India has produced several great writers who have influenced a whole generation and continue to inspire the coming generations by their writings. Their works vividly portray the picture of Indian society and subtly bring out the ills it. Indian writers have played a progressive part in the reform of Indian society. Here is a brief profile of Famous Indian writers.
Bankim Chandra Chatterjee
Bankim Chandra Chatterjee also known as Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay was one of the greatest novelists and poets of India. He is famous as author of Vande Mataram, the national song of India.
Premchand
Premchand popularly known as Munshi Premchand was one of the greatest literary figures of modern Hindi literature. His stories vividly portrayed the social scenario of those times.
Rabindranath Tagore
Rabindranath Tagore was an icon of Indian culture. He was a poet, philosopher, musician, writer, and educationist. Rabindranath Tagore became the first Asian to became Nobel laureate when he won Nobel Prize for his collection of poems, Gitanjali, in 1913. He was popularly called as Gurudev and his songs were popularly known as Rabindrasangeet.
Anita Desai
Anita Desai is an Indian novelist and short story writer. She is known for her sensitive portrayal of the inner feelings of her female characters. Many of Anita Desai's novels explore tensions between family members and the alienation of middle-class women.
Arundhati Roy
Arundhati Roy is a famous Indian novelist and social activist. Arundhati Roy came into limelight in 1997 when she won the Booker Prize for her first novel "The God of Small Things". She was awarded Sydney Peace Prize in 2004.
Jhumpa Lahiri
Jhumpa Lahiri is a famous Indian American author of Bengali origin. Her first novel, "The Namesake" was a major national bestseller and was named the New York Magazine Book of the Year. Jhumpa Lahiri became the first Asian to win the Pulitzer Prize when she won the 2000 Pulitzer Prize for fiction for her book "Interpreter Of Maladies".
Mulk Raj Anand
Mulk Raj Anand was an Indian novelist, short-story writer. He was among the first writers to incorporate Punjabi and Hindustani idioms into English. Mulk Raj Anand's stories depicted a realistic and sympathetic portrait of the poor in India.
R.K. Narayan
R.K. Narayan is one of the most famous and widely read Indian novelists. His stories were grounded in a compassionate humanism and celebrated the humour and energy of ordinary life.
Salman Rushdie
Salman Rushdie is one of the most famous Indian origin authors. He is best known for the violent backlash his book The Satanic Verses (1988) provoked in the Muslim community. Iranian spiritual leader Ayatollah Khomenei issued a fatwa against Salman Rushdie, calling for his assassination, forcing Rushdie to go underground.
Vikram Seth
Vikram Seth was born on June 20, 1952 at Kolkata. His father, Prem, was an employee of the Bata India Limited shoe company who migrated to post-Partition India from West Punjab in Pakistan. Vikram Seth's childhood was spent in the town of Batanagar near Calcutta, Patna, and London.
V.S. Naipaul
V.S. Naipaul (Sir Vidiadhar Surajprasad Naipaul) was born on August 17, 1932, at Chaguanas, Trinidad and Tobago. His forefathers came as indentured labourers from India. Naipaul's upbringing familiarised him with every sort of deprivation, material and cultural. He got a scholarship to Oxford University and thus came to England.
Kiran Desai
Daughter of a well known Indian author, she is the winner of the 2006 Booker prize. Well, we are talking about the eminent Indian novelist Kiran Desai. She was born on the 3rd of September in the year 1971 in Chandigarh. She spent the early years of her life in Pune and Mumbai.
Mahadevi Varma
She is a well known Hindi poet of the Chhayavaad generation, the times when every poet used to incorporate romanticism in their poetry. She is more often called the modern Meera. Well, we are talking about the famous Mahadevi Varma, who achieved the Jnanpith award in the year 1982.
Shashi Deshpande
Shashi Deshpande is a well known name in the field of Indian literature. She was born in Dharwad in Karnataka as the daughter of the renowned Kannada dramatist as well as a great Sanskrit scholar Sriranga. She pursued her education in Dharwad, Bombay and Bangalore.
Shobha De
Shobha De is an eminent Indian novelist, who is often known as India's Jackie Collins. She was born as Shobha Rajadhyaksha to the Saraswat Brahmin family of Maharashtra on the January 7, 1947. She completed her graduation from St. Xavier's College, Mumbai and obtained degree in Psychology.
