Must-Read Books on Indian Politics From Fiction to Non-Fiction!

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Politics has become such an integral part of our lives, from our daily morning news to heated political Twitter debates; it’s everywhere. Yet there is so much more to Indian politics than news coverage, budgetary debates and elections; the political landscape of India is vast, inscrutable and endlessly fascinating. Behind every political decision-making lies a deep-rooted philosophy, a history of power struggle and the intent of social justice. Here we have compiled a list of books on Indian Politics that every Indian should devour to understand the enigma of the political context and ever-evolving politics in India!    

Here’s All You Should Know About A Career in Political Science!

Indira: The Life of Indira Nehru Gandhi by Katherine Frank

Written by Katherine Frank, ‘Indira: The Life of Indira Nehru Gandhi’ is a biography of the most powerful and formidable political heads in our country. The book on Indian Politics provides a thorough insight into the life of the first female Prime Minister who transformed Indian politics and emerged as one of the most loved and feared national leaders. A leader who guided India through some of its most tumultuous times; this book is an excellent choice for a novice reader! 

Click here to buy Katherine Frank’s Indira: The Life of Indira Nehru Gandhi on Amazon!

The End of India by Khushwant Singh

Authored by a renowned Indian writer who has seen Indian politics through thick and thin, The End of India by Kushwant Singh is an account of the many challenges that Indian democracy has encountered. The book provides a very raw and concise view of the communal violence and fundamentalism that threatened the constitutional ideals and values of India back in the 1990s and 2000s. It is one of the best books on Indian politics in the context of the aftereffects of Indian partition and the development of democracy in India following the same.

Click here to buy Khushwant Singh’s The End of India on Amazon!

Politics in India

This is one of the best books on Indian Politics for budding political scientists across the world. Politics in India was published back in the 1970s by Rajni Kothari. It is a theoretical and evaluative account of the Indian political system, its institutions and the dominance of the Congress Party in nascent years of nation-building. This book is foundational and essential for understanding the contemporary trends in our political culture.

Buy Politics in India on Amazon!

Coming Out As Dalit

A personal memoir by Yashica Dutt written in the backdrop of the lowest moment in Indian history. Dutt talks about the painstaking struggles of hiding her true identity in order to escape the trauma and discrimination that Dalits experience in their daily lives. If you are looking for non-fiction books on Indian Politics, this is a must-read as the book highlights the rampant caste discrimination in India, the struggles of Dalits, their absence from mainstream media and the need for justice. 

Buy Coming Out as Dalit on Amazon!

The Great Indian Novel

The Great Indian Novel is written by Shashi Tharoor. It is a fictional retelling of Indian politics and its major events. An incredible fun novel that merges Mahabharata with Indian politics. Satirical perspective on political events in India by Tharoor is a great introduction to our political system and its philosophy. This book on Indian Politics is lighthearted, funny and thought-provoking.

Buy The Great Indian Novel on Amazon!

Why India Votes?

Written in the backdrop of the greatest Indian election in the 21st century; Mukulika Banerjee poses the big question: why does India vote? Banerjee provides an engaging account of the electorate in India by asking questions like what motivates the voters, what do people think of their leaders and the Indian democracy. It’s perfect for anyone who is interested in understanding the elections trends and psephology!

Buy ‘Why India Votes?’ on Amazon!

Here are some more books on Indian Politics that you can check out:

  • The Free Voice by Ravish Kumar
  • Caste in Indian Politics by Rajni Kothari
  • Politics of Inclusion: Caste, Minorites and Affirmative Action by Zoya Hasan 
  • Curfewed Night by Basharat Peer
  • Walking With The Comrades by Arundhati Roy 
  • Gendering Caste: Through a Feminist Lens by Uma Chakravarti

This was all about the best books on Indian Politics! While there is no dearth of literature on Indian Politics, there are some books that should not be missed! If you are interested in political science and wish to develop a career around the field then get in touch with our experts at Leverage Edu and find out the best course of action to make your dream come true!

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