The Most Famous Writer in India, Ranked

Choose the writer you think is the most famous!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on May 29, 2024 07:58
Identifying the most influential writer in India is more than just a matter of personal opinion; it serves as a reflection of cultural significance and historical impact. Writers shape our understanding of the world through their narratives and prose, crafting stories that resonate through generations. This list aims to spotlight those whose writings have become cornerstones of Indian literature. By participating in the voting process, users contribute to a collective acknowledgment of literary greatness. The list is not only informative but also an engaging way for readers to see how their preferences compare with others. Your contribution ensures that the ranking represents a wide array of views, offering a dynamic snapshot of literary appreciation in India.

Who Is the Most Famous Writer in India?

  1. 1
    46
    votes

    Rabindranath Tagore

    A Bengali polymath who reshaped Bengali literature and music, as well as Indian art with Contextual Modernism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Author of 'Gitanjali' and its profoundly sensitive, fresh and beautiful verse, he became in 1913 the first non-European to win the Nobel Prize in Literature.
    • Nobel Prize in Literature: 1913
    • Notable Works: 'Gitanjali', 'Ghare-Baire', 'Rabindra Sangeet'
  2. 2
    45
    votes

    Vikram Seth

    An Indian novelist and poet, best known for his epic novel 'A Suitable Boy'. Seth has also written poetry, including 'Mappings' and 'Beastly Tales'.
    • Notable Works: 'A Suitable Boy', 'An Equal Music'
    • Genres: Novel, Poetry
  3. 3
    21
    votes

    Salman Rushdie

    A British-American novelist of Indian descent, Salman Rushdie has written several novels about the Indian subcontinent that combine magical realism with historical fiction. His most famous work, 'Midnight's Children', won the Booker Prize and was deemed the 'Booker of Bookers' on two separate occasions.
    • Notable Works: 'Midnight's Children', 'The Satanic Verses'
    • Awards: Booker Prize, Booker of Bookers
  4. 4
    17
    votes

    Jhumpa Lahiri

    An American author of Indian descent, Lahiri's debut collection of stories, 'Interpreter of Maladies', won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, and her first novel, 'The Namesake', was adapted into a popular film. Her works are primarily about Indian immigrants in America and their struggles with cultural identity.
    • Notable Works: 'Interpreter of Maladies', 'The Namesake'
    • Awards: Pulitzer Prize for Fiction
  5. 5
    14
    votes

    R.K. Narayan

    Known for his works set in the fictional South Indian town of Malgudi, R.K. Narayan is one of the best-known and most widely read Indian novelists writing in English. 'The Guide', 'Swami and Friends', and 'The Man-Eater of Malgudi' are among his most acclaimed works.
    • Notable Works: 'The Guide', 'Swami and Friends'
    • Awards: Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan
  6. 6
    12
    votes

    Arundhati Roy

    Best known for her novel 'The God of Small Things', which won the Man Booker Prize for Fiction in 1997. Roy is also an activist involved in environmental and human rights causes.
    • Notable Works: 'The God of Small Things'
    • Awards: Man Booker Prize
  7. 7
    4
    votes

    Chetan Bhagat

    An author, columnist, and speaker, Bhagat is known for his English-language novels about young urban middle-class Indians. His notable works include 'Five Point Someone', '2 States', 'Half Girlfriend', and 'One Indian Girl'. Several of his books have been adapted into successful Bollywood films.
    • Notable Works: 'Five Point Someone', '2 States'
    • Genres: Fiction, Non-fiction
  8. 8
    0
    votes

    Anita Desai

    An Indian novelist and the Emerita John E. Burchard Professor of Humanities at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Desai is known for her profound psychological insight into the lives of her characters, as seen in 'Clear Light of Day', 'In Custody', and 'Fasting, Feasting'.
    • Notable Works: 'Clear Light of Day', 'In Custody'
    • Awards: Sahitya Akademi Award
  9. 9
    0
    votes

    Amitav Ghosh

    An Indian writer best known for his work in English fiction. 'The Shadow Lines', 'The Glass Palace', and 'The Hungry Tide' are some of his notable works. Ghosh's fiction is noted for its intricate narratives and insightful exploration of historical and political themes.
    • Notable Works: 'The Shadow Lines', 'The Glass Palace'
    • Awards: Jnanpith Award
  10. 10
    0
    votes

    Khushwant Singh

    A significant figure in Indian literature and journalism, Singh is best known for his trenchant secularism, his humor, and an abiding love of poetry. His historical novel 'Train to Pakistan' vividly describes the partition of India in 1947 and is considered a classic in modern Indian literature.
    • Notable Works: 'Train to Pakistan', 'I Shall Not Hear the Nightingale'
    • Awards: Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan

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About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous writer in India. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Author is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1649 views
  • 159 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Author once every 24 hours. The rank of each Author is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

Additional Information

More about the Most Famous Writer in India

Rabindranath Tagore
Rank #1 for the most famous writer in India: Rabindranath Tagore (Source)
India has a rich literary history. Its writers have made significant contributions to world literature. One of the most famous writers from India is known for his deep understanding of human emotions and society. His works reflect the culture, traditions, and struggles of the people.

This writer was born in the late 19th century. He grew up in a time of great change. The country was under British rule. Many people were fighting for freedom. This environment shaped his thoughts and writings. He used his pen to express the hopes and dreams of his countrymen.

He wrote in multiple genres. His poetry is celebrated for its lyrical beauty. He captured the essence of nature and human feelings in simple yet profound words. His stories and novels explore the complexities of life. They often depict the struggles of the common man.

His works are not just about India. They have a universal appeal. They speak to people across the world. His characters are relatable. They face challenges that many people experience. This makes his stories timeless.

He was also a philosopher. His thoughts on life and spirituality are reflected in his writings. He believed in the unity of all beings. He saw the world as one family. This vision of harmony is evident in his works.

He was not just a writer. He was also a teacher and a social reformer. He believed in education for all. He started a school to put his ideas into practice. This school became a place where students learned through creative methods. It was different from the traditional rote learning.

His contributions were recognized globally. He received many honors and awards. One of the most prestigious awards was given to him for his literary work. This made him the first non-European to receive such an honor. It brought Indian literature to the world stage.

He traveled widely. He met with other great minds of his time. These interactions influenced his thoughts and works. He shared his ideas with people from different cultures. This exchange enriched his writings.

His legacy lives on. His works are still read and loved by many. They have been translated into numerous languages. They continue to inspire new generations of writers and readers. His vision of a better world remains relevant.

In his lifetime, he saw many changes. He witnessed the struggle for independence. He saw the rise of new ideas. Through it all, he remained a voice of reason and hope. His writings reflect his belief in the goodness of humanity.

The impact of his work is immense. He showed that literature can be a force for change. His words continue to resonate with people. They remind us of the power of love, compassion, and understanding.

In the end, he left behind a rich legacy. His works are a treasure trove of wisdom and beauty. They are a testament to his genius and his love for humanity. His contributions to literature and society will always be remembered.

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