India is a land of contradictions and unlikely co-existences that are only truly captured in the languages of its people. Thanks to a set of talented translators and independent publishing houses, the unique essence of various regional languages are available in English, despite immense pressure from globalization and digitization. Here I have compiled a list of my favorite books in Indian languages that have been translated to English. This is a very short and very incomplete introduction, as even the number of recognized official languages in India is more than double the number of books I have included in the list. It is also slightly skewed in favor of Bengali, my mother tongue. I can only hope that this list introduces you to some great reads, and intrigues you enough to explore the vast world of regional Indian literature.
