country with an estimated wealth of around USD 70 Billion. Entered into the media business at the best-ever favorable time to enter. The book shows the risk-taking, courageous character of Subhash Chandra.

You will surely learn a lot. With easy language, this is a must-read!

#7. I Too Had a Dream by Verghese Kurien (Author)

This is one of the best biography/autobiography books of India. While writing the autobiography, Verghese Kurien would have easily mentioned interesting stories about his sacrificed personal life and hobbies. Rather he was very much focused on showing us how he made Amul a brilliant success story.

This book shows us his legendary role in making the AMUL. It is more important to realize how he drove the success of the cooperative movement and the white revolution.

There are many similarities with another Gujarati Sardar Patel, he was really an Iron Man, whose strength was indispensable when the great work of nation-building was underway.

Indeed, this book deserves to be read by every Indian. One of the best Indian Memoirs!

#8. Karmayogi: A Biography of E. Sreedharan by M.S. Ashokan

India needs more such examples of bureaucrats & engineers who have spent their lives in the service of fellow human beings. This is truly remarkable that projects of E. Sreedharan have been carried out with the highest degree of efficiency.

The book may influence to Stay humble even though you are such a highly accomplished person like Sreedharan.

#9. Beyond the Last Blue Mountain by R. M. Lala

J R D Tata: “What is good for India is good for Tatas”

A book written with utmost detail and the personal side of JRD is explained well.

It’s a very inspiring read about JRD to understand the passion and desire that has gone behind setting up and establishing the airline industry and TATA empire in India.

#10. Not Just an Accountant by Vinod Rai (Author)

The book gives insights into the official communication between entities of the governments. How various warning bells have been neglected during the series of scams by UPA Govt. and Congress leadership. The way he addresses the criticism is impeccable.

The best part of the books is the clear and straightforward presentation of facts without any unnecessary storytelling.

He is surely just not an accountant, but more as a leader how he performed the duty with the power of audit is phenomenal.

#11. The Journey Home by Radhanath Swami

An outstanding story of a young American man, Radhanath Swami who travels to India seeking God and truth. Especially this book is an incredible adventure described in touching detail, which truly mesmerizes.

‘The Journey Home’ gives much deeper insights into the mysterious lives of true Sadhus. In particular, reading this book makes swami, Sadhu’s life quite understandable as well as the devotion path. His life takes him on a journey path from the United States to Europe, the Middle East, and finally to India.

I recommend this magnificent book to everyone.

This inspiring book spreads a positive attitude and shows a new way to look at life.

Some other notable & Best Indian Biographies and autobiographies from India

• Sachin Tendulkar – Playing It My Way
• Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel   and Patel a Life
• Indra Nooyi – A Biography
• Unbreakable  by  Mary Kom
• Born Again on the Mountain: A Story of Losing Everything and Finding It Back
• Kalpana Chawla: A Life
• Bhabha and His Magnificient Obsessions

As well said by Walt Disney “There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate’s loot on Treasure Island.”

If you want to read about the Best Indian Biography and autobiography books in Hindi language , click here .

So enjoy this great treasure!

Your opinion really matters, we want you to register your voice about your favorite Biography/ Autobiographies of India, and let others benefit from your opinion on these books : (Pls note, this poll is closed now)

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Poll Question: Do let us know which are your favorite Biographies.

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15 Famous Indian Personalities and their Autobiographies

Famous indian personalities and their autobiographies: biographies of famous personalities are always a source of inspiration. the biographies will tell you about the controversies, the dark sides of a person that you may have never heard of..

1- The Story of My Experiments with Truth by Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi

In 1940, Father of Nation, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi wrote his autobiography 'The Story of My Experiments with Truth' where he covered his life from childhood days to 1921. In 1998, a committee of global spiritual and religious authorities designated it as one of the "100 Best Spiritual Books of the 20th Century". 

2- An Autobiography by Jawaharlal Nehru

3- autobiography of a yogi by paramahansa yogananda, 4- atmakatha (malayalam) by anna chandy, 5- waiting for a visa by b. r. ambedkar , 6- all from memory by b. v. acharya , 7- a grain of sand in the hourglass of time by arjun singh and ashok chopra.