Khushwant Singh
Khushwant Singh is a senior prominent Indian novelist cum journalist. He was born on 2 February 1915 at Hadali in British India that is now a part of Punjab in Pakistan. A significant post-colonial writer in the English language, Khushwant Singh is known for his clear-cut secularism, humor and a deep passion for poetry.
Nirad C. Chaudhuri
Nirad C. Chaudhuri was a famous Bengali Indian writer. He was born on 23 November in 1897 at Kishoreganj located in the Mymensingh district of East Bengal of those days or today's Bangladesh. He studied at Kishorganj and then in Kolkata city.
Subhadra Kumari Chauhan
Subhadra Kumari Chauhan was a prominent poetess in India, whose writings used to be very emotionally charged. She was born in 1904 at the Nihalpur village in Allahabad district. But after her wedding to a Thakur Laxman Singh of Khandwa, Chauhan shifted to Jabalpur in the year 1919.
Subramanya Bharathi
Subramanya Bharathi was a Tamil poet, reformer and freedom fighter during the pre-independence era. Also referred to by the name of Mahakavi Bharathiyar meaning Great Poet of Tamil, Bharathi's name is counted amongst the most celebrated bards of the country.
Mahasweta Devi
Mahasweta Devi is a reputed Indian writer who was born in the year 1926 into a middle class Bengali family at Dacca, which is located in present day Bangladesh. She received her education from the prestigious Shantiniketan set up by great Indian philosopher and thinker, Rabindranath Tagore that went on to become a part of the Visva Bharti University later on.
Dilip Chitre
Dilip Purushottam Chitre is often described in epitaphs with titles such as 'legendary', "the rarest of rare" and "all rounder", which had sat lightly on the unfazed shoulders of the man. And when one reads the ideas and thoughts described in words that had flown out of his pen, the experience can only be described as nothing short being impeccable.
Sarat Chandra Chatterji
His stories and novels speak for themselves. Poverty showered through his materialistic situations while his psychosomatic dimensions supported him. Sarat Chandra Chatterji was one such eminent Bengali writer who flourished throughout the country despite tasting poverty since birth.
Dharamvir Bharati
The name Dharamvir Bharati brings to mind a collection of Hindi poems, plays and novels that are still used by the present generation for organizing stage plays and making films. Dharamvir Bharati is the greatest author in the world of Hindi literature. However, his contribution does not end there.
Harivansh Rai Bachchan
"A body of clay, a mind full of play, a moment's life - that is me". That is how one of the doyens of Hindi literature, Harivansh Rai Bachchan described himself. And indeed, reading his poems, one feels a sense of life and playfulness, the two aspects which would become the hallmark of his poetry. In a career that spanned for about 60 years,
Hasrat Jaipuri
Hasrat Jaipuri is one of those celebrated poets who have gone down as immortal in the history of Hindi film songs. A poet who composed lines in Urdu, Persian and Hindi, he went on to become one of the most popular lyricists that the Hindi film industry in India has ever seen. His poetry and film compositions
Jaishankar Prasad
If you are interested in Hindi literature, then you surely must have heard the name of Jaishankar Prasad. If Dharamvir Bharati is referred to as the Father of Hindi Literature, Jaishankar Prasad cannot be too far behind for he too needs to be credited for making Hindi language popular amongst the present generation.
Sahir Ludhianvi
Best remembered for penning the renowned "Kabhi kabhi mere dil mein" song from the movie "Kabhie Kabhie", Sahir Ludhianvi etched a permanent mark on songs and ghazals in the Hindi film industry. True to his name, Sahir was a magician who fascinated his listeners and readers through his marvelous compositions.
Anand Bakshi
The name, Anand Bakshi is familiar to Hindi film lovers both young and old. In a career spanning several decades, Anand Bakshi penned some of the most memorable songs that has ever been produced by the Hindi film industry. With dreams of becoming a singer, a young man landed in Bombay to acquire a foothold in Bollywood - little did he know then that destiny had different plans for him.
Mehr Lal Soni Zia Fatehabadi
Fame came to Mehr Lal Soni very early in life, even before he went to college. His knack for composing poems in Urdu was recognized and celebrated in Urdu poetic circles long before he found fame throughout the subcontinent. His talent and love for Urdu poetry blossomed during his childhood and grew into a large tree as he went from strength to strength composing his melodious poems.
