Within the vast expanse of Indian literature, there is a treasure mine of books that offer profound insights, engaging plots, and rich cultural experiences, all in less than 200 pages. These brief yet powerful compositions demonstrate Indian authors’ fantastic ability to portray complex emotions, social commentary, and historical background in a little area.
Here are some of the best Indian novels under 200 pages that are sure to leave an impression:
-
“Train to Pakistan” by Khushwant Singh (1956)
Set against the backdrop of Partition, this moving story dives into the lives of ordinary people caught up in the turbulent events of 1947. Khushwant Singh’s simple words and strong pictures provide a terrible picture of communal tensions and human endurance. At just 190 pages, it is a concise yet profound contemplation of love, sorrow, and the delicate nature of peace.
-
“Tamas” by Bhisham Sahni (1974)
Bhisham Sahni’s riveting depiction of the Partition riots exposes the cruelty and turmoil of those dark days. Through the interconnecting lives of various characters, Sahni confronts the reader with harsh realities about humanity’s penchant for violence and bigotry. Despite its short length of roughly 200 pages, “Tamas” makes an unforgettable impression on the reader’s conscience.
-
“Godan” by Munshi Premchand (1936)
Munshi Premchand, widely regarded as the creator of contemporary Hindi literature, demonstrates his narrative abilities in this classic work. “Godan” follows the hardships of Hori, a poor peasant, as he deals with poverty, societal injustice, and the never-ending cycle of debt. With its wonderfully drawn characters and insightful social criticism, this masterwork of around 200 pages is a timeless depiction of rural life in pre-independence India.
-
“The Room on the Roof” by Ruskin Bond (1956)
Ruskin Bond’s debut novel, “The Room on the Roof,” is a loving and sensitive portrayal of adolescence. The novel is set in the lovely hill town of Dehradun and follows the experiences of Rusty, an orphaned Anglo-Indian youngster looking for a sense of belonging. With its vivid wording and appealing characters, this coming-of-age story, which runs roughly 200 pages, appeals to readers of all ages.
-
“Untouchable” by Mulk Raj Anand (1935):
Mulk Raj Anand’s “Untouchable” vividly portrays caste discrimination in pre-independence India. Anand’s portrayal of Bakha, a young Dalit sweeper, reveals the dehumanizing impacts of societal hierarchy and discrimination. Despite its brief length of only 160 pages, “Untouchable” delivers a tremendous punch, compelling readers to confront painful facts about privilege and prejudice.
-
“The Guide” by R.K. Narayan (1958)
R.K. Narayan’s “The Guide” superbly examines human appetites and moral ambiguities. Set in the imaginary hamlet of Malgudi, the novel follows Raju, a lovely but flawed protagonist who changes from a tour guide to a spiritual leader. With its beautifully sketched characters and subtle humour, “The Guide” is a delightful read in under 200 pages.
-
“The Blue Umbrella” by Ruskin Bond (1980)
Another treasure from Ruskin Bond, “The Blue Umbrella”, is a charming fable set in Himachal Pradesh’s picturesque hills. The plot revolves around Binya, a young girl who exchanges her lucky blue umbrella for a silver coin, only to discover the true meaning of friendship and generosity. This novel, approximately 80 pages long, depicts the purity and joy of childhood via a simple yet meaningful narrative.