In 2011, former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh started writing his autobiography 'A Grain of Sand in the Hourglass of Time' but died on March 4, 2011, before completing it. The autobiographical book was then completed by Ashok Chopra. Ashok is a publisher, author, editor, and literary columnist by profession. 

8- Baburnama by Babur

9- courage and conviction by general vijay kumar singh, 10- ente katha (my story) by kamala surayya, 11- en sarithiram by u. v. swaminathan iyer, 12- how i became a hindu by sita ram goel , 13- jakhan choto chilam by satyajit ray, 14- living shadows by aribam syam sharma, 15- a shot at history by abhinav bindra .

In 2011, Indian Shooter and Gold medalist Abhinav Bindra published an autobiographical book 'A Shot at History: My Obsessive Journey to Olympic Gold'. 

Rishi Kapoor Biography: Early Life, Illness, Death, Family, Film Career, Famous Dialogues and Awards

Get here current GK and GK quiz questions in English and Hindi for India , World, Sports and Competitive exam preparation. Download the Jagran Josh Current Affairs App .

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10 Must Read Books For Every Indian Entrepreneur

It is a truth universally acknowledged that an entrepreneur in possession of a startup�must be in want of a good book.

Alright, so maybe those weren�t Jane Austen�s exact words.

But the point still stands!

Among all the various different ways in which you can keep yourself motivated , a reading habit has consistently been ranked as one of the top most productive habits. While there are heaps of curated list of inspiring books for Indian entrepreneurs, we have got you the ones penned down by and about Indian entrepreneurs.�

So without further ado, here are the best entrepreneur books for every Indian startup founder:�

1. Dream With Your Eyes Open by Ronnie Screwvala�

Written by an entrepreneur, for entrepreneurs. Ronnie Screwvala offers insights into the entrepreneurial world and the journey one has to go through from over 2 decades of his experience. Recommended by Lenskart Founder Peyush Bansal, you know this is one recommendation you don�t want to miss out on.

2. Bhaag by Ganesh V.

Ganesh V. has carefully curated a collection of stories of 11 highly motivated student entrepreneurs, all from various different verticals and backgrounds. Even though they differ in their objectives and challenges, you get a view of what the life of an entrepreneur is like, with all the ups and downs, failures and success, the present scenario of their startups and the future they dream for it. If you were looking for a story that could really, truly inspire you to get going – this is it.

3. Connect The Dots by Rashmi Bansal�

Another beautiful curation of stories, this time of 20 entrepreneurs who decided to forge their own path – without the requisite degrees that are usually pursued and/or needed. Their stories efficiently portray the beauty of following your passion and bringing it to reality, all the while dodging the conventional (and possibly boring) methods. This book, in addition to inspiring the masses, was also nominated for the Economist Crossword Popular Award 2011.

4. Dhirubhai Ambani: Against All Odds by A G Krishnamurthy�

A compelling read that recaps what could be called as one of the best rags-to-riches story of Dhirubhai Ambani, a middle class businessman who rose to became the founder of one of the biggest enterprises in India, Reliance Empire. This story has to be counted as a must-read not just for entrepreneurs, but for just about anyone and everyone who needs that little bit of inspiration!

5. Steel King: Lakshmi Mittal by Prateeksha M Tiwary�

A book that has a no-holds-barred policy when it comes to covering the life and times of one of the most incredible businessmen ever. The �Steel King� as he is known, has lived out his dream with incredibly big dreams, risks, trials, and tribulations and gone on to become the CEO. The book charts all the important and key points in Mittal�s life, from first deals all the way up to the trying times in business and family, in his later life.

Articles you may like:

• How to start a startup in India – idea to execution
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6. Take Me Home by Rashmi Bansal�

A slightly whimsically named book which evokes images of you going home to your passions and dreams, this book is a beautiful amalgamation of motivational stories and takes its readers on a journey in search of inspiration, from Belgaum all the way to Meerut. But along the way, the reader gets to meet 20 individuals who consciously chose to stray from the well-worn path, chase their dreams and become successful entrepreneurs.

7. Stay Hungry Stay Foolish by Rashmi Bansal

How could this not be a part of our collection of best entrepreneur books? If 3 is a crowd, then 25 is a party! This book chronicles the journey of 25 IIM Ahmedabad graduates who decided to become entrepreneurs. All radically different in their age, perspectives, and fields, they can be found in one book due to one commonality – their determination to envision and reach their goal.

