What are the best Indian historical novels?

Another great one is 'Midnight's Children' by Salman Rushdie. This novel weaves a complex tapestry of India's transition from colonial rule to independence. It follows the lives of children born at the stroke of midnight on India's independence day, and through their stories, it reflects on the country's history, politics, and cultural changes. Rushdie's use of magical realism makes it a truly unique read.

Most of the best ones blend historical events seamlessly with the romantic plot. For instance, a novel set during the partition of India will not only show the heartbreak of the nation but also the personal heartbreaks of the lovers caught in that chaos. The language used is also very evocative of the time, with traditional Indian words and phrases that add to the authenticity.

One of the best is 'The Palace of Illusions' by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni. It retells the Mahabharata from Draupadi's perspective. Another great one is 'Midnight's Children' by Salman Rushdie, which is set against the backdrop of India's independence and partition. And 'The Far Pavilions' by M.M. Kaye also offers a rich look into India's past with a story of love and adventure.

Sure. 'The God of Small Things' by Arundhati Roy. It touches on the caste system and other aspects of Indian society in a historical context. Another one is 'Sea of Poppies' by Amitav Ghosh which is set during the opium trade in colonial India. It gives a great insight into that period of Indian history.

One characteristic is the portrayal of grand historical events. These novels can describe battles, the rise and fall of kingdoms, and the power struggles among different rulers. They make the past come alive by telling stories of heroes and their deeds in those historical times.

One of the 12 best could be 'Train to Pakistan' by Khushwant Singh. It tells the story of the partition of India through the eyes of the villagers near the border. 'The Guide' by R.K. Narayan is also a classic. It follows the life of Raju, a tour guide, and his journey through life, love, and self - discovery. And 'Interpreter of Maladies' by Jhumpa Lahiri is a collection of short stories that offer deep insights into the lives of Indian - Americans.

Another is 'A Suitable Boy' by Vikram Seth. This novel is set in post - independence India and weaves together the stories of four families. The romantic elements are beautifully interspersed among the social and cultural fabric of the time. It's a long and detailed exploration of love and society in that era.

One characteristic is the rich cultural backdrop. Indian historical romance novels often draw on the country's diverse cultures, religions, and traditions. For example, they might feature Hindu or Muslim festivals, traditional clothing like sarees or sherwanis. Another is the complex family dynamics. Families play a huge role in Indian society, and in these novels, family approval or disapproval can greatly impact the romantic relationships. Also, the historical settings, whether it's the Mughal era, the British Raj, or post - independence India, add a layer of depth and context to the love stories.

They often feature strong cultural and religious elements. For example, caste systems and Hindu traditions play a role in many romances. The settings are usually richly described, like the palaces, bazaars, and rural landscapes of India.

Often, historical romance Indian novels are rich in cultural details. They incorporate elements such as traditional Indian clothing, festivals, and social hierarchies. For example, in 'The Palace of Illusions', the descriptions of Draupadi's sarees and the grandeur of the Rajas' palaces are detailed. Another characteristic is the complex family and social relationships. Just like in 'A Suitable Boy', families play a crucial role in the love stories, with family approval or disapproval being a major factor. They also tend to blend historical events with fictional love stories. This makes the novels not only about love but also a window into India's past.