India

Indian urban literature offers a vivid portrayal of city life, delving into the complexities, challenges, and vibrancy of urban settings. It navigates themes of modernity, cultural diversity, and social dynamics, providing readers with a rich array of stories that capture the fast-paced, multifaceted nature of Indian cities. Below is a list of the eminent works.

Delhi

Clear Light of Day by Anita Desai

Clear Light of Day was published in the year 1980 by HarperCollins. The novel delicately explores the dynamics within the Das family, focusing on Bimla, a driven teacher and caregiver to her brother, Baba. She’s joined by her sister Tara, leading to a stirring reunion that brings to light past conflicts. This family saga delves into themes of ambition, care, and realization, woven through the siblings’ complex relationships.

Genre: Historical fiction

https://www.amazon.in/Clear-Light-Day-Anita-Desai/dp/8184000154

2. In Custody by Anita Desai

The book In Custody was published in the year 1984 by Heinemann Publishing House, London. In this book, Deven, hoping to break free from his constricted existence, seizes the chance to interview Nur, India’s renowned Urdu poet. However, his aspirations quickly sour as he encounters not the admired figure of his youth, but a decadent elderly Nur amidst Old Delhi’s bazaars. Surrounded by deception and intimidation from Nur and his entourage, Deven’s dream project spirals towards unforeseen entrapment.

Genre: Literary fiction

https://www.amazon.in/Custody-Anita-Desai/dp/8184000138

3. Rich Like Us by Nayantara Sahgal

Rich Like Us came out in the year 1985 and was published by Heinemann Publishing House, London. The book sets across four generations in New Delhi’s darkening days under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s Emergency. Rich Like Us intertwines the lives of two distinct women, Sonali and Rose. Amidst a period ripe with corruption and fear, including forced sterilization and imprisonment for dissenters, their friendship endures drastic societal shifts, impacting their lives significantly and challenging their ideals and survival.

Genre: Political fiction, Historical fiction

https://www.amazon.in/Rich-Like-Us-Nayantara-Sahgal/dp/8172233752

4. Delhi by Khushwant Singh

Delhi: A Novel was published in the year 1990 by Penguin Books India. It is a literary masterpiece that intertwines the lives of a libertine narrator and Bhagmati, a hijra, with centuries of Delhi’s history. This bold narrative, rich with historical encounters, explores love, lust, and the city’s vibrant essence through both the narrator’s and Bhagmati’s experiences, leaving a lasting impact on its readers.

Genre: Historical fiction

https://www.amazon.in/Delhi-Novel-Khushwant-Singh-ebook/dp/B06XY9JP36

5. Delhi Belly and Other Misadventures in the Middle Kingdom by Jug Suraiya

Delhi Belly and Other Misadventures in the Middle Kingdom was published by Rupa & Company in 1991. In his book, Jug Suraiya playfully recounts his experiences and reflections from India and China. He delivers a smart, humorous look at their cultural peculiarities, food journeys, and the daily disorder, making it essential for fans of travel, humor, and cultural insight.

Genre: Travel writing, Humour

https://www.amazon.in/Delhi-belly-misadvantures-middle-kingdom/dp/817167058X

6. City of Djinns by William Dalrymple

City of Djinns was published in 1993 by Penguin Random House India. Brimming with lively humor, this book unveils the rich, multi-layered history of Delhi, introducing a diverse cast from its past, including eunuchs and Mogul heirs. William Dalrymple delves into its seven historical cities of Delhi, plus the present-day capital, guided by tales of mystical djinns believed to safeguard the city’s continual revival. This blend of exploration and storytelling reveals both the city’s profound history and its vibrant present.

Genre: Non-fiction, Travelogue

https://www.amazon.in/City-Djinns-Delhi-William-Dalrymple/dp/9385936557

7. Delhi’s Historic Villages by Charles Lewis and Karoki Lewis

Delhi’s Historic Villages: A Photographic Evocation was published in the year 1997 by Ravi Dayal Publishers. This book focuses on a photographic exploration of six urban villages in South Delhi, chosen for their historic 14th and 15th-century landmarks and the local communities within, including Hauz Khaz, Masjid Moth, Shahpur Jat, Begumpur, Khirki, and Chiragh Delhi.

Genre: Travel literature

https://www.amazon.in/Recent-Development-Material-Science-Photographic/dp/8175300116

8. The Road To Delhi by Gabrielle Festing

The Road to Delhi came out in the year 1998 and was published by Shubhi Publications. This work explores Delhi’s history, tracing its origins back to the era of the Kauravas and Pandavas around 1000 BC, up to the reign of the final Mughal ruler, Bahadur Shah Jafar. It highlights the pivotal battles, and it’s legacy as a coveted prize among rulers. Additionally, it examines the motivations of those drawn to Delhi, whether for conquest or loot, emphasizing its vital role in controlling Hindustan.