[optin-cat id=5314]

8. Bhujia Barons: The Untold Story of How Haldiram Built a 5000 Crore Empire by Pavitra Kumar.

If we can reenact the famous scene from Avengers between India and US, we would.

�I have an army!�

�We have a hulk.�

They have their McDonald’s and Dominoes, we have Haldirams. Once upon a time in the early twentieth century, young Ganga Bhishan Agarwal, aka Haldiram, gained a reputation for making the best bhujia in town. In this book, the reader gets to submerge themselves completely into the life of the Agarwal family in an all-encompassing way (a feat unheard of and not achieved before this) and a look into the �Indian way of doing business�. A story ripe for a Bollywood movie (let�s be honest), it�s got all the flavors – the successes, the courtroom drama, the business expansion, the incredibly long trademark battle and of course, at the center of it all, the closely guarded secret recipe.

9. The Z Factor: My Journey as the Wrong Man at the Right Time by Subhash Chandra and Pranjal Sharma

This book has such a fantastic summary on Amazon that we�re just going to let you feast your eyes on the first few lines of it, as it is – �The pioneer who gate-crashed his way to the top Subhash Chandra, the promoter of Essel/ Zee Group, is an unlikely mogul. Hailing from a small town in Haryana, where his family ran grain mills, Chandra has been a perennial outsider, repeatedly aiming high and breaking into businesses where he was considered an interloper.�

This book captures what could be perceived as a haphazard way to success, but what was in all probability, the story of someone who consistently ran with his gut instinct. From making a fortune in rice exports to getting into broadcasting and setting up Zee TV, India�s first private TV channel, it�s safe to say he�s always chased his dreams. A fearless risk-taker who took all the successes and failures in his stride, he has an incredible story that is a must-read.

10. You Can Win by Shiv Khera�

You Can Win is short, sweet and to the point and the perfect book to have in your pocket, when you need someone in your corner to help cheer you on. It entails all the ways to success in an easy-to-read, simple-to-follow method. Guaranteeing a lifetime of success, this is another book that should immediately get a spot on your must-read list.

Have we missed out any good book? Have your own list of best entrepreneur books? Let us know in the comments below!

Ah, too lazy to get on the reading couch? Read this:

10 Lucrative Business Ideas To Start With Less Than 10,000 Bucks

10 Podcasts That Every Indian Entrepreneur Should Listen To

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12 Autobiographical Queer Books in India

Team P3 curates a list of Queer Books in India that include memoirs and autobiographies for you to choose your next read from!

There aren’t many ways to understand something better than to hear it from those who’ve experienced it firsthand. And why just understanding something, you also gain a range of new perspectives when you get to hear new voices, new experiences, and new lives unfolding in front of you.

In our article today, we’ll look at some of the best queer books in India. These memoirs and autobiographies showcase diverse queer experiences with the added context of an Indian setting.

We encourage you to buy books from a local bookstore . If that is not possible, please use the links on the page and support us. Thank you.

And if you think we missed any queer books that should’ve been on the list, comment below and let us know!

Title: We Are Not The Others : Reflections of a Transgender Artivist

Author: Kalki Subramaniam

Publisher: Notion Press

This is an impactful and emotionally charged book that goes deep into the lives of transgenders in India. Kalki Subramaniam, a prominent transgender rights activist, shares her own experiences and sheds light on the joys, struggles, hopes, and despair faced by the transgender community.

With raw honesty and unwavering determination, Subramaniam showcases the resilience and dignity of transgender individuals, advocating for their rights and challenging societal norms.

This remarkable book not only educates and enlightens but also evokes empathy and compassion, leaving you moved and inspired. We Are Not The Others is a testament to the power of personal narratives in fostering understanding and acceptance.

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Title: A Gift of Goddess Lakshmi

Author: Manobi Bandopadhyay and Jhimli Mukherjee Pandey

Publisher: Penguin Random House India

Manobi Bandopadhyay present an inspiring account of a transgender individual’s quest to discover and embrace their true self. The book follows the struggles and triumphs of Manobi, who, despite societal barriers, embarks on a courageous journey to define her identity and achieve milestones.

