10 Must-Read Indian Classics in Translation: Hidden Literary Gems
10 Must-Read Indian Classics in Translation: Hidden Literary Gems
India’s rich literary tradition spans thousands of years and dozens of languages, offering readers a treasure trove of classics that remain largely undiscovered by global audiences. These translated volumes provide unique insights into Indian culture, history, and philosophy while telling universal stories that resonate across time and borders.
When we read these works in translation, we gain access to cultural perspectives and narrative traditions that might otherwise remain inaccessible. Each translation brings these timeless stories to new readers.
10 Timeless Indian Novels And Stories You Can Read In Translation
Here are ten essential Indian classics in translation that deserve a place on every book lover’s reading list:
Beasts of Burden by Imayam
The first novel of one of the best writers today, Beasts of Burden or Koveru Kazhuthaigal is located in the early 1970s when ritual status and payment in kind were giving way to cash wages. It is a tapestry of despair, courage and a journey both outward and inward and a story of decline and change in a village seen through the eyes of a washerwoman (vannaatti) Arokkyam, who serves a dalit community of agricultural labourers. The titular ‘beasts’ (‘mules’ in the Tamil original) refers ironically to the vannaan and vannaatti themselves who traditionally carried their washing on donkeys. The novel gives us an extraordinarily detailed picture of a lifestyle that has now passed—reclaimed and told with pride.
The worst oppression of the caste system, Imayam suggests, is that people are dependent upon it for their living.
The Mountain of the Moon by Bibhutibhushan Bandopadhyay
This beloved adventure tale follows Shankar, an ordinary young boy from rural India who embarks on an extraordinary journey to Africa. Despite the author never having left India himself, Bandopadhyay crafts a vivid world of mystery and wonder as Shankar explores the unknown continent, facing challenges and marvels at every turn. The story beautifully captures the essence of daring to dream and taking chances, creating a timeless narrative that has enchanted generations of readers. This classic adventure asks the ultimate question: will Shankar reach the peak of his mountain of dreams?
What the Rains Foretold by N. Mohanan
This captivating work relates an origin myth of Kerala through the tragic life of Vararuchi, a brilliant scholar who attempts to defy destiny. After hearing a prophecy that he would marry the child of a Pariah couple, Vararuchi marries Panchami, a seemingly Brahmin woman, only to discover she is the prophesied bride. Their twelve abandoned children grow up to become the progenitors of Kerala’s diverse society. The story culminates in a cathartic blend of repentance and forgiveness. This elegant translation makes accessible a timeless tale that explores profound questions about fate, choice, and redemption.
Durgeshnandini by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee
Published in 1865, this revolutionary work is considered by many to be the first modern novel in an Indian language. Set in sixteenth-century India during Emperor Akbar’s reign, the story unfolds against the backdrop of Mughal-Pathan conflicts. Chatterjee masterfully weaves a romance between a young Rajput commander in the Mughal army and the daughter of a minor ruler, complicated by a Pathan princess who also falls for the commander. Through this romantic triangle, the author subtly questions social norms that prohibited love across caste and religious boundaries. The novel’s popularity led to thirteen editions during the author’s lifetime and translations in multiple languages.
The Book of Passing Shadows by C.V. Balakrishnan
Translated from the Malayalam original Aayusinte Pusthakam, this lyrical novel tells the story of a Christian family’s fall from grace and journey to redemption in a Malabar village. Through protagonist Yohannan’s journey from innocent childhood to troubled adolescence, we witness the dissolution of his family—a father imprisoned, a mother who dies of grief, a sister who elopes, and a grandfather consumed by guilt. Yohannan finds solace only in the companionship of Sara, a widow who shares his suffering. Faith provides the moral framework for this heart-rending narrative, which resonates with human pathos and has remained popular since its 1984 publication.
Ocean of Melancholy: The Tragedy that was Karbala by Mir Mosharraf Hossain
One of the best known works of Mir Mosharraf Hossain, Bishad Sindhu (Ocean of Melancholy) is an epic historical novel centred on events that led to the battle of Karbala and its aftermath. The book revolves around the tragic story of Hassan and Hussein, grandsons of the great Prophet Muhammad, who were exterminated by their bitter enemy, Yazid, the son of the king of Damascus, for his desire for Zainab—Hassan’s beautiful wife—and his greed for the throne of Medina. The plot is dramatic, has a mythical undertone to it, and deeds of heroism and supernatural occurrences render an epic flavour to its narrative.
Laila Ke Khutoot: The Letters of Laila by Qazi Ghaffar
Hailed as the ‘first specimen of a truly psychoanalytical fiction in Urdu’,1 and set in early twentieth century, the Letters of Laila is not only a courtesan’s search for identity but also an exposition of the exploitation of women by a complacent and hypocritical society. The letters are in turn, witty, philosophical and deeply moving. Majnun Ki Diary presents the other side of the story, it portrays the cynicism and confusion of the young men of the time who scorned established values and drifted into hedonistic sensuality as an answer to their problems.
Nalak by Abanindranath Tagore
Though often categorised as children’s literature, this profound story transcends any such limitation. With extraordinary lyricism, Tagore parallels the journeys of the Buddha and a village boy named Nalak, who seeks the enlightened one. Though the two never actually meet—missing each other by moments—their spiritual connection is complete. The narrative flows like a meditation, with Tagore painting pictures with words as he describes Nalak’s quest, the sacrifices made along the way, and his eventual return home. This English translation brilliantly captures the visual beauty and philosophical depth of Tagore’s original Bengali text.
The Heroine and Other Stories By D. Jayakanthan
Selected and translated by the author’s daughter, this collection showcases Jayakanthan’s progressive thinking through stories set in mid-20th century Tamil Nadu. With sensitivity and insight, these narratives explore the lives of both marginalised people and the middle class, revealing the hidden strengths ordinary individuals discover when facing extraordinary circumstances. Each story delves deep into the human psyche, portraying courage, vulnerability, and humanity in its many dimensions. This collection highlights the richness of India’s regional literatures while presenting the masterful work of one of Tamil literature’s most celebrated voices.
Kheer-er Putul: The Doll Made of Sweetmeat by Abanindranath Tagore
A heart-tugging tale of a king, his two queens, a doll made of a typical Bengali sweet called kheer, and an extraordinary, talking monkey! Magical gifts are bought with shiploads of gold. malevolent witch sells mouth-watering sweets laced with viper venom, and a hungry goddess (along with her cats) gives in to sweet temptation! Woven by the tender, bright imagination of a gifted storyteller and artist, and crafted with words carefully chosen, this is an evergreen Bengali children’s classic that flies us on a magic carpet into an unforgettable experience of the kingdom of childhood.
These translated classics offer readers a window into India’s diverse literary landscape while addressing universal themes of love, destiny, faith, and human resilience. Whether you’re a seasoned reader of world literature or just beginning to explore beyond Western classics, these ten masterpieces provide an excellent introduction to the depth and breadth of Indian literary tradition.
References
1 Abida Samiuddin in the Encyclopaedic Dictionary of Urdu Literature.