Genre: Historical fiction

https://www.amazon.in/Road-Delhi-Gabrielle-Festing/dp/8187226048

9. Idol Love by Anuradha Marwah-Roy

The book Idol Love was published in the year 1999 by Ravi Dayal Publishers. In this book, a narrative that spans the current and future eras, love is depicted as inherently unjust. The story connects the chaotic Delhi of today with the future capital, Rajdhani, through a tale of unequal devotion between Rajni and a charismatic professor leading the Secularists. Their love, sparked amidst anti-communal protests, defies death in a future India called Raminland, where belief perpetuates everything.

Genre: Political fiction

https://www.amazon.in/Idol-Love-Anuradha-Marwah-Roy/dp/8175300299

10. City Improbable by Khushwant Singh

City Improbable: An Anthology of Writings on Delhi, published in 2001 by Viking Press, talks about Delhi, a city reborn like a phoenix through its 3000-year history, which has seen empires rise and fall. This anthology edited by Khushwant Singh, compiles narratives from various perspectives including emperors, invaders, and everyday citizens, spanning ancient to modern times. Contributors such as Ruskin Bond and Manjula Padmanabhan explore Delhi’s complex tapestry from its rich history to its contemporary challenges and charms.

Genre: Non-fiction, Travel writing

https://www.amazon.in/Improbable-Writings-Delhi-Khushwant-Singh/dp/0143415328

11. The Life and Times of Altu-Faltu by Ranjit Lal

This book was published in the year 2001 by India Ink. The narrative of the book centers on a monkey tribe, particularly Altu and Faltu, mirroring human social and political structures. Set in Delhi, this story humorously yet insightfully delves into power, politics, and survival themes, using the monkeys’ actions to reflect on broader human societal challenges.

Genre: Children fiction, Humour

https://www.amazon.in/Life-Times-Altu-Faltu/dp/8186939091

12. Holy Cow: An Indian Adventure by Sarah Macdonald

The book Holy Cow: An Indian Adventure was published by Bantam (The Random House Australia) in the year 2002. In her twenties, Sarah Macdonald dismissed India after a trip filled with harsh realities. Yet, a beggar’s prophecy of love bringing her back materialized over a decade later. Moving to New Delhi for love, she battles severe illness and embarks on a spiritual quest. “Holy Cow” recounts her humorous and insightful adventures among India’s diverse spirituality, seeking peace, love, and sanity.

Genre: Travel memoir, Humour

https://www.amazon.in/Holy-Cow-Adventure-Sarah-MacDonald/dp/0553816012

13. Corridor by Sarnath Banerjee

This book was published in the year 2004 by Penguin Books India. Corridor delves into the lives of diverse Delhi residents frequenting Jehangir Rangoonwalla’s tea and second-hand book shop in Connaught Place. Through encounters with characters like Brighu, Shintu, and Digital Dutta, Banerjee explores their narratives against the backdrop of Delhi and Calcutta, blending text with visuals to depict urban Indian life’s complexities.

Genre: Literary fiction, Urban fiction

https://www.amazon.in/Corridor-Graphic-Novel-Sarnath-Banerjee/dp/0143031384

14. Babyji by Abha Dawesar

Babyji published in 2005 by Penguin Books India unfolds the tale of Anamika Sharma, a bright Delhi student with a passion for quantum physics and a secret love for the Kamasutra. She embarks on journeys of desire with an older divorcée, family servant, and a sought-after classmate, exploring adulthood’s complexities with a youthful, spirited zest. Anamika emerges as a captivating, wise heroine in this vibrant narrative.

Genre: Coming-of-age fiction, LGBTQ+ fiction

https://www.amazon.in/Babyji-Abha-Dawesar/dp/0144000466

15. Old Delhi: 10 Easy Walks by Gaynor Barton & Laurraine Malone

This book, which was republished in 2005 (first published in 1988) by Rupa & Co. Publication, aims to inspire exploration of Old Delhi. Initially overwhelming, Old Delhi offers crowded streets, rickety rickshaws, and a lively atmosphere. However, its charm increases with familiarity. The guided walks in this book aim to dispel any confusion, leading you to historically significant sites and interpreting the modern life around you as you journey through.

Genre: Travel guide (non-fiction)

https://www.amazon.in/Old-Delhi-10-Easy-Walks/dp/8129134764

16. Delhi: A Thousand Years of Building by Lucy Peck

This book was published in 2005 by Lotus Collection. It brings the magnificent history of Delhi to life, highlighting its architectural legacy from the Early Sultanate period to present-day New Delhi. It offers a detailed exploration of the city’s built environment, complete with anecdotes, over 600 sites, walking paths, photos, and illustrations, making it an essential resource for locals and visitors alike.

Genre: Architectural history (non-fiction)

https://www.amazon.in/Delhi-Intach-Roli-Guides-Lucy/dp/8174363548

17. Home by Manju Kapur

Home was published in the year 2006 by Faber & Faber. As the Banwari Lal family’s sari business declines due to jeans and modern salwar kameez trends, they face challenges adapting. Sons are tied to their faltering shop, while daughters remain homebound, stirring envy and suspicion among them. Desperate for liberation through forbidden romances, pickle-making, or education, this story captures the essence of familial bonds through secrecy, kindness, and compromise.