With honesty and insight, Manobi shares her transformation from a man to a woman, delving into the challenges faced along the way. From questioning her own identity to battling societal prejudices, she comes out as an emblem of resilience and determination. As the first transgender principal of a girls’ college, Manobi’s achievements transcend beyond herself, becoming a beacon of inspiration for her entire community.

Title: I Am Vidya: A Transgender's Journey

Author: Living Smile Vidya

Publisher: Rupa & Co

Price: 1399

I Am Vidya: A Transgender’s Journey by Living Smile Vidya is a powerful memoir that looks into the struggles and triumphs of a transgender individual. Through a compelling first-person narrative, Vidya takes us on a journey of self-discovery, throwing light on the harsh realities faced by the transgender community.

The book explores the complexities of identity and the societal constraints that confine individuals to predetermined roles. Vidya’s story of enduring social rejection, emotional and physical hardships, and the ultimate quest for authenticity is a testament to courage and perseverance. This memoir serves as a necessary intervention, advocating for the recognition and fulfillment of basic human rights for all. I Am Vidya is an eye-opening read that will leave a lasting impact on you.

Title: Straight to Normal: My Life as a Gay Man

Author: Sharif D. Rangnekar

Publisher: Rupa Publications India

A deeply personal and courageous autobiography, this book chronicles the journey of a gay man in a society that often denies and suppresses his identity. From his early experiences of confusion and self-doubt to the painful realization that societal norms dictated his life choices, Rangnekar shares his struggles with vulnerability, fear, and depression.

Through his story, he takes us on a rollercoaster ride of love, heartbreak, and the quest for acceptance. His resilience shines through as he confronts the challenges of navigating hate, prejudice, and societal pressure, ultimately finding his own voice and the strength to live authentically. Straight to Normal is a poignant memoir that offers hope and inspiration to those who may be grappling with their own identities.

It is a powerful call for acceptance and understanding, urging everyone to embrace their true selves without fear or shame.

Title: I am Onir And I Am Gay

Author: Onir and Irene Dhar Malik

Publisher: Penguin Viking

With unflinching honesty, Onir shares the challenges he faced as an openly gay man in Bollywood, defying societal expectations and pushing boundaries. His unwavering determination and unwavering commitment to his craft shine through every page, inspiring readers to pursue their dreams.

I Am Onir And I Am Gay is an emotionally charged narrative that celebrates hope, love, and the power of self-acceptance. Onir’s storytelling draws you into his world, inviting you to reflect on your own identity and the significance of embracing one’s true self. This memoir is not only a personal account but also a catalyst for important conversations about identity, representation, and the need for greater inclusivity in the entertainment industry.

Title: So Now You Know: A Memoir of Growing Up Gay in India

Author: Vivek Tejuja

Publisher: Harper India

With a blend of humor, poignancy, and introspection, Tejuja’s memoir captures the essence of his experience with remarkable honesty. From his childhood infatuation with his best friend Deepak to the impact of Bollywood’s stereotypical portrayals of gay characters, each page is infused with a mix of nostalgia, heartwarming moments, and heartbreaking revelations.

It’s an account of navigating the complexities of sexuality and identity in a society that often fails to understand or accept differences. Set in the backdrop of 1990s India, Tejuja takes readers on an emotional journey through his childhood as he grapples with the realization of being gay.

Title: Queeristan : LGBTQ Inclusion in the Indian Workplace

Author: Parmesh Shahani

Publisher: Westland Business

With the landmark reading down of Section 377 by the Supreme Court in 2018, India witnessed a significant turning point in LGBTQ rights, necessitating policy changes across various sectors, including the conservative realm of Indian business. Shahani’s book comes at a crucial time, offering valuable insights and practical advice to companies and individuals seeking to create a more equitable and diverse work environment.

Shahani, drawing from his own personal journey as an out and proud gay man in the corporate world, presents a step-by-step approach to reshaping office culture and advocating for LGBTQ inclusion.

Through interviews with inclusion champions and business leaders, he provides real-life examples of organizations that have embraced diversity and reaped its rewards. By highlighting the experiences of employees whose lives were transformed by LGBTQ-friendly workspaces, Shahani illustrates the profound impact that inclusive policies can have on individuals and the wider society.