Rahul Sankrityayan
Kedarnath Pandey, who later changed his name to Rahul Sankrityayan, after Gautam Buddha’s son, Rahul and Sankrityayan, meaning Assimilator; did perfect justice in giving himself this new name, for he went on to become a renowned Buddhist scholar. Popularly recalled as the Father of Hindi Travel Literature, his collection of knowledge had begun at an early age of nine,
Kazi Nazrul Islam
Nazrul said, "Even though I was born in this country (Bengal), in this society, I don't belong to just this country, this society. I belong to the world." Also known as the 'Vidrohi kobi' or 'rebel' poet' in Bengali literature and 'bulbul' or 'nightingale' of Bengali music, Kazi Nazrul Islam was one of the most inspiring personalities
Bibhutibhushan Bandopadhyay
A renowned figure and a celebrated name amongst the Bengali literary fraternity, Bibhutibhushan Bandopadhyay was a critically acclaimed Bengali novelist and writer born on the 12th of September 1894. He is known for his autobiographical novel "Pather Panchali", which got incorporated into 'Apu Trilogy' films
Dr. Pandurang Vaman Kane
Some of the greatest writings on social reforms of India came from this man, Dr. Pandurang Vaman Kane. He was conferred with an honorary degree of doctor of law at a special convocation ceremony. He was an indologist, i.e., a person who excels at languages and literature,
Jiddu Krishnamurti
"I maintain that Truth is a pathless land, and you cannot approach it by any path whatsoever, by any religion, by any sect" - J. Krishnamurti. Jiddu Krishnamurti was considered a revolutionary writer and speaker on philosophical meditation and was someone who brought about a change in society.
Kaka Hathrasi
This renowned poet was known for his humorous and satirical poems. The basic intention of his literature was to make people aware of the social and religious evils that were prevalent during his time. Kaka Hathrasi also wrote sharp satires based on corruption and greed that engulfed India during his time.
Makhanlal Chaturvedi
Pandit Makhanlal Chaturvedi was a prominent freedom fighter, an acclaimed poet and such a meticulous journalist that Asia's first University of its kind dedicated to journalism and communication is named after him. It is called the Makhanlal Chaturvedi National University of Journalism and Communication
Manik Bandopadhyay
Producing forty two novels and more than two hundred short stories, Manik Bandopadhyay or Manki Banerjee, is rightly named 'Manik' which means a jewel in Bengali. He is also known as the father of modern Bengali fiction. His notable works like 'Divaratrir Kavya' (A Poem of the Day
Manohar Shyam Joshi
'The Father of Soap Operas' was the title bestowed on Manohar Shyam Joshi for his pioneering work in this field. Manohar enjoyed a reputation for creating works of value that managed to influence entire generations. His first creation was 'Humlog' that instantly became a huge success due to its ability to draw
Michael Madhusudan Dutt
Michael Madhusudan Dutt, was a man most famous for being associated with the Bengali renaissance movement. He was born on the 25th of January, 1824 in Sagardari, Jessore district, now in Bangladesh. He was the pioneer of Bengali dramas and well known for his poems as well. 'Meghnadh Badh Kabya',
Nirmal Verma
Nirmal Verma, a famous name in Indian Literature, is popularly known for his famous fictional works that reflected both the sharpness of his thoughts and his expertise as a world renowned writer. He was a famous Hindi writer, novelist, activist and translator born in Shimla on the 3rd of April 1929.
Raghuvir Sahay
Raghuvir Sahay was not only a famous poet of his time and age but also a notable journalist, short story writer, editor, translator and social commentator whose works and achievements capture his quintessential spirit and commitment to living life to its fullest.
Tarashankar Bandopadhyay
Tarashankar Bandopadhyay's name features in the famous trio of Bandopadhyay's along with Bibhutibhushan Bandopadhyay and Manik Bandopadhya. He is a universal favourite among Bengali readers. There is a famous television series called 'Byomkesh Bakshi' based on a sleuth's character
Bharatendu Harishchandra
Bharatendu Harishchandra is one of the most heard names in the history of modern Hindi literature. He was an imminent poet of the 19th century who also wrote several novels and plays. It was the subject and pattern of his writings which caught the attention of the critics and the masses and made Bharatendu Harishchandra such a popular name in Hindi literature.
Devaki Nandan Khatri
Devaki Nandan Khatri was one of the most popular authors of Hindi novels, best known to have introduced the concept of mystery in Hindi novel writing. Fondly referred to as Babu Devakinandan Khatri, he was the first writer of mystery novels in the Hindi language. Devaki Nandan Khatri's writings were so popular that even people who were not Hindi literate made it a point to learn
Hazari Prasad Dwivedi
Hazari Prasad Dwivedi, later referred to as 'Acharya' Hazari Prasad Dwivedi, was a very popular writer and critic of Hindi literature. He is known for the numerous novels and essays that he has contributed to Hindi literature. An eminent scholar, he was also one of the best critics that Hindi literature has witnessed.
Maithili Sharan Gupt
Maithili Sharan Gupt is one of the most recognizable names in the world of modern Hindi poetry. Maithili Sharan Gupt not only enriched Hindi literature through his writings which consisted of poems, dramas and translations from other languages, but he was also the first person to use the Khari Boli script as against Brajbhasha that was rampantly
Majrooh Sultanpuri
Majrooh Sultanpuri was one man who ensured that film music, which is an integral part of the Indian film industry, would never play the second fiddle and instead, be the soul of the film. His lyrics seem to effortlessly blend with the tunes, the words soothingly flowing over the notes that even after decades' people would still croon these numbers.
Ramdhari Singh 'Dinkar'
His passion and enthusiasm for poetry and writing bestowed him with the title Rashtrakavi which means "national poet". Ramdhari Singh 'Dinkar' gained recognition and popularity in the pre-independence period through his eminent and notable nationalist poetry. With an initial interest in composition, he gradually found himself drawing closer towards the Indian
Sumitranandan Pant
At the age of seven, when majority of children learn how to read and write; a little child from the hills wrote poetries, and grew up to become one of India's finest and renowned poet cum writer. This boy was Sumitranandan Pant, also known as Gosain Dutt. Born in the hills of Kumaon, Pant was raised by his old grandmother,
Suryakant Tripathi 'Nirala'
Suryakant Tripathi 'Nirala' is one of the key figures in the history of Hindi literature. Though he hailed from Bengal and acquired his basic education in the Bengali medium, Suryakant Tripathi chose Hindi language when it came to writing down his thoughts through essays, novels, poems and stories. Suryakanth Tripathi 'Nirala's life was tragic and lonely and at
Amrita Pritam
Amrita Pritam is considered to be one of the most well-known female writers. A versatile talent who penned poems, novels, short stories, essays, and autobiographies, she is best remembered for her elegy on the partition of Punjab. Many describe Amrita Pritam as the goddess of defiance, a rebel and a revolutionary who lived her life with utmost intensity.
Aravind Adiga
Being a person with flawless language and great writing skill, it is no wonder that Aravind Adiga bagged Britain's most prestigious literary award - The Man Booker Award for his book 'The White Tiger'. From a proven student to a journalist and then to a famous writer, success always accompanied him. He always kept his eyes and ears open to the world around
Chetan Bhagat
Chetan Bhagat is a famous Indian author who penned down novels that hit the market with great success. All of them were bestsellers since their release and have been filmed by famous Bollywood directors. Chetan Bhagat is considered a youth icon rather than as just an author. With his vivid and humorous way of depicting
Ramachandra Guha
Ramachandra Guha is a prominent Indian writer who has written on different topics such as social, political, historical, and environmental, also on the history of cricket. Besides this, he is a well-known columnist who writes for The Telegraph, The Hindu and The Hindustan Times and is also an Indian historian.
Rohinton Mistry
Rohinton Mistry is a famous Canadian writer with roots in India. Famous American writer and broadcaster Rick Gekoski once said: 'Mistry has a great eye and a huge heart, and if the world he describes is often cruel and capricious, his characters have a remarkable capacity to survive". Rohinton Mistry has a rare achievement
Upamanyu Chatterjee
Upamanyu Chatterjee, best remembered for his debut novel 'English, August: An Indian Story' is one of the powerful and emerging voices amongst India's post colonial literary stalwarts. His novels are written in a humorous style and are intended to go beyond the basic concept of comedy. He defied conventional traditions and created a niche for himself.