Genre: Literary fiction

https://www.amazon.in/HOME-Manju-Kapur/dp/8184000332

18. Trees of Delhi: A Field Guide by Pradip Krishen

This book was published in 2006 by Dorling Kindersley (India). Trees Of Delhi is a guidebook that showcases the common trees found not only in Delhi but also in similar cities such as Jaipur, Lucknow, and Bhopal. It’s easy-to-understand language makes it accessible to everyone, promising to turn its readers into tree enthusiasts, even those in humid cities like Mumbai and Kolkata.

Genre: Nature guide (non-fiction)

https://www.amazon.in/Trees-Delhi-Field-Pradip-Krishen/dp/0144000709

19. Delhi Metropolitan by Ranjana Sengupta

Delhi Metropolitan: The Making of an Unlikely City was published in 2007 by Penguin Random House India. Delhi, once calm, now a bustling metropolis due to its capital status and influx of four million refugees from Pakistan, is depicted by Ranjana Sengupta as a city deserving love despite its complexity. Its evolution, driven by a diverse populace and refugees seeking opportunity, highlights a mix of modernity and tradition, challenged by rapid, often disorderly, growth.

Genre: Urban studies, Social commentary

https://www.amazon.in/Delhi-Metropolitan-Ranjana-Sengupta/dp/0143063103

20. Above Average by Amitabha Bagchi

This book was first published in the year 2007 by HarperCollins Publishers India. The story revolves around Arindam Chatterjee, a Delhi boy with a knack for science and maths, who dreams of drumming in a rock band. His aspirations lead him to India’s top engineering school, IIT, where he navigates the challenges of academia and ambitions of rock stardom. Amitabha Bagchi’s first novel humorously delves into the complexities of youth and ambition.

Genre: Literary fiction, Coming-of-age

https://www.amazon.in/Above-Average-Amitabh-Bagchi/dp/8172236530

21. Families At Home by Reeti Gadekar

Families at Home was first published by HarperCollins Publishers India in 2008. In this gripping debut novel, the suicide within a wealthy and politically intertwined business family attracts Additional Commissioner Nikhil Juneja, who sees it as an easy case. However, the situation escalates to murder, complicating his connections and burdening his conscience. Amidst the tumultuous and corrupt backdrop of 1990s Delhi, the story explores the elusive nature of justice.

Genre: Crime fiction

https://www.amazon.in/Families-At-Home-Reeti-Gadekar/dp/8172237545

22. The Simians of South Block and the Yumyum Piglets by Ranjit Lal

This book was published by Roli Books in the year 2008. Unseen forces plot to relocate Gutka the Gross and his Horde from Delhi to Shikhargunj for nefarious purposes. With Sher Bahadur retired, Dhoomdham the leopard kidnaps Aranya, the forest officer’s daughter, sparking chaos. Amidst this, Yumyum piglets, Dhoomdham, and Bholu the elephant, despite their flaws, embark on a daring rescue, closely watched by the curious Aranya and optimistic Gucci the crocodile.

Genre: Satirical fiction

https://www.amazon.in/Simians-South-Block-Yumyum-Piglets/dp/818693944X

23. Delhi: Adventures in a Megacity by Sam Miller

This book was first published in the year 2009 by Penguin Books India. Sam Miller explores the real Delhi, beyond tourist spots, covering areas like Nehru Place and Ghazipur. His journey uncovers the city’s essence through its inhabitants, from astrophysicists to crematorium workers, revealing a multifaceted urban narrative. Miller, a migrant himself, presents a humorous, insightful look at Delhi’s diverse, evolving character, highlighting its human core amidst the overlooked.

Genre: Travel writing

https://www.amazon.in/Delhi-Adventures-Megacity-Sam-Miller/dp/0099526743

24. Delhi Noir edited by Hirsh Sawhney

Delhi Noir was first published in 2009 by Akashic Books. The book, with its fourteen fresh narratives from leading Indian authors, delves into India’s darker side. Featuring stories of clandestine sexual encounters, male sex workers, and avenging rickshaw drivers within a city torn by sectarian strife and overshadowed by the ruthless. This collection exposes a raw, unfiltered version of Delhi, showcasing the stark contrasts and enduring conflicts of its society.

Genre: Crime anthology, Noir fiction

https://www.amazon.in/Delhi-Noir-Akashic-Hirsh-Sawnhey/dp/193335478X

25. Delhi on the Road by Supriya Sahai

Delhi on the Road was published in the year 2010 by HarperCollins India. Over eighteen months, through drives and walks across the city, this visual journal offers an engaging glimpse into Delhi’s essence. It captures the metropolis’s vibrant life, from intricately carved monuments and panoramic views of the old city to congested streets. The illustrations paired with concise captions vividly convey the soul of this remarkable city.

Genre: Visual travelogue

https://www.amazon.in/Delhi-Road-Supriya-Sahai/dp/8172239890