Beyond its practicality, Queeristan also serves as an expansive reference book that delves into the history, literature, cinema, movements, institutions, and icons of the LGBTQ community. Shahani seamlessly weaves together research, analysis, and storytelling, creating a comprehensive and engaging exploration of LGBTQ inclusion in the workplace.

Title: The Truth About Me: A Hijra Life Story

Author: Written by A. Revathi and translated by V. Geetha

Publisher: Penguin India

From the very beginning, Revathi captures the harsh realities faced by hijras in Indian society. The stares, the intrusive questions, and the physical violations she recounts lay bare the dehumanizing treatment they endure daily. Through her storytelling, she elicits a sense of despair and the longing for a life of dignity that permeates her journey.

Born as a boy but identifying and behaving as a girl, Revathi shares her personal struggle with the deep unease of being trapped in the wrong body. The constant violence and rejection she faces from her family and community drive her to make the courageous decision to flee her village and seek refuge in Delhi with a house of hijras. What follows is a remarkable tale of physical and emotional transformation, as Revathi navigates the challenges, dangers, and triumphs of her path towards self-discovery and love.

The Truth About Me is a moving and raw account that sheds light on the trials and tribulations faced by hijras in Indian society. Revathi’s writing not only exposes the systemic discrimination and violence experienced by the community but also showcases their unwavering spirit. Her journey to find acceptance and create a life of dignity is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of self-acceptance.

Title: Red Lipstick : The Men in My Life

Author: Laxmi

From an early age, Laxmi grapples with societal expectations and her own internal confusion. Taunted as girlish, she questions her identity and attractions, eventually realizing that her biological sex does not define her true self. As she shares her experiences of discovering desire and attraction towards men, Laxmi’s honesty is both refreshing and enlightening.

Red Lipstick is not just a memoir about Laxmi’s personal journey; it is also an exploration of the diverse range of relationships she has encountered. With unflinching candor, Laxmi unveils the stories of creators, preservers, lovers, benefactors, and abusers who have shaped her life. The book’s racy and dark undertones add depth, providing a glimpse into a world often unseen and misunderstood.

Through Red Lipstick, Laxmi not only shares her personal journey but also serves as a powerful advocate for transgender rights and acceptance. Her narrative challenges societal norms, urging readers to embrace diversity and reject narrow definitions of gender and sexuality.

Title: No One Else: A Personal History of Outlawed Love and Sex

Author: Siddharth Dube

Publisher: HarperCollins India

From a young age, Dube is captivated by an androgynous striptease dancer, seeing reflections of his own identity in her mesmerizing allure. As he grapples with his own sexual understanding, he confronts the harsh reality that being gay in India is fraught with danger and discrimination. Through his unflinching storytelling, Dube sheds light on the hypocrisy, corruption, and brutality that permeate Indian society, particularly in its treatment of marginalized communities.

No One Else is a book of immense importance, tackling issues of oppression and persecution with honesty. Dube exposes the intricate web of challenges faced by individuals deemed “outlaws” in society, including the LGBTQ+ community and sex workers. His firsthand accounts illuminate the struggles faced by these marginalized groups, shedding light on the dire consequences of discrimination and the urgent need for change.

Title: A Life Misspent

Author: Written by Suryakant Tripathi Nirala, translated by Satti Khanna

Publisher: HarperPerennial

At just sixteen years old, Nirala finds himself thrust into a world of adulthood when his father arranges his marriage and sends him to Dalmau to meet his bride. Despite his limited knowledge of the Hindi language, Nirala is drawn to a peculiar man named Kulli Bhaat, who claims a lineage of bards. Despite societal reservations about Kulli’s sexuality, Nirala’s connection with him deepens, blurring the lines of friendship and attraction.

The narrative takes an unexpected turn as an influenza epidemic ravages the region, leaving Nirala grappling with profound loss. His search for stability leads him to various employment opportunities, yet he finds himself continually pulled back to Dalmau. Meanwhile, Kulli embarks on his own journey, marrying a Muslim woman and becoming an advocate for the untouchables. Their lives intersect in ways that shape Nirala’s identity and artistic path.

A Life Misspent captures the essence of a transformative era in India’s history, where societal norms and prejudices clashed with personal desires and artistic ambitions. Nirala’s memoir not only chronicles the events that shaped his own evolution but also provides a window into the social dynamics and cultural milieu of the time.

Title: A Small Step in a Long Journey

Author: Akkai Padmashali

Publisher: Zubaan

Akkai Padmashali is a force to be reckoned with—a trans rights activist, campaigner, thinker, writer, poet, and actor. In this narrative, she confronts society, demanding not sympathy or pity, but rather acceptance, recognition, and respect. With complete honesty and self-reflection, Akkai shares her experiences, exposing the pain, humiliation, confusion, and insults she endured, as well as the love, solidarity, and joy that shaped her into the remarkable person she is today.

Akkai’s writing serves as a powerful act of resistance, dismantling societal norms and laying bare the complexities of gender, sexuality, prejudice, and privilege. Through her story, she emphasizes that this journey is not hers alone; it is a shared journey that encompasses all of us. Akkai challenges readers to explore the interconnectedness of our personal and political lives, urging us to confront difficult questions and break down the barriers that divide us.

A Small Step in a Long Journey is a necessary and timely memoir that offers profound insights into the human experience. It is a rallying cry for a more compassionate and accepting society, and a reminder that every step, no matter how small, has the power to ignite change.

Amritesh Mukherjee

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Best Biographies & Memoirs Book Publishing Companies in India

Showing 17 publishers that match your search.

Leadstart India

Genres: Business, Politics, History, Self-Help, Health & Wellbeing, Religion & Spirituality, Biographies & Memoirs, Travel, Sports & Outdoors, Literary Fiction, Mystery & Crime, Thriller & Suspense, Fiction, Nonfiction, Children's, and Poetry

Location: Mumbai, IN

Website: https://www.leadstartcorp.com/

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A Bend in the River of Life

Marianne Furtado de Nazareth

A Street Puppy's Guide to Indian Religious Wisdom

Penguin random house india.

Genres: Literary Fiction, Young Adult, Middle Grade, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Romance, Education & Reference, Biographies & Memoirs, Horror, Action & Adventure, Self-Help, Historical Fiction, Sports & Outdoors, Mystery & Crime, History, Business, Travel, Women's Fiction, Thriller & Suspense, Architecture, Art, Cookbook, Humor, Fiction, Nonfiction, Children's, Poetry, and Short Story

Location: New Delhi, IN

Website: https://penguin.co.in/

Arundhati Roy

In an Antique Land

Amitav Ghosh

Sach Kahun Toh

Neena Gupta

Genres: Romance, Thriller & Suspense, Fantasy, Horror, Women's Fiction, Literary Fiction, Self-Help, Religion & Spirituality, Business, Travel, Health & Wellbeing, History, Biographies & Memoirs, Politics, Fiction, Poetry, and Nonfiction

Website: https://rupapublications.co.in/

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Tomb of God

Victor Ghoshe

Hermann Hesse

The Nest of the Recluse

Suchita Malik

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Indus Source Books

Genres: Religion & Spirituality, Business, History, Politics, Biographies & Memoirs, Health & Wellbeing, and Nonfiction

Website: https://www.indussource.com/

Mindful Conception and Gratifying Parenthood

Arundhati Hoskeri

Rani Laxmibai

Pratibha Ranade

Leader: 50 Insights from Mythology

Devdutt Pattanaik

Genres: Literary Fiction, Biographies & Memoirs, Politics, Fiction, Nonfiction, and Short Story

Website: https://zubaanbooks.com/shop/

Intimate City

Manjima Bhattacharjya

The Inheritance of Words

Name Place Animal Thing

Daribha Lyndem

Genres: Architecture, Art, Biographies & Memoirs, Business, Comics & Graphic Novels, History, Humor, Literary Fiction, Mystery & Crime, Religion & Spirituality, Romance, Fantasy, Science Fiction, Self-Help, Nonfiction, and Fiction

Location: Bangalore, IN

Website: https://pothi.com

How to Make Money With Breakout Trading

Indrazith Shantharaj

You Can Have A Jumbo Memory

Amrut Jadhav

Intelligent Fanatics of India

Rohith Potti & Pooja Bhula

HarperCollins India

Genres: Biographies & Memoirs, History, Cookbook, Religion & Spirituality, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery & Crime, Business, Self-Help, Picture Book, Nonfiction, Fiction, Poetry, Short Story, Novella, and Children's

