From gems like Munshi Premchand in Hindi literature to Pu La Deshpande in Marathi literature, here are some of the regional authors you need to read
Language should not be a barrier for a person who devours literature. While Indian writers in English like Jhumpa Lahiri, Arvind Adiga, Anita Desai become global sensation, regional writing remains much unexplored and regional writers not getting their fame share of fame. From gems like Munshi Premchand in Hindi literature to Pu La Deshpande in Marathi literature, here are some of the regional authors that need to be on your reading list, even when it means picking up a translated copy of their works.
Godan, by Munshi Premchand
Premchand began writing under the pen name "Nawab Rai ". His first name - Munshi is an honorary prefix given by his lovers in the society because of quality writings. Considered to be one of the greatest Hindi novels of modern Indian literature, Godan, was translated into English as The Gift of a Cow. Gordon C. Toadarmel 1968 translation is now considered to be a classic in itself. The novel is set in the pre-colonial period and takes us on a trip through the lives of a peasant family in India.
The Legends of Khasak by O. V Vijayan
The novel, originally titled, ‘Khasakkinte Ithihasam’ marks the highest point scaled by any Malayalam novelist in terms of intensity of vision and inventiveness of language. It narrates how Ravi, who lands in Khasak to set up a government school, is gradually guzzled into its archaic charm, its tales and vibrant ways of life.
Eka Koliyane by Pu La Deshpande
Pu La Deshpande was a Marathi writer and humourist from Maharashtra, India. He was also an accomplished film and stage actor, script writer, author, composer, musician , singer and orator. Eka Koliyane, based on Ernest Hemingway's The Old Man and the Sea that made him bag the Nobel Prize in Literature.
The Fakir by Sunil Gangopadhyay
Sahitya Akademi Award winning Sunil Gangopadhyay’s ‘The Fakir’ is a fictional adaptation that tells of the legends of the Bengali mystic Lalan Fakir, who united people of all communities with his songs that teach about love and humanity. He inspired thousands of simple folk who were attracted by his songs and by his universal message of love and hope. The novel was translated by Monabi Mitra.
Ghachar Ghochar by Vivek Shanbhag
Ghachar Ghochar is the first translated work of Kannada author Vivek Shanbhag. Translated by Srinath Perur, its humorous, playful, and suspenseful plot revolves around an Indian family that becomes rich after the uncle starts a successful spice company. As they begin to adjust to their new lifestyle, the entire family dynamic changes- everything is ghacharghochar, or a hotchpotch.