Website: https://harpercollins.co.in/

The Namesake

Jhumpa Lahiri

A Mirror Made of Rain

Naheed Phiroze Patel

Nirupama Subramanian

Genres: Mystery & Crime, Thriller & Suspense, Historical Fiction, Biographies & Memoirs, History, Self-Help, Politics, Fiction, and Nonfiction

Website: https://www.vitastapublishing.com/

Yes Book proposals & manuscript entries - View guidelines →

India's Strategies for Information War & Cyber Deterrence

Ashok Pathak

Backfire in Nepal

Sanjay Upadhya

A Naxal Story

Diptendra Raychauduri

Speaking Tiger

Genres: Romance, Thriller & Suspense, Mystery & Crime, Business, Politics, Travel, Religion & Spirituality, Fantasy, Biographies & Memoirs, Literary Fiction, Fiction, Nonfiction, Novella, Short Story, and Poetry

Website: https://www.speakingtigerbooks.com/

Yes Queries - View guidelines →

Battlefield

Vishram Bedekar

A Village Dies

Ivan Arthur

Murder in Shimla

Bulbul Sharma

Embassy Publishing House

Genres: Biographies & Memoirs, Business, Self-Help, Health & Wellbeing, Travel, and Nonfiction

Website: https://embassybooks.in/

Digital Bank

Chris Skinner

See You at the Top

8 To Be Great

Richard St John

Browse Publishers in Other Genres 📚

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What do book publishers do?

Sure, a book publisher prints and sells your book. But what they do behind the scenes encompasses much more than that. Publishers handle the entire publishing process for books, including: 

• Editing the book, i.e. developmental editing, copy editing, and proofreading; 
• Designing the book, i.e. book cover design and any necessary interior book design;
• Promotion and marketing, i.e. writing the book’s blurb, email marketing , setting up media interviews, etc.; and
• Production and distribution, i.e. formatting and distributing hardback, paperback, and ebook versions of the book to stores, both online and brick-and-mortar. 

Note that the structure of publishing companies may differ, depending on their size. Bigger book publishers may be made up of publishing houses which may, in turn, be made up of imprints — each of which will have its own brand identity in terms of the type of books it publishes. 

However, regardless of a publisher’s size, the scope of their work shouldn’t change. Once you sign with a publisher, they will do everything that it takes to bring your book to market. 

What are the most prominent book publishing companies?

If we define success by sheer sales volume, then we might point towards the "Big 5" presses and educational publishers (who rake in a LOT of money). Over the past few decades, these giant publishing companies have merged with and acquired most of the mid-sized publishers in the industry. However, a few still remain. Here are today's biggest book publishing companies:

• Penguin Random House (Big 5)
• Hachette Book Group (Big 5)
• HarperCollins (Big 5)
• Macmillan Publishers (Big 5)
• Simon & Schuster (Big 5)
• Scholastic Corporation
• Pearson Education
• McGraw-Hill Education
• Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
• Cengage Learning

Together, these largest publishers dominate the publishing landscape. Countless beloved books come from their imprints, many of which you’ll find in our directory. 

The rest of the publishing landscape is largely made up of small publishers, or independent publishers. Most big publishers don’t directly accept unsolicited submissions without a literary agent — but smaller publishers do, making them a realistic and worthwhile route to publication. 

I have a long list of publishers. What next?

Congratulations! Now take a moment to thoroughly vet every publisher on your longlist. Scams are a dime a dozen in the publishing industry, and you want to make 100% sure that you’re dealing with a legitimate publishing company. Again, we strongly recommend reading this post and Writer Beware to know what red flags to watch out for.

When you’re confident in all of the publishers on your longlist, it’s time for the most nerve-wracking step: submitting your manuscript to them. 

Check out our free resources if you’re feeling daunted by what comes next. Whether you’re learning how to research publishers or how to personalize a submission, we've got you covered.

Free online materials

• How to Submit a Manuscript to a Publisher In 5 Simple Steps
• Directory of 686 Best Literary Agents
• What Do Agents Do? (And Do You Need One?)
• How to Write a Query Letter in 7 Steps
• How to Personalize Your Query Letters 
• How to Write a Nonfiction Book Proposal 
• How to Write a Nonfiction Query Letter

